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Chateau Arenal

3.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Chateau Arenal

Relax by the rectangular pool surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas, with a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape.
Relax in a spacious room with a large bed, wooden rocking chair, and a table by the window overlooking a lush landscape.
Relax at the bar with a Costa Rica-inspired vibe, featuring a wooden counter and stools.
Enjoy the serene view of the lush landscape and distant mountain from this balcony with a comfortable bench.
Set amidst lush greenery, this two-story building offers outdoor seating on each floor.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
El Castillo, Peñas Blancas, Alajuela, 20213
  • Arenal Volcano
  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Tabacon Hot Springs
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room

Room | 1 bedroom, minibar, individually decorated, blackout drapes

Room

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | 1 bedroom, minibar, individually decorated, blackout drapes

Family Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | 1 bedroom, minibar, individually decorated, blackout drapes

Family Room

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for Basic Double Room

Basic Double Room | 1 bedroom, minibar, individually decorated, blackout drapes

Basic Double Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Similar properties

Enjoy dining in a serene garden setting with a contemporary building featuring a spacious dining area.

Hotel Arenal Lodge

  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Spa
4.3 out of 5, Excellent, (1000)
$191 nightly
The price was $254
The price is $191 total
includes taxes & fees
Hotel Arenal Lodge

About this property

Chateau Arenal

3-star Peñas Blancas hotel walkable to Lake Arenal
This hotel features an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar/lounge. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a coffee shop/cafe, a hot tub, and spa services. Change of towels is available on request.
Chateau Arenal offers 16 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature hair dryers and blackout drapes/curtains. Each accommodation is individually decorated. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the in-room coffee/tea makers and minibars. Bathrooms include showers. Change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily. Renovation of all guestrooms was completed in June 2024.
An outdoor pool, a children's pool, and a hot tub are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, sports massages, and Swedish massages.
In addition to a children's pool, Chateau Arenal provides an outdoor pool and a hot tub. The hotel offers a restaurant and a coffee shop/cafe. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning. Public areas are equipped with complimentary wireless Internet access.

This hot springs hotel also offers spa services, multilingual staff, and tour/ticket assistance. Complimentary uncovered self parking is available on site.

Chateau Arenal has designated areas for smoking.

A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM.
Chateau Arenal has a restaurant on site.

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Children's pool
  • Ecotours
  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Children's pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas

Spa

  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Hot stone massages
  • Sports massages
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 2 floors
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Renovated guestrooms - June 2024

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Minibar

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Individual decor

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:30 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 3.5 percent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Christmas Eve (December 24) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 65
  • Christmas Eve (December 24) Gala Dinner per child: USD 30 (from 6 to 12 years old)

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 3.5 percent

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments, and cash
Mobile payment options include: Apple Pay
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a security system

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Pool access available from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation

Property is also known as

Chateau Arenal Hotel
Chateau Arenal Peñas Blancas
Chateau Arenal Hotel Peñas Blancas

Chateau Arenal Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 36 out of 72 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 25 out of 72 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 72 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 72 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 72 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

James

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarina

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really enjoyed our stay here. The staff were kind and helpful. Location is lovely, and rooms are super clean. Would absolutely stay here again if we return.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

BRYAN K

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My. Family and I stayed here a week. The staff was very friendly and we enjoyed the quiet atmosphere and excellent small hotel. The view was beautiful and they staff was very friendly and always greeted us with a friendly smile and always went above to make our visit pleasant. If you would like to experience small local Costa Rica I highly recommend this small quiet friendly clean hotel.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Sandra

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed the Chateau Arenal very much. If I could add a 1/2 star I would do so. It has a beautiful view, the pool and hot tub are lovely, the food is good and interesting, the drinks are delicious and the people are all amazingly friendly, helpful and kind. My only slightly negative comment is the remote location. While we enjoyed ourselves and loved the view, it was quite a drive to get anywhere.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous location!! Delicious food 👍
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Justin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location with relaxing pool and great views of the lake and volcano. Staff was very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elijah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great low-key place to stay in La Fortuna. Amazing view of Volcan Arenal. Zero complaints. Highly recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edna

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Eugene

Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dogs barking, every night,... motorcycles and 4 wheel ATV's running up and down road in front of hotel.... until late at night....and very early every morning...staff friendly and helpful... would not go back because of the noise.....and lack of sleep...
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

James

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The staff were awesome as well as the views. The pool was nice too. Water was cold, and the toilet seat was broken.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Erica

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service

Great breakfast and staff

We enjoyed our stay. The staff were very nice and helpful. Gave suggestions on where to go. The room is small with no tv. The bathroom is shower only and no counter space. There is a very tiny sink. It was raining the whole time we were there, but if not it would have been a great view of the volcano. Most rooms had 1-2 hammock chairs in the back. The breakfast was great and loved the coffee. The sound of the river was very soothing. The pool was nice with beautiful view and hot tub too.
Typical breakfast
Pool view
Pool
Our room. Had a hammock chair in the back.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

1st Costa Rica visit & 1st Hotel stay - wonderful!

This was our first hotel for our first ever visit to Costa Rica. We absolutely loved the room (#15). We had a spectacular view of the the Arenal Volcano and got to see Tucans & humming birds. We visited Baldi Hot Springs and Mistico Swinging Bridges during our stay, both within about a 25 minute drive from the hotel. The staff was superb in customer service and a filling breakfast each morning. While it is a 3+ hour drive from SJO airport, we were so glad to have stayed here as it set a positive vibe for our trip. We even got to see a Coatimundi while driving in to town the first morning of our visit. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to stay here! TIP: When WAZE shows you at the end, drive about another 500' up the hill, past the Butterfly sign, to the hotel entrance on the right.
Our view of the Arenal volcano from room #15 at Chateau Arenal.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Ludger, Alpharetta

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The room was very basic. 2 beds no chairs small bathroom without shelves However with great view of the Vulcano and proximity to the national park trails Infinity swimming pool and hot tub Excellent dinner choice with red snapper and great sides. Very friendly staff
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Normand

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing view . Poor rom.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is the cutest. Tucked away on the top of a mountain. Waking up each morning with the sunrise over Arenal was amazing. The humming birds all around were magical. Thank you for a fabulous relaxed stay closest enough to all but far enough for quiet.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

malcolm

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff was by far the was the best I’ve been around in my 25 years of traveling the globe.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

WILLIAM

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Quaint Hilltop Oasis

Felt like a place off the beaten path. Small and cozy facility with great views of Arenal Volcano and the surrounding hills. The location is walkable to a convenient store, restaurant, and bakery at the bottom of the hill. And a restaurant at the top of the hill. The room is equipped with AC. Towels and bed turnover service was provided daily. The included breakfast was sufficient enough to get my day started. Flavorful enough to eat each of the 3 mornings that I was there. Staff was very cordial and accommodating and helped me arrange rides to sky Adventures and La Fortuna. I even had my laundry done at a great price.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

2/10 Terrible

Ravi

Traveled with family and small children
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We arrived around 9pm on a stormy, rainy night. The propwrty has no outside lighting to tell you where the reception desk is. In any case it was pitch dark, with rain and nobody in sight, could've find our room. Found out that they peft the keys with our friends who had checked in earlier without any agreement from us! Somehow we found the room with our cellphone flashlights and it was horrendous. There was water everywhere on the floor, the bedspread on one of the beds was soaked in water. Toilet paper roll in bathroom was on its last breath. We called property number, texted byt no response and no one to help us. We weren't expecting luxurious stay, but this was below a basic hotel stay. Ants ran rampant in the room. When we informed the front desk in the morning, they simply shrugged and said you booked through expedia, you talk to them. We cancelled further nights at the hotel and found another hotel. It is in a remote location, sub par standard and cheap lodgings. Front desk closes early at night and management clearly doesn't care. By the way they never refunded us for the nights we canceled. Beware!

8/10 Good

Mario, Heredia

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great! Food was world class! The only thing that could have been better was the bad smell coming from the bathroom, something to consider/remodel!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

James

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Chateau Arenal is a great little strip of modest bungalows allowing a view of the volcano and the main strip of El Castillo below. These aren't luxury accommodations, but the staff are attentive, friendly and kind (like seemingly everyone in Costa Rica). Breakfast was tasty and if the materials are available, they'll cook anything for you. We especially enjoyed being able to walk down through El Castillo to tiendas and "sodas" to feel the town. You're on a slope, so expect to burn some calories. One of the most annoying things is the whine of noisy motorcycles in the area, but that's simply Costa Rica. Parts of the hotel are closer to the road than others. Expect occasional windy conditions, because the hotel is on a ridge. We generally felt secure, but you'll have to choose between closing your window at night and running the AC or leaving it open. The bathroom was dark, making things like putting in contact lenses challenging. We recommend walking up and down the hill and trying different eateries. We especially enjoyed a day at the Arenal Observatory Lodge and Trails (only 18 minutes away). Well worth the $18 per person (at the time of this review). Special thanks to Richard, Sophia and Julia. Great people!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

helene

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

Well run property and staff was very helpful
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yoseline

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was friendly, typical breakfast included (tasty), lake and volcano view, soothing to hear the rain on the roof. Our room didn't have but fan was enough. They can do your laundry if needed, wifi was good as well
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024