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.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
El Castillo de La Fortuna, El Castillo, Arenal Volcano National Park 21007 Costa Rica
Nepenthe B&B
245 reviews
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a great stay at Nepenthe!! The location is on the southwest side of Arenal so it's closer to the hiking trails (1968, Observatory Lodge, etc) than it is the town of La Fortuna, but you still get to all the main activities including the hot springs within 30 minutes. We stayed in Villa 7 which is nicknamed the "Hidden Villa" and it has amazing views! If you can stay in this one, it is highly recommended. the views of Arenal Lake and the surrounding hills are amazing. We saw all sorts of different birds and animals every time we looked.
The restaurant onsite, The Phoenix, is really great! Breakfast is included in the room price and there are a few options to choose from. We didn't eat lunch there, but did eat dinner there every night and we were not disappointed. A good mix of local Costa Rican dishes as well as some more "kid friendly" options like pizza and pasta.
We really didn't have anything bad to say about the stay, but the only thing to be aware of is the drive up the hill to get to the hotel is not for the faint of heart. Once you do it once, it gets easier, but the first time up it's highly recommended to do in daylight. We did not have a 4x4 and made it up with no issue, but our rental car did have fairly high clearance which came in handy. There are a few spots where some concrete tracks were laid down to make things easier. Use those, take the turns wide, and don't be afraid to accelerate uphill and you'll be good to go!
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Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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
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Location
Service
Room Tip:Â The rooms facing the pool seemed like the best ones.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This place was exactly what we were looking for in a home base for a first trip to Costa Rica. We stayed here in November 2023. First of all, it is way up a winding hill, but that's the reason it has such an incredible view of all of Lake Arenal, and sometimes the volcano. This is probably also why the food prices are a little steep, having to bring everything up a large hill can't be easy. That being said, the food was soooo good. The chef, Luiza (If I remember correctly) is so good. Every dish we had was great, the typical Costa Rican breakfast was so good and hardy before a day of hiking. The pool was so lovely to sit in and enjoy the view. There's also this lovely porch next to the pool that has its own seating area that was amazing day and night (so many fireflies and hummingbirds). The staff was lovely and very helpful and so so nice. The rooms were honestly great, it's not extremely fancy but we didn't want that. The shower was great and spacious, the bed was comfy, and the sound of rain at night was like a giant white noise machine. I would definitely stay here again if we didn't want to explore the rest of the country! Perfect location for hiking and exploring the Arenal area.
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â I wouldn't recommend driving around lake arenal's winding roads at night, it is pitch black.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
One of the highlights of your stay at Nepenthe B&B is undoubtedly the delicious breakfast served each morning. With fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a variety of dishes to choose from, it's the perfect way to start your day before heading out to explore the wonders of La Fortuna and its surrounding areas. The staff is friendly and attentive, always ready to help you with any needs or queries you may have. Whether you're looking for recommendations on nearby attractions or arranging transportation, they go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay for every guest.
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
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Location
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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:Â We had a room at the very top and it had amazing views
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nepenthe was beautiful! The views are just beyond explanation, you have to see it to know! The staff are so friendly and so helpful I was going to walk down to the shop and the one took me down on the quad, so kind.
I had a massage here, firstly the therapist is a amazing man so kind and friendly. But his skills for a massage where beyond amazing, one one the best massages I have had around the world and I get a lot of massages! If you go here you have to book a massage he is the best, and actually very cheap!!
The only thing that I found annoying about this hotel was the hot water I honestly had to turn the shower on 10 minutes before I wanted to shower and leave it running because the hot water was just not coming through. Such a waste of water. I hope this gets sorted but other than that what a amazing place amazing staff and amazing views!
Thank you so much! Pura vida
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
First, forget the old reviews. The owners have updated things. Hot water works, there is wifi, etc. Yes, the drive is up a rural road in a third world country, but what did you expect? Florida? It's completely driveable. Second, there is a decent chance you will not want to leave when you see the views and how peaceful this place is. Unit 7 is magical. Third, you might get a chance to meet the charming owners who are happy to engage you in conversation and tell more stories than you find on the menu. Last, the restaurant is fine. The drinks are cheap and large - just like the portions. We will be returning!
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Date of stay: March 2023
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Extraordinary, spacious, comfortable, breathtaking view, and the Phoenix restaurant next door is exceptional! There are more toucans to see in the trees around than in the park. 10/10. Please note, you need a 4x4 SUV to access it.
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, we had 4WD Rav 4. The road is unpaved, windy, bumpy and narrow and the owners actually mentioned in their e-mail to us that it is the best choice of vehicle to get there. If you are planning to drive from there to Monteverde and beyond, it is a must. The roads are brutal! Worth it though, and it's all part of the adventure.
I believe there is a small safe but can't swear to it. We had no problems with theft and don't think there is any such problem there. I have a habit of leaving a couple of dollars on my pillow for the maid and it wasn't taken untill I told the manager it was a tip and ok.
There are more places to choose from in the El Castillo area.
PRICE RANGE
₹7,850 - ₹12,335 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of AlajuelaArenal Volcano National ParkEl Castillo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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