Brisas Arenal, Arenal/La Fortuna

Opened in 2007 and renovated in 2018, Brisas Arenal is a mountain lodge located at the base of Arenal Volcano. Immersed in the tropical jungle, it offers easy access to waterfalls, hiking, and adventure sports. Eight rustic wooden bungalows (housing 14 rooms) are comfortable and family-friendly. Near the national park, this hotel offers views of the Arenal Volcano and jungle greenery. 

Pros

• Guests frequently spot wildlife around the grounds.
• The hotel is gated, and the area around the hotel is safe and quiet.
• This property gets high marks for cleanliness.

Cons

• The pool is small and dated.
• The walls between units are thin; travelers will likely hear their neighbors.
• The WiFi connection may be unreliable.

Authenticity

The hotel is immersed in nature and is home to resident wildlife. A Costa Rican-style breakfast is available in the restaurant, and the staff is ready to help with travel advice and recommendations for the area.

Location

Brisas Arenal is about 2.8 miles (4.6 km) from La Fortuna, a bit off the tourist path but less than a 10-minute drive to the town. The National Park is about 2.2 miles (3.7 km) away. The best way to get around is either by renting a car, using taxis, or organizing guided activities with transportation included. The location on a gated property makes it a quiet oasis away from La Fortuna's tourist crowds. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Each of the 14 rooms at Brisas Arenal Hotel offers a clean, comfortable stay with conveniences like air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Each cabin includes an outdoor patio with a hammock that overlooks the volcano and surrounding jungle. For larger groups or families, the hotel offers spacious wooden bungalows that can accommodate up to six people, some with the option for bunk beds.

Wildlife

Travelers will be welcomed by birds, thanks to bird feeders around the covered outdoor patio where meals are served overlooking tropical gardens. Expect to spot toucans, parrots, and monkeys throughout the property. 

Amenities

Brisas Arenal has a small, unheated plunge pool in the garden near the dining area. It's about the size of a large hot tub, only large enough to fit a couple of people at once, but it can be nice for a quick dip on a warm day. There's no gym or spa, and the hotel isn't suitable for travelers with limited mobility because there's at least one step to get into the cabins and the restaurant.

Family-Friendliness

Thanks to family rooms with bunk beds and a small wading pool in the garden, travelers with kids will feel at home at Brisas Arenal. There's a kids' menu for breakfast for an extra fee. Children under age eight are charged at the adult rate, kids up to age four stay for free, and four to seven have a child rate; there are no cots or cribs for the rooms. 

Other Highlights

Brisas del Arenal has an on-site restaurant, Yellow Tree, serving breakfast and dinner. There are three options for breakfast—eggs with sausage and toast, pancakes, or eggs with rice, sausage, toast, and plantains. There's a menu of pasta, meat, fish, rice dishes, and salads for dinner. Dinner is served on an outdoor patio surrounded by gardens and string lights.