This conveniently located, 46-room mid-range resort offers brightly colored bungalows that wouldn't look out of place in a Smurf village. They feature showers that mimic natural waterfalls and come with private outdoor hot tubs or pools, though views of the volcanos and Wi-Fi signals are both limited. About 15 minutes from La Fortuna, Hotel Mountain Paradise shares a spur road with its nearest competitor, the luxurious Nayara Hotel; those seeking cheaper accommodations might consider Volcano Lodge & Gardens, though its rooms aren't as attractive.
This conveniently located, 46-room mid-range resort offers brightly colored bungalows that wouldn't look out of place in a Smurf village. They feature showers that mimic natural waterfalls and come with private outdoor hot tubs or pools, though views of the volcanos and Wi-Fi signals are both limited. About 15 minutes from La Fortuna, Hotel Mountain Paradise shares a spur road with its nearest competitor, the luxurious Nayara Hotel; those seeking cheaper accommodations might consider Volcano Lodge & Gardens, though its rooms aren't as attractive.
The Hampton Inn & Suites is a modern mid-range stopover that offers free airport shuttles, a varied buffet breakfast guests love, a pretty outdoor pool, and a gym (though it’s teeny). The 100 spacious rooms come with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, comfy bedding, and Neutrogena products, which all shape a solid and reliable option amongst the many airport hotel offerings in the area. While the location is fairly lackluster (it's five minutes to the international airport), there are chain restaurants and a casino within short walking distance. Guests generally leave impressed -- but don’t expect any local character or flair. Those seeking a more stylish and character-filled affair could try the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose, though rates will be higher.
The Hampton Inn & Suites is a modern mid-range stopover that offers free airport shuttles, a varied buffet breakfast guests love, a pretty outdoor pool, and a gym (though it’s teeny). The 100 spacious rooms come with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, comfy bedding, and Neutrogena products, which all shape a solid and reliable option amongst the many airport hotel offerings in the area. While the location is fairly lackluster (it's five minutes to the international airport), there are chain restaurants and a casino within short walking distance. Guests generally leave impressed -- but don’t expect any local character or flair. Those seeking a more stylish and character-filled affair could try the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose, though rates will be higher.
Amid Central Costa Rica’s rain forest, the three-pearl Lands in Love Hotel & Resort (Tierras Enamoradas) offers some of the region’s most eclectic lodging, 30 minutes outside of San Pedro. The 33 rooms are dated and dowdy, but all offer minibars, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and rain forest views. On paper, there are a wealth of resort-like amenities that include an adventure center for zip-lining and an outdoor pool. But, most interiors feel passed their prime with a look and feel that’s equal parts homely and charming. The distinct animal-friendly atmosphere -- including a vegetarian restaurant, a pet hotel, and free dog-walking opportunities for guests -- is either a major draw or one of the best reasons to stay elsewhere. While it lacks the same outdoor opportunities, Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Nature Reserve offers more sophistication and better rooms for the same money.
Amid Central Costa Rica’s rain forest, the three-pearl Lands in Love Hotel & Resort (Tierras Enamoradas) offers some of the region’s most eclectic lodging, 30 minutes outside of San Pedro. The 33 rooms are dated and dowdy, but all offer minibars, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and rain forest views. On paper, there are a wealth of resort-like amenities that include an adventure center for zip-lining and an outdoor pool. But, most interiors feel passed their prime with a look and feel that’s equal parts homely and charming. The distinct animal-friendly atmosphere -- including a vegetarian restaurant, a pet hotel, and free dog-walking opportunities for guests -- is either a major draw or one of the best reasons to stay elsewhere. While it lacks the same outdoor opportunities, Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Nature Reserve offers more sophistication and better rooms for the same money.
Tilajari Hotel Resort is a sprawling, business-centric three-pearl resort with plenty to offer travelers looking for all-in-one lodging. There’s little in the surrounding area and nothing within walking distance. However, the long list of amenities -- including an open-air restaurant, three pools (including a kiddy pool), multiple sports courts/fields, and a butterfly garden -- mean most guests will rarely need to venture off-property. All 76 rooms are bright and traditionally decorated with cable TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private balconies with river views. Although it’s dated, El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa offers similar amenities plus hot spring pools and one of Costa Rica’s largest spas for less money.
Tilajari Hotel Resort is a sprawling, business-centric three-pearl resort with plenty to offer travelers looking for all-in-one lodging. There’s little in the surrounding area and nothing within walking distance. However, the long list of amenities -- including an open-air restaurant, three pools (including a kiddy pool), multiple sports courts/fields, and a butterfly garden -- mean most guests will rarely need to venture off-property. All 76 rooms are bright and traditionally decorated with cable TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private balconies with river views. Although it’s dated, El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa offers similar amenities plus hot spring pools and one of Costa Rica’s largest spas for less money.
The aptly named El Silencio Lodge & Spa caters to guests seeking a secluded upscale rain forest getaway. The 16 rooms include entry-level Suites with spacious layouts, minibars, and private decks with outdoor hot tubs. Villas upgrade to house-style layouts with full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and wide decks. A range of outdoor opportunities like waterfall rappelling, zip-lining, and hiking is available at the adventure park. The spa, free hot breakfast, and free valet parking are nice upscale perks. However, with just one restaurant and a remote location, some guests may find the on-site amenities too limited once the sun sets. Note that kids under the age of eight aren't allowed here. Although it's less sophisticated, Xandari Resort & Spa offers many of the same amenities for less money.
The aptly named El Silencio Lodge & Spa caters to guests seeking a secluded upscale rain forest getaway. The 16 rooms include entry-level Suites with spacious layouts, minibars, and private decks with outdoor hot tubs. Villas upgrade to house-style layouts with full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and wide decks. A range of outdoor opportunities like waterfall rappelling, zip-lining, and hiking is available at the adventure park. The spa, free hot breakfast, and free valet parking are nice upscale perks. However, with just one restaurant and a remote location, some guests may find the on-site amenities too limited once the sun sets. Note that kids under the age of eight aren't allowed here. Although it's less sophisticated, Xandari Resort & Spa offers many of the same amenities for less money.
For a small hotel, this 54-room boutique has a lot to offer: A beautiful hot springs pool complex with natural thermal waters, great views of Arenal volcano, a lovely spa, a bar with an outdoor terrace, and an on-site restaurant. Contemporary rooms all have volcano views, but the property feels more developed, and less lush, than others in the area. Those wanting to feel surrounded by nature might want to stay elsewhere.
For a small hotel, this 54-room boutique has a lot to offer: A beautiful hot springs pool complex with natural thermal waters, great views of Arenal volcano, a lovely spa, a bar with an outdoor terrace, and an on-site restaurant. Contemporary rooms all have volcano views, but the property feels more developed, and less lush, than others in the area. Those wanting to feel surrounded by nature might want to stay elsewhere.
The 90-room, upper-middle-range hotel popular with the tour bus crowd appeals to a wide range of international tourists, though is a bit lacking in authentic Costa Rican flavor. Attractive rooms all have terraces with volcano views, and Master Suites include large rock-lined hot tubs inside. The hotel is centrally located between La Fortuna and the entrance to Arenal National Park, though the hotel's explicit mission is to give guests as little reason to want to leave the property as possible. Given the range of features -- hot springs with a swim-up bar, multiple restaurants, a spa -- many guests do choose to stay put. It may also be worth considering Hotel El Silencio del Campo, which has extra-hot hot springs and a bit more local character.
The 90-room, upper-middle-range hotel popular with the tour bus crowd appeals to a wide range of international tourists, though is a bit lacking in authentic Costa Rican flavor. Attractive rooms all have terraces with volcano views, and Master Suites include large rock-lined hot tubs inside. The hotel is centrally located between La Fortuna and the entrance to Arenal National Park, though the hotel's explicit mission is to give guests as little reason to want to leave the property as possible. Given the range of features -- hot springs with a swim-up bar, multiple restaurants, a spa -- many guests do choose to stay put. It may also be worth considering Hotel El Silencio del Campo, which has extra-hot hot springs and a bit more local character.