Essence Arenal Boutique Hostel

  Courtney M... 

After a very long trip the employees were warm and welcoming. The scenery are amazing. The walk to the farm was spectacular. The food was delicious and properly worth the cost.

  Customer Review 

I liked the location in the National Park, away from the touristy La Fortuna. Staff, food and rooms are simply incredible and totally worth the money.

  Customer Review 

My girlfriend and I stayed here on our trip following reading about it in Lonely Planet, and we are IN LOVE. The lush mountain top surroundings, the sweet little finca (farm) on the hill above the hostel, the delicious three-course dinners and home-cooked meals. . it was a delight in each way. The people who run the hostel are native English speakers, and from the moment we arrived they made us feel entirely relaxed and at home. Each night, we sat and watched the fireflies frolic above the outdoor pool, whilst Laguna Arenal glittered serenely in the distance.

  Customer Review 

The staff at Essence was wonderful! They were so helpful in helping us organize excursions and in showing us around. They even helped us organize the rest of our trip in Costa Rica. The food is totally phenomenal! It was a exceptional thought having everyone get together to cook. I definitely recommend Essence to anyone who wants a some time away from busy city life.

  Dominic H... 

The location was fantastic with an excellent view of the volcano & surrounding countryside in El Castillo. The employees were extremely friendly & helpful & pointed us inside the direction of some free hot springs & a free waterfall (a bit of a walk away). The idea of getting individuals to help out with the evening (vegetarian) meal is fantastic & helps the travellers get to know each other. Also the costs for anything extra you wanted were quite fair. And finally they had a pool inside the middle of a community area where you could all chill out & relax & their collection/courier service to and from town for $6 is very good value for money.

  Customer Review 

The location was fantastic with an outstanding view of the volcano && surrounding countryside in El Castillo. The staff were extremely warm and friendly && helpful && pointed us in the direction of some free hot springs && a free waterfall (a bit of a walk away). The concept of getting people to help out with the evening (vegetarian) meal is fantastic && helps the visitors become familiar with each other. Also the prices for anything extra you wanted were quite fair. And finally they had a pool encompassed by a community area where you could all relax out && relax && their collection/courier service to and from town for $6 is great value for money.

  Lisa C... 

The view was spectacular with a cute pool overlooking the lake and volcano. The employees was amazing, going above and beyond to help us with details on our trip and offer you trip advice. Also, the food was remarkable to participate in and delicious to eat, my boyfriend didn't even notice until the meal was over that there was no meat, since it was so good.

  Customer Review 

The scenery were incredible, and there are so several amenities it feels like your staying at a resort. the staff is warm and friendly and super helpful. The food is amazing. A really special experience!

  Sarah N... 

The scenery were incredible, and there are so numerous facilities it feels like your staying at a resort. the employees is friendly and super helpful. The food is amazing. A really unique experience!