The rooms were great, the showers were beautiful with a skylight, volcanic stone wall and tropical plants. The grounds were gorgeous, everything was very clean. The view of the volcano was usually shrouded in clouds and we had quite a bit of rain while we were there. Unfortunately the food was not as wonderful as the hotel and grounds. The phone system to the rooms did not work and it was a long walk to the restaurant/lobby area.

I arrived after having been on the road for 12 hours. (it is a 5 to 6 hour drive from San Jose). Loved the drive...saw small towns and countryside. It was dark when I got out of the van but the lobby was well lighted and a DEELICIOUS drink awaited. The staff were very outgoing and ready to do anything to make me feel welcome. It is so beautiful that I canceled one of my excursion just to be able to roam the grounds, the Hot Spring Spas, the pool and the exotic spa area which I took advantage of to get the kinks out. The breakfast buffet lacked for nothing. I took most of my dinners there because I chose not to go into town. I did go on a Safari river cruise which I thoroughly enjoy but the highlight was Zip lining on my 76th birthday. I even did the Tarzan swing. The people are what make a vista to Costa Rica worthwhile.

The grounds of Arenal Springs are exquisite and beautifully maintained. The multiple pools/hot springs are set to differing temperatures so that one can select varying levels of heat. The casitas have generously-sized rooms and wonderful garden-like baths. Take the time to ask for a casita with only one bed and some soft seating, as we got a two-bed room and after staying a few days wanted chairs or a sofa. You do get two nice rockers out on the front patio that have views of the puffing volcano. With the minifridge stocked with free water, sodas and beer, you don't need to go very far. But if you want to see sights, Edward at the concierge desk knows everything! He will double your vacation success if you make use of him. John/Juan in the restaurant will delight you with his ever-changing simple Spanish lessons as he pours your morning coffee The whole staff is quick to make your every request filled.
Our only bewilderment is why this resort leaves the first 50 feet of their driveway in such disrepair when everything else is so perfectly maintained.

The rooms are nice enough, in duplexes, each with a nice view of the volcano (when the clouds permit), a pleasant walk from the pools (including hot from the volcano), dining room, and bar. Golf carts are on call for those who can't or don't want to walk, although the phones were out, so we could get a ride only back to the room. Nice grounds with beautiful plants, helpfully labeled.

The bathrooms are extra large, with a big semi-enclosed shower area. No tub. There is no heat (not needed) or air conditioning (needed) in the bathrooms. The only ventilation is from an opening along the top of the shower wall to the outside, which results in an unwelcome degree of intimacy with the bathroom of the connecting room. The connecting door between the rooms was not properly seated in its frame, letting in sound and light.

The staff was hospitable and friendly, although service in the dining room seemed uncoordinated and spotty. The clerk at the front desk accepted my request for a wake-up call without telling me that the phones were out.