"Great "bang for your buck"! We were so happy with our big room, nice and clean. We spent one night but had two full days in the hot springs. The breakfast was delicious and the views to the volcano were stunning. We were very pleasantly surprised and would definitely stay again!"
"This was my first hotel in Costa Rica, and overall it left a great impression. The volcano view was beautiful, the staff were kind, and the room was large and spotless.
The only small downside was the dinner. The price was high compared to the value, especially the steak, which I hope can be improved in the future. "
Arenal Paraíso Resort & Thermo Mineral Hot Springs
10/10 Excellent
"The individual cabin style rooms are very private and cozy. Almost too cozy! We like to be woken up by the sounds of the jungle and these rooms with heavy curtains are perfect for sleeping in. It was both a blessing and a curse! I do wish they didn’t use BRIGHT WHITE lights. Soft lighting would have been better, and would go much better with their decor.
Having a front glassed in and a back open porch was great to enjoy the mornings…. We actually caught a glimpse of a Howler Monkey going by one morning! The birds we saw from our porch were incredible…. Great Curassows, Macaws, Toucans, Hummingbirds, Parakeets, Falcons, and Montezuma Oropendolas to name a few.
The breakfast was surprisingly good and the service was very friendly. We enjoyed the omelette station and fresh fruit for sure. One day they had huevos rancheros that were in a great salsa.
We had an hour long massage while there and it was great. You can’t beat the price! Be sure to tip in cash so they don’t have to pay any fees on it.
My only complaint is the hot springs are not 24 hours, and don’t open until 10AM. They don’t offer any services to speak of other than towel/locker, so I am uncertain why the hours can’t be better. Also there is nowhere to stash your towel and shoes while in the water.
Overall we were extremely happy even with that small criticism. "
"The rooms were basic and some bugs got in although we were careful, but the rooms were clean at least. The staff was wonderful. We enjoyed a New Year’s Eve dinner in the restaurant and had the free breakfast one day, it had a nice variety of options. The highlight was the hot springs area. It had a great vibe, very cool with lights and a swim up bar. The grounds were also gorgeous with the vegetation and we saw a few birds walking around too. I would stay again!"
Are you searching for the perfect hotel for your luxury trip to El Castillo?
Expedia can help you get a flight to La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) airport or San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) airport, and then you can select from a variety of places to stay that will deliver the luxury you seek. Amenities are important when you plan a holiday, so we make it easy to find what you want to make your stay special. If you want an upscale hotel that has a spa, an indoor pool or luxury bedding, Expedia can help you find the best luxury hotel experience that El Castillo offers. El Castillo has some interesting things to see and do including Lake Arenal and Arenal Eco Zoo, so you might want to take in the local sights during your visit.
What's the best high-end place to stay in El Castillo?
Arenal Vista Lodge is a luxury hotel with a deli and private patios, and it's a popular choice for Expedia travellers looking for an elegant place to stay.
When can I expect good weather in El Castillo?
Planning for the weather is a good way to make your trip to El Castillo relaxing and enjoyable, especially when you're splurging. The hottest months are usually March and February, with an average temperature of 27°C, while the coldest months are January and December, with an average of 26°C. The rainiest months in El Castillo are October, August, June and September, with each month seeing an average of 482 mm of rainfall.
What's there to see and do in El Castillo?
Take in the sights and attractions that El Castillo offers with a visit to Lake Arenal, Arenal Eco Zoo and Butterfly Conservatory. If you have spare time during your trip, you might want to make a stop at Arenal Volcano National Park and Costa Rica Sky Adventures.