After 8+ years of living and traveling in Costa Rica, La Fortuna remains our favorite destination.
Every time we plan a trip there, deciding where to stay in La Fortuna adds to our excitement because, from volcano-view budget hotels to romantic resorts with onsite hot springs, there are so many accommodation types to choose from!
Now, based on our innumerable trips to this destination, spanning a few days to a few weeks, we have put together this La Fortuna and Arenal hotels guide to help you pick a hotel that best fits your travel style and budget.
First, we help you narrow down the best area to stay based on your priorities. Then we share our hotel picks across categories: near town, hot springs resorts, wildlife and birding lodges, luxury escapes, stays near attractions, and value-for-money options, each with their highlights and our reasons to pick them.
La Fortuna and Arenal Best Hotels: Our Top Picks
Hot Springs Resorts Near La Fortuna Town: Our Top 3 Picks
Our top 3 picks of hot springs resorts, all within a 15-minute drive from town. On-site thermal pools, easy access to La Fortuna’s restaurants, shops, and tour pick-ups make them great value.
1. Los Lagos Spa & Resort
Our top pick for a value hot springs resort. We stayed here and loved the beautiful volcano views from the property, an elaborate breakfast spread and the fact that you get those amenities including the thermal pools and jacuzzi at a mid-range pricing.
2. Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience
We like their peaceful atmosphere compared to some of the larger resorts, and loved their hot springs set in a forest environment with options of suites featuring private thermal pools.
3. Hotel El Silencio del Campo
Boutique chalets and villas with Arenal Volcano views and hot springs in lush garden settings. Bookmarked this boutique hotel for our next stay in La Fortuna!
Luxury Hot Springs Resorts in Arenal: Our Top Picks
If you are looking to splurge, we recommend these luxury hot springs resorts for their rooms, amenities and access to nature.
| Luxury Resorts with On-site Hot springs | Overview |
|---|---|
| 🏡 The Springs Resort & Spa | 28 hot springs thermal pools and in-house wildlife rescue center |
| ⛱️ Nayara Springs | Adults-only luxury resort with private plunge pools. |
| 🌿 Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa | Iconic Arenal resort fed directly by the hot springs river flowing through tropical gardens |
Birding Lodges in La Fortuna: Our Top Picks
If you are enthusiastic about birdwatching like us, we recommend these two lodges. We have stayed at both these lodges where we spotted several bird species, including the rare yellow-eared toucanet.
| Hotels for Birding | Overview |
|---|---|
| 🔭 Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa | On-site trails for watching birds and animals, closest possible view of Arenal Volcano from any hotel |
| 🦜 Tifakara Birding Oasis | Boutique lodge near La Fortuna Waterfall with chances of spotting birds |
High-Value Stays in La Fortuna: Our Top Picks
These are our hotel picks when we want to stay in town, with restaurants within walking distances, while still enjoying a comfortable stay.
| Value Stays in La Fortuna | Overview |
|---|---|
| 🏨 San Bosco Inn | Excellent Costa Rican buffet breakfast, complimentary access to offsite hot springs |
| 🏨 Hotel Secreto La Fortuna | Volcano-view rooms and pool, good breakfast |
How to Choose Where to Stay in La Fortuna and Arenal
The location of your hotel is the most important factor when deciding where to stay in La Fortuna and Arenal.
Your choice comes down to three key decisions:
- La Fortuna Town or Arenal area?
- On-site hot springs or day pass?
- Resort or vacation rental?
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.
Pros of staying in the Arenal Area:
🌳 Closer to nature with rainforest surroundings
🥾 Most resorts either have in-house trails or close to National Park or Reserves.
💦 Most Resorts have in-house hot springs or close to a hot springs property.
Cons of staying in the Arenal Area:
🚙 As the area is away from the town, you need a transport for tours or travel to other destinations.
💵 The room prices are higher, however, comes with additional and luxury.
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.
Pros of staying in the La Fortuna Area:
🚙 Easy to move around and avail taxis.
🍛 Choices of restaurants, cafes, grocery stores and souvenir shops.
💵 The room prices are generally cheaper.
Cons of staying in the La Fortuna Area:
🚙 Need transport to get to Rainforest Reserves or National Park trails.
💦 Book day or night pass slots in hot springs property.
Quick Comparison: La Fortuna Town vs Arenal Area
| Factor | La Fortuna Town | Arenal Area |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Under USD 50 to USD 200 | USD 200 and up |
| Hot Springs | Day pass needed | Often on-site |
| Volcano Views | Limited | Excellent |
| Walkability | High | Low |
| Need a Car? | No | Recommended |
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 at a Hot Springs property.
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 if you are booking a vacation rental:
🚙 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: Resorts with Hot Springs Close to La Fortuna Town
Los Lagos Spa & Thermal Resort Experience
🏨 Stay here: 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.
➡️ Check availability at Los Lago Resort
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. We spent long hours ‘hot spring hopping’ at their thermal pools which differ by temperature level, size and settings.
🏞️ We had our best views from their volcano lookout area which can be a bit of hike from the rooms.
We had an excellent breakfast from their buffet spread and the 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.
Book your Stay at Los Lagos➡️ Read our experience of staying at Los Lagos Spa & Thermal Resort.
Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience
🏨 Stay here: On-site thermal pools, room options with private thermal pools, proximity to town.
⭐️ Highlights: Natural hot spring pools, swim-up bar, volcano views, tropical gardens, excellent breakfast, on-site restaurant with pool view.
➡️ Check availability at Volcano Lodge
Volcano Lodge is located just 10 minutes drive from La Fortuna town center. We loved the tropical garden and rainforest setting of the lodge.
They have thermal pools with a swim-up bar hidden between trees and a jacuzzi, and a large swimming pool with an adjoining restaurant and a chill-out lounge for games and reading.
The cottage rooms with wooden interiors go well with the beautifully designed pools surrounded by lush gardens. Each room offers garden and inner courtyard views, air conditioning, tea and coffee maker, and a TV.
We recommend picking one of the rooms or suites with a private thermal pool.
The garden area is also nice to walk around. We spotted different species of birds and insects while taking a stroll in the property.
💦 The thermal pools, with the rock decor, surrounded by dense vegetation, gives you a feeling of being in a forest.
Book your Stay at Volcano LodgeHotel El Silencio del Campo
🏨 Stay here: 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.
➡️ Check availability at Hotel El Silencio del Campo
Hotel El Silencio del Campo is a short drive from the La Fortuna town center. With the tropical garden settings and scenic backdrop of Arenal Volcano, Hotel El Silencio del Campo has everything that you need on a vacation in La Fortuna.
💦 The hotel has onsite volcanic hot springs, an outdoor pool, and Spa services for relaxation.
The onsite restaurant serves breakfast and has dining options at reasonable prices.
The rooms in the chalets have wooden decors and offer incredible views of the volcano and the lush green surroundings.
Book your Stay at Hotel El Silencio del CampoWhere to stay in La Fortuna and Arenal: Luxury Resorts with Hot Springs
The Springs Resorts & Spa at Arenal
🏨 Stay here: 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.
➡️ Check availability at The Springs Resort
The Springs Resorts & Spa is one of the top-rated luxury resorts in Arenal. It is located away from the La Fortuna town, although the amenities on-premise are exciting enough for activities and relaxation.
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.
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.
Book Your Stay at The Springs ResortNayara Gardens | Nayara Springs – Adults Only
🏨 Stay here: 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
➡️ Check availability at Nayara Gardens or Nayara Springs
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.
The terraces come 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.
Book your Stay at Nayara SpringsTabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
🏨 Stay here: 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.
➡️ Check availability at Tabacón Thermal Resort
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.
Book your Stay at Tabacón Thermal ResortHotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa
🏨 Stay here: 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, service and celebrity treatment.
⭐️ Highlights: Proximity to Lake Arenal, On-site spring bath, Private hot tub in rooms, Balcony with volcano views, Spa center, Gym.
➡️ Click here to check the availability and prices at Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa
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.
Book your Stay at Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & SpaLa Fortuna and Arenal Hotels for Birding and Wildlife
Arenal Observatory Lodge
🏨 Stay here: 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.
➡️ Check availability at Arenal Observatory Lodge
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.
Book your Stay at Arenal Observatory LodgeRelated Reading: Know more about the amazing wildlife of Costa Rica.
Ti-fakara Boutique Hotel & Birding Oasis | Noah’s Forest by Ti-fikara
🏨 Stay here: 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.
➡️ Check availability at Tifakara Boutique Hotel or Noah’s Forest by Tifakara
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!
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.
Book your Stay at Ti-fakara Boutique Hotel & Birding Oasis Book your Stay at Noah’s Forest by Ti-fikaraLomas del Volcan
🏨 Stay here: 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.
➡️ Check availability at Lomas del Volcan
Featuring a private hot tub and a terrace overlooking the lush gardens, the wooden cabins at Lomas del Volcan have a charming appeal.
🛁 We chose a cabin with an exterior bathtub which had partial views of the Arenal Volcano, perfect for a couple like us.
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 where you have opportunities to find animals or birds.
Book your Stay at Lomas del VolcanLa Fortuna Hotels close to La Fortuna Waterfall
Hotel Rancho Cerro Azul
🏨 Stay here: 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.
➡️ Check availability at Hotel Rancho Cerro Azul
Hotel Rancho Cerro Azul is set in lush green surroundings with volcano and mountain views. The hotel is located on the street leading to the La Fortuna waterfall.
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.
Book your Stay at Hotel Rancho Cerro AzulRelated Reading: Do not miss seeing sloths in the wild in La Fortuna! Visit Bogarin Trail.
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
🏨 Stay here: 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.
➡️ Check the availability at Casa Luna Hotel
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. We spotted toucans and monkeys in the trees onsite.
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.
Book your Stay at Casa Luna Hotel & SpaBudget Hotels in La Fortuna
San Bosco Inn
🏨 Stay here: It is a 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.
➡️ Check availability at San Bosco Inn
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.
Book your Stay at San Bosco InnHotel Secreto La Fortuna
🏨 Stay here: It serves as a great base for visiting Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Hot Springs.
⭐️ Highlights: Proximity to La Fortuna Town/ Restaurants/ Waterfall, Volcano views from Room/ Property.
➡️ Check the availability at Hotel Secreto
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.
Book your Stay at Hotel Secreto La FortunaArenal Roca Lodge
🏨 Stay here: 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.
➡️ Check the availability at Arenal Roca Lodge
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.
Book your Stay at Arenal Roca LodgeHotel Monte Real
🏨 Stay here: 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.enal Roca Lodge is pet-friendly. It is a great option if you are looking for a budget base option in La Fortuna.
⭐️ Highlights: Frog garden, River close by, Proximity to La Fortuna town/restaurants.h gardens.
➡️ Check availability at Hotel Monte Real
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.
Book your Stay at Hotel Monte RealRelated 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.
Plan Your La Fortuna Trip
Told you, you can make a whole itinerary just with this list of free and budget things to do in La Fortuna.
However, if you wish to explore more options and need more ideas, check out all these articles related to La Fortuna travel planning.
- Arenal Volcano National Park
- Arenal 1968 Trail
- Eco Termales Hot Springs
- Relax Termalitas Hot Springs
- Best Hot Springs in La Fortuna
🏨 Pick Your Costa Rica Hotels
For recommendations on where to stay in 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:
Travel Resources
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- Hotels: Booking.com | Expedia
- Tours: Viator | GetYourGuide
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- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
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