Easy to find from the bus stop...walk Along shop road the way the bus came,then at end of road turn left and walk up until you see sign. Huge place....second pool being built at the moment. 3 kitchens but badly resourced...need more cutlery for sure!
Room a bit cramped with bunk beds narrow passage between . Shower cold and most water came out of tap below, which couldn't be stopped! Good AC though and lockers...a bit of a squeeze with backpackers but possibly do able.
Tours expensive.... You get what you pay for with the slightly cheaper priced tours.
Best things to do....Hot Springs Balding or Termalilis del Arenal (taxi 3500 colones) and Bogarin Trail (6000 colones ) up the road..next to Arenal backpackers resort is a must...easy to take photos of beautiful birds in garden,see sloths, porcupine,frogs etc with guides help. The trail has taken 19 years to make and finance and 5 yrs opened to public....(Jewish flag desplayed as a symbol of respect for long term Jewish beneficiary) lovely walk through 2kms trail...strongly recommend for anyone, those with limited walking or wheelchair bound, families with children, accessable for everyone.