We stayed at this resort with friends in March 2011. The resort was great. Amazing landscapes, iguanas all over the place, valet room service by golf cart. Great beach spot complete with bar service and a great beach restaurant. We saw monkeys on the property as well as a two-toed sloth and many halloween crabs (whose babies visited us in our room (no they don't bite). The staff were friendly and accommodating. The suites were very clean. Grounds interesting and lush. Nice gift shop.

We just finished our third stay at Arenas Del Mar. We have come the same week in January for the last three years.

Why do we keep coming back? The number one reason is the staff at the hotel. They treat you like family. Some of the folks there have been there for the last three years. Robbyn has been great to us all three visits. A number of others have been there at least two years and some all three. I think that is remarkable retention in the hospitality business.

What really touched us is the recognition that the staff gave for our third visit. They arranged for a special table for lunch one day at the Playitus beach. It was complete with elaborate table cloths and decorations. They also went out of their way to make special exotic drinks that were served in full pineapples. Best of all, they had a dozen red roses on the table for my wife. Lunch was terrific and they picked up the bill.

We have been to four different beach areas in Costa Rica. Arenas del Mar has the best location and beach out of all of them. I prefer this location to the Four Seasons in Pappagayo.

I also like the changes that were made for this year. They stock your frige with drinks and treats each day at no charge. All calls from your room are free, including international calls. breakfast is no longer a buffet. In addition to your entree, they bring you out a platter of fresh cut fruit and a second platter of fresh baked delights. Different each day.

They also delivered a bottle of wine to our room and three different times, we had fresh fruit in the room all as part of the services.

Just a great attitude and service level you just can't find in a lot of places.

We spent two nights here and I was sorry it couldn't have been a week. It's truly a slice of paradise. We were upgraded to an ocean view room with an outdoor spa on the balcony. Room 402. The room, staff, food, location, atmosphere/decor, etc etc etc. were perfect in every way. The location is perfect and away from the crush of tourists in Manuel Antonio, thankfully. I'd go back in a heartbeat!!

Where most bars, restaurants and hotels can't figure out that the working staff is its most important asset, Arenas Del Mar should be their model. Every person we encountered including reception, maintenance, security and especially the wait staff were over the top friendly (and appeared truly happy to be working there). By the 2nd day most of them were calling us by name. Adding to this uniqueness are first class accommodations, picturesque landscape, uncrowded beaches and great food. Thank you Alexandra, Carlos, Mino, Julio, Luis, Andres, Alan, Willie and everyone else (whose name I forgot or cant spell) for making this a perfect vacation.