Rancho Margot
3km beyond El Castillo La Fortuna de San Carlos, El Castillo, Arenal Volcano National Park 05274 Costa Rica
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#1 of 11 in El Castillo
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ALL RESERVATIONS AT RANCHO MARGOT INCLUDE DAILY BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER FROM OUR CHEMICAL-FREE GARDENS. ADDITIONALLY, 2-HOUR GUIDED RANCH TOUR AND TWICE DAILY YOGA CLASSES ARE INCLUDED WITH EVERY OVERNIGHT STAY.On the hills of Rancho Margot, you will find our 17 deluxe bungalows. The Caño Negro river whisper will guide you to the most peaceful rest possible, only to wake up the next day with the loud call of the howler monkeys. Hidden in our botanical gardens are bungalows, equipped to house couples or families of up to 4 people. Each bungalow has its own terrace on which you may enjoy the incredible view while relaxing on your hammock with a great book. Bungalows feature Orthopedic mattresses and are available with two queen beds or one queen bed and two singles. Additional amenities include mosquito netting, rocking chair, table & chairs, and handmade soaps. Each bungalow is equipped with a private bathroom with shower.Our vision is to protect our sustainable rainforest facility but also to make it an educational playground for adults and children alike, where we can inspire a new generation of global citizens to continue ‘closing the circle.’Rancho Margot is a family enterprise where everyone is welcome. We’re living our dream, and we invite you to join us.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Yoga classes
Free breakfast
Hiking
Horseback riding
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Public wifi
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Special diet menus
Shuttle bus service
Massage
Baggage storage
Gift shop
Sun terrace
Laundry service
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Safe
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Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
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HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish, German
Location
Full view
Contact
3km beyond El Castillo La Fortuna de San Carlos, El Castillo, Arenal Volcano National Park 05274 Costa Rica
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The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly To start we chose Rancho Margot because of their substantial farm, their social media pages, and website description. The ride to Rancho Margot from La Fortuna was a bumpy one. The reception area is very small and outdated. There is no drinking water in the reception area but there is a plastic pipe coming from the ground marked drinking water. The woman at reception told us the golf cart to our bungalow was not working and that the part they needed from the United States was too expensive so she would send someone to help with the luggage. We are a family of five so we had six pieces of luggage that we had to pull up the mountain walk to our bungalow. This trek is about 250 yards and took about ten minutes with all of us lugging a suitcase up a long, rocky, uphill path. Two suitcases wheels broke. It was not an easy trek. The room is not what we had expected. There was a cockroach greeting us upon our arrival that we had to chase and kill. There were screens in the windows to allow air flow but of course when you are in the jungle bugs do still find ways in. We had a queen bed, a twin, and a bunk bed. There is really no room to put your clothes away, even if you were just one person, you have to expect to live out of your suitcase. The bathroom is tiny and the water for the shower gets cold pretty quickly. There is a definite sewage aroma in the bathroom. The hotel provides you with two bars of handmade soap that are made on the premises that we later learned are recycled after use to Other than towels, that is all that is provided so be sure to pack enough toiletries. From there we headed down to dinner. Dinner is buffet style as are all the meals provided at Rancho Margot. It wasn’t a bad meal for being a buffet. There is a separate bar for drinks and the bartender is very nice and makes very good daiquiris. The bathrooms are at the bar and are directly next to the stables. They are not very clean and of course with the stables being right there the smell isn’t the best. We asked the receptionist for mosquito nets for our beds which she had maintenance install. We headed back to the room. The nets were there and worked fine for the bunk beds and the twin but the queen bed was too big to be covered by it. The sheets are rough and had some stains and the mattresses extremely thin and uncomfortable. It was not our best night of sleep. We did the tour the following day and were able to see the entire farm and resort property. The people working there are nice and have good intentions however they have no running a hotel/lodge let alone calling it “luxury” as stated on their booking page. This is very far from luxury. The pool deck has chairs for seven. While we were there we were told the pool is under constuction. There was construction equipment laying around and no working bathrooms by the pool. They have a massage treatment area where anyone that walks by can see you, don’t be fooled by anyone telling you it’s within nature. It’s a standard massage table under a roof where there is no privacy. If you are into camping and a very rough and rugged experience this place might be for you. However, If you are looking for even a basic hotel stay away. I hope this review paints an honest picture of Rancho Margot instead of the deceiving advertising portraying this as a luxury eco lodge , IT IS NOT. This is a self sustainable farm with basic sleeping quarters. The owner has no idea how to build or run a hotel. I know the owner or general manager will respond to this review trying to justify all the negative things I have wrote; just like in past negative reviews. However, this is a non biased transparent review from a family who just wants others to be informed of the reality of Rancho Margot and their amenities.…
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled
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Response from Rancho Margot, General Manager at Rancho Margot
Responded 2 days ago
We are a 3 star, off-grid eco-lodge, and do not represent ourselves on any platform as high luxury. That said, there is no excuse for any guests having to handle their own luggage and we are sorry you had this experience. Even when our golf cart is being repaired, we have our pick-up available to drive luggage up and many willing, strong backs ready and willing to help with your bags on arrival and departure. We have new orthopedic mattresses and sheets throughout the hotel, so these comments are simply confusing. Also your comment about the availability of hot water is not an accurate insight for future guests. Some bungalows are more distant from the hot water source and therefore can take a few minutes to heat up. Most folks who find us appreciate luxuriating in nature, enjoying chemical-free farm to table meals and learning about the abundant, biodiverse valley that is Rancho Margot. After 18 years in business operating and growing this regenerative project, we know that it is not possible guide everyone's experience moment by moment with awareness and appreciation for space.
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What a place! This property is teeming with great energy. From the fresh amazing food to the spaces for groups our yoga retreat couldn’t have been happier. The staff was so friendly, knowledgeable and accommodated our every needs. We loved the ranch tour and horseback riding with aerillio who is hysterical and approachable. Jonathan guided us on a kayaking tour of lake Arenal. Juan and Liz are amazing hosts always checking in and sharing their love of Costa Rica through our stay. I highly recommend RM. cannot wait to go back.
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled
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Response from Rancho Margot, General Manager at Rancho Margot
Responded 2 days ago
Thank you for taking time to share your experience with future travelers! We are looking forward to future visits with you and your wonderful crew. Pura vida!
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I went here with a travel group (Under30Experiences) for 4 nights and everyday I woke up thankful to be there. We stayed in bungalows and each were surrounded with lush greenery making it feel private. Though it reached 80-85 degrees outside the bungalow stayed cool the entire day. At night I even covered with a heavy blanket and I usually sleep with the AC at 68 degrees f at home. I enjoyed the food provided each day. Yes there are bugs that can get into your bungalow but it wasn’t many and I didn’t mind them at all. Our bungalow had screened doors and windows but we were able to sleep with the windows and doors completely shut bc the certain roof they use keeps things cool. I highly recommend this accommodation. Beautiful place! Peep Ginger in my pictures.. one of three well behaved dogs you may get the pleasure of meeting!…
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled
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Response from Rancho Margot, General Manager at Rancho Margot
Responded 2 days ago
Thank you for visiting us and for sharing your experience with future travelers! Pura vida and until next time!
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Well this place is just Majic in the jungle near the Volcano let’s just start off with sustainable living. Fresh everything great people awesome staff. And if you’re lucky enough to have Jaun The owner walk the grounds with you and tell you the behind the scenes story of the sustainable living that is a huge plus.
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled
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Response from Rancho Margot, General Manager at Rancho Margot
Responded 20 Feb 2022
We are SO glad you found us and enjoyed! Come see us again and thank you for sharing your experience with future travelers!
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Don Juan has ventured to develop a self-sustaining environment in the mountains near the Arenal volcano. Nothing goes to waste there. There are beautiful grounds, daily yoga, and very nice accommodations. He has done so much to benefit the area with providing jobs for the local community, establishing a school for children and arranging transportation for older children to continue their education. They have full time staff as well as volunteers. There is a long, very bumpy, rocky and pot-holed road you have to take to get there, but it's worth the ride. You definitely want to meet Don Juan and hear his story and feel his passion for this venture.
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Date of stay: February 2022
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Response from Rancho Margot, General Manager at Rancho Margot
Responded 20 Feb 2022
Thank you for finding your way to the Ranch and for sharing your experience here! We are so glad you enjoyed!!
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What an experience! Forget about the outside world for a while. No need to read the news or check social media. Rancho Margot is an oasis, a tiny slice of paradise in the jungles of Costa Rica. The place has everything you need to pass the day. Most everything is made on site or locally sourced, from the soap in the cabana to the food we ate in the delicious buffets. We took time to swim, to tour the grounds, to play board games with our kids, to ride horses, and so much more. We also learned quite a bit from Juan and his crew about sustainability, invaluable info that we can take home with us to share. I hope my family can return one day.
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Date of stay: December 2021
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We arrived here after a long road from La Fortuna ending in a dirt road to the property. It was raining too and almost dark so first impressions were not so good. However, the welcome and everyone's kindness changed our minds. This is a Sustainable self sufficient hotel and farm where all food comes from the garden and animals. Accommodation is in independent lodges, well equipped and comfortable. A special mention to Melanie who took us on the Farm tour and Night Walk. Knowledgeable, friendly and committed to her work, she was most informative in a friendly way. We experienced nature and naturalist living at it's best during our short stay . Our lodge was quite far from the main building and a climb
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled
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We traveled to Rancho Margot for a Spiritual Retreat and an opportunity to keep it simple! The grounds are so very beautiful and sustainable! The bungalow was so serene and peaceful with the windows open and hearing all of the forest sounds throughout the night and early morning! The food prepared right from their own harvest! Delicious and healthy. A great place to gather with a small group or intergenerational family trip with all the voluntourism programs available. I hope to go back with my Grandsons!
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Date of stay: May 2021
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Room Tip: I absolutely loved the bungalow!
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Response from Rancho Margot, General Manager at Rancho Margot
Responded 20 Feb 2022
We are so happy you enjoyed so and look forward to hosting you and your Grandsons soon!
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We stayed at Rancho Margot as part of a retreat. The space was set up perfectly for our needs. Ranch tour, horseback riding, swimming in natural pools and amazing food that is almost exclusively produced at the ranch. A must if you are looking to retreat from the chaos of the world and reconnect to yourself and nature.
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled
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Rancho Margot is a unique, refreshing off the grid Garden of Eden paradise that lets you immediately relax and connect with nature. Beautifully landscaped, it has the best organic sustainable food system I have ever seen and I spent 40 years in agriculture visiting literally hundreds of farms across the USA. Juan, the owner, is a visionary and at 69 looks to be in his early 50’s with the energy of a 40 year old which tells me there must be something to this healthy lifestyle. The entire operation is run by hydro and solar power with grass fed cattle, free range chickens, honey, and fresh vegetables all produced on the farm. Aurelio gave me a terrific tour pointing out the wide variety of birds and wildlife and walked me through the gardens sampling all kinds of heirloom vegetables.They even offer a 30 day stay if anyone wants to unplug and have a health or life reset. If you are looking for fancy pedicures and big screen TV's this is not for you. However, if you want healthy food, beautiful trails and views and places to relax don’t miss your opportunity to visit Rancho Margot . I could not imagine a better place for a yoga retreat or to unwind from a stressful year of COVID.…
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Date of stay: April 2021
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PRICE RANGE
$194 - $384 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
rancho margot hotel arenal volcano national park
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of AlajuelaArenal Volcano National ParkEl Castillo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
39
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Rancho Margot
Which popular attractions are close to Rancho Margot?
Nearby attractions include Butterfly Conservatory - Arenal (1.1 km), Lake Arenal (7.0 km), and Arenal 1968 Volcano View & Trails (6.6 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Rancho Margot?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Rancho Margot?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Rancho Margot?
Conveniently located restaurants include Essence Arenal Restaurant, La Ventanita, and Phoenix Restaurante.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Rancho Margot?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and yoga classes during their stay.
Does Rancho Margot have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Rancho Margot offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Rancho Margot?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and German.
Does Rancho Margot have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.