stayed here for four nights. staff made us feel as if we were a nuisance. cabin was dirty with blocked shower, bedlinen was more holes than sheets and mildewy. logburner was so rusty, cabin filled with smoke and food appalling, not a pleasant experience at all. after three months still trying to get some satisfaction over our complaints.

We stayed for one night, which was perfect. That way, we were able to walk the incredible trails (the one to the waterfall is awesome) and experience the spectacular view (we could see Volcan Arenal right out of our window!) I wouldn't consider the Mirador for an extended stay because it is damp and uncomfortable. And the on-sight restaurant is way overpriced for what you get. But whatever, we just split a couple of meals there and hit up the heavenly santa elena bakery on our way out of town. It was definitely worth the stay, but I was satisfied with the one night.

The El mirador Hotel has a great view, offers many activities, and has a friendly staff, but if mildew bothers you, I would avoid this hotel. The pillows and bed linens are extemely mildewed. My husband, who doesn't have allergies, was bothered. After a horrible night, we checked out early and found another hotel. We had no problem getting our refund and the staff was very nice about it, but we wish we had been warned.

We had reservations for 2 nights and when we got there (after a tough ride from San Jose), they said they did not have room for us and moved us to another hotel. Same thing happened to 2 other couples we met at the other hotel. The other hotel was not so great but from what I am reading about the Mirador here, it seems that the Mirador is overrated too.
I emailed them after I got back for an explanation and they said that they were expecting that some new cabanas there were building would be ready by the time we got there but they were not. I wish I had checked so I would not have been in the position to take whatever place they put us because we could have stayed in Arenal or in Santa Elena for a lot less and had a better time.
Be careful and read the other reviews for an accurate description of the place before you book.