We stayed for three nights in January and were impressed with the beautiful grounds. Breakfast was very nice and it was a treat to see all the birds. You get an awesome view of the volcano. The hotsprings are relaxing and nice. The only negative is that they really need to get better lounge chairs by the pool and hot springs. They were the most uncomfortable chairs!!!

We stayed 2 nights in January, 2012. It's even prettier than pictured on the website. It was easy to find (even with typical Costa Rica directions of: "continue on the main road 5 minutes past the center of town toward the volcano"). Each separate villa has a high ceiling and is spacious, quiet & clean, with an outdoor sitting area. The villas are separated by walkways and lush flowering trees and plants. There are separate small parking areas for every few villas, so we didn't need to take our bags far. Outside the open-air restaurant, the owner's pet parrot sits on a perch, and pieces of papaya are set on tree branches to attract a variety of colorful birds. There's a swimming pool and jacuzzi that are both a bit cool (probably nice if the weather is hot), but the large, thermal pool is phenomenal. It's fed by the volcano-heated Tabacon River which is about 105 F. They empty the pool each 3 days, clean and re-fill it, so it's hottest on the first of the 3 days, but wonderful anytime. The hot waterfall gives a wonderful shoulder massage. Breakfast is included and is a choice of 4 things, after a plate of sliced fruit and a glass of juice. We also had lunch there once and dinner twice, and everything was good. The hotel scheduled our Zip Line with Sky Trek/Tram and gave us a 6% discount from the attraction's printed price. It's a cable car up the hill ("tram"), and 8 zip lines down, after the 2 practice ones ("trek"). It's also possible to pay extra for the "walk." The operation felt very professional and safe. We'd go back to this hotel in a heartbeat.

We stayed two nights. Our family included a little 3-year old boy. Our room was cute - it was essentially a hotel room with a cabin-like structure built around it. Our room had two double beds, one small desk, a bathroom (no tub, just shower but with hot water!) and sink. There was also a small closet, refrigerator and coffeemaker. All items worked properly, were in good condition and clean. The power went out once while we were there. It came back on within two hours of reporting it. The front door only locks with the key whether your inside or out. The door has a habit of opening if it isn't locked (it doesn't stay closed very well.) It wasn't a big deal to us but I thought I should note this for others. The room itself was clean - not luxury but highly adequate - comparable to perhaps a Marriott Fairfield Inn room. both in quality and price. We thought the price was very reasonable.

The one restaurant was very reasonably priced and good quality - some dishes were GREAT.

The swimming pool is very small compared to average resort standards but adequate for a small child. We avoided the one hot spring b/c a) it wasn't that hot, b) the ducks were swimming in it (duck waste = no thanks) and c) it was also fairly small. We instead spent time at the Tabacon Hot Springs which, while spendy, was a fantastic time. The grounds of the hotel are very pretty and very well-kempt. Our little boy loved running around, looking at the fish in the pond and played on their little playground. Playground was a bonus that included three types of swings, a seesaw and slide.

The desk is not made for working if you need to work (I did.) There are four chairs and a small table on the little patio/deck next to your front door that served adequately when I needed to work. Wireless Internet was no problem and a decent speed (I was able to use Internet phone.) The phone only works to call the front desk. It does NOT call outside of the hotel so I bought calling cards that I couldn't use. There is a phone at the front desk for outside calls. FYI

The employees were very helpful, kind and always smiling. The front desk folks were especially accommodating. We used the spa - prices were reasonable, esp with the special sale they were having at the time. However, while the massages were good, unless something has changed, we would not recommend the man/pedi. For the mani/pedi, they shorted us time, were not thorough with the cleaning or exfoliation and the color was unevenly applied. Plus, you had to lie down for the entire service which is uncomfortable when doing the pedi. Not a good experience. Hot stone massages were very relaxing, comfortable and a great pressure.

The surrounding area felt safe. It was a less than ten-minute drive into the main Fortuna area (cab = approx $15 one way) and about 15 minutes to the Arenal park entrance (cab = approx $20-25 one way.) Cab can be expensive, if you find a good rate on a rental car, we highly recommend renting. The area is easy to drive in. You'll want a 4x4 if you think you'll spend a lot of time in the volcano park areas as the dirt roads are long and bumpy. We didn't have problems getting child seats.

We would recommend this hotel to friends and family. If you're looking for something more luxurious the Tabacon was a definitely a comfy, luxury stay for us. Alternately, if you are looking for something much more "bare bones" in amenities and service, Arenal Observatory Lodge is a decent choice. El Silencio was a very delightful mid-range stay.

We stayed at El Silencio del Campo in December and enjoyed our stay. Every morning at breakfast you can watch an amazing variety of birds attack the banana chunks that are skewered on the tree next to the eating area. There is also a cute parrot that the staff feed that gets all excited when the food arrives. Great view of the volcano, but it was always shrouded in mist near the top. The volcano has been dormant for about seven months I guess. The staff were great, and booked us trips to take the Cano Negro tour up near the Nico border (bring your passport), rappelling and white water rafting. We had fun at all three places. The other favorite thing at El Silencio was sitting in the hot pool that had plants all around the outside every afternoon before heading off for supper (try the steakhouse next door for some amazing food -- the chef greeted us at the door and was a lot of fun). Rain or shine, we enjoyed the lovely HOT water (if the waterfall isn't on ask them to turn it on -- it will heat up the pool as well). There is a big fancy hotel next door, but I liked strolling around our grounds and the privacy of having a very nice cabin all to ourselves. TONS of room inside, a walk-in shower, large countertop, nice tv and comfortable bed. What more could you ask for?