Nepenthe B&B
El Castillo de La Fortuna, El Castillo, Arenal Volcano National Park 21007 Costa Rica
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About
#2 of 7 B&Bs / Inns in El Castillo
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Nepenthe Bed and Breakfast is Beautifull piece of paradise located in the little town of El Castillo of La Fortuna in Costa Rica. Surrounded by the rain forest and exuberant wild life, you can appreciate the magnificent Arenal Volcano and the mistic Arenal Lake, enjoy beautifull sunsets from our infinity edge pool or relax in the jacuzzi after a day of adventures and fun in the area. ** Also, the Phoenix Restaurant at Nepenthe is located on the grounds of Nepenthe and serve a daily dinner menu with handmade food and fresh local ingredients.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Hiking
Horseback riding
Car hire
Massage
Wifi
Hot bath
Infinity pool
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Restaurant
Wine / champagne
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Sun terrace
Laundry service
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Room features
Desk
Housekeeping
Safe
Iron
Coffee / tea maker
Refrigerator
Cable / satellite TV
Bath / shower
Private bathrooms
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Mountain view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Smoking rooms available
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
Full view
Contact
El Castillo de La Fortuna, El Castillo, Arenal Volcano National Park 21007 Costa Rica
Getting there
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228Reviews3Q+A36Room tips
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We had a lovely stay at Nepenthe. The staff were incredibly helpful and hospitable. The breakfast provided every morning was wonderful. The views truly cannot be captured in photos (we tried but nothing is quite the same). The staff arranged some tours for us upon arrival. In retrospect I regretted doing this. I don't feel that the details of the arrangements were clearly communicated to me. As a result we rushed to things that in truth had no time restrictions/time scheduled but were late to other activities that had hard and fast start times. The value for money was great. We had a hard time finding places in this area that had a separate bedroom from living space that didn't cost a fortune. Nepenthe provided ample space and comfort a very reasonable price. We stayed in family room which worked well for us (we were traveling with our baby and toddler). The set up was a bit odd, there was a queen sized bed right as you walk in the door next to the kitchen and the first bathroom. There is a dividing curtain you can pull across to separate the bed from the living room. The living room is a decent size with a small futon couch that could sleep a child or very small adult in a pinch. Past the living room is the separate bedroom (this one has a door) with its own bathroom. There is a small wrap around patio with hanging chairs and amazing views of the mountain side. Somethings to note: 1) No AC only ceiling and pillar fans (we were comfortable when we stayed in May but I think in hotter months this might be a deal breaker for some people.) 2) Some of the screens at small holes that allowed insects in. This meant we couldn't open up the windows for more ventilation. 3) You need a 4 wheel drive vehicle to access this place. It is really up on a hillside and the paving leaves something to be desired. It was unseasonably dry when we were there so we had no problems but if it were really raining hard I don't know if we could have gotten up there.…
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Date of stay: May 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
Helpful
What a beautifull place with beautifull people this is! We stayed longer than expected. The views are stunning, the room and the whirlpool is very nice and the crew very sweet and helpfull. The restaurant from this place, everybody should try! Luisa and juan are great and Luisa makes the most delicious fish with mangosauce. It's open right now!
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Date of stay: June 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Helpful
This place was the highlight of our Monteverde/Arenal trip. We stayed there for 3 nights and the view is just spectacular. Not to mention you are surrounded by so much wildlife—it's great for birdwatching. We opted to spend quite a bit of time just hanging out here as it was that kind of tranquillity and beauty that we craved for our trip. The staff were also so eager to please, it felt like a big family. We will definitely be back!
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Date of stay: December 2019
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: We had a room at the very top and it had amazing views
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Helpful
We stayed at Nepenthe one night and had a wonderful time. Joel and crew were so friendly and helpful during our stay. The Phoenix restaurant was an absolute pleasure to be at. Juan and Louisa were so sweet, and the food was outstanding. I would suggest a bit of updating in the rooms, some screens on the windows (it can get hot in there) and some warmer lighting. Overall it was a fantastic stay.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: The rooms facing the pool seemed like the best ones.
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1 Helpful vote
Helpful
My husband and I stayed here for 4 nights. It is out of the city and up a dirt road, but we thought that was one of the best parts! It was like an oasis up in a Costa Rican mountain. The view was amazing! Pictures don’t even do it justice. The workers here were seriously AMAZING! First they got us amazing deals on tours we wanted to do, like $10 to $15 dollars less then what other people were paying. Second they truly made us feel like people rather then customers. When the lights went out due to a pole going down in the town they first made sure every single person was okay. Then realizing they couldn’t do anything, do to it being a city problem, they made it a very enjoyable time for us by taking us on an animal hunt around the grounds. We had such a blast and saw all sorts of animals. Lastly, they over heard that my husband and I’s wedding anniversary was the next day, and the next day we walked into our bed decorated! We did not ask for this they just did it! This has been the most amazing B&B we have ever stayed at, and honestly I don’t think any will compare. Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity to stay here! We will be back!…
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Nepenthe is hard to get to--up a steep, one-mile dirt road. You need a 4WD. But the view of the valley, lake, and volcano are incredible. We would get up at 5 pm to watch the parrots and toucans fly around the trees outside. The rooms are modest and clean; they could use some maintenance, but they were basically free of bugs and are large, with a fairly comfortable mattress. The pool is very nice. The breakfast was great and the staff were very friendly and helpful. We think it's worth the trade-offs to have the view rather than staying at the bottom of the hill.
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Date of stay: November 2019
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Rooms 4-5-6-7 are furthest from the pool and breakfast room, but with an unobstructed view
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1 Helpful vote
Helpful
The views from our room were incredible! The location requires a 4 wheel drive, but it is well worth the climb. The host went the extra mile making sure we had breakfast when we were leaving for adventures before normal breakfast hours. The restaurant was great. The chef shared local knowledge of the Arenal volcano and surrounding area. We would love to return again!
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Date of stay: October 2019
Value
Location
Service
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Nepenthe is conveniently located near the Arenal volcano National Park with great views of both the volcano and lake arenal. Beautiful gardens surround the various living quarters. Breakfast was fresh, tasty, and varied, cooked and served by wonderful people. Joel, Pío, and the rest went out their way to explain and give tours of the property. The Oropendola house would be ideal for a large group reunion or small wedding. We will definitely visit again and bring friends and family members.
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Nepenthe_ByB, Director General at Nepenthe B&B
Responded 5 Oct 2019
The Nepenthe family are very excited that you had a good experience here, we hope to see you again with all your family members in Oropendola House. Best wishes and Pura Vida!
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I won’t repeat much of what has already been said below. Transport to the location is a challenge, it’s not five star accommodation but if you accept that, there is so much to savour at this unique place. Wildlife is all around and a marvel. We saw toucans, snakes (friendly ones), howler monkeys, huge moths, and all kinds of hummingbirds and butterflies. The staff are helpful and Gordon and Nancy are seasoned hosts with lots of fascinating stories to tell. Enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and swim in the well cared for pool in the pretty gardens. While there is a slight feeling of being out on a limb, the alternative (staying in La Fortuna) would be far worse. Finally a big shout out to Juan and Luisa at the Phoenix restaurant - perfect hosts and unfailingly polite. Please eat there! The food is awesome!…
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Date of stay: May 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Helpful
Response from Nepenthe_ByB, Director General at Nepenthe B&B
Responded 5 Oct 2019
Was a pleasure to have you as guest in our little piece of paradise, we continue working to create good memories for travelers; our doors are open and Gordon has more stories to tell. Pura Vida from Costa Rica.
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I stayed here with family and had a wonderful time. We stayed in the casitas, which were spacious and comfortable with everything we needed for cooking our own meals. We did go down to the restaurant occasionally, especially for cocktails, and the food was tasty. The breakfasts were the best though with pancakes, pineapple jam, eggs and pinto gallo, of course. It was truly magical sipping coffee and looking at the amazing views of Lake Arenal.
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Date of stay: May 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Helpful
Response from Nepenthe_ByB, Director General at Nepenthe B&B
Responded 5 Oct 2019
Thanks for your comments! To know that our customers has good memories of our little portion of Costa Rica motivates us to continue getting better, Pura Vida from the most beautiful place in the world "Nepenthe B&B".
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PRICE RANGE
$95 - $129 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of AlajuelaArenal Volcano National ParkEl Castillo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Nepenthe B&B
What are some of the property amenities at Nepenthe B&B?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Nepenthe B&B?
Top room amenities include a refrigerator, a desk, and a view of the mountains.
What food & drink options are available at Nepenthe B&B?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and an on-site restaurant during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Nepenthe B&B?
Conveniently located restaurants include Essence Arenal Restaurant, La Ventanita, and Fusion Grill Restaurant..
Are there opportunities to exercise at Nepenthe B&B?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Nepenthe B&B?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Does Nepenthe B&B have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.