Commanding a preferential hillside position, this property, flourishing since 1993, is like a little village of white cottages adorned with Costa Rican murals set amid vast landscaped lawns spilling down to the lake. Each cottage has been placed so that it has its own garden, front yard, view of beautiful Lake Arenal, and individual parking. Though guests on this more isolated side of the lake have no view of the extraordinary Arenal Volcano, they will find themselves in a peaceful countryside setting, and a boat ride away from the mountainous Monteverde National Park, which boasts some of Costa Rica's highest peaks.
Reception, where arriving guests receive a welcome cocktail, is at the combination restaurant-bar, open to the elements to one side. A study in contrasts, it features elegant place settings at wrought-iron tables, and farm implements provide the motif. The daily menu gets high marks for creativity and execution. The bar, shaped like a boat, floats in the center of the room. Guests enjoy a full breakfast here every morning and dinner in the evening, but no lunch.
The game room on the other side of the bar is used at times for meetings accommodating up to 30 people. A computer has been installed here, which guests
can use at no extra charge. Wireless Internet access is available in the restaurant and at the pool, which is up a slope from the restaurant. It is a spring-fed horizon-edge pool that merges into the lake far below. Canoes at no charge await at the water's edge, and fishing trips and other excursions can be arranged. A favorite is the 20-minute motor boat ride across the lake to the shores of Monteverde Park, then a pick up by a jeep that takes guests up to the mountain tops.
There are no typical standard rooms here. All categories of cottages show class with glistening beamed and vaulted hardwood ceilings, tile floors in colonial fashion, fresh-cut flower arrangements, and supremely tasteful handcrafted wrought-iron furniture from Italy and private terraces with leather rocking chairs. Guatemalan cushions and fabrics, and wall murals by local artists depicting Costa Rican birds and animals add splashes of color. The least of the accommodations is the Deluxe Cottage, with split-level design. The king bed is on one level; the living room with leather sofa on another. Most cottages in this 'lower' category offer another bedroom with two single beds that share the bath. Some in this category have yet another bedroom with two double beds and a separate shower-only bath, showing colorful Italian tiles. Some have double sinks.
The Honeymoon Cottage and Junior Suite Cottages are more spacious and include a whirlpool off of the living room. The Queen Cottage adds living and dining areas, and a master bedroom with king bed; the extra room offers two queen beds. The Royal Cottage, which sleeps up to six people, resembles a luxurious country home, adding a full kitchen, two extra bedrooms, each with private combination baths, antique Guatemalan furnishings, original art work, large hilly yard in front, with a fabulous view of the lake to be enjoyed while soaking in the outdoor whirlpool, or dipping into the private infinity pool. A small but cozy backyard offers a terrace and tropical garden. Amenities include 21- or 29-inch TVs (larger flat-screens in higher level categories; satellite TV in the Royal Cottage), digital safes, air conditioning, coffeemakers, refrigerators (which guests can request be stocked as a minibar). There are no phones. Guests are welcome to make calls at the front desk. Calls to anywhere in Costa Rica are free.
Room service runs, as the restaurant, only during breakfast and dinner hours—5:30 to 10 am and 4:30 to 9:30 pm. The bar stays open until 10:30 pm. Half of the cottages are smoke-free. Only one is wheelchair-accessible. Pets are welcome here. Same-day laundry service is available. Staff is at the hotel 24 hours. Two hotel-employed security guards make rounds at night. There are fire extinguishers in public areas.
Management is proud of this unique and peaceful 'little village,' which manifests in the competent and friendly service. For travelers in search of utter tranquility and who are adverse to the more commercial properties that are closer to Arenal Volcano, this is the place to stay. Travelers hankering for a touch of tranquil countryside plus views of the volcano should check out Arenal Lodge, which is located at the top of a winding dirt road on the opposite end of Lake Arenal.
