We started our trip in Arenal, staying at La Mansion Inn. What a way to begin a terrific vacation! The setting is spectacular and our cottage was wonderful. We ate all of our dinners at the restaurant, and the food was fabulous - the best we had in Costa Rica. The owner was friendly and so helpful -- he arranged for our zip lining tour and a most special private tour at the Selva Leona rainforest -- the highlight of our vacation. This tour can only be arranged through La Mansion, and includes a boat ride, jeep tour, horseback ride and a rainforest hike. What an amazing day that was. We loved everything about our stay at La Mansion and recommend it completely.

We stayed here for 4 nights on the recommendation of a friend. This is a fabulous value for the money. Each room is an individual cottage with balcony overlooking the lake, with fridge and coffee maker. The position of the cabins makes it so that you do not see anyone else, just an amazing view of the lake with horses grazing at the edge in the morning sun.
We stayed in the honeymoon cabin which was very warm and cozy, but spacious! I spoke to the owner about the bed being a bit firm, but he stated that the mattresses were brand new, and the best in Costa Rica! Otherwise, perfect!
We ate breakfast (continental with yummy fruit platter included) and most dinners at the restaurant since it is a bit away from the other restaurants (which are few and far between) and from La Fortuna town (didn't want to drive 40 minutes late at night on curvy roads). The food is excellent and a good value.
Leo, the owner, is wonderful. He greeted us after a long journey in a calm, welcoming manner. He is a font of information regarding excursions. We followed his advice and we weren't disappointed. He really has a great grasp regarding the various excursions, costs, pros and cons, logistics, physical exertion required, etc. He is very honest and can help book (at NO extra cost) any excursion. We chose to do everything on the fly as we didn't know how the weather would be further out and wanted to be able to decide as late as possible. Leo always came through with making arrangements for the next day. Our best activity, at his recommendation (AND EXCLUSIVE TO THIS PROPERTY) was a full day excursion to the Selva Leona Virgin Rainforest . This is a wonderful trip encompassing a boat trip across Lake Arenal, short jeep ride to the trailhead, horseback ride to the guide's cattle ranch and then up to the top of the mountain, 3 hour hike through the rainforest to hidden waterfalls, authentic and rustic BBQ, horseback ride back, and boat trip back home. We loved this! We got to talk with local people, spend time with them, see their unspoiled land, and really get to know the real Costa Ricans. They were so kind to us and so warm and inviting. We spent the day with Jose, his father, and his two small sons. We were so touched by their warmth and generosity - we who have so much, and they who have so little - yet they were willing to share with us at every turn and to make sure that we had a wonderful experience. They were so grateful because we left them some of our trail mix when we departed! This excursion is only offered for guests of La Mansion. There are no glossy brochures for this adventure, no waivers to sign. Leo works with the cattle ranchers exclusively and they only take about 200 people per year. They are concerned and don't want to let too many in, lest it spoil the natural beauty! HIGHLY recommended excursion if you want to see more than zip lines and river rapids (not that there is anything wrong with that!).
There are other places to stay in the area (like the Springs Hotel) which is more luxurious, but one night without breakfast equals three nights in La Mansion with breakfast! You can still visit the spa of the hotel with a day pass and smile as you go back to the wonderful warmth and hospitality of Leo and La Mansion!!!!

The hotel was not your typical tourist location, but instead offered private cottages with true tranquility and comfort. Staff and food was exceptional. I traveled with my 2 teenage daughters and we all loved the Inn and all it had to offer in terms of comfort, the heated pools, private patios, etc.

I would recommend that you rent a car so that you can easily get to your selected tours and areas, but all in all, we are so glad we chose this Inn over so many others that did not provide the privacy of a surrounded rain forest, lake views, or the personal attention of the staff (and homemade meals).

As such, we are already planning our next return to La Mansion!!! This Inn was so much over the top than what we saw in Fortuna or any other area. It is about privacy, comfort and complete relaxation. You will not be disappointed!!!

We shared this rental with another couple and it was perfect. Both rooms and bathrooms were beautiful and comfortable. The views were amazing and the staff was wonderful. We even make friends with their little puppy. The breakfast was delicious! Try the banana, macadamia nut pancakes! We traveled around Costa Rica for a week and this was our favorite place, hands down. Hope to visit again soon :) Thank you!