Nayara Gardens is a 5-star hotel that offers accommodation in casitas and villas that combine Costa Rican elements with luxurious amenities in order to provide an outstanding accommodation experience for all guests. Apart from comfortable accommodation, guests can also pamper themselves with the spa treatments offered, taste unique Costa Rican flavours, dive in the outdoor pool surrounded by lush greenery and spend the most relaxing time away from their daily routine.
Summary of reviews
Nayara Gardens is a highly recommended luxury resort located in the heart of the rainforest, providing a magical and unforgettable experience. The exceptional staff goes above and beyond for guests, providing customer service that is unparalleled. The breakfast is a standout feature with a wide variety of options available and made to order items. The restaurants on the property are also highly rated, offering delicious food and good drink options. The rooms are spacious, luxurious and beautifully designed, offering stunning views of the nearby Arenal volcano. The hotel is immaculate with attention paid to every detail, ensuring that guests can relax in the impeccably clean surroundings. The hotel offers a fantastic spa experience along with an array of outstanding pool areas, making it easy to unwind and relax. Nayara Gardens is highly recommended for anyone seeking a top-notch luxury vacation or a romantic retreat.
Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience is widely praised for its prime location, nestled right below the majestic Arenal Volcano, offering both relaxation and adventure with well-maintained gardens and accessible thermal pools. Its proximity to La Fortuna ensures easy access to local attractions while providing a peaceful retreat.
Guests rave about the breakfast, noting its variety, quality and abundance. The buffet includes traditional Costa Rican fare, fresh fruits, made-to-order omelets and pastries with compliments extended to complimentary additions like sparkling wine. Although some suggest room for improvement, most agree that breakfast is one of the best aspects of their stay.
Dining at the hotel's on-site restaurant is also commended with many finding the food of excellent quality and a highlight of their visit. The mix of local and international dishes receives high praise, despite occasional concerns about pricing and the range of traditional local options. Attentive and friendly staff enhance the dining experience.
The rooms are described as spacious and clean with impressive views of the volcano and serene gardens. While comfortable and well-equipped, some guests feel the rooms are outdated and could benefit from renovations, particularly the decor and bathroom facilities. Cleanliness and overall comfort, however, receive consistent praise.
The hotel's cleanliness is exceptional with public areas, individual rooms, pools and hot springs regularly cleaned and well-maintained. This attention to hygiene is a standout feature, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable stay.
Staff at Volcano Lodge are frequently lauded for their friendliness, helpfulness and exceptional service. Particular employees receive individual mentions for their kind and attentive service, contributing significantly to guests' positive experiences.
However, Wi-Fi coverage at the resort is inconsistent with strong signals in some areas but notably weak or absent in many rooms and certain common areas. This inconsistency detracts from an otherwise enjoyable stay for some guests.
The extensive pool facilities, including family-friendly swimming pools, thermal hot water pools and private pools, are a favorite among guests. The beautifully maintained hot springs and the swim-up cabana bar in one of the hot spring pools stand out as highlights.
Parking is convenient with secure spots right next to the rooms, contributing to a hassle-free experience for those driving to the hotel. The monitored access and ample spaces, including electric car charging spots, add to guests' comfort and security.
Families find the lodge particularly delightful with numerous kid-centric activities, playgrounds and pools catering to children. The peaceful, family-oriented atmosphere and spacious accommodations combined with a hospitable staff make it a great destination for family vacations.
Mixed reviews are noted for the beds with some finding them extremely comfortable, while others report them to be overly firm. Despite this, many still appreciate the large, spacious nature of the beds.
In summary, Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience is a highly recommended destination with a stunning location, excellent breakfast and dining options, spacious and clean accommodations, exceptional service and a range of family-friendly amenities, making it an appealing choice for travelers.
Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs is a stunning retreat that artfully combines seclusion and accessibility, situated amidst lush, tropical surroundings with remarkable views of the Arenal Volcano. It serves as the perfect base for exploring nearby attractions such as the Mistico Hanging Bridges and local hiking trails. The resort offers a serene atmosphere with beautifully maintained gardens, modern facilities and easy access to La Fortuna’s local eateries and hotspots.
Guests consistently compliment the exceptional breakfast experience at the resort. The expansive buffet offers a diverse array of fresh fruits, omelette stations and both local and international dishes, delighting diners with both taste and presentation. The restaurant’s pleasant ambiance and panoramic views of the volcano further elevate the morning dining experience. Conversely, while the dinner offerings receive praise for taste and presentation—especially the wood-fired pizzas and meat dishes—some guests feel the prices are steep and at times, not worth the cost.
The resort’s accommodations, primarily cottage-style units and villas, are frequently lauded for their spaciousness, cleanliness and stunning views of the Arenal Volcano. Despite some noting slightly outdated décor, the rooms are described as large, comfortable and impeccably clean, offering privacy and tranquility. The staff’s attentiveness adds to the positive experience, ensuring each room provides a comfortable haven for guests.
Cleanliness at Arenal Manoa Resort is a standout feature with spotless rooms and meticulously maintained grounds contributing to an overall pristine environment. The dedicated housekeeping team ensures that guests enjoy a clean and inviting stay, while the well-kept thermal pools and public areas further enhance the resort's reputation for hygiene.
The staff at Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs is frequently praised for their friendliness, professionalism and eagerness to assist. Their genuine hospitality and attention to detail significantly enhance the guest experience, making visitors feel warmly welcomed and well cared for throughout their stay.
While the resort excels in many areas, WiFi connectivity appears to be a notable drawback with many guests reporting unreliable and weak signals, especially in the rooms. Improvements in this area could considerably enhance the overall guest experience.
The on-site spa receives rave reviews for its top-notch treatments and serene environment. Guests appreciate the professional skill of the therapists and the relaxing ambiance with couples’ massages being a particularly favored service.
The pool facilities, featuring multiple thermal and regular pools, are highly regarded for their cleanliness, scenic views and inviting atmosphere. Guests enjoy the variety of options, including private hot springs and adult-only areas, making it a highlight of their stay.
Parking at the resort is convenient and secure with ample spaces directly in front of the bungalows and villas. The ease of access and available electric car charging stations contribute to a stress-free experience for guests.
Families find Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs to be an excellent destination, offering a range of kid-friendly activities and thoughtful amenities. Staff provide exceptional service, ensuring that both children and elderly family members are well cared for. The diverse breakfast buffet, poolside entertainment and various family excursions like the Hanging Bridges tour make it an ideal choice for a memorable family vacation.
In summary, Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs stands out for its exceptional location, stunning natural beauty, top-notch cleanliness and superb hospitality. While it offers remarkable dining, spa and pool experiences, improvements in WiFi connectivity and dining value for money could further elevate its status as a top-tier destination in Costa Rica.