What People are saying
creepy
dgg217 on 31/07/2014 18:22
Our point of view: budget travelers who need two things: cleanliness and security. We actually camped in their front yard, which was great of them to permit, but an iffy decision on our part in the rainy season. It was $10 per night for two people in one tent, not sure what the prices of the rooms are. Right off the bat, we don't recommend this place, but we'll break it down piece by piece. First, the positive: good price, everyone treated us quite nicely. It had a nice homey vibe and we had access to anything we wanted (ex: the kitchen). The animals and kids are plentiful and very friendly, and yes, the place is physically safe. But there's no denying it, this was a very weird situation. The biggest turnoff was the near-constant presence of the neighbor, who was perfectly nice, but whose rather visible problems with substance abuse had us on edge. There's no shortage of drinking and smoking at any hour, and if you're looking for a drug free environment, this isn't it. Of course it's not a requirement that the staff of a hostel be your best friends, or that partying be prohibited, but there was something very uncomfortable about the way-too-close mix of young children in their home and the nonstop party vibe. After that, the biggest problem is cleanliness. The shared bathroom to which we had access was not sanitary. In general, its cleanliness did not seem like a priority to anyone. Right in the front they have the vegetarian café, which with the house-y feel could seriously be the cutest place ever; if it were better advertised it would make more money than the lodging. But the lack of a constant flow of customers means that the family clutter and perpetual stickiness from partying makes you forget it's actually a restaurant. It's too bad, really, because the whole place could be great.
Service,Location, Food, and Room were all Great
Tom r on 09/11/2012 15:11
When we arrived, we were tired from the road, but soon had a fresh pineapple Juice in our hands, and relaxed before we headed to the nearby Baldi Hot springs. All the Food we Had was all Vegan per our request. The owners Barry, and Silvia gave us whatever we whated, no extra charges. The room had a great view, It was a Great, Thanks, Tom and Susan
A great little place with healthy food and drinks
David B on 19/10/2012 20:15
This is a cool little place a few blocks off the main street right in town. The owners are Barry and sylvia and I want them to know what a great service they provide. I avoid the big hotels when I travel they don't do it for me, instead I felt like a guest of the family. Nothing extravagant here just friendly people, a nice room and good food which is vegetarian, made in their own cafe. My personal favorite was a veggie/tofu stir fry that Barry does, its quite good. All the food is included in the price so you don't have to be shy. They will make anything you want if they have it. Being in town made it easy to get places. We went to the hot springs of course and took a river tour. Highlight for me was being out on Lake Arenal at the base of the volcano. What a sight!
David B
A great place to go if you are in Costa Rica
Dave k on 12/10/2012 15:23
This place was the most unique stop on our vacation in Costa Rica. The owners, their Family, and ther friendly cats kept us entertained during our three days in La Fortuna. The room was nice, but the bed was outstanding. The hotel and coffee shop were very clean, the coffee and the Food was excelent and made to our likings. It is hard to travel being a vegetarian, so I highly recomend their place. Thanks, Dave and Karen
Very cool and affordable place
Scott W on 20/04/2012 15:01
While I was exploring Costa Rica recently, I landed in a town called La Fortuna and discovered a place called Cabinas Arsol. The owners Barry and Silvia are very personable and helpful. The food, coffee, and overall atmosphere is excellent. Awesome place and awesome people.