Hotel Sierra Arenal

A nice, practical place with balconies and volcano views. Mario and J at the front desk were awesome and helped answer all my questions when I checked in. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, and the pool area is tranquil.

The hotel is surrounded by construction on both sides, and we wished we'd stayed at the backpackers hostel instead. For three nights, the maid pounded on our door every morning until we got up at 8, even on checkout day when we weren't leaving until 11. On the second day, someone used a leaf blower right outside our room at 7 a.m. They also texted us to move our car after we'd parked where they told us to the night before. The laundry room is behind the guest rooms, so you can hear people talking loudly and the washing machines running.

I had to take a taxi for just 200m, since my hotel was around the corner from where the shuttle left me. The driver had dropped me in the center without asking which hotel I was going to, while the other passengers were taken to theirs. I politely asked if he could open Google maps so I could find the street and walk, but he got angry and shouted that the center was my drop-off. I later saw two people from the shuttle checking into my hotel. The driver's behavior was unpleasant and nearly aggressive, and the whole thing was ridiculous.

A pool is a welcome sight when you're sweating in the heat, and Hotel Sierra's was lovely. There were also little spots to sit around the dining area and at the back on the grass, with well-kept grounds. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, and the wifi was the best we had on the whole trip. We also got an almost clear view of the volcano every day. The hotel is simple in its design, but it was one of the nicer places we stayed. La Fortuna's main area is about a six-minute walk, with more food options than anywhere else we visited: seafood, sushi, pasta, pizza, steakhouses, chicken, Costa Rican food, bakeries, coffee shops, vegan and vegetarian places, and more. Thai and Chinese were the only cuisines I couldn't find. La Fortuna is a starting point for lots of activities, including white water rafting, cycling, volcano climbing, tubing and kayaking. There's plenty to see and do. I'd highly recommend the hotel. Say hello to Bruno, the indignant but very cute dog.