Chateau Arenal

3.0 star property
Hotel with outdoor pool, near Lake Arenal

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Chateau Arenal

Minibar, individually decorated, blackout curtains, free WiFi
Restaurant
Minibar, individually decorated, blackout curtains, free WiFi
Terrace/patio
Terrace/patio

Reviews

8.4 out of 10

Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Air conditioning

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurants and bar/lounge
  • Outdoor pool
  • Children's pool
  • Hot tub
  • Coffee shop/cafe
  • Spa services
  • Air conditioning
  • Garden
  • Self-serve laundry
  • Multilingual staff
  • Concierge services

Feel at home (6)

  • Children's pool
  • Private bathroom
  • Garden
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
  • Coffee/tea maker

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

Room

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Minibar
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Family Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Free extra futon mattress
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

Family Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Free extra futon mattress
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

Basic Double Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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About the area

Map
El Castillo, Peñas Blancas, Alajuela, 20213

What's nearby

  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures - 8 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Arenal Volcano - 15 min drive - 8.5 km
  • Tabacon Hot Springs - 18 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 19 min drive - 12.1 km
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 24 min drive - 15.0 km

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 40 min drive
  • San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) - 47.5 miles/76.4 km
  • San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.) - 52.7 miles/84.9 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurante Río Lounge - ‬36 min drive
  • ‪Agua Ardiente Pool Bar - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Fusión Arenal Mirador. - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Soda La Palma - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Las Palmas - ‬25 min drive

About this property

Chateau Arenal

Chateau Arenal puts you within a 15-minute drive of Arenal Volcano. Guests indulge in deep-tissue massages, then grab a bite to eat at the coffee shop/cafe. An outdoor pool, a bar/lounge and a hot tub are other features. Fellow travellers say great things about the helpful staff.

Languages

English, Spanish

At a glance

Hotel size

  • 16 rooms
  • Arranged over 2 floors

Arriving/Leaving

  • Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 8:30 PM
  • Minimum check-in age – 18
  • Check-out time is noon

Restrictions related to your trip

  • Check COVID-19 restrictions

Special check-in instructions

  • The property charges 3.5 per cent for credit card payments
  • The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Front desk staffed during limited hours
  • This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Required at check-in

  • Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
  • Government-issued photo ID may be required
  • Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

  • No cots (infant beds)

Pets

  • Pets not allowed
  • Service animals welcome

Internet

  • Free WiFi in public areas
  • Free WiFi in rooms

Parking

  • Free uncovered on-site self-parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking on site

Other information

  • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast each morning 6:30 AM–9:30 AM
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Coffee shop

Travelling with children

  • Children's pool

What to do

  • Ecotours
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Zip-lining nearby
  • Hot springs nearby
  • Marina nearby

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Laundry facilities
  • Multilingual staff
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas

Facilities

  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • An outdoor pool
  • Spa services
  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Step-free path to entrance
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Tile flooring in room

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Minibar
  • Coffee/tea maker

Sleep well

  • Blackout curtains
  • Bed sheets provided

What to enjoy

  • Individually decorated

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower only
  • Soap and shampoo
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper

Stay connected

  • Free WiFi

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Access via exterior corridors

Special features

Spa

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, sports massages and Swedish massages.

Fees & policies

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or checkout. Fees may include applicable taxes:
  • Christmas Eve (24 December) gala dinner per adult: USD 65
  • Christmas Eve (24 December) gala dinner per child: USD 30 (from 6 to 12 years old)

Optional extras

  • Credit card charges are subject to an extra charge of 3.5 per cent

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Pool access available from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation

Policies

This property does not have lifts.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a fire extinguisher and a security system on-site.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments and cash.
Mobile payment options include: Apple Pay.

Also known as

Chateau Arenal Hotel
Chateau Arenal Peñas Blancas
Chateau Arenal Hotel Peñas Blancas

Frequently asked questions

Does Chateau Arenal offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Chateau Arenal does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at Chateau Arenal?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool and a children's pool. Guests have pool access from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Are pets allowed at Chateau Arenal?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
Is parking offered on site at Chateau Arenal?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Chateau Arenal?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 8:30 PM. Check-out time is noon.
What is there to do at Chateau Arenal and nearby?
Have fun with nearby activities such as boat tours, fishing and hiking. Additional recreation on-site includes ecotours. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot tub and an invigorating swim in the outdoor pool. Chateau Arenal also has spa services and a picnic area, as well as a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Chateau Arenal?
Yes, there's an on-site restaurant.
What's the area around Chateau Arenal like?
Chateau Arenal is a short 6-minute walk from Lake Arenal and 4 minutes' walk from Butterfly Conservatory.

Chateau Arenal Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

1st Costa Rica visit & 1st Hotel stay - wonderful!
This was our first hotel for our first ever visit to Costa Rica. We absolutely loved the room (#15). We had a spectacular view of the the Arenal Volcano and got to see Tucans & humming birds. We visited Baldi Hot Springs and Mistico Swinging Bridges during our stay, both within about a 25 minute drive from the hotel. The staff was superb in customer service and a filling breakfast each morning. While it is a 3+ hour drive from SJO airport, we were so glad to have stayed here as it set a positive vibe for our trip. We even got to see a Coatimundi while driving in to town the first morning of our visit. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to stay here! TIP: When WAZE shows you at the end, drive about another 500' up the hill, past the Butterfly sign, to the hotel entrance on the right.
Our view of the Arenal volcano from room #15 at Chateau Arenal.
Brian, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

Amazing view . Poor rom.
Normand, 3-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Quaint Hilltop Oasis
Felt like a place off the beaten path. Small and cozy facility with great views of Arenal Volcano and the surrounding hills. The location is walkable to a convenient store, restaurant, and bakery at the bottom of the hill. And a restaurant at the top of the hill. The room is equipped with AC. Towels and bed turnover service was provided daily. The included breakfast was sufficient enough to get my day started. Flavorful enough to eat each of the 3 mornings that I was there. Staff was very cordial and accommodating and helped me arrange rides to sky Adventures and La Fortuna. I even had my laundry done at a great price.
WILLIAM, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

2/10 Poor

We arrived around 9pm on a stormy, rainy night. The propwrty has no outside lighting to tell you where the reception desk is. In any case it was pitch dark, with rain and nobody in sight, could've find our room. Found out that they peft the keys with our friends who had checked in earlier without any agreement from us! Somehow we found the room with our cellphone flashlights and it was horrendous. There was water everywhere on the floor, the bedspread on one of the beds was soaked in water. Toilet paper roll in bathroom was on its last breath. We called property number, texted byt no response and no one to help us. We weren't expecting luxurious stay, but this was below a basic hotel stay. Ants ran rampant in the room. When we informed the front desk in the morning, they simply shrugged and said you booked through expedia, you talk to them. We cancelled further nights at the hotel and found another hotel. It is in a remote location, sub par standard and cheap lodgings. Front desk closes early at night and management clearly doesn't care. By the way they never refunded us for the nights we canceled. Beware!
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Everything was great! Food was world class! The only thing that could have been better was the bad smell coming from the bathroom, something to consider/remodel!!
Mario, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Chateau Arenal is a great little strip of modest bungalows allowing a view of the volcano and the main strip of El Castillo below. These aren't luxury accommodations, but the staff are attentive, friendly and kind (like seemingly everyone in Costa Rica). Breakfast was tasty and if the materials are available, they'll cook anything for you. We especially enjoyed being able to walk down through El Castillo to tiendas and "sodas" to feel the town. You're on a slope, so expect to burn some calories. One of the most annoying things is the whine of noisy motorcycles in the area, but that's simply Costa Rica. Parts of the hotel are closer to the road than others. Expect occasional windy conditions, because the hotel is on a ridge. We generally felt secure, but you'll have to choose between closing your window at night and running the AC or leaving it open. The bathroom was dark, making things like putting in contact lenses challenging. We recommend walking up and down the hill and trying different eateries. We especially enjoyed a day at the Arenal Observatory Lodge and Trails (only 18 minutes away). Well worth the $18 per person (at the time of this review). Special thanks to Richard, Sophia and Julia. Great people!!!
James, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

helene, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Well run property and staff was very helpful
Gregory, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Staff was friendly, typical breakfast included (tasty), lake and volcano view, soothing to hear the rain on the roof. Our room didn't have but fan was enough. They can do your laundry if needed, wifi was good as well
Yoseline, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

6/10 Good

No air conditioner
Ronen, 1-night romance trip
Verified Orbitz guest review

2/10 Poor

Pass on this place if you want to be able to sleep
Stay in town and avoid this place on the outskirts of town. First of all they advertise ac and internet and 2 beds in room and then try and give you a different room with none of the above. The room ultimately given had 2 worn out crap mattresses with sink holes in them. If you stay here be prepared to drive a distance near nothing and also get no sleep due to poor quality accommodations. Don’t bring your valuables because the back sliding door doesn’t lock either. We stayed one miserable night and checked into another hotel in town and was treated to a good nights sleep.
Mark, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

Great location overlooking lake Arenal and Arenal. Beautiful grounds and view. Friendly staff. Very basic room with uncomfortable beds.
Michael, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

2/10 Poor

No hot water. No air conditioning. Staff was very friendly.
Vaibhav, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Facilities are just ok, room is more like a cabin, the surroundings and views are great. There are a few good restaurants in walking distance.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

We enjoyed our stay at the chateau! The views were amazing and the restaurant food was delicious and beautifully presented.
Cheryl, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Awesome views of volcano and mountains from patio and room balcony. Clean and basic room. AC and WiFi works well. Complimentary breakfast was delicious. We stayed 3 nights. Fortuna waterfall, chocolate tour and Mistco suspension bridges were the best attractions. .
KUAN YU, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Lise M, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

6/10 Good

Nice hotel, but we had issues
The rooms were clean but the AC was not working. We informed the front desk but they said they were all booked and did not have another room and would not refund us. They said they'll get someone to fix it the next day but they could not. I mentioned that the parking lot was empty and asked to switch rooms. They then offered a room with a smaller size bed which would not work for us so we had to stick with the room with the broken AC. Wi-Fi is spotty, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Breakfast was good but the included breakfast is the same everyday so if you're staying for multiple days, you might get tired of it. They do offer a wider menu for additional cost. For the three nights we stayed, we enjoyed the breakfast, coffee, and fruit juices. However, the room had breathtaking views. We stayed in a junior suite with private balconies overlooking the volcano. You can hear birds in the morning and the white noise of the river. The location is 30 min from downtown La Fortuna. There is a small convenience store nearby and it's fairly close to certain sites. So the location is unbeatable. Edit: They offered us a room with the large bed and working AC for our last/3rd night. Unfortunately, we were heading out to a scheduled tour when they told us that and we came back with a sleeping toddler so we figured it wasn't worth the hassle for one night. We do appreciate them offering though.
Karen, 3-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

My experience is generally good.
LIN, 2-night trip
Verified Orbitz guest review

6/10 Good

Average hotel with view
Nothing much beside the view and free continental breakfast. Room in front of the volcano, too bad it was hazy and didn’t see much.
James, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Holly, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

The place has a espectacular view of the volcanos from all it rooms and the restaurant if very good.. the people attending are very kind and helpful.
Melody, 2-night business trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

A scenic spot with a view of the volcano . Moved in and we’re instantly welcomed with a double rainbow with Arenal in the background. Incredible. And the food is incredible gourmet meals at a normal meal price . Owner Richard is very friendly and welcoming.
Chris, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Isabel, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Wonderful service, good location
Nice hotel that is away from the chaos of La Fortuna but still close to most of the main attractions of the Arenal area. The hotel is about 10 minutes away from the entrance to Arenal National Park, 25 minutes to Mistico Bridges, and 20 minutes from the Tabacon hot springs area. Has great views of the Lake and Arenal. We stayed in a cabin which had 2 beds, a fridge, and bathroom. There is.no air conditioning, but they had a large fan to help with staying cool. They are in the process of updating the furniture in the rooms. Richard, the owner/manager was super responsive and helpful. The onsite restaurant was good and typical Tico breakfast was included.
Rita, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review