Ratings based on 34 Verified Reviews
4.4 Room cleanliness
4.7 Service & staff
3.8 Room comfort
4.2 Hotel condition
Expedia Verified Reviews
by A verified traveler
Posted 21 Feb 2024
We had a wonderful time. The grounds are beautiful. We saw monkeys lots of birds and other wildlife right from our window. The staff is incredibly nice and helpful. The restaurant is cute and offers good food at a reasonable price.
We had lots of rain while there and it does creep into the casitas. Our towels never really dried and the bed felt clammy too. So be aware of this and decide if that works for you before booking.
The kitchen is also only sparsely equipped. It would've been nice to have a chopping board and a sharp knife as we did cook a few times. If you like to cook extravagant meals at home this is not your place but we did make pasta, tacos and other simple dishes without any problems.
There is much to explore in the area and it's helpful to have a car, preferably even a 4x4.
Overall, we very much enjoyed our time at Essence and would come back. Bring a raincoat and change of shoes and don't miss the Night Jungle Tour. It was a highlight!
by A verified traveler
Amazing
Posted 15 Feb 2024 on HotelsEssence is a wonderful place to stay…. The property is well thought out for you to enjoy nature and has a variety of accommodation options. The Glamping tents are surrounded by bamboo trees and very peaceful. (Shared bathrooms, but that was no problem for us….expected with Glamping)
They have their own farm and I would recommend taking a walk through it. There are also a number of hiking trails, which makes it feel like you are not only staying at a hotel, but also a nature park.
The staff is always friendly and helpful.
Gabriel is an amazing chef and wonderful person. We enjoyed our stay tremendously and will recommend Essence to friends.
by A verified traveler
Posted 18 Oct 2021
Friendly staff, eco friendly hotel
by A verified traveler
Posted 1 Aug 2021
The most wonderful place to relax, detox, and recharge. The staff is full of genuine love and kindness. Beautiful views and excellent heathy food.
by A verified traveler from Prince George bc
Posted 26 Jan 2020
Rustic. Beautiful views. Staff was amazing. Beds were not so comfortable. Food was great. Right in the jungle so lots of wildlife.
by A verified traveler
Posted 23 Jan 2020 on Hotels
Amazing stay! Beautiful view of Lake Arenal and good vibes
by A verified traveler
Posted 30 Oct 2019
I absolutly loved staying here. It was a great setting, a nice break out of town, with a wonderful view of the volcano. The staff were amazing and extreamly helpful. I loved the daily yoga classes out in nature with amazing teachers. There were lots of walking trails around the property and you could go walk around the farm where they grow a lot of the fruit used in the kitched for vegitarian meals. Also the massages were super relaxing. I will definitely be coming here again!
Comment from Hotel Management
30 Oct 2019 by General Manager, Hotel Management
Thanks a lot for this lovely review! Are yoga and Massage therapies is very happy to ear from your review! Best regards and Pura Vida from Essence Arenal Team
by A verified traveler from Canada
Posted 6 Jan 2019
Amazing view, beautiful property and trails, delicious meals with the lovely Lillian. If you want some time away from the tourism and to be in nature, this is the place! The staff are so helpful and kind, and I highly recommend you get a tour of the area with Lilander in horseback... will blow your mind!
by A verified traveler
Beautiful place to stay
Posted 17 Dec 2018 on HotelsThe rooms are small but nice, service is great and the views are amazing!
by A verified traveler from Tacoma
Family fun time
Posted 24 Jun 2018 on HotelsWe took our three young kids, agreed 6, 8, and 10. Our room was very small, but doable. If the kids were a little older, we would have gotten 2 rooms. The service was fantastic. My kids didn't want to leave. The pool wasn't a pool, but more of a mosquito pond children's pool. The food was fantastic. I'd like to see maybe another light out brighter light brought into the room. It was a bit darker than I prefer..
