Arenal Kioro

Review: 2006

We arrived around 7pm and the staff was very pleasant helping us check in.  The girl who showed us to our room was new and had a lot of trouble opening the door.  I actually saw another room that was having trouble with their door as well so I think this is something they should probably fix.  They can be difficult to open.  The rooms are very spacious and very well done.  The furniture is not extremely high quality but still looks very nice.   The ceilings are very high and the wall facing the volcano is all glass offering amazing views.  This hotel is extremely close to the volcano, much closer than Montana de Fuego or Arenal Paraiso for example.  At night we could see the lava flows and hear the volcano rumbling.  There is a jacuzzi tub in each room which can fit 4 max, but is better suited to 2.  The only problem with this is that water spills all over the floor and it's hard to use the jacuzzi without making the room all wet.  However, we called the hotel at 10pm and told them our floor was all wet.  When we returned later that night the room had been completely cleaned.   The bathroom is split into 2 areas; 1 area with 2 sinks and a toilet (a separate room with a door) and another "cove" with the shower.  If you're sitting in the jacuzzi you can see the person showering, which I found a bit strange.

Breakfast is included.  It is not a buffet.  It consists of orange juice, coffee, a fresh fruit plate, and choice of either "tico" breakfast (gallo pinto, eggs, and tortillas), omelet (with tortillas), or "american" (eggs, bacon, and tortillas).  I asked if I could substitute the tortillas in my "american" style breakfast and thankfully, I was able to get toast instead. The breakfast was good, not great.

The pool area is very nice and offers great views of the volcano.  The lobby is very well done and so is the restaurant.  Prices for lunch and dinner were American prices.

There are a few buildings under construction; more rooms and then 2 other buildings.  This was not disturbing, however.  The grounds are nice but not flawless.  There is a stone courtyard and walkways but there are weeds coming through the stones which was not attractive.

I have not stayed at any other hotels in Arenal as this was the first time I have been there so I can't really compare to other hotels in the area. However, this hotel is not rustic by any means.  The rooms are very well done and very comfortable and you can't beat the views.  I am very picky so obviously I felt there were some areas that they could improve on but overall, I really enjoyed it.