Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort

We were robbed by monkeys – 3 times. Best robberies ever. We were upgraded to a lovely suite of rooms on a second floor with balcony, jacuzzi and ocean view. Room had walk in showers, TV, hairdryers and stocked kitchen area. Breakfast with view of forest and ocean. Really good food which the monkeys watch you eat while looking for an opportunity to get in the sliding windows. A nice private beach which leads on to a long coastal walk. The beach is teaming with hermit crabs. The venue is on a very step location and for those who need it there is a golf buggy service. When the staff tell you to close and lock doors and windows believe them. The monkeys know how to get in and can empty the mini bar in 20 seconds. An added bonus was a free laundry service.

A real mixed bag. Beautiful location with wonderful facilities and great staff with a good service mentality. However, bedrooms have a 3-4 star feel ; more like a Spanish holiday resort on the Costa Brava than Costa Rica. Housekeeping was a little hit and miss. On occasions the hotel served brilliant food but often it was disappointing e.g 3 breakfasts out of 4 had to be returned as hot food was served cold.

My parents and I were blown away at how beautiful this hotel was and how impeccable the service was. Everyone we met was so kind (special shoutouts to Alexandra, Alexis, Mauricio, Farlen, Karen, Luz, Michael and Keylor). We loved the pools and Playitas beach and even got to see a sea turtle hatching right in front of us. We also highly recommend taking a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park with Mauricio!

Overall the hotel was good but we felt the value for money was not reflective of other 5 star hotels we have stayed at in Costa Rica. That said, the location is amazing and views are incredible. The food was ok but a bit expensive and the restaurants lacked atmosphere sometimes. We paid extra for a room with a jacuzzi, however the room was right above the kitchen so we could smell food in the evenings when we sat out on the balcony which was a shame. We mentioned this to staff but very little was done about it and no alternative provided. The service was generally good but again we felt missed the level expected on a few occasions.

Arenas has everything you’d want in a resort- jungle and ocean views, beach access, delicious food and drink and excellent friendly staff. Daily sloth and monkey sightings. Jungle trails on site. Walkable to Manuel Antonio. Morning yoga and other daily activities. The private shaded beach was a highlight. Cannot more highly recommend!!