We spent 2 weeks in Costa Rica and the 5 nights at Arenal Manoa was by far our favorite part. We loved visiting all of the natural attractions La Fortuna has to offer. The hotel has wonderful views, comfortable rooms, and plenty to do on property. The lush foliage and wildlife all around was spectacular. The staff is friendly and accommodating. They helped our family of 4 (including kids age 7&10) book excursions that we thoroughly enjoyed. We were able to do La Fortuna waterfall on our own, and highly recommend the safari float and hanging bridges tours. Perfect for families! We went early in the mornings and had plenty of time to enjoy the 2 pools in the afternoons/evenings. Our kids loved ordering sodas and dinner at the swim up bar, and the thermal pool was the highlight of our evenings. We felt very safe and most staff spoke English, which was very helpful for our family! HIGHLY Recommend a stay at this beautiful resort.

While on excursions & at the property we saw toucans, iguana, other lizards, humming birds, king fishers, toucans, many other birds, crocodile, snakes, spiders, sloths, howler monkeys, bats, koti and more I’m probably forgetting. Amazing biodiversity!

Tips: You need closed toed shoes for some excursions. The drive from San Jose is treacherous, especially if you are not experienced on mountain roads (buses seem expensive, but worth it!) Rental cars cost more than listed when you factor in all of the extra insurance you need, do your research. My husband did not enjoy driving in Costa Rica. You can pay in USD most anywhere, bring smaller bills for tipping (definitely tip your tour guides, they are amazing!). We thought we might need jackets bc of posted temps at night, but humidity keeps it feeling warm, no need to overpack. Kids wanted rain ponchos for some hikes, but parents did not need them as it just made us feel sweaty. We went to Jaco Beach after our stay here (not family friendly and not good swimming beaches) again, do your research. We loved Playa Blanca nearby though.

We just came back from our stay here (3 nights).
PROS:
-Grounds are beautiful and so is the view from the thermal pool and restaurant.
-Thermal pool is perfect after a long day of activities or even when it's raining because it feels like warm bather water.
-The food at the restaurant was overall really good, just don't recommend the hummus!
-Happy hour at the pool is 2 for 1 drinks which are obviously not strong so I'd just get one drink but make it a double.
-Room and bathroom is spacious.
-The front desk is quick to respond to What's app messages.

CONS:
-Despite the rooms being big, there was no storage space! For a family of 4, that was a problem. There was a closet but no dresser! Also, there was hardly an storage space in the bathroom for our toiletries. Therefore, we were basically living out of our suitcases the entire time. They also need to add more bars to hang up wet clothes, which leads me to my next area...
-Why aren't there any washers/dryers on the property?? There is only expensive laundry service available. We came during rainy season and it is difficult to dry your clothes in humid, damp weather. If you stay here, make sure you have an outfit for every day because your clothes will not dry.
-Most of the staff is friendly, (shout out to Tatiana & William) but I found that some of the staff were a little on the serious side. Also, didn't see enough female employees.
-They don't provide a shuttle to town. The cost of a taxi is $12.
-There is no area for families to gather after dinner, for e.g. to play games or talk. There should be some lounge areas.
-Wifi is very weak.

We spent 2 nights on this property. The staff is excellent! Property is very large, shuttles are offered and wait times are short. The grounds are so well done. Lots of incredible plants and flowers. Rooms feel private and secluded. Complimentary breakfast was much appreciated, and selection is very good. 2 pools. 1 is hot springs fed. We soaked here after a long hike at Rio Celeste and it helped. The second is near the restaurant. The oven baked pizza here is delicious. We also found a partially hidden grotto pool with warm water and we had it to ourselves. Wonderful addition. When time to check out I called for shuttle and when we arrived at front desk they had all of our charges laid out and ready. That is great service!