Tifakara Boutique Hotel & Birding Oasis

The waterfall was a real highlight, and it’s less than a 10-minute walk away. We also loved the food and the nightly entertainment. Our room was lovely, especially the hot tub, which turned out to be perfect for rainy evenings and quiet early mornings even though we hadn’t expected to use it much. The staff made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. Antonio, who served us in the mornings, was amazing, and Kevin was so helpful and fun to talk with. They made the stay feel special. Costa Rica was wonderful, and Tifakara was easily our favorite part. We’d absolutely come back.

I’ve stayed here twice and already know I’ll be back. The cabins feel very private, and I especially recommend one with an open-air rain shower. It’s heavenly. We even spotted a sloth in the tree outside our cabin, a lovely extra. Breakfast is delicious, and you can enjoy the volcano view right from your table. The staff are wonderful, and the free night tour on site is an easy, fun option. Well worth the price.

The wildlife does make noise at night, which is something to expect when you’re staying in the rainforest. Aside from that, we really enjoyed Tifakara Lodge. It’s a little remote, which added to its appeal, and the grounds are beautiful and well kept. Our room was comfortable, just the right size, and had everything we needed. The outdoor shower was a fun surprise. What stood out most was the staff. Antonio was a fantastic waiter, friendly, polite, efficient, and full of useful information. Esther was always ready to answer questions and point us to resources. Kevin and Christel were great too. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and I’d happily recommend staying here.

The noisy construction really changed how our stay felt. Work was happening in the cabin beside ours, and guests were still talking about it as we checked out. It was meant to finish at 5pm but carried on until 6:30pm, then began again at 8am with 4-5 workers using saws and hammers. Kevin and the team tried to reach the owners and get it stopped, but couldn’t. There was another unsettling moment on our second night, when a large section of the exterior overhanging ceiling came down with a bang. It didn’t seem to damage the room inside, but it was still alarming. The hotel itself has a lot going for it. The setting beside a beautiful waterfall in Arenal is lovely, the deluxe double room was excellent, and we enjoyed the patio jacuzzi and the night tour, where we saw frogs, snakes, and other wildlife. Staff were friendly and proactive, and WhatsApp communication was quick. We also liked being able to help ourselves to good coffee from the restaurant machine at any time. Great rooms, grounds, and staff, but the lack of notice and control around the disruptive building work had a real effect on our stay. If you’re booking soon, check with the property about construction first.