Guest testimonials
Every review below is verbatim and unedited, left by a guest who booked the whole lodge. Nothing here is written by us. Each one is a five-star review, and you can check any of them yourself against our Airbnb listing or our Google reviews.
Filmed at the lodge. Nothing scripted.
Walk-throughs of the property itself.
33 of the 44 reviews left there — every five-star one worth reading.
If I could I’d give Shilo and the Majestic Lodge 10 stars. The home is in a beautiful tropical area with a view of the Arenal volcano. Our family of 22 purchased the Presidential Package which provided us with two wonderful cooks/housekeepers and transportation to and from the airport in San Jose. Shilo helped line up activities: zip lining, treks through the jungle and soaks in the thermal springs. Meals were fantastic. We were given 2 roomy vans to use for transportation. The best part of our stay was the hospitality and care we received from our hosts, especially Beto and Karen. They were instantly responsive when we had questions or requests. When we mentioned we loved karaoke, they rented a set for us.
Majestic Lodge was a wonderful place for us to stay — large group of college friends, spouses, adult children, and grandchildren. The resort staff was very helpful and attentive in ensuring that we had a great time. Meal service was excellent, flexible and cost-effective. They were willing to come in super early on days when we had early outings. Strongly recommend signing up for meals. Makes a huge difference to be able to focus on touristing and not spend the whole vacation on food shopping, meal planning, cooking and cleaning up. The lodge has a hot tub and small swimming pool that we enjoyed, a large covered deck where we ate all our meals, and views of both the lake and the volcano.
We absolutely loved our stay at the Majestic. Our family group of 13 had plenty of room with rooms to spare. Beto and his family are wonderful and helped us with our plans, excursions and last minute dinner plans. We awoke to fresh coffee and lovely meals prepared by Maria daily. Wish for it at the Majestic and Beto and his family will supply. The family enjoyed nights in the jacuzzi and playing board games on the deck! Could not have asked for a better 80th birthday celebration for our mom! Pura Vida.
The Majestic is an amazing property. Beautiful views and it fit all 24 of us comfortably. Betto the host was incredible, from helping planning activities and transportation, to giving us local recommendations. The food was amazing too and there was always enough for our group of college age guys. I would come back in a heartbeat.
The Majestic Lodge is fantastic! It was the perfect choice for our party that needed six bedrooms. While we were only 11 adult guests, it seemed just the right size for us. The lodge is in a sparsely populated area with beautiful views of Lake Arenal and the volcano and is walking distance to a very good restaurant. The beds were very comfortable, the deck is amazing and the pool and hot tub were very enjoyable. Jose, our on-site host, was super helpful and super friendly. If you have a need, just ask, and he will get it for you. You won’t be disappointed with the Majestic Lodge!
We can’t say enough positive words about our stay. The hosts were great and prepared wonderful breakfasts at times we requested. We had authentic Costa Rican and American breakfast foods. They went above and beyond working through the night when the van broke down to get it fixed by morning for us. Hosts recommended places to eat and things to see while visiting Costa Rica. Even found out when baby turtles were being released. Took family photos for us. Would highly recommend to anyone planning a trip. The pictures provided don’t do the place justice — everything was better than what the pictures showed.
Betto and the team made our group of 11 feel right at home. We opted for the meal package and enjoyed excellent home cooked meals. They answered our questions, helped us with transportation, and provided recommendations. The Majestic Lodge comfortably fit our group and was just as lovely as the pictures. I highly recommend for a large group visiting La Fortuna.
We absolutely loved our stay in Shiloh’s home! Betto and the others were all so helpful and were great cooks. Having meals ready when we got home from our activities was very convenient especially for our group of 11 adults. The beds were also super comfortable and there were plenty of rooms for us to spread out and have our own space.
Most of what made this trip great came directly from the host, cohost and their management team — Beto and his wife Lady. They handled almost everything during my stay, and they did it with real consistency. They responded fast before, during, and even after the trip, which made planning and troubleshooting effortless. Breakfast every morning wasn’t just a routine — they prepared it with care and made sure it was ready when expected. Their guidance around the area was practical, specific, and actually useful, not the usual tourist pamphlet suggestions.
This place was perfect for our family of 8 adults and 8 small children. The veranda and pool area were outstanding. We highly recommend this place and please take advantage of the chef service.
It was spectacular. The house met our expectations, and the staff’s service was impeccable. César, Caty, and María made our stay absolutely perfect. The food was varied and very tasty. The location, close to tours and walks, is unbeatable. Absolutely recommended.
My friends’ family and my family had a great time staying at Majestic Lodge. Betto and Joel are awesome. Took care of transportation. Betto was awesome with restaurant recommendations and places to visit. Took advantage of at-home massage. Recommend for any large group.
Beto was awesome, who manages the house. Every transportation was meticulously set up. The women who cooked breakfast and dinners for us were also the A team. Beds were comfortable, house was clean. I would recommend. Magical!
Really an amazing place to stay with a group. Stunning views of the Arenal Volcano and the lake. Absolutely serene. Highly recommend.
The Majestic Lodge was a wonderful place to have to ourselves. Betto was very helpful when booking activities and the meals were delicious.
Like staying in a mansion. Wish we could have stayed longer.
Great to have 10 en-suite rooms. Catering was great.
We were a group of 10 friends wanting somewhere comfortable to stay that was peaceful but also within access of the various rainforest activities in the La Fortuna region. Majestic Lodge delivered on all of these things, it is remote enough to make you feel immersed in the beautiful Costa Rican rainforest but close enough to the activities you want to do…zip lining, kayaking, and hiking to the volcano in particular. The house is maintained to a high standard and each morning we were served a different breakfast by Leidy which was a great way to start each day. The pool is a great addition, a warm top and a cool bottom pool was enjoyable. Betto took care of use throughout, helpful in organising taxis (even at short notice when we didn’t have one organised) and recommending local activities to do. Overall, a spectacular location and place to stay in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Would highly recommend for large groups of friends and / or family.
This place was absolutely beautiful. I didn’t want to leave. I stayed in the Jaguar room. It had its own entrance and it had a two person jacuzzi tub right in the room. For breakfast Betto and Leidy made me my first Costa Rica breakfast with fresh orange juice. They are both so kind and made me feel like I was at home. I ate breakfast (Gallo Pinto) on the deck next to the pool and jacuzzi facing the lake and volcano mountains. It truly was so relaxing. Shiloh was a great host and extremely hospitable and he helped me figure out things to do in the area. I ended up going to the hot springs in Arenal which was very close. If you are wanting to spend time in La Fortuna or Arenal. I highly recommend this place it’s close to everything yet feels like you are in a very private sanctuary!!
If I could give them more stars, I would! Aside from the place being absolutely beautiful, Beto and his wife Leidy were the most kind and accommodating hosts I’ve ever experienced! Anything we mentioned even if it wasn’t actually asked for, Beto found a way to get it almost immediately. The house was clean and close enough to many attractions, and the food was homemade and delicious. The presidential package was well worth the money as we never went without transportation or food. Highly recommend this incredible place!
The views from the house was amazing. I suggest to do the upgrade to not worry about transportation. I hosted a retreat here and we loved it.
Housekeeper Betto and his lovely wife Lady were amazing hosts. They went out of their way to help. Small suggestions like adding better lighting for the stairs outside... Solar night lights were installed the next day. Lady's daily home cooked breakfast was delicious. Clean comfortable. The Frog room was perfect. The view. The bed. The walk in shower. We loved it. 2 houses down you have The Howlers bar. The icing is the hottub with the pool. Amazing peaceful view. Best way to end a day of hiking in Costa Rica. Pura Vida
We had a great time at the Lodge. Betto is second to none! He was extremely responsive, provided us with countless recommendations, and was happy to provide transportation for us when needed via the transportation package. The homemade breakfasts were delicious while looking at the volcano. We will be back!
Beto & his wife were such gracious hosts! Beto provided us with transportation whenever we needed it, and his wife made us breakfast each morning (DELICIOUS!). My family & I felt right at home and felt so welcomed. Beautiful views of the volcano and lake in a peaceful and quiet setting. The hottub and pool were pristinely clean. There were such lovely details throughout the huge house that made you feel cared for. We can't recommend this place enough! 5 STARS!
My group had a wonderful time staying at the Majestic Lodge! Special shoutout to Betto and Helen who made us feel so at home. We loved the daily breakfast and also took advantage of the at-home massages and transportation options. Would definitely recommend to any big groups visiting La Fortuna/ Arenal area
Shiloh's place was perfect for our big group. The hosts were extremely attentive and super fun. The rooms were very comfortable and we loved the pools and the view. We cooked and enjoyed our time in the kitchen!
We loved staying at this place! very close to the lake and the Arenal national park and not that crowded as downtown. Betto and Laidy were amazing hosts, very attentive to our needs. I definitely recommend staying here.
Excellent choice 👌 We stayed with 20 people and had a great time. The hosts are super friendly, helpful and always attentive. The house is very cozy, just what we require for our group we require.
I loved our visit. Betto, the caretaker, helped us out with everything. Gave us recommendations, fed us delicious food made by his wife and answered all of our questions. Will recommend to anyone who wants to visit Costa Rica. The house was cozy and filled all of our needs and expectations.
Great stay and awesome location. The staff was great and helped us with so many things. We enjoyed the chef - Helen was awesome.
breakfast was included which was great. the dinner meals were good and fairly priced. great place to stay y.
Our family loved the pool, outdoor covered area and having breakfast cooked for us daily. The on site caretakers were very responsive and helpful during our stay.
Amazing place and you can tell that they are putting a lot of time and effort into making it a pristine place. Betto and his family were incredibly helpful and nice. Will definitely be back
33 of the 51 reviews left there — every five-star one worth reading.
INCREDIBLE!!! I was super excited to visit and stay in the rainforest. This stay was even better then expected! We booked the presidential package, which meant the caretakers picked us all up in one of the vans and drove us directly to the property, cooked all of our meals, and helped us plan our outings! The property is large and very accommodating. Each bedroom has it’s very own full bathroom. From the huge pool and also the large covered deck, which is great for outdoor dining, you have great views of the Arenal volcano and lake. Feel like kayaking? No problem! The property has several kayaks and paddleboards and the caretakers will help you take them down to the lake! The food was absolutely incredible (make sure to ask for the Mango drink!) and it was so nice not to have to worry about “what is for dinner?” after a long day of excursions. We really enjoyed the Mistico Hanging bridges tour. One recommendation is to book the guided tour as the guides will be able to spot out so much more of the wildlife to point it out to you. And don't forget to just sit on the front porch, relax and soak in the views. Listening to the sounds of the rain forest is truly a special experience and with all the colored flowers and plants in the front yard you'll be sure to see all sorts of different birds just a few feet in front of you if you stay still enough. We had 3 days at this property, but it wasn’t near enough. One of the best experiences even in a vacation rental and we are already planning our next trip back! Pura Vida!
Absolutely loved our stay here! We had the whole property to ourselves for a multi-family vacation, and it was amazing to have everyone together but each with their own master suites. Highly recommend booking the presidential package - it is totally worth it. The property is gorgeous, very comfortable, and in a beautiful setting. My favorite part every day is listening to all the birds in the jungle each morning. The hosts are so helpful, and the food is delicious. We felt right at home. It was great being so centrally located to activities like ziplining (a 6 minute drive) and hanging bridges canopy tours (a 10 minute drive), plus the lake is a 3 minute walk from the front door. We will definitely be back soon!
We just returned from the Majestic Lodge and had the most wonderful time. We had a large group of 14 adults and had more than enough space. The house is gorgeous and clean. The large deck is unbelievable. Great views of the volcano and lake. We spent all of our time out there, including eating our meals. The pool and hot tub were nice for relaxing after a long day of excursions. I can’t say enough wonderful things about the staff. Betto was so helpful, responsive and kind. All of our excursions went seamlessly thanks to him. He also helped us coordinate transportation to the second home we stayed at. Ceasar and his wife were also amazing. Every single meal he cooked us was better than the last. Delicious! They made sure to have everything ready when we asked so that we could eat before our excursions for the day. We also did massages which was a nice relaxing add. Location is great for getting to all the excursions and La Fortuna. I highly recommend this property and hope to one day go back!!!
Very highly recommended! I was part of a large group that rented the entire lodge for 10 days. We had a wonderful experience. The generous provision of outdoor and indoor common spaces, along with 3 meals per day (which need to be arranged in advance and can be negotiated to accommodate special timing and dietary requirements) freed us to spend all the time we wanted socializing rather than cooking or driving to restaurants. The location is excellent for nature walks in the region and the views are beautiful. Rooms are clean and comfortable.
Such a great place for our retreat!! Feels like an authentic Costa Rican villa! Food was great and Betto and the cooks were super accommodating and helpful!! Highly recommend!
Wow. 🤩 what else can I say about this property?! I had the luxury of staying in this lodge for a mastermind event and blown away is an understatement. The views of the volcano and lake from our bedroom, the incredible infinity pool overlooking the massive outdoor living area. The great location- close enough to the tourist attractions but far enough to not feel trapped in the hustle and bustle, and to provide a more authentic experience… the caretakers of this property are amazing. Betto and his family are the kindest, most genuine people I’ve met, and went out of their way to make our stay memorable! Highly highly recommend. We can’t wait to return!
We stayed at majestic with a large group for a wedding nearby. The staff are super friendly and helpful. Rooms and pool are beautiful and well kept. Would highly recommend for anyone going to the area for a similar experience. You do need a car though, because only a marina with boat rentals and some small shops are within walking distance.
Such a gem of a place in the middle of the rainforest!! Beautiful just like the photos and so peaceful in a quiet and friendly little neighborhood, with unreal views of the volcano when the clouds lift! Right next to some of the best rainforest experience places like Sky adventures and the butterfly conservatory! Also in walking distance of a few great places to eat. The people running it are so incredibly kind and helpful! Their breakfasts are delicious and eating it on the covered deck every morning watching the wildlife or the rain coming down was so magical! Our Waterfall room was very quiet and clean, we never heard any other quests up and about. Would love to stay here again!
Such a magical place, unlike any place I've ever stayed. The rooms were super fun, following various animal themes. I stayed in the Jaguar room. The pool and hot tub were so cool and has a great view of the volcano and lake. Everything there seems to tell a story, including this completely one-of-a-kind table made from a tree root. It was seriously so beautiful and unique; I want one just like it.
Words cannot describe how amazing the Majestic Lodge is! The staff were all rockstars. They cooked three meals a day, even making whole seperate meals for people with diarary restrictions. Some of the best food I've ever had. When they advertise laundry facilities, they mean they actually wash and dry your laundry for you. We had a landslide on the road during our stay and the host rescheduled and handled all of our booking issues for our outings. They also made sure the water and electricity were running ASAP. I have nothing but positivity towards this resort. The staff was personable, professional, and went above and beyond in every situation. Feel no hesitation to book with them. P.S. best fruit I've had in my life.
Wonderful accommodation, perfect for a large group of 25 people, and we never felt cramped. The rooms and beds are very comfortable, and the terrace for dining is spectacular. The traditional food cooked by the hosts was delicious and plentiful!
Walking distance to the shores of the largest lake in Costa Rica. The house is huge and the outdoor community space is even bigger. Perfect for accomdating large groups looking for an all inclusive experience. The on site manager takes care of literally anything you need or want. We had food, massages, transportation. Can't wait to go back.
I had such a fantastic experience at The Majestic Lodge in Costa Rica! The location is perfect for adventure—there was never a dull moment. I was able to go ziplining through the rainforest, swim at the stunning La Fortuna waterfall, go river rafting, and even ride ATVs around the incredible Arenal Volcano. On top of all the activities, the caregivers at the lodge made the stay extra special. They prepared absolutely delicious meals and gave us great insight on which adventures would be the best fit for our adventurous group. The combination of excitement, comfort, and warm hospitality made this an unforgettable trip. Highly recommend The Majestic Lodge for anyone seeking both adventure and relaxation in Costa Rica!
All of the little details make this place an extra fun stay! Each of the rooms has a theme and there are beautiful pieces of furniture throughout the home. It’s perfectly located far enough from downtown La Fortuna to feel away from the crowds but close enough to enjoy all the nearby amenities. Waking up to the views was magical—either the misty rainforest or the volcano on a clear day! Both were incredible! The caretakers took great care of us and provided delicious meals, with great options for the various dietary restrictions in our group. They were extremely helpful with everything for our stay. I highly recommend visiting Baldi hot springs while staying here. The pools are incredible and the slides are a true party. You’ll understand once you try them.
This house is HUGE! When we got our initial tour we had no idea when it would stop. Plenty of separate rooms to accommodate our group of 12 and additional Murphy beds we didn’t expect just in case. The hot tub was always hot and ready when we wanted and the pool was clean. Rooms have their own bathrooms and ac units clean and comfy beds, you can’t ask for more! We had breakfast and a couple of dinners in house which Maria graciously prepared for us and were great fuel for our activities. Great location on the lake and close to hot springs and close enough for waterfalls and hikes. Two stores close by as well for supplies. As a note to the great service, our rental car had a battery issue and we got stuck at one store, Betto came and helped us right away just tightening a loose terminal. This pace is fantastic for a group stay.
Our family loved our time at The Majestic Lodge and enjoyed our stay. It's very hard to find a place large enough for our family and friends but this place was perfect. Close enough to all the awesome things the area has to offer but secluded enough that we feel like it's a private home. We walked to the lake, did the zip lines, ate amazing food (much of which the Majestic made for us) and enjoyed the country. Can't recommend enough - we will be back.
We stayed here with a group of 9 friends, and it was absolutely amazing. The hosts go above and beyond to make sure you're taken care of. We would absolutely stay here again if we are ever near La Fortuna again. In fact, we might just make the trip to stay here again 😂 definitely recommended for large groups because you have the outdoor area with tables and the hot tub/pool for dining and hanging out but can retreat to your room for solitude.
Loved this place. Never did I imagine I could enjoy my home cooked breakfast in a rainforest with perfect views of a volcano. Absolutely magical. I truly didn’t know places like this exist in the world. Costa Rica is breathtaking and this was the perfect place for our large group to gather. The staff were the absolute best. So warm and friendly and totally made the trip. I would live to visit again soon.
This is my new favorite place. It feels like it is tucked in a little piece of heaven. A view of the volcano, lake and lush rain forest. The property itself is cozy and majestic all at the same time. The outdoor space is wonderful for gathering and the rooms are comfortable. Location is perfect, close to La Fortuna, but not too close to the tourists. The hosts are also amazing, so kind and welcoming! We would love to go back someday.
It really is majestic, the view to the lake and the whole atmosphere. A beautiful place surrounded by nature and lots of activities. Plenty of space, jacuzzy, pool and an outdoor bar area, combined with a full kitchen. Perfect for large groups with plenty of privacy to go around. Super helpful staff!
This place was absolutely incredible, and turned our vacation experience from a 10/10, to a 100/10. The hosts are the best and most accommodating people you could ask for. The views are incredible, the house is gorgeous, the porch and hot tub/pool was the social area for the duration of the stay, the home cooked meals were outstanding. Couldn’t ask for a better spot to start my vacation.
Such a breathtaking location and lodging. I was blown away that a lodge could have that view of the volcano and also have a beautiful private resort feel to it! Love the pool and hot tub setup out front. I also do love how close it is to some super scenic hikes, hot springs, and great authentic Costa Rican restaurants.
The Majestic Lodge was stunning! The woodwork was beautiful and the pool/hot tub/ outdoor dining area was the perfect place to chill and take in the rainforest. The hosts were absolutely amazing and the meals were fantastic! I loved my stay here!!
I loved our stay in Majestic Lodge, thank you. The attention to detail and cleanliness was much appreciated . Beautiful lake&volcano views matched the hummingbirds , butterflies , pizotes and the sounds of nature perfectly. The wonderful staff made all make a full circle of delight.
Loves staying here on our Costa Rica adventure. This was my favorite location in Costa Rica, the house was beautiful, the jungle right behind the house was magical. The staff was fantastic, the house was so unique, clean and fairly close to everything we wanted to see. Loved it!
We have been to the La Fortuna area years ago with our kids. We rented the Majestic for our extended family for a family vacation. What makes this home special is the family that hosts you. We absolutely enjoyed the company of Daniel, Betto and his family. They have love for their country and provide an amazing experience for their visitors. Pura Vida ❤️
Amazing find. The staff is amazing, the resort is a gem. A great place to be close to La Fortuna without drowning in other tourists, yet close enough to all the action nearby. We'll be back again.
This place is amazing and the house manager and staff are the best ever! Everything super clean fresh. Tons of space. Location near all the fun stuff. Cant say enough about how accommodating the staff are. Truly 5 STARS!
Amazing staff, incredible views, beautiful accommodations. You’ll be treated like family. If you’re looking to stay near or outside the La Fortuna area, this is the place.
Really nice place to stay. The care takers were very friendly and accommodating with our needs. The pool and hot tub were very nice, and the rooms were all nice.
Beautiful property. Each room has its only en-suite. We eat outside every meal on a beautiful deck with a view of the neighboring lake. Staff was great and the food they prepaid was awesome. Great stay.
Beautiful place and wonderful staff. Perfectly situated overlooking the Arenal lake and beautiful mountains scape and capture a beautiful veiw of the Arenal volcano.
Excellent place to spend time with family and friends. The service, cleanliness, and rooms are excellent! The location is close to many different attractions.
Read enough of these and the same things surface. The staff — Beto, Karen, Maria, César, José — are named in more reviews than the building is. The breakfasts, which are included, come up constantly. So does the meal package: guests who add it say the real value isn't the money saved, it's not spending their vacation shopping, cooking and cleaning for twenty people.
The distances come up too, usually as a pleasant surprise. The lake is a five-minute walk from the door, the zip lines are ten minutes by car and the butterfly conservatory five. The centre of La Fortuna town is the longer run — about 20 to 35 minutes, because the lodge sits in El Castillo on the quiet west side of Arenal Volcano. That is the trade: you get the lake and volcano views, the privacy, and a whole building to yourselves, and you drive a little under forty minutes to the waterfall. Getting here lays out the drive from both airports.
If you'd rather talk to a person about whether the lodge fits your group, call +1 (602) 430-2232 or send us a note.
4.9 out of 5 across 98 guest stays — 4.91 from 44 reviews on Airbnb, 4.8 from 51 on Google, and 10/10 from 3 on Vrbo. The lodge is an Airbnb Guest Favorite and the hosts are Superhosts with five years of hosting.
The reviews on this page come from groups of 8 to 25 people — extended families, multi-generational trips, retreats and masterminds, wedding parties, college-friend reunions, and milestone birthdays. The lodge holds up to 33 across 10 en-suite bedrooms.
No. Each quote is the guest's own wording, copied from the platform it was left on, with nothing added and nothing rewritten. Every review on this page is a five-star review, and we link to both listings so you can read them there yourself.
About 20 to 35 minutes by car. The lodge is in El Castillo, on the west side of Arenal Volcano near Lake Arenal. Guests mention the drive in their reviews, and most say the views and privacy are worth it.
$1,350 per night for the entire property — 10 en-suite bedrooms, sleeping up to 33, with breakfast included.
Book your dates See ratesOr call us: +1 (602) 430-2232