Located at the base of Arenal Volcano, Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa offers a healthy dose of upscale relaxation and sophistication without a lot of pretense. The pool is a bit small, and there’s nothing within walking distance, but the long list of amenities -- hot spring pools, a large, all-day restaurant with free breakfast, multiple bars, and a full-service spa -- means most guests won’t ever need to leave the property anyway. All 53 rooms feature virtually identical spacious layouts, plus free Wi-Fi, in-room hot tubs, minibars, and two balconies (one with volcano views). The nearby Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa offers the same amenities and a more beautiful thermal pool, but it's hard to beat the quiet natural setting and the views of Arenal Volcano found here.
Located at the base of Arenal Volcano, Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa offers a healthy dose of upscale relaxation and sophistication without a lot of pretense. The pool is a bit small, and there’s nothing within walking distance, but the long list of amenities -- hot spring pools, a large, all-day restaurant with free breakfast, multiple bars, and a full-service spa -- means most guests won’t ever need to leave the property anyway. All 53 rooms feature virtually identical spacious layouts, plus free Wi-Fi, in-room hot tubs, minibars, and two balconies (one with volcano views). The nearby Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa offers the same amenities and a more beautiful thermal pool, but it's hard to beat the quiet natural setting and the views of Arenal Volcano found here.
This 27-acre, upper-middle-range property of 82 one-story bungalows feels almost like its own sprawling town, and the working dairy farm is a highlight -- it supplies the hotel with milk, and guests are welcome to milk the cows. Both hot and cold spring pools with swim-up bars are on offer. The property is not too secluded, however, as La Fortuna is within a 15-minute drive. The rooms are modern (if a bit lacking in local character) and offer plenty of privacy, as each takes up one half of a bungalow; all have terraces with volcano views. Those who want a similar experience that's closer to town may prefer El Silencio del Campo (if they're OK with a hotel that's a little more worn-in) or Arenal Volcano Inn (if they don't need as much privacy).
This 27-acre, upper-middle-range property of 82 one-story bungalows feels almost like its own sprawling town, and the working dairy farm is a highlight -- it supplies the hotel with milk, and guests are welcome to milk the cows. Both hot and cold spring pools with swim-up bars are on offer. The property is not too secluded, however, as La Fortuna is within a 15-minute drive. The rooms are modern (if a bit lacking in local character) and offer plenty of privacy, as each takes up one half of a bungalow; all have terraces with volcano views. Those who want a similar experience that's closer to town may prefer El Silencio del Campo (if they're OK with a hotel that's a little more worn-in) or Arenal Volcano Inn (if they don't need as much privacy).
Luxurious in every way, the 16-room, adult-only resort Nayara Springs is the top resort in the area for couples seeking romance and privacy -- but who can do without volcano views. Large, rustic-luxe rooms have a bevy of free amenities (free minibar items, free international calls) and gadgets (Bluetooth music players, espresso machines), all of which you pay for in the room rate. Its nearest competitor is the Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens, which happens to be its family-friendly sister property next door (volcano views are on offer there). The hotel is only a 15-minute ride into the town of La Fortuna, but most guests seem to spend the majority of their time on the property.
Luxurious in every way, the 16-room, adult-only resort Nayara Springs is the top resort in the area for couples seeking romance and privacy -- but who can do without volcano views. Large, rustic-luxe rooms have a bevy of free amenities (free minibar items, free international calls) and gadgets (Bluetooth music players, espresso machines), all of which you pay for in the room rate. Its nearest competitor is the Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens, which happens to be its family-friendly sister property next door (volcano views are on offer there). The hotel is only a 15-minute ride into the town of La Fortuna, but most guests seem to spend the majority of their time on the property.
Set in the shadow of Arenal Volcano, Hotel Arenal Montechiari offers quaint, garden-style budget lodging just a 10-minute walk from the shops, restaurants, and tour operators on La Fortuna's tourist-friendly strip. The 21 rustic, cabin-style rooms all include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges, plus private porches with volcano views. A lovely outdoor pool and open-air restaurant help set it apart from dozens of similar hotels in the area. However, the restaurant hours are limited to non-existent in low season, and Wi-Fi is spotty away from the lobby. Brisas Arenal Hotel lacks a decent pool but offers more seclusion and rooms, with a bit more sophistication, for less money.
Set in the shadow of Arenal Volcano, Hotel Arenal Montechiari offers quaint, garden-style budget lodging just a 10-minute walk from the shops, restaurants, and tour operators on La Fortuna's tourist-friendly strip. The 21 rustic, cabin-style rooms all include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges, plus private porches with volcano views. A lovely outdoor pool and open-air restaurant help set it apart from dozens of similar hotels in the area. However, the restaurant hours are limited to non-existent in low season, and Wi-Fi is spotty away from the lobby. Brisas Arenal Hotel lacks a decent pool but offers more seclusion and rooms, with a bit more sophistication, for less money.
Situated on La Fortuna’s main tourist strip, Arenal Hostel Resort offers budget accommodations with a solid list of amenities (for a hostel). A casual, tiki-bar-style restaurant, pool, and swim-up bar are surprising touches while a relaxed garden courtyard offers hammocks and teak outdoor dining tables. Entry-level dorm rooms are minimal and functional with only bunk beds, air-conditioning, and ensuite bathrooms. Upgraded private rooms additionally offer flat-screen TVs with cable and shared, furnished balconies overlooking the garden. Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna offers similarly priced and appointed accommodations with a larger pool.
Situated on La Fortuna’s main tourist strip, Arenal Hostel Resort offers budget accommodations with a solid list of amenities (for a hostel). A casual, tiki-bar-style restaurant, pool, and swim-up bar are surprising touches while a relaxed garden courtyard offers hammocks and teak outdoor dining tables. Entry-level dorm rooms are minimal and functional with only bunk beds, air-conditioning, and ensuite bathrooms. Upgraded private rooms additionally offer flat-screen TVs with cable and shared, furnished balconies overlooking the garden. Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna offers similarly priced and appointed accommodations with a larger pool.
If you ever wanted to live Jurassic Park (without eaten-by-dinosaurs part), this mid-range property might help fulfill that dream. This all-inclusive, 864-acre, 48-room property on a mountain has some of the best views in the area of both the lake and the volcano, and allows guests to be immersed in the rainforest, with its birds, monkeys, and snakes. The spacious, homey, slightly rustic rooms have commanding views of the surrounding trees -- which may help guests forget that there are no TVs or ACs. The hotel's the only one in the area actually inside the national park, and is also among the most remote from La Fortuna, though there is local shuttle service. It's hard to find comparable properties in the area, but it may be worth considering Arenal Lodge, which also has great views and a rainforest setting.
If you ever wanted to live Jurassic Park (without eaten-by-dinosaurs part), this mid-range property might help fulfill that dream. This all-inclusive, 864-acre, 48-room property on a mountain has some of the best views in the area of both the lake and the volcano, and allows guests to be immersed in the rainforest, with its birds, monkeys, and snakes. The spacious, homey, slightly rustic rooms have commanding views of the surrounding trees -- which may help guests forget that there are no TVs or ACs. The hotel's the only one in the area actually inside the national park, and is also among the most remote from La Fortuna, though there is local shuttle service. It's hard to find comparable properties in the area, but it may be worth considering Arenal Lodge, which also has great views and a rainforest setting.
This 20-bungalow mid-range property with the feeling of an adults summer camp offers a convenient home base five minutes from La Fortuna. It packs in privacy and comfort for families and couples, though the ugly high-rise looming overhead ruins any illusion of seclusion. Bungalows are simple wooden cabins that are bigger on the inside than they appear outside, and provide a surprising amount of privacy, thanks to careful placement. Other draws include the extra-hot hot springs and a hotel bar that stays open later than most others nearby. The property offers more personality than the nearby Arenal Volcano Inn, but true hot-springs lovers may prefer the pricier Tabacon up the road.
This 20-bungalow mid-range property with the feeling of an adults summer camp offers a convenient home base five minutes from La Fortuna. It packs in privacy and comfort for families and couples, though the ugly high-rise looming overhead ruins any illusion of seclusion. Bungalows are simple wooden cabins that are bigger on the inside than they appear outside, and provide a surprising amount of privacy, thanks to careful placement. Other draws include the extra-hot hot springs and a hotel bar that stays open later than most others nearby. The property offers more personality than the nearby Arenal Volcano Inn, but true hot-springs lovers may prefer the pricier Tabacon up the road.
At the end of a winding rural road in Costa Rica’s stunning, 2,000-acre cloud forest, the mid-range Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Nature Reserve feels like a hotel at the end of the world. All 35 rooms are rustic, freestanding bungalows with free Wi-Fi, minibars, wood-burning fireplaces, and private patios with lovely views. An authentic Costa Rican restaurant/bar, on-site dairy farm, exclusive hiking trails, a modern movie theater, and a historic chapel for destination weddings are among its most notable amenities. The absence of attractions within walking distance may dissuade some guests, but others may find that that’s exactly what they’re looking for. Although rooms aren't as modern, Lands in Love Hotel & Resort (Tierras Enamoradas) offers similar amenities, plus a pool and an outdoor adventure park for similar rates.
At the end of a winding rural road in Costa Rica’s stunning, 2,000-acre cloud forest, the mid-range Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Nature Reserve feels like a hotel at the end of the world. All 35 rooms are rustic, freestanding bungalows with free Wi-Fi, minibars, wood-burning fireplaces, and private patios with lovely views. An authentic Costa Rican restaurant/bar, on-site dairy farm, exclusive hiking trails, a modern movie theater, and a historic chapel for destination weddings are among its most notable amenities. The absence of attractions within walking distance may dissuade some guests, but others may find that that’s exactly what they’re looking for. Although rooms aren't as modern, Lands in Love Hotel & Resort (Tierras Enamoradas) offers similar amenities, plus a pool and an outdoor adventure park for similar rates.
This nine-room eco-hotel with a working farm is about as unique as you'll find in the Arenal region. Mid-range rooms range from wood cabins perched over the rainforest to the truly unusual Hobbit Hole, which is like staying in cross between a Tolkien-esque fairytale burrow and the Flintstones' living room. They may not come with modern conveniences such as TV and AC, but they have marvelous views. The hotel is remote (the word "retreat" in the name should be taken quite literally), and requires a long trip (more than a half-hour drive) from La Fortuna over treacherous roads. Finca Luna Nueva Lodge is a slightly cheaper eco-friendly, remote farm hotel, but its rooms aren't as characterful.
This nine-room eco-hotel with a working farm is about as unique as you'll find in the Arenal region. Mid-range rooms range from wood cabins perched over the rainforest to the truly unusual Hobbit Hole, which is like staying in cross between a Tolkien-esque fairytale burrow and the Flintstones' living room. They may not come with modern conveniences such as TV and AC, but they have marvelous views. The hotel is remote (the word "retreat" in the name should be taken quite literally), and requires a long trip (more than a half-hour drive) from La Fortuna over treacherous roads. Finca Luna Nueva Lodge is a slightly cheaper eco-friendly, remote farm hotel, but its rooms aren't as characterful.
This 13-room farm-hotel is in a league of its own for Arenal-area agritourism, and is well-suited to travelers interested in sustainable organic farming amid the rainforest. It's at least a 30-minute drive away from La Fortuna, making it inconvenient for those looking to explore off property. Rooms are large but relatively spartan, without TV and air-conditioning, but the guests who love birding and farming often don't seem to mind. Hotel El Silencio del Campo also has a working farm, but nicer rooms with TV and AC -- though it lacks Fina Luna Nueva's secluded rainforest setting.
This 13-room farm-hotel is in a league of its own for Arenal-area agritourism, and is well-suited to travelers interested in sustainable organic farming amid the rainforest. It's at least a 30-minute drive away from La Fortuna, making it inconvenient for those looking to explore off property. Rooms are large but relatively spartan, without TV and air-conditioning, but the guests who love birding and farming often don't seem to mind. Hotel El Silencio del Campo also has a working farm, but nicer rooms with TV and AC -- though it lacks Fina Luna Nueva's secluded rainforest setting.