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Summary of reviewsArenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge offers an exceptional nature-centric retreat in the lush Costa Rican jungle, just minutes from La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano. Guests frequently praise its stunning rainforest setting, abundant wildlife and tranquil environment. The lodge's quaint yet spacious cabins are celebrated for their comfort, modern amenities and cleanliness, providing a serene escape ideal for rest and relaxation. Well-maintained grounds, beautiful forest paths and a delightful hummingbird garden are among the appreciated on-site amenities.
The breakfast experience stands out, offering a hearty and varied menu featuring traditional Costa Rican dishes, fresh fruits and good coffee, all enjoyed in the company of colorful birds and wildlife. Though some guests find portions light and the service schedule slightly inconvenient, the quality and charm of the breakfast are well-regarded. The on-site restaurant also garners positive feedback for its delicious meals, excellent service and unique dining ambiance with views of local wildlife. While a few diners suggest that some dishes could benefit from more finesse, the overall dining experience remains appealing.
Guests find the eco-lodge’s cabins spacious, clean and thoughtfully designed to blend with the natural surroundings. Rustic, fairy-tale-like structures with comfortable beds, modern bathrooms and useful amenities like fridges and kitchenettes are particularly appreciated. Some minor complaints about dampness and musty smells do arise but are overshadowed by the general admiration for the accommodations' charm and tranquility.
Cleanliness across the lodge is frequently praised with visitors highlighting the hygienic and well-kept cabins as a significant part of their positive stay. Occasional mentions of bugs and specific areas for minor improvements in lighting and sealing do surface, yet the overall sentiment is one of satisfaction.
The lodge's staff consistently receives high marks for their friendliness, helpfulness and extensive knowledge of local activities and wildlife. Guests appreciate the warm, accommodating service from both the reception and restaurant teams, noting the staff's commitment to ensuring a memorable stay.
Although the Wi-Fi connectivity can be unstable and limited, particularly in the cabins, the eco-focused environment may necessitate some patience with online access. However, the lodge makes up for this with convenient and secure parking directly in front of each cabin, making arrival and unloading hassle-free.
Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge is commended for its accessible layout, accommodating different types of vehicles and providing proximity to major attractions, making it an excellent choice for nature lovers seeking a comfortable and serene nature immersion without compromising accessibility. Show more
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Lodge Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
This eco-lodge supports eco-tourism and gets its energy from hydroelectric and geothermal power sources. They provide guests with biodegradable products and have a recycling program in place. The lodge is located at the foot of the Arenal Volcano and is known for wildlife spotting.
Small Lodge
Provides an immersive nature experience, perfect for those seeking tranquility and wildlife sightings. The eco-friendly practices and secluded location enhance the intimate connection with the environment.
Lodge with Parking
Accessible Lodge
Room Types
BungalowThis bungalow offers rustic décor, a desk, ceiling fan, wardrobe, wooden floors and a fridge. The bathroom is private and comes with bathtub, shower, hairdryer. It also has garden.
Two-Bedroom CottageThis cottage offers rustic décor, a desk, ceiling fan, wardrobe and wooden floors. The kitchenette has coffee maker, fridge, stove and kitchenware; while the bathroom is private and comes with bathtub, shower, hairdryer. It also has garden.
Bungalow - Double BedBoasting a private entrance, this bungalow also comes with 1 bedroom, a seating area and 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower. The bungalow has tiled floors and features a wardrobe, a safe deposit box as well as a terrace with garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
Standard BungalowBoasting a private entrance, this bungalow includes 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The bungalow offers a seating area, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box as well as a terrace with garden views. The unit has 2 beds.
Bungalow - King BedFeaturing a private entrance, this bungalow is comprised of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower. The bungalow offers a seating area, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box as well as a terrace with garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
9.1
Excellent
Location
Nestled in the lush greenery of the Costa Rican jungle, Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge provides an exceptional stay amid nature. Surrounded by a vibrant rainforest teeming with wildlife, the lodge's location is ideal for those seeking proximity to nature while being just a few minutes from the center of La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano. Guests frequently praise the stunning setting, which offers ample opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife sightings, including monkeys and sloths.
The serene environment ensures peace and tranquility away from the bustle of La Fortuna, making it perfect for rest and relaxation. The accommodations, quaint yet spacious cabins with modern amenities, are often remarked upon for their comfort and cleanliness. Visitors also appreciate the on-site amenities, such as a beautiful hummingbird garden and scenic forest paths.
Despite its secluded feel, the lodge remains conveniently close to key attractions and activities in the region, including national parks and local amenities. The combination of its prime location, nature-rich environment and cozy accommodations make Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge a favored choice for nature lovers and those looking to immerse themselves in the stunning Costa Rican rainforest.
Breakfast
Guests at Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge have overwhelmingly positive feedback about the breakfast experience. Descriptions highlight the delicious and varied menu, offering traditional Costa Rican dishes such as gallo pinto, as well as eggs with toast and pancakes. Guests appreciate the hearty and complete nature of the breakfast, noting options of fresh fruits, good coffee and smoothies. The breakfast is also praised for its excellent quality and the ability to choose among different dishes, which adds to a satisfying start to the day.
A unique highlight of the breakfast experience is the opportunity to dine while observing a colorful array of birds and other wildlife at a nearby feeding station, an aspect that many guests find enchanting and memorable. This interaction with nature provides a serene and delightful atmosphere, enhancing the overall dining experience.
While the majority of reviews are positive, some guests note that the portions can be on the lighter side and that the breakfast service starts later in the morning, which might be inconvenient for those with early plans. Nonetheless, the charm of the breakfast setting and the quality of food served leave a lasting impression on most visitors, making it a standout feature of the lodge.
Dinner
Visitors to Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge frequently praise the onsite restaurant for its delightful culinary offerings. Many guests highlight the food as delicious, well-prepared and reasonably priced. The cozy and beautifully situated dining area, often accompanied by bird feeders allowing views of local wildlife, provides a unique and pleasant dining experience.
The restaurant is noted for its variety of well-selected meals, catering especially well to vegetarians. Diners also appreciate the excellent service and the option to enjoy a good range of food and drinks in a beautiful forest setting. Breakfast is frequently mentioned as excellent and guests often enjoy dinner options as well, especially those who prefer to dine without driving into town.
Although the majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few reviewers suggest that the restaurant experience could occasionally fall short of expectations, citing basic execution and lack of finesse in some dishes. Despite this, the overall sentiment remains favorable with many visitors finding the restaurant a delightful and convenient option during their stay.
Rooms
Nestled in the lush rainforest and just a short distance from La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano, Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge offers a tranquil retreat with charming, rustic cabins that provide a true immersion in nature. The lodges are well separated for privacy and surrounded by beautifully maintained grounds. Many guests found their accommodations to be spacious, clean and well-equipped with comfortable bedding, modern bathrooms and useful amenities like fridges and kitchenettes.
The cabins, described as beautiful and sometimes resembling a "fairy tale" cottage, effortlessly blend with their natural surroundings. Visitors appreciated the individual bungalows and cottages that were both cozy and relaxing with many enjoying the peace and quiet of the jungle setting. The presence of wooden structures adds to the rustic charm, creating an authentic rainforest experience.
While some reviews mention issues like occasional dampness, musty smells and some wear due to the cabins' age, overall, the emphasis is on the comfort and beauty of the lodgings. Guests highlighted the spaciousness of the rooms, the pleasant building materials and the eco-friendly touches like refillable water stations.
In summary, Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge offers a beautiful, serene forest escape with spacious and comfortable accommodations that are mostly well-kept and thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the rainforest environment.
Beds
Nestled in the serene surroundings of its own nature park, Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge offers a tranquil retreat where guests can revel in the quiet companionship of nature. The accommodations, including cozy cabins and spacious bungalows, provide a welcoming atmosphere for restful nights. Many guests have highlighted the comfort of the beds, describing them as very comfortable, super comfortable and even excellent. The comfortable bedding further enhances the experience, ensuring a great night's sleep. While some mentioned that the beds creak a bit or the mattress was too soft, overall, the feedback points to a positive sleeping experience with wide, spacious beds that cater to a refreshing and peaceful sleep. A few reviews noted slight issues like dampness and aging bedding, but these were outweighed by the general comfort and coziness of the lodgings.
Cleanliness
The Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge offers visitors a serene and clean environment, consistently praised for its exceptional cleanliness. Guests find the cabins and lodges not only hygienic but also spacious, well-maintained and located in the heart of nature, enhancing their overall experience. The cabins themselves are described as beautiful, private and well-equipped, providing a comfortable stay. The overall facility maintains a high level of cleanliness, from the interiors to the exteriors, although a few reviews mentioned specific issues such as musty smells and occasional bugs in the bathrooms. Despite these, the majority attest to the lodges' cleanliness and the agreeable ambiance of waking up to the sounds of nature. However, some have pointed out areas for improvement, such as the quality of the interior lighting and better sealing for windows and doors. In general, the cleanliness and upkeep of the lodge, coupled with its natural surroundings, make it a desirable stay for those seeking both comfort and a close-to-nature experience.
Staff
Nestled in the heart of nature, Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge is lauded for its exceptional staff. Review after review highlights the friendliness and accommodating nature of the team. Guests frequently note the staff's helpfulness and their extensive knowledge about local activities and wildlife. Both the reception and restaurant staff are regularly mentioned for their warm welcomes and attentive service.
Management and proprietors get special mentions for their hands-on approach and friendliness, reinforcing the lodge's family-oriented ethos. Staff members are commended for their professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment to going above and beyond to ensure that visitors have a memorable stay. Whether it’s assisting with tours, sorting out reservations or offering local insights, the team is praised for their dedication and willingness to help.
The staff's ability to communicate in multiple languages also adds to the positive experience, making guests from varied backgrounds feel right at home. Small touches, like lending umbrellas and fans, showcase the staff's thoughtful and attentive service. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a tranquil getaway, the staff at Arenal Oasis consistently earns high marks for their warmth and efficiency in making every guest's stay special.
Wi-Fi
Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge offers a unique and immersive nature experience, but it does come with some limitations, particularly concerning its Wi-Fi connectivity. While some guests found the Wi-Fi to be great, many reported that the signal was often weak, spotty or completely unavailable, particularly in the cabins. Several reviews mentioned that the Wi-Fi was unstable and slow, making it difficult to get a reliable connection. In certain accommodations, guests had limited or no access to Wi-Fi at all and even when a connection was available, it sometimes dropped off or struggled to load basic websites. However, it was noted that a signal could sometimes be obtained on the porch, providing a slight relief to those needing online access. Overall, potential guests should be prepared for an eco-focused stay where connectivity may require some patience.
Parking
Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge offers an exceptionally convenient parking experience for its guests. Each chalet comes with its own parking space, ensuring easy access and peace of mind. Guests can park directly in front of their accommodations, be it a bungalow, cabin or cottage, making unloading luggage hassle-free. The parking spots are private and located right next to the lodges, providing a sense of security and convenience. Overall, the availability of secure parking spaces directly in front of each unit enhances the stay, allowing guests to focus more on enjoying their time in the serene wildlife refuge.
Accessible
Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge offers an accessible retreat for guests with disabilities, particularly noteworthy for its ease of access for all types of cars, which eliminates the need to navigate challenging mountainous terrains. The lodge's layout ensures that everything is within convenient reach, fostering a sense of self-sufficiency. Nestled directly in the jungle, its bungalows are close to major attractions like Arenal, hot springs and hanging bridges, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers searching for tranquility.
While the on-site restaurant may offer limited fast-food style options, a variety of good restaurants are within walking distance, enhancing dining convenience. Moreover, visitors can enjoy the unique experience of a nighttime frog tour. Although driving to the town center is necessary for further exploration, the overall accessibility of the lodge makes it a comfortable and practical choice for guests aiming to experience Costa Rica’s natural beauty without compromising on accessibility.
No, Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge.