Homestays w: Alajuela, Costa Rica

My family and I arrived at Casa Del Rio on November 26.  We spent 2 nights here.  We are a party of 6 and booked three rooms under two separate reservations.  My reservation was through Trip.com and confirmed on Nov 19.   This boutique hotel sprawls across a large, beautifully maintained property. The individual cabana-type rooms are spread out across the property.  So, when I booked my reservation, I requested that my room be as close as possible to my family’s two rooms. I also messaged the property on WhatsApp and requested that my room be adjacent to, or as close as possible to, my family’s rooms. On Nov 20, I received a message: «If the rooms are the same category, we can try to accommodate you. I replied, «Yes, all three rooms are the same category (a king bed and twin)». I also received an email from the hotel (hotelboutiqueca.4rr68r2bkw630rt@service.trip.com) and sent the same request for our three rooms to be adjacent to each other.  When we arrived, two rooms on the same reservation were adjacent to each other, but my room was far away in a completely different location. I asked for assistance to modify this, and the receptionist told me «not possible ».  She asked to see the emails to confirm that  I had sent requests, but she did not attempt to assist.  She could have asked for assistance by checking with her superior, but she did nothing.  This was poor service. The refusal to make any effort to assist was blatant and hugely disappointing. The evenings were pouring rain, and we hoped to gather as a family, but we didn’t because we were located so far apart.  Aside from this one issue, the boutique hotel is lovely. The rooms are huge and spacious, tastefully decorated with a light color palette, and feature extremely comfortable beds with very nice bedding (making for a fantastic night’s rest after an active hiking day in Fortuna). The rooms had a spacious bathroom with a large walk-in shower, a large-screen television, a good-sized closet, a safe, and an attached balcony.  The entire room was immaculately clean.   The entire Boutique Hotel is beautifully maintained and feels very secure (gates and a large wall surround the property).  However, I didn’t see a security guard at night.  The property needs a little more lighting on its walking paths for those walking to the pool, spa, or restaurant, or meeting family/friends after 6pm (it’s very dark). The pool was enjoyed by our 13, 17, and 18-year-olds.  The other three adults enjoyed massages at the hotel spa (at least I did - Michelle was great. Be sure to request a therapeutic, gentle massage).   The breakfast (included with the room) was absolutely delicious and very filling. We opted for the local-style breakfast (3 options: American, breakfast sandwich, or local). We were served fresh juice & fruit, warm/freshly baked pastries, a delicious main course (eggs, rice and beans, sausage, plantain, etc.), followed by coffee and tea.  Everything was scrumptious.  The restaurant had a lovely ambiance, was impeccably clean, and offered gracious, kind, and attentive service.  It would be nice if this property included access to a washer and dryer because, in the rainforest, clothing becomes damp… it would be lovely to be able to clean or at least dry some clothing quickly.  Undeniably, this is a relaxing, extremely comfortable, immaculately clean, safe, and beautiful Boutique hotel. It doesn’t have direct access to hot springs (a must-do in Fortuna), but this hotel offers lovely, high-quality accommodations. It’s suitable for families and groups  (if/when they accommodate adjacent rooms) and honeymooners.   If you have a special request, then call ahead and speak with someone on the property and confirm before you arrive. With the exception of the first staff member I encountered on the property, every other member of the hotel staff was welcoming, kind, gracious, and very helpful.

Nice hotel with friendly staff. Early checkin (30min) was possible and they stowed our luggage before. The Junior Suite was directly to the street, you hear noise all the night (also with closed windows). No flyscreen against Moskito. Fire place has no glass window. Hiking trails on the area. Nice big shower, small kitchen just with coffee maker and fridge. Some plates and cutlery would be nice, but we got it in the restaurant. Second bed very soft, pillows hard and soft to choose - good. You can choose breakfast from the menu. We can recommend it.

Nice hotel to stay in La Fortuna per reasonable price. The room we hosted was a bit small but it doesn’t matter as this to sleep only. There is quite spacious terrace with the table like “bar counter”. Breakfast is typical costarricense and preparing quite quickly. There is several grocery shops around (including MegaSuper) as well as a lot of points to eat. Enjoyed staying in the hotel.

This house is so strategically located, less than 10mins to the airport...Hernandez is so helpful, assisted me with the laundry and offered pick up n drop off service to the airport for just 5 USD. Breakfast is self service with fresh fruit and milk etc. Definitely gonna stay here again when I come back to Costa Rica next time!

The Lodge was so amazing and the staff was so friendly. Includes a free breakfast that is fantastic, a clean room, and is located right in La Fortuna but away from the most touristy areas.

Very convenient location for travelers using SJO airport w/ shuttle service. Nice restaurant on the property with complementary breakfast. Super friendly staff.

Nos encantó tanto por la ubicación a los pies del volcán Arenal ,,sus vistas,,,y por sus servicios su gente y la comodidad del hotel !! VOLVERÍAMOS !! Hay animales ,,caminatas ,,cascadas ,algún puente colgante un observatorio para subir tipo mirador !! No nos hubiéramos ido. !! La comida y el desayuno excelente !! Allí vimos también la rana de colores tan famosa en Costa Rica !!

Peace Lodge is just like a wonderland.  It's amazing.  The restaurants are great.  Happy stay!

I think we had the oldest family house, lacked a little cleanliness... The garden is really amazing, it was a birds slope Negative point on the cleanliness of the house and its terrace Beautiful view of the sand volcano when it is discovered Ps: Their toilet paper is abrasive paper 🤣