Independent in Rio Celeste

"Very nice resort. Great views - you're one on one with nature there. The private villas are the way to go. Great staff, too. They also have their own private nature trail to investigate as well. Even though there was construction going on directly behind our villa it didn't impact our 3 night stay at all. I commend them for that. The villa was very clean, the glass shower to the outdoors is very cool. Some bugs were able to make their way in but nothing unreasonable. CR construction standards can't be compared to the US but it was acceptable. You're on the side of a mountain so be prepared for some steps to get to your room. If you need rooms to be "accessible" then CR probably isn't for you. You're either going up or down to get anywhere. The convenience of being next to the Mistico Hanging Bridges was nice - one less destination to have to drive to. The included morning buffet at the Lost Iguana was fantastic. Yeah, it's a short drive away but worth it. Each day they had some variation in their breakfast offerings. The staff there was great - shout out to David! I don't know if I'd go back but if I did I know I wouldn't be disappointed."

"The view from the room was absolutely stunning and definitely the highlight of our stay. The room itself was clean and spacious, which worked perfectly for me and my husband. However, there were a few downsides. The room felt a bit dark and outdated, and unfortunately, the bed was not comfortable for my liking. The pillows were also extremely large, which made it difficult for me to sleep. I asked the attendant if there were thinner options available, but I was told there weren’t any, and the response felt dismissive and lacking in care. Breakfast was just okay—nothing particularly memorable. Additionally, the drive up to the hotel was quite intense and challenging, which is something to keep in mind when planning your visit. Overall, while the view and room size were great, the lack of comfort and service made the experience less enjoyable than it could have been."

"Great breakfast and dinner. Had hot issues and they moved us to an upgrade bubgalow which then had air conditioning issues. They offered to move us again to correct situation which was appreciated."

"hermosas habitaciones y jardines, excelente comida!"

"The farm was so charming—including the goats and pigs! It felt secluded, safe, and had an excellent view of the farm and lake. The staff were sweet and attentive and the food was amazingly tasty."

"This is a wonderful location near the national park. If you are wanting to hike the waterfall trail in the national park, it is only about a 5-10 minute drive from this hotel. The hotel is unique in its design and location. It is nestled into the natural surroundings, and the grounds are lovely. There is a further hike across the road on some grounds owned by the hotel, and it is a nice little introduction to the rainforest. There are multiple bird species in the garden. The hotel has wide floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the valley, and you can birdwatch from the main dining area. The food here is excellent as well. There is homemade bread with fruit/eggs/porridge in the mornings. The coffee is also plentiful and good. Some may find that these rooms need "updating" to modern decor, and that may be true. But, I found the rooms to be clean and well-maintained. The aesthetic of this hotel is unique, and I appreciate this more than any standard boring aesthetic from contemporary hotels that all look the same. The owner has clearly put thought into the decor, and it reflects the unique personality of this hotel. I would definitely stay here again. This are remains relatively undeveloped, and it is a good getaway from more touristy areas of Costa Rica."

"My Family has the pleasure of staying in this home for a week and we wish it was much longer. Patrick is an exceptional host. From pre vacation communication and questions, to setting up our airport transfer, drivers for the week, excursions He is nothing but accommodating. I wouldn’t hesitate to encourage any Friend or Family member to stay here. Patrick and his Team made us feel so comfortable and the breakfast was incredible. The house is very comfortable and to echo other reviews the pool house, grounds, amenities, and the views from the terrace didn’t dissapoint. Travel trip for those who make not be too familiar. WhatsApp and Zelle are both utilized heavily - set both up before you go!This is the perfect spot to setup base to explore the Lake Arenal area!!We will be back!"

"Gerardina y Rose con su amabilidad le dan calor al lugar. Por el precio acordado obtuvimos un buen lugar, tranquilo, con lo necesario. Muy cerca del Parque. El desayuno y el almuerzo muy buenos. Nuestro único inconveniente, (que al final no está en sus manos), fue mala conexión al WiFi. Por lo demás, sin duda regresaremos."

"One of the best places we have stayed."