Hotel Description

Hotel VILLA DECARY, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica — A Birdwatcher’s Paradise – overlooking the pristine Lake Arenal and the beautiful Tilaran mountains.

The Lake Arenal region is a special area of Costa Rica, uncrowded and unspoiled. At an elevation of 1800 feet, we are blessed with a uniquely temperate climate of cool nights and warm days.

Nature abounds in our enchanted rainforest. This magical area is rich with a lush and varied plant life, beautifully colored butterflies, nearly 250 species of birds, and troupes of shy roaming howler monkeys. Ours is a true middle elevation rainforest set in the hills of Costa Rica overlooking Lake Arenal.

Affordable and relaxed, the American owned and operated Hotel Villa Decary is nestled in a green hillside, within a botanical garden of exotic tropical plants and palm trees from around the world. We are located just east of the charming and tiny Tico town of Nuevo Arenal.

Each of our accommodations has a private balcony or deck with scenic views overlooking Lake Arenal, our gardens and mountains. They are colorfully accented with beautiful fabrics from Guatemala and decorative items made by the indigenous Chorotega Indians, complementing the workmanship of local Costa Rican artisans who have crafted the fine wood doors and furnishings.

In addition to our spacious hotel rooms, we offer three separate casitas—bungalows with full kitchens and decks—which are favored by families, bird-watchers and honeymooners.

When planning your Costa Rican vacation, consider Lake Arenal as a perfectly peaceful and relaxing stop between the bustling tourist towns of La Fortuna near the Arenal Volcano, and Santa Elena, site of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Location: Just outside the small town of Nuevo Arenal. The highly acclaimed Gingerbread Restaurant, considered by many to be the best eatery in all of Costa Rica, is a 5 minute walk from the hotel. Within a 2-5 minute drive are a variety of other excellent restaurants and cafés.

The pristine Lake Arenal is a lovely spot for a swim (it averages 75° F), kayak, stand-up paddle or a walk in the park to view the shore birds. Nearby are horseback, birding and nocturnal tours, private cooking classes, yoga, sound baths, farmers’ markets, exercise and dance classes, etc. Additional tours, hikes and activities are available near the Arenal Volcano or in La Fortuna, a drive of 35-45 minutes from the hotel.