90% of the time in Arenal you cannot see the Arenal Volcano as it is covered by clouds, however at night is always the best time to view the 3rd most active volcano in the world.  On average you can hear the volcano erupting every 48 minutes and at night you can see the volcano glowing as lava flows down it sides.  Having stayed at the majority of luxury hotels in Arenal, la Mansion Arenal still holds the crown for the most authentic and natural stay in the Arenal area.The hotel is situated close to Nuevo Arenal (New Arenal) which is called this due to the Viejo Arenal (old Arenal) being under the man made lake Arenal.  It is situated on the shores of the lake and boasts 16 beautiful private cottages all with their very own private tropical gardens and views over the lake and hills of Guanacaste.  The hotel is privately owned by the Ponteur family who originate from Belgium, however have been in Costa Rica for over 25 years.

There are no other hotels surrounding the hotel so if you are quiet the only things you can hear in the Costa Rican Wildlife.  Since the boom in constructing hotels in Arenal, it seems that the wealth of people invading the area is pushing the wildlife further out.  However they are more than welcome at La Mansion Arenal and can join the owls, toucans, horses, frogs and many other animals and insects that also stay at La Mansion Arenal.  Some people complain about the remoteness, however they are only 30 minutes from Arenal and if you are not here to relax and enjoy the nature the what are you in Costa Rica for??

The food at the hotel is fabulous and a typical meal would be a starter of Soup or Salad followed by Duck/Chicken/Sea Bass or Angus steak and topped off with some homemade apple pie!!  The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed with people playing pool or drinking a cold ‘Imperial’ at the bar.

Currently the hotel has a special for the green season that if you stay 3 nights the 4th is free or stay 8 and pay only 6.  This hotel is truly magical and the reviews written in their comments book will support this.  If you want somewhere quiet and enchanting to escape to be sure to visit la Mansion Arenal.