Looking for a La Fortuna hotel with onsite hot springs that still feels special, but does not come with the “ultra-luxury” price tag?
That is exactly why we booked Los Lagos Hotel Spa & Resort on one of our trips to La Fortuna. We wanted the classic Arenal experience: thermal pools, tropical grounds, volcano views, while keeping the budget flexible for tours, meals in town, and a little spontaneity.
Los Lagos delivered, and we would happily stay there again as a couple.
So let us share with you our detailed Los Lagos Hotel Spa & Resort review, and our thoughts on who we think this hotel is best for, and who can skip it and which other alternatives they can look for.
Quick Verdict: Is Los Lagos Worth It?
Yes. If your priority is onsite hot springs + good breakfast + Arenal Volcano views at a solid price.
It is not a “boutique luxury” experience. Rooms are comfortable and practical rather than fancy.
But as a base for hot springs soaks and volcano days, it’s a great value.
🏨 Check rates on Booking for Los Lagos Hotel Spa & Resort here →
We would book Los Lagos Hotel again because of:
- Onsite hot springs with variety, including smaller, cozier pools if you time it right
- Excellent buffet breakfast, honestly a big part of the value
- Several viewpoints across the property with Arenal Volcano front and center on clear days
- Big, green grounds and trails that give you the tropical setting feel
Los Lagos Hotel might not be for you if:
- You want luxury rooms and interiors or a high-end, quiet “adult-only” vibe
- You are hoping for hot springs that feel like a curated, exclusive thermal spa experience. Los Lagos is more relaxed and lively.
Hot Springs at Los Lagos: Why We Loved Them as a Couple
Let’s get the main question out of the way:
Are the hot springs included for hotel guests?
Yes. Access to the thermal pools is included with your stay.
What we liked is that Los Lagos doesn’t feel like “one big pool and that’s it.”
The thermal area has 8 thermal water pools at different temperatures, and the experience changes a lot depending on where you go and what time you show up.
There are 3 cold water pools as well, and 2 water slides, one 80 meters long including an underground stretch and another smaller one for the kids.
Our favorite part: the smaller, cozier pools
The main bigger pools can have a fun, upbeat energy, especially in the afternoon and earlier in the evening and when families are out enjoying the slides.
But as a couple at Los Lagos, we loved that you can still find pockets that feel more private and cozy.
We would do a little loop: start warm, move hotter, then cool off, and then settle into a quieter corner for a longer soak.
It gave us exactly what we were looking for: a classic La Fortuna “hot springs soak” experience without needing to book an ultra-premium resort.
Day vs. night: different vibes
Staying at the resort gave us the chance to enjoy the hot springs during the day as well as at night time. Both have different vibes. So if you are staying at a hot springs resort, we recommend you to experience the hot springs in daytime, as well as at night. Here is what you can expect:
Daytime: You really notice the aqua colors, tropical landscaping, and if the clouds cooperate, those volcano views.
Night: The steam, the soft lighting, and the jungle sounds make everything feel more spa-like. This was our favorite time for a slower, more romantic soak.
Pool hours + a value tip
One of the best value details: the resort’s setup makes it easy to maximize your hot springs time even on travel days.
- Thermal pools are generally open 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
- You can often use the pools on check-in day, even before your room is ready, and after checkout.
That means Los Lagos can feel like you got an “extra day” of hot springs without paying for an extra night, huge win for value-minded travelers.
If you are trying to keep costs down, check out our guide to free and budget things to do in La Fortuna.
Wet bar (optional, but fun)
There is an onsite wet bar at the main hot springs are, called Lemnos Wet Bar, if you want a drink while you soak.
We personally keep it light before the pools and save a bigger meal for later, but if your ideal evening is “hot springs + cocktail + volcano somewhere in the darkness”, you got the option.
See availability on Booking (hot springs included) →You can also check Expedia here →
Breakfast Buffet: A Big Reason Los Lagos Feels Worth the Price
We do not say this lightly: the buffet breakfast at Los Lagos is excellent, and it made the whole stay feel easier.
This is the kind of breakfast that actually powers your day in La Fortuna, whether that’s hanging bridges, the waterfall stairs, zip-lining, and more (see our Things to Do in La Fortuna guide), or just being outside in the heat and humidity.
If you are mapping out your days, refer to our 3 Days in La Fortuna itinerary.
Expect a generous spread of fruits, gallo pinto, eggs, breads, pastries, coffee, etc.
We particularly liked the assortment of all the sweet treats. After filling ourselves with the mains, we did not shy away from getting big plates of baked goods to indulge in!
A big breakfast at the hotel meant:
- We could start early without hunting for a café first
- We didn’t feel like we were constantly spending on little meals
- We could plan a lighter lunch and then do a proper dinner
See current rates + what’s included for your dates →
Note: Breakfast inclusions can vary by package, so it’s worth confirming on the booking page.
Rooms: Comfortable and Practical (Not Luxurious)
This is the tradeoff that makes Los Lagos such a good value: you are paying for the hot springs + grounds + location, not for trendy, boutique interiors.
What our room felt like
We booked a Standard Room, and it worked perfectly for us as a couple.
The room was clean, spacious enough with 2 full beds, a private attached bathroom and a patio, and was set up for comfort: tile floors, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, safe, minibar, hairdryer, coffeemaker with complimentary coffee.
It did not have a “romantic design hotel” vibe, but it felt like a welcoming space to sleep well, shower, and relax comfortably for those brief periods of time when we were not out, enjoying the thermal pools, volcano views, gardens and trails.
Our Standard Room was a garden-view room, not volcano-view, and honestly it did not feel like a downside. We could step just a few steps outside and still catch Arenal Volcano views.
Moreover, our room was in close walking distance to everything, hot spring pools, breakfast and reception.
Standard vs. Superior: How to choose
If you are considering a stay at Los Lagos Hotel but cannot decide which room category to choose, let us help you:
- Standard: great if you do not need extra space
- Superior: worth considering if you’re a group or just want more room to spread out
In addition to Standard Rooms and Superior Rooms, they now have a Villa to accommodate up to 8 people.
Accessibility: Los Lagos Hotel Spa & Resort has wheelchair accessible rooms.
See room options on Booking →Prefer Expedia? Compare rates here →
A quick note about resort layout (this helps you pick the right room location)
Rooms at Los Lagos are scattered around a large property, and some clusters are farther from the reception, restaurant, and pools area than others.
The good news is that there are drivable internal roads connecting the different areas, plus parking zones near different accommodation clusters.
If you won’t have a car and you would like to minimize walking, you can use Los Lagos’ free on-demand shuttle to get around the property. It does not run on a fixed schedule. Just call reception a few minutes before when you want a pickup.
Not sure if it is worth having your own wheels? Read: Should you rent a car in Costa Rica?
Booking tip we recommend: after you book, message the property through your booking platform and ask for:
- a volcano-view room, if that matters to you
- a room in a location that matches your priorities: closer to main areas vs. quieter
Volcano Viewpoints: Little Moments Everywhere
One of our favorite quiet joys at Los Lagos was how often we would stumble into viewpoints displaying the Arenal Volcano from various perspectives.
Not just one designated photo spot, but the entire property is designed with little pauses in mind: places we stopped at, stared at, and got reminded repeatedly of the grandeur of the Arenal Volcano.
Arenal Volcano, especially its peak, often wears a cap of cloud or mist around it. If you have been to La Fortuna before, you know that even a 10-minute clear window with that clear cone feels like a gift.
We stayed at Los Lagos Hotel in the month of April, and were fortunate to get clear views of Arenal Volcano on several occasions during our stay.
If volcano views are a priority, request them after booking, and consider traveling with the mindset that views are weather-dependent. Los Lagos gives you lots of chances but the clouds decide the rest.
The Los Lagos Mirador: A viewpoint you shouldn’t miss
Although there are several places throughout the property from where you can see the Arenal Volcano, there is one spot I have to recommend, even if going there takes a bit of effort.
It is Los Lagos Mirador, set within the same property, but located about 2.8 km from the main resort area.
There is a viewing deck with wooden rails, showcasing a stunning frame of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Los Juncos, with the surrounding jungle canopy.
We drove there early in the morning before breakfast, and there were hardly any people there. It was quiet, romantic, and genuinely beautiful.
Ironically, that was also when the Arenal Volcano decided to wear a big cover of mist and hide from us completely! Still, the setting was so scenic that we can totally imagine why some people choose to get married at that spot.
Onsite Trails: An Easy Way to Get Your Rainforest Fix
Los Lagos also has an onsite trails section within the property. If you want a slower moment between tours, or you just don’t feel like getting in the car again, take a walk along these trails to experience the rainforest atmosphere and give yourself a chance to spot birds and small animals.
If you go earlier in the day or late in the afternoon, you can have a better chance of catching more activity and more comfortable temperatures.
Dining: One Main Restaurant + The Wet Bar
Los Lagos has one onsite restaurant, Las Palmas. This is where the buffet breakfast is served every morning. They are open for lunch and dinner as well.
Here are the restaurant timings:
- Breakfast: 6:30 am to 10:00 am
- Lunch: 12 noon to 3:00 pm
- Dinner: 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Dress casual, but do not come in swimwear, neither straight from the hot springs, before drying up properly.
We did not have lunch or dinner at Las Palmas, because we also wanted to eat at some of the interesting restaurants in and around La Fortuna.
Apart from this restaurant, there is a wet bar at the hot springs area called Lemnos Wet Bar that we mentioned before.
Spa Option: Romantic Add-on for Couples
They have a spa set in the tropical forests of La Fortuna called Fungus Spa, offering massages, exfoliations, body wraps and other beauty treatments. You can book appointments for couple massages and try things like volcanic mud body wrap.
We didn’t hit the spa at Los Lagos, but we tried something similar on the Caribbean side in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, and from experience, we can tell you that this can be an incredibly romantic thing to do as a couple in Costa Rica.
Location: Easy Access to La Fortuna and Arenal Activities
Los Lagos sits about 6 km (3.5 miles) outside downtown La Fortuna, close enough for dinners in town, far enough to feel surrounded by greenery.
📍 Google Maps location of Los Lagos
Check availability for your La Fortuna dates on Booking →
Some of the popular La Fortuna attractions are within close driving distance from Los Lagos, for example,
| Attraction | Distance | Drive Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| La Fortuna Waterfall | 7.4 km / 4.6 miles | 15 minutes |
| Arenal Volcano National Park | 12.3 km/ 7.6 miles | 20 minutes |
| Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges | 14.6 km/ 9 miles | 23 minutes |
| Bogarin Trail | 5.4 km /3.3 miles | 9 minutes |
If you are debating whether you need a car, you can do La Fortuna without driving. Many tours include transportation, and you can also use taxis or Uber (where available) around town. But a rental car makes everything more flexible. See our Costa Rica car rental deal.
Los Lagos Day Pass vs. Staying Overnight
Los Lagos offers a Day Pass option if you do not wish to stay at the resort. It gives you access to all the hot spring pools, cold water pools, water slides, as well as nature trails and the viewpoint.
Here is the Day Pass pricing structure at Los Lagos, with and without food, for kids, adults and infants:
| Age Group | Day Pass | Day Pass + 1 meal | Day Pass + 2 meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | 33 USD | 55 USD | 87 USD |
| Kids (6-10) | 20 USD | 46 USD | 64 USD |
| Seniors (65 and above) | 20 USD | 50 USD | 82 USD |
| Infants (2-5) | Free | 12 USD | 24 USD |
With the prices and inclusions, we feel, for a couple or for a family, an overnight stay at Los Lagos provides more value compared to their Day Pass.
When staying at the hotel, even for one night, you can experience the hot springs at different times, on not just one but over two days, without having to rush your soak around transportation, enjoy the property grounds at leisure, and savor a filling complimentary breakfast.
See current rates on Booking →For comparison, view rates on Expedia here →
Budget Tip: If you want to cap your accommodation budget without giving up the hot springs experience, split your stay in La Fortuna.
Book one night at a hot springs resort and spend the rest of your trip at a more affordable hotel.
For ideas, see our La Fortuna and Arenal Best Hotels guide.
Who We Think Los Lagos is Best for
Book Los Lagos if you want:
- A value-for-money resort with onsite hot springs
- Plenty of pools and thermal variety, not a single soak pool
- Good breakfast included
- A comfortable base with nature all around
- A mix of lively energy and quieter corners if you time it well
Consider another resort if you want:
- A luxury “honeymoon-level” room and design details
- A more exclusive and quiet thermal spa atmosphere
If your budget allows and you are aiming for luxury hot springs, you may want to consider staying at one of these:
But if your goal is to stay somewhere enjoyable and put the extra money toward tours and maybe an extra night, Los Lagos makes a lot of sense.
Our Best Tips to Get the Most Out of a Los Lagos Stay (Couple Edition)
- Do at least one night soak. The vibe is completely different after dark.
- Find the smaller pools. Do not assume that the busiest pool is “the” experience.
- Use the breakfast strategically. Eat well, tour in the morning, come back for hot springs later.
- Request volcano view and be realistic. Even partial views can be beautiful, and clouds are part of Arenal life.
- Pack pool basics. Sandals or water shoes for wet paths, swimwear and a light cover-up for walking back to your room.
- If you want a more private and romantic soak, go earlier or later. You will often find the cozier corners feel quieter outside peak family hours.
- If you are not renting a car, save the hotel number and use the on-demand shuttle. Just call reception when you want a lift within the property.
Ready to price it out? Check availability here →
FAQs: Los Lagos Hotel Spa & Resort
Are the hot springs really hot?
There’s a range. We liked rotating between warmer and hotter pools, then cooling off before going back in.
Can you use the hot springs on check-in/check-out day?
Typically yes, within pool hours, which is a big value perk. Confirm at reception when you arrive.
Do you need to rent a car to stay at Los Lagos?
No, not if you are planning to stay mostly at the resort, and book tours that include transportation with pick and drop.
For arriving from the airport or from another destination, you can book a shared shuttle or a private transfer, and they will drop you off directly at Los Lagos Hotel Spa & Resort:
- San Jose Airport to La Fortuna
- Liberia Airport to La Fortuna
- Monteverde to La Fortuna
- Manuel Antonio to La Fortuna
🚐 Book your transfer here on Bookaway →
💰 Get 5% discount by using our exclusive promo code PARADISE5
Once you are in La Fortuna, you can use Ubers, book tours with transportation included, or ask the hotel to arrange taxis.
For getting around within Los Lagos property, you can call reception for their on-demand free shuttle.
Depending on your overall Costa Rica itinerary, you may still want to rent a car. For more insights, read our posts:
🚗 Rent your car with Adobe Rent A Car and get 10% discount and other freebies →
Is Los Lagos better suited for families or couples?
With all the amenities onsite, Los Lagos fits perfectly for a comfortable family vacation, and it is definitely popular among families.
Having said that, we stayed here as a couple and really enjoyed it. If you want a more relaxed soak, you can choose quieter pools and time your hot springs visits for earlier or later in the day, when the thermal area tends to feel calmer.
What are other similar alternatives to Los Lagos Hotel Spa & Resort?
There aren’t many hot springs resorts with similar amenities at this price point.
A close alternative could be Volcano Lodge, Hotel and Thermal Experience.
If you can spend a little more, without jumping all the way into luxury pricing, consider Paradise Hot Springs or El Silencio del Campo.
Final Verdict: Should You Book Los Lagos Hotel Spa & Resort?
If you are looking for a good-value La Fortuna hot springs resort with multiple thermal pools, an excellent breakfast and real chances at Arenal views, Los Lagos Hotel Spa & Resort is an easy recommendation.
It is not trying to be ultra-luxury. It is trying (and succeeding) to give you La Fortuna essentials in one place, at a price that still leaves room for adventures.
Book Los Lagos Hotel →Or compare prices on Expedia →
Plan Your La Fortuna Trip
- Arenal Volcano National Park
- Arenal 1968 Trail
- Eco Termales Hot Springs
- Relax Termalitas Hot Springs
- Best Hot Springs in La Fortuna
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Travel Resources
- Flights: Skyscanner
- Hotels: Booking.com | Expedia
- Tours: Viator | GetYourGuide
- Travel Insurance:
- Heymondo (get 5% off)
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
- eSIMs:
- Transfers: Bookaway. Code PARADISE5 for 5% off
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