Jungle and Beautiful Lake Arenal

*I first wanted to mention that you should get an AWD to get around. *My family of 5 (includes 3 older teenagers) just rented this beautiful "rustic" home for 8 days. It was all the way at the top of a mountain, (hence the mention of a suitable vehicle). The view was absolutely breathtaking. No photos could do it justice - Arenal Volcano is majestic! The house is big and ample - nice kitchen - 3 big rooms and 3 full bathrooms, the infinity pool is a good size and very clean. There is no A/C but we were provided 2 additional portable fans, which my sons took. In my opinion, the weather was perfect this time of year with a constant refreshing breeze. Low 80's during the day and mid 50's at night. Only one of the living room fans worked and we couldn't find the remote for it. The kitchen lighting could have been brighter. The restaurant next door offered "complimentary" breakfast from 7 am to 9 am. It offered about 5 adequate sized and tasty options. The hosts were very available to answer any questions about the property and surrounding area. It's the perfect place to get away and reconnect with your family. They had several books and games to entertain if needed. The kitchen had plates, pots and pans, a big refrigerator- we cooked twice & the hosts provided a standard grill for us when asked. I would have liked to see more glassware such as wine glasses and some water glasses. Perhaps - offer to bring some and then collect them once the guests check out. Loved this house!

The house is rustic and floors creak walking upstairs. The people are very friendly and helpful. The Phoenix Restaurant on the property is very good. All in all, it’s a good place to stay.

My family stayed here for our time in La Fortuna, this place is amazing! The views are incredible, people on staff are awesome and the wildlife is plentiful. It was an adventure gettin up to the house but made the experience even better! Other reviews say that this is not "luxary in the jungle", well it is not but one of the best in the area. That comment had to come from people who are expecting Palm Beach / Hollywood's version of a 5 star hotel. For local lodging this place is luxary in the jungle. If we are talking US luxary this place is a solid 3.9 stars but for Costa Rica it is 5. I can't say enough good things about this place, the Nepethane B&B and the Phoenix Restruant on site. Thank you for a stay that will be unforgettable.

Getting there was incredibly awkward. We had an experienced Costa Rican driver- but the directions provided were not clear and host was not very responsive when we contacted them. Finally we got there- the ride up the mountain is VERY steep. The house itself is very large, has most of what you need. Definitely needs TLC. Looks like most things have been allowed to get run down over the last sever years. There was a newly renovated bathroom on 1st floor that had a ‘window’ (just an open hole) with no screen or way to close it so the room was filled with bugs. There was a locked upstairs bedroom with a second floor balcony. Didn’t think much of it since some rental homes have restricted areas. This property is listed as ‘entire home’ so the assumption is that no one else is staying in the property. Well on the second night we came back from dinner to a random dog out on that second floor balcony. Also coincidentally there was no power at all in the house. I called the mgmt company Who assured me power would be restored shortly and let me know the dog Belonged to the owner who LIVES in that second floor bedroom. It was so odd. Like why not disclose that in the listing or even when we checked in (assuming it was a one off and maybe their plans had changed). It was a real violation of privacy. The view is spectacular. That was the saving grace. All in all would not stay again.