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Chateau Arenal

3.0 star property
Hotel with free breakfast, 6-minute walk to Lake Arenal

Choose dates to view prices

Chateau Arenal, amid the stunning Lake Arenal, offers a continental breakfast, a relaxing spa tub, and laundry facilities. Nearby, Costa Rica Sky Adventures awaits. The hotel also features an outdoor entertainment area for families and adventure seekers.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Laundry

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Basic Double Room

Basic Double Room | Minibar, individually decorated, blackout drapes, free WiFi

Basic Double Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | Minibar, individually decorated, blackout drapes, free WiFi

Family Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Free extra futon mattress
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | Minibar, individually decorated, blackout drapes, free WiFi

Family Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Free extra futon mattress
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for Room

Room | Minibar, individually decorated, blackout drapes, free WiFi

Room

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Minibar
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

About the neighborhood

Map
El Castillo, Peñas Blancas, Alajuela, 20213

What's nearby

  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures - 8 min drive - 2.8 miles
  • Tabacon Hot Springs - 21 min drive - 8.2 miles
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 21 min drive - 8.4 miles
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 27 min drive - 10.4 miles
  • La Fortuna Waterfall - 42 min drive - 18.3 miles

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shangri-La Gardens - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Tucanes - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Soda La Palma - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Roca di Baldi Sports Bar - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante El Jilguero - ‬15 min drive

About this property

Chateau Arenal

Hotel located near Lake Arenal with rooms renovated in 2024
Located close to Costa Rica Sky Adventures, Chateau Arenal provides free continental breakfast, a coffee shop/cafe, and a garden. Active travelers can enjoy ecotours at this hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as laundry facilities and an outdoor entertainment area.
Additional perks include:
  • An outdoor pool and a children's pool, along with sun loungers and pool umbrellas
  • Free self parking
  • Concierge services, tour/ticket assistance, and a nature reserve
  • Multilingual staff and outdoor furniture
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms are individually decorated, and boast comforts such as air conditioning, as well as thoughtful touches like free WiFi and minibars.
More amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and hair dryers
  • Coffee/tea makers and daily housekeeping

Similar properties

Breakfast, lunch served; local and international cuisine, garden views

Hotel Arenal Lodge

  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Spa
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 1,001 reviews
Hotel Arenal Lodge

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

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

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Children's pool
  • Ecotours
  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Children's pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas

Spa

  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Hot stone massages
  • Sports massages
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 2 floors
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Renovated guestrooms - June 2024

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Minibar

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Individual decor

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:30 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 3.5 percent 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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Christmas Eve (December 24) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 65
  • Christmas Eve (December 24) Gala Dinner per child: USD 30 (from 6 to 12 years old)

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 3.5 percent

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments, and cash
Mobile payment options include: Apple Pay
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a security system

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Pool access available from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation

Property is also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

Does Chateau Arenal have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool and a children's pool. Pool access is from 8:00 AM–9:00 PM.

Is Chateau Arenal pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at Chateau Arenal?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Chateau Arenal?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:30 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Chateau Arenal?

Check-out is at noon.

Where is Chateau Arenal located?

Situated in a national park, this hotel is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Lake Arenal and 2.6 mi (4.1 km) from Costa Rica Sky Adventures. Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs are also within 9 mi (15 km).

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Chateau Arenal Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 37 out of 75 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 27 out of 75 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 75 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 75 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 75 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Janet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Breakfast was healthy and good
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really enjoyed our stay here. The staff were kind and helpful. Location is lovely, and rooms are super clean. Would absolutely stay here again if we return.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The staff were awesome as well as the views. The pool was nice too. Water was cold, and the toilet seat was broken.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erika

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful stay with views

Beautiful little cabins with views overlooking the volcano. Restaurant was great. All the staff was friendly and our receptionist Dylan was amazing, very helpful and made our stay there, thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Jie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
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.

6/10 Okay

Ludger

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The room was very basic. 2 beds no chairs small bathroom without shelves However with great view of the Vulcano and proximity to the national park trails Infinity swimming pool and hot tub Excellent dinner choice with red snapper and great sides. Very friendly staff
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved this little chateau. It needs updating but it has great views is quiet and very good food. The wait staff is awesome
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

6/10 Okay

James

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great value,unique property on a narrow ridge above the entrance to El Castillo. Awesome views of Volcan Arenal, a bit of the lake, and of the surrounding hills. Great free breakfasts, friendly staff. New owners took over 1-1-2023, changed the name from "El Castillo Arenal" to "Chateau Arenal", and they're making many renovations. For the price, this is one of the best places we've ever stayed. Can be very windy (it is on an exposed ridgetop), but otherwise quiet.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Rita

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

2/10 Terrible

Mark

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

2/10 Terrible

Ravi

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!

10/10 Excellent

Ada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Traveling to Costa Rica was a wonderful experience and the Chateau Hotel is located in a very nice place. The staff was magnificent.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Serban

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
PROS : good for the value, clean, VERY friendly, pleasant, a gorgeous restaurant terrace with a superb view. CONS : Rooms & bathroom are outdated, they need a lot of love. OVERALLL : Think more of a cabin lodge than a 'Chateau'. Cheapest in the area, so it is good for the value.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stefanie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I would definately recommend this location. Great service and staff!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

RANDY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice hotel with good breakfast. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Nice pool and jacuzzi. Quiet, neighborhood area with views of the lake, volcano and mountains. We went for a walk and it's very close to the Butterfly Conservatory and a local restaurant. About a 30 min drive from the La Fortuna town center.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

BRYAN K

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My. Family and I stayed here a week. The staff was very friendly and we enjoyed the quiet atmosphere and excellent small hotel. The view was beautiful and they staff was very friendly and always greeted us with a friendly smile and always went above to make our visit pleasant. If you would like to experience small local Costa Rica I highly recommend this small quiet friendly clean hotel.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed the Chateau Arenal very much. If I could add a 1/2 star I would do so. It has a beautiful view, the pool and hot tub are lovely, the food is good and interesting, the drinks are delicious and the people are all amazingly friendly, helpful and kind. My only slightly negative comment is the remote location. While we enjoyed ourselves and loved the view, it was quite a drive to get anywhere.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous location!! Delicious food 👍
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Justin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location with relaxing pool and great views of the lake and volcano. Staff was very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elijah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great low-key place to stay in La Fortuna. Amazing view of Volcan Arenal. Zero complaints. Highly recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Eugene

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dogs barking, every night,... motorcycles and 4 wheel ATV's running up and down road in front of hotel.... until late at night....and very early every morning...staff friendly and helpful... would not go back because of the noise.....and lack of sleep...
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Erica

Liked: Staff & service

Great breakfast and staff

We enjoyed our stay. The staff were very nice and helpful. Gave suggestions on where to go. The room is small with no tv. The bathroom is shower only and no counter space. There is a very tiny sink. It was raining the whole time we were there, but if not it would have been a great view of the volcano. Most rooms had 1-2 hammock chairs in the back. The breakfast was great and loved the coffee. The sound of the river was very soothing. The pool was nice with beautiful view and hot tub too.
Typical breakfast
Pool view
Pool
Our room. Had a hammock chair in the back.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Marie-Josee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Il manque dans les bungalows de commodité. Crochets, tablettes et autres pour déposer nos choses. La vue est très belle. Pas de coffre fort. Le personnel est très aimable. Pas de lumières pour se rendre dans les bungalows.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

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