A perfect blend of nature, adventure, and leisure, La Fortuna is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. Think of waterfalls, wildlife, volcanoes, hot springs, zip lining, hanging bridges, lakes, caves, or rafting, and you will find it here!
Towering over the beautiful town of La Fortuna is Volcano Arenal. You can’t help but notice its grandeur and symmetrical cone shape. La Fortuna and Volcano Arenal make for a great vacation destination, whether you are a family with kids, a couple looking for a romantic getaway, a group of friends, or a solo traveler.
Wondering where to stay in La Fortuna and Arenal? We have got you covered! We created this neat list of some of the best hotels in La Fortuna and Arenal. Choose your pick from a range of budget to luxury.
La Fortuna and Arenal Best Hotels – Our Top Picks
La Fortuna is a must visit destination to include in your Costa Rica itinerary. Here is a sneak-peek into some of the top places to stay in La Fortuna or Arenal.
Our favorites where we stayed and liked our time in La Fortuna during our trips –
🏘️ Los Lagos Spa & Thermal Resort Experience – Best Value for Money Resort with On-site Hot Springs, Volcano views and Amenities
🔭 Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa – Trails for watching Wildlife & Birding with a Volcano view
🛁 Lomas del Volcan – Bungalows with Hot tub and Amazing Volcano Views
🏘️ Vacation Rentals – If you want to have a place to yourself, cook your own food or you are a group of friends or a bigger family, go for a vacation rental. Check these:
🌳 A cabin in rainforest setting for a couple or small family
🏠 A rental for a large group with a pool and hot tub apart from kitchen and washer
Table of Contents
Factors for Deciding Where to Stay in La Fortuna and Arenal
When deciding where to stay in Arenal and La Fortuna, the location of the hotel is the biggest factor to consider.
La Fortuna Town or Near Arenal Volcano?
Arenal: If you have your personal or a rented car, the distance might not be a problem. Staying on the outskirts of the town, on the road leading to the Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake, gives you the best of both worlds i.e. being close to nature and close to all amenities. Here you will be in the lush rainforest with amazing volcano views.
If you are staying in the Arenal area away from the La Fortuna town and not renting a car, make sure your tours include transportation from your stay. Some resorts are remote and the transportation is offered for an extra fee.
The resorts are generally priced higher compared to the hotels in La Fortuna and depending on amenities, can cost 200 USD or higher per night.
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La Fortuna: But if you are planning to use public buses or taxis, staying downtown is the best choice! This is where you will find the most lively restaurants, souvenir shops, tour operators, and other amenities. You can get most things done on foot.
The stays are generally priced lower compared to the resorts in Arenal and again, depending on amenities, you can get options for less than 100 USD per night.
Related Readings:
On-site Hot Springs or Day Pass?
Another factor to consider is whether or not you want hot springs in your hotel. Some tourists take a day pass to the hot springs, while others like to have the leisure of relaxing in the hot springs till late at night and retiring in their room afterward.
Therefore, when looking for where to stay in Arenal and La Fortuna, it is better to have a clear picture of what you are expecting out of your trip.
When we stayed at Los Lagos Spa & Thermal Resort, we made the most of the hot springs in the property.
And, when we stay at other hotels like Arenal Observatory Lodge, we take a day pass in a Hot Springs property.
Related Readings:
- Our experience of enjoying the Eco Termales Hot Springs
- Relax Termalitas: Budget Hot Springs in La Fortuna
Resorts vs Vacation Rentals
If you are looking for a private well-equipped rental or a large family vacation rental, there are many options as well. However, there are couple of things to keep in mind –
- It will be easier to move around if you have your vehicle, and access restaurants or tour pickup locations.
- The tours do not always offer pickup from all vacation rental location so always check with the company and confirm the transportation, if you need it.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna and Arenal: Budget Hotels
San Bosco Inn
- Stay here for: It is value for money hotel in La Fortuna close to restaurants. It is equipped with all the necessary amenities including a pool.
- Highlights: Access to Natural hot spring pools (not on-site) of Volcano Lodge, free coffee all day.
San Bosco Inn is located in La Fortuna 8-10 minutes walk from the La Fortuna town center and the church.
The hotel has standard double and triple rooms with garden views and with the right amenities that you need for a comfortable stay – AC, TV, private bathroom and wardrobe. Apart from a delicious breakfast option, you can have free coffee any time of the day.
San Bosco offers a free entrance to hot springs pools of Volcano Lodge, a great option at this price. Keep in mind that you will need to arrange for your own transport to visit the hot springs and the access is limited to specific pools only.
Hotel Secreto La Fortuna
- Stay here for: Hotel Secreto La Fortuna serves as a great base for visiting Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Baldi Hot Springs.
- Highlights: Proximity to La Fortuna Town/ Restaurants/ Waterfall, Volcano views from Room/ Property.
Hotel Secreto La Fortuna is one of the best hotels in La Fortuna if you plan to stay close to the town center. It offers volcano views from some rooms. The property has a large pool, air-conditioned rooms with free Wifi, and a TV with cable channels. Shuttle services are available for visiting nearby attractions.
Arenal Roca Lodge
- Stay here for: Arenal Roca Lodge is pet-friendly. It is a great option if you are looking for a budget base option in La Fortuna.
- Highlights: Volcano view from rooms/property, Lush gardens.
With lush gardens, views of the volcano, breakfast options, free WiFi, and a coffee machine in the room, this is a budget hotel with just the amenities you need for a pleasant stay. The hotel comprises of a few rows of bungalows. Each comes with an air conditioner, a television, a table, and a private bathroom. A sliding glass window offering stunning views of the volcano steals the show.
Tip: Ask for a bungalow in the front row to enjoy an unobstructed view of the volcano.
Hotel Monte Real
- Stay here for: Hotel Monte Real is a great option for those looking to stay close to the town center. It has easy access to the restaurants, shops, and bus station.
- Highlights: Frog garden, River close by, Proximity to La Fortuna town/restaurants.
Lying alongside a river with its own forest, the hotel features a frog garden, a restaurant, and an outdoor swimming pool. The rooms are spacious and are equipped with a balcony, a private bathroom, a TV, a coffee maker, a wardrobe, and an air conditioner.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna and Arenal: Mid-range Hotels
Arenal Observatory Lodge
- Stay here for: Arenal Observatory Lodge is a great option for wildlife and bird lovers. It also has one of the closest views of the Arenal Volcano.
- Highlights: In-house Nature Trails, Birding & Wildlife, Close Volcano Views, Birding opportunities, Arenal Lake View from the restaurant.
With 11 km of walking trails, an on-site lake, a bird sanctuary with 500 species of birds, and a wildlife observation tower, Arenal Observatory Lodge is one of the best hotels in Arenal for getting immersed in nature. There is also a restaurant, a swimming pool, a sun terrace, and a games room at the property. Each rooms has a terrace with volcano views, a private bathroom, and a safety box.
We had an amazing breakfast at their Restaurant. They also have a good a-la-carte spread for lunch and dinner. The restaurant and the common deck have amazing views of the sunset over Arenal Lake on a clear day.
We found the red-eyed tree frog on the frog pond in their trails. Also, we spotted several bird species including 3 species of Toucans and a Potoo while walking on the trails.
Related Reading: Know more about the amazing wildlife of Costa Rica.
Lomas del Volcan
- Stay here for: Lomas del Volcan is great for couples looking for a romantic and relaxing getaway close to nature.
- Highlights: Wooden Cabins, Private hot tub, On-site hiking trail.
Featuring a private hot tub and a terrace overlooking the lush gardens, the wooden cabins at Lomas del Volcan have a charming appeal. The cabins are quite spacious. Each feature a TV, a living area, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, and a coffee maker. Additionally, there is an outdoor pool, a restaurant with volcano view, a spa & wellness center, and a 1.5 km trail on-site.
Los Lagos Spa & Thermal Resort Experience
- Stay here for: Los Lagos is one of the best value-for-money hotels in Arenal. It has on-site hot springs and volcano views from anywhere in the property.
- Highlights: Proximity to La Fortuna town center and Arenal lake, Natural hot spring pools, Food prepared with local produce, Volcano views, Spa center.
Located close to the Arenal Volcano, Los Lagos has a spa center, natural hot spring pools, a wet bar by the seasonal outdoor pool, and an on-site restaurant where food is prepared with local produce. You get breathtaking views of the volcano from almost everywhere in this tropical resort. They have an excellent breakfast buffet spread with live counters.
Each room has a terrace with stunning views, air conditioning, a minibar, and a TV. Additionally, you get a kitchenette and a lounge if you choose villa accommodation type. Multiple activities like canopy tours and visits to crocodile farms, and frog and butterfly gardens can be booked with the hotel.
Related Reading: Explore the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges.
Ti-fakara Boutique Hotel & Birding Oasis | Noah’s Forest by Ti-fikara
- Stay here for: The boutique hotel is located near the La Fortuna Waterfall. It is perfect for birders and couples looking for comfort and natural surroundings without being too far from the town.
- Highlights: Walking distance from the La Fortuna Waterfall and close to the Fortuna town center. Night Walk included in pricing, Swimming pool with lush forest surroundings, Volcano views, Charming decor.
The Ti-fakara Boutique Hotel and Birding Oasis stays true to its name. It is indeed an oasis, located at a stone’s throw away from the La Fortuna waterfall and 5 minutes drive to La Fortuna town. If you are a birding enthusiast or just wish to experience nature, Ti-fakara offers options of deluxe rooms with balconies or plush bungalows surrounded by forest. The open showers in the rooms keep you connected to the raw nature.
The room amenities including TV, AC, WiFi, a minibar, a coffee machine, and a sumptuous breakfast add to your experience.
During our stay at Ti-fikara, we spotted tons of bird species in and around the hotel, including the rare yellow-eared toucanet! We have a thing for finding elusive birds, don’t we? Read this story about our sightings of Resplendent Quetzals.
If you are looking for a private jacuzzi along with your bungalow, you can head to the other property by the same group – Noah’s Forest by Ti-fikara. It is located a bit away from La Fortuna town, offering riverside bungalows.
Related Reading: If you enjoy visiting waterfalls, take a day trip from La Fortuna to Tenorio Volcano National Park and Rio Celeste, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica.
Hotel Rancho Cerro Azul
- Stay here for: Hotel Rancho Cerro Azul is great for couples celebrating a special occasion or looking to spend quality time together.
- Highlights: Volcano & mountain views, Rooms with private hot tub, River and hiking trail at the backside.
Hotel Rancho Cerro Azul is set in lush green surroundings with volcano and mountain views. There is a river and a hiking trail behind the property. The hotel has a tour desk, ticket service, and laundry facilities.
The rooms are spacious and feature private terrace or balcony with seating and hammock, dining area, air conditioning, TV, refrigerator, and coffee machine. Some rooms also have a private hot tub and a minibar.
Related Reading: Do not miss seeing sloths in the wild in La Fortuna! Visit Bogarin Trail.
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
- Stay here for: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa is a great base for visiting Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna Waterfall (1.5 km away).
- Highlights: Volcano views, Birding, Spa center.
Surrounded by tropical gardens, the hotel offers scenic views of the volcano and the rainforest. The hotel features a spa center, two outdoor pools, a spa and wellness center, and a grill restaurant, and is an ideal spot for birdwatching.
Each room boasts a terrace and is equipped with a TV, air conditioning, a coffee maker, and a minibar. You can choose from rooms, superior rooms and suites.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna and Arenal: Luxury Hotels
The Springs Resorts & Spa at Arenal
- Stay here for: The Springs is one of the top resorts in Arenal. It has 28 on-site hot springs and a wildlife rescue center.
- Highlights: Natural hot spring pools, 5 on-site restaurants, Volcano views, Luxury Spa center
The Springs Resorts & Spa is one of the top-rated luxury resorts in Arenal. They boast of 28 natural hot spring pools, 5 on-site restaurants including a buffet restaurant and a sushi bar and views of the Arenal volcano make it one of our top choice to stay. It is located away from the La Fortuna town, although the amenities on-premise are exciting enough for activities and relaxation.
The Springs Resort offers a wide range of rooms for couple, small families to group of friends or large families, ranging from Vista Guestrooms, Family Suite to Premier Suites and Villas.
The rooms have wooden furnishings and furniture and huge balconies where you can have a drink while admiring the sprawling green valley and the Arenal Volcano in front of you.
The rooms are equipped well with nicely thought-out features including coffee machine, TV with cable and Netflix, drying racks for clothes, Spa tub to name a few.
You can utilize the opportunity of access their luxury Spa center and steam and sauna, that offer massages and treatments with volcanic clay.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
- Stay here for: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa gives you access to one of the oldest and best natural hot springs experience in Arenal. The resort is ideal for couples (there are some exclusive adult-only hot springs) and families alike with modern amenities and spa services.
- Highlights: Naturally Heated Hot Springs, Shangri-La Gardens (adults only), Spa facilities, Contemporary decor, and Room amenities suited for Couples and Families.
The history of Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa goes back to the 90’s. Arenal was not yet on a world traveler’s radar. The resort witnessed the changing tourism scenario of the volcano town and is still among the top luxury resorts in Arenal.
It offers two-bedroom and single-bedroom suites with jacuzzi suited for families, honeymoon suites with plunge pools for couples, and rooms with rainforest views, all with elegant decor, and modern amenities complemented with wooden furnishings.
The thermal mineral-rich springs are the primary attractions of the Tabacón Resort. Besides the tropical rainforest backdrop, the hot springs are a visual treat given the shapes of plunging waterfalls. Tabacón also offers several Spa packages for individuals and couples. The services are offered in open bungalows where you will be in clover while the therapies rejuvenate you further after the minerals of the hot springs.
Nayara Gardens | Nayara Springs – Adults Only
- Stay here for: Nayara Gardens is great for those looking to enjoy world-class service and celebrity treatment.
- Highlights: Bungalows with private hot tub, Volcano Views, Private pool in some rooms, Gym, Spa Center
A luxury boutique hotel, Nayara Gardens is surrounded by rainforests with a backdrop of the Arenal volcano. The hotel features a spa and wellness center with volcanic mud treatments, a bamboo-decked restaurant, a gym, and an outdoor pool with a wet bar.
The bungalows here stand out with local hand-woven fabrics and handcrafted wood furniture. They boast terraces with outdoor showers and balconies with private hot tubs, offering views of Arenal volcano. Some rooms come with private pools overlooking the lush green surroundings and the Arenal volcano.
If you are a couple looking for some quiet time but with the hot springs and the amenities, you can choose the other ‘adults-only’ property by Nayara – Nayara Springs.
Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa
- Stay here for: Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa is a great option for those looking to spend considerable time at the hotel and enjoy the world-class amenities.
- Highlights: Proximity to Lake Arenal, On-site spring bath, Private hot tub in rooms, Balcony with volcano views, Spa center, Gym
Located close to Lake Arenal, Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa offers an on-site hot spring bath, an outdoor pool, two restaurants, a gym, a business center, a games room, and a spa center.
The suites feature rustic decor and are complete with private hot tub and balcony with breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano. Various activities like river rafting, horseback riding, and hiking to the volcano can be arranged from the hotel.
Hotel El Silencio del Campo
- Stay here for: Hotel El Silencio del Campo is a great option if you want peace and tranquility. Yet, it is not far from the La Fortuna town center.
- Highlights: Hot springs, Volcano views from room/property, Proximity to La Fortuna town
With a dreamy setting and scenic backdrop of Arenal Volcano, Hotel El Silencio del Campo has everything that one can ask for. Volcanic hot springs, an outdoor pool, a garden, a terrace, and a restaurant are some of the features of this amazing hotel. The rooms are tastefully decorated and offer incredible views of the volcano and the lush green surroundings.
Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs
- Stay here for: Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs is great if you are looking for leisure and the luxury of sipping a glass of wine or coffee while soaking in the views of the volcano from the comfort of your private terrace.
- Highlights: Proximity to Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna town, Volcano views from the room, Thermal Pools, Spa Center, Meeting Room.
Located close to Arenal Volcano National Park and the La Fortuna town center, Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs features a sun terrace with a swimming pool, two thermal pools, a spa center, a wet bar, and a meeting room for up to 15 guests. The suites offer terraces with views, and some are also fitted with private hot tubs.
Pick Your Costa Rica Hotels
For recommendations on where to stay in other popular destinations of Costa Rica, check out the following best hotels guides:
Here are some of our articles that may help you plan that perfect Costa Rica vacation:
This article has been written by Astha Garg and edited by Paradise Catchers, based on their own experiences of traveling and staying in La Fortuna and Arenal. Astha is a freelance writer who lives in Costa Rica and loves traveling.
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