Hotel Arenal Montechiari

While hotels throughout La Fortuna are all within a short drive of Arenal Volcano, few offer such picture-perfect views as Hotel Arenal Montechiari. The central walkways connecting the cabins are intentionally overgrown -- yet perfectly manicured -- with lush tropical plants and trees that attract birds, butterflies, and the occasional sloth. The rows of squat, wood cabins lining the paths create a subtle feeling of walking among a small village. With two beds in each room, the property draws equal numbers of couples and families, anyone traveling on a budget. Beyond the pool, there’s little to keep guests on the grounds. As a result, the social scene is consistently quiet (read: almost nonexistent) day and night.

The hotel is situated on a safe residential road just 10 minutes on foot from the center of tourist-friendly La Fortuna. It’s far enough from the strip to provide plenty of quiet and seclusion, but close enough that guests can walk to the town’s popular restaurants, bars, shops, and supermarkets. Catarata Rio Fortuna, a 200-foot waterfall that’s arguably Costa Rica’s most beautiful, is less than 15 minutes away by car. Arenal Volcano is also just one half-hour away via a modern, well-maintained road. Liberia’s LIR and San Jose’s SJO airports are equidistant from the hotel; both approximately three hours away by car. Shuttle buses are the preferred mode of transportation throughout much of Costa Rica as driving a rental car can prove dangerous and expensive for tourists.

Each of the rooms is an identical, free-standing cabin with minimal decor that feels more charming than cheap. Copious use of indigenous dark woods on the furniture, high ceilings, and walls evokes a quaint, rustic atmosphere that feels perfectly at home in the surrounding town. The rooms are adequately sized: each with two double beds, a small, two-person dining table, and enough floor space to get around the furniture. The attached private porches are modest, but provide lovely views of Arenal Volcano (when the weather cooperates). Every cabin includes a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, and a mini-fridge. Free Wi-Fi is available in some rooms, although the service gets considerably weaker in the cabins farthest from the lobby. Bathrooms feel generous in size, thanks to vaulted ceilings, a separate closet area, and a large, walk-in shower. Bath amenities are limited to generic, dispenser hand and body soap. Past guests have complained that dark rooms require turning on lights during the day. 

Like much of the lodging in La Fortuna, Hotel Arenal Montechiari affords guests few frills. The sparking outdoor pool is a nice touch, particularly for a value hotel. Lush tropical gardens and fruit trees surround the terrace and provide a sense of seclusion that feels almost luxurious for a hotel in this class. The large, open-air restaurant serves a substantial breakfast buffet that includes tropical fruit, eggs, pancakes, and coffee. Free off-street parking is provided in a large lot and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. We found the signal to be slow and unreliable, though. Staff can arrange tours and meals for larger groups, on request.