If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, you’ve most likely heard of Arenal and La Fortuna. The Arenal area is probably the most popular travel destination in Costa Rica, receiving over 1 million visitors a year. Filled with plenty of outdoor adventure, wildlife watching opportunities and a huge national park, Arenal ranks as one of the favorite places in Costa Rica for visitors.
Thankfully, when it comes to planning your trip to this area, it isn’t too difficult as there are a myriad of resorts and hotels in Arenal. In fact, some of the nicest hotels in the country are in this area so if you want a luxury vacation, Arenal is definitely the best place to go.
We love the Arenal area and have visited many times and stayed in many places. If you’re doing research for your trip and need some insight on the best luxury hotels in Arenal, here are the ones we recommend.
Best Luxury Hotels in Arenal
Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens
Named as one of Travel and Leisure’s best hotels in 2013, the Nayara Hotel ranks as one of the top in Arenal for a luxury getaway. Stay in one of the 50 villas outfitted with private decks, beautiful views and an outdoor shower (some have hot tubs and private pool as well). For the utmost privacy, request a villa.
The property has a spa, a restaurant that offers wine tasting and hammocks for downtime. This is a hotel that caters more towards honeymooners or couples looking for a romantic escape. It’s not all-inclusive, but you can arrange tours and transportation to La Fortuna town with the hotel to experience some local life.
Check the latest rates at the Nayara Hotel.
The Springs Resort & Spa
Sitting 1,000 feet above the Arenal Volcano, visitors get one of the most stunning views of the volcano from every inch of the boutique Springs Resort & Spa’s property. They have their own cold and hot springs which are open to both guests and the public, lagoon-like pools, a spa, ballroom and four international restaurants.
Though this resort is also a favorite for honeymooners, it is also a top pick for business and family travelers. They have on-site activities at the Club Rio Outdoor Center just 1.5 kilometers from the hotel so you don’t have to go far to enjoy hiking, rafting and outdoor adventure. Kids will love the Spring’s Wildlife preserve, created to take care of injured animals.
Check the latest rates for the Springs Resort & Spa.
Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa
The modern rooms at the Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Soa were designed specifically for an amazing view of Arenal Volcano. The high ceilings, tall windows and Jacuzzi in every room will leave your jaw dropping.
The property has several pools, a spa and beautifully landscaped hot springs throughout. For every stay, guests receive one free mini-facial.
One thing about the Kioro that sets it apart from other hotels in Arenal is the fact their hot springs are private. Only hotel guests are permitted in the hot springs, ensuring guests complete privacy and enjoyment of the hot springs all to themselves. They also include a free pass to Titoku hot springs.
Check the latest rates for Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa.
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
If you’ve seen any photos of the hot springs in Arenal, most likely you’ve seen the ones at Tabacon. The resort offers the natural hot springs as part of a package so if it’s your goal to visit those specific hot springs, it’s best to book the package that includes a free shuttle to and from the springs.
Rooms have vaulted ceilings and are decorated with a vibrant nature feel. Each has a private balcony and large bathtub, complete with five star amenities. Upgrade to a suite on the second floor for even bigger rooms and better views.
The resort and hot springs are ideal for both couples and families, but couples will fall head over heels especially at the adult only pool at the hot springs. There you can enjoy the waterfalls and soothing water in a romantic garden setting. Also note that they have the only natural hot springs in the area, as the water is supplied by the nearby Tabacon river.
Check the latest rates at Tabacon
Hotel Royal Corin
This luxury hotel lies fairly close to La Fortuna so you can still enjoy the conveniences of town but stay in a beautiful elegant room. Enjoy a drink from the swim up bar, relax in their whirlpools and soak in the pools of varying temperature all with an amazing view.
They have very modern and spacious rooms and suites with balconies and large terraces. Splurge for a suite and your room will come with an in-room Jacuzzi with a TV!
If you’re looking to spend most of your time in Arenal relaxing (particularly by the pools and springs), the Royal Corin is one of the best to do exactly that.
Check the latest rates at Royal Corin
Lost Iguana Resort & Spa
The name truly reflects the property, as it is tucked in the rain forest so guests an immerse themselves fully in nature. Stroll along the trails throughout the property and meet some wildlife along the way, marvel at Arenal volcano from your balcony and enjoy their happy hour surrounded by the forest.
The pools are a bit small so you must go to the other hot spring facilities to get the full experience. Make sure you have a car or be willing to shell out money to get to La Fortuna, but they do have an excellent on-site restaurant.
This is a great option for couples for an intimate getaway in the forest and families who wants their kids to enjoy more nature.
Check the latest rates at Lost Iguana Resort
Arenal Observatory Lodge
The lodge is one of the closest hotels to Arenal Volcano and you can see it extremely close from every corner of the property. Giving guests a true nature experience, the lodge’s property features rustic rooms and hiking trails everywhere. There are trails to hanging bridges, a waterfall and to Cerro Chato, the inactive volcano next to Arenal. They even offer horseback riding on their property so there’s plenty to do at the lodge.
The lodge doesn’t offer a typical luxury experience, it offers a one-of-a-kind luxury experience to get as close to the rainforest, volcano, nature and wildlife as possible. That itself is luxury for those who want a vacation filled with exactly those things.
It’s quite far from La Fortuna but they have an on-site restaurant, pools and game room.
Check the latest rates at Arenal Observatory Lodge
Hotel Kokoro Arenal
If you’re looking for a quiet little place to stay near La Fortuna but still in the rain forest, Hotel Kokoro is a top option. It’s right off the main road to Arenal and about a 5-10 minute drive to town.
Rooms are rustic eco-cabins spaced out throughout the beautifully landscaped property filled with gardens and has a view of the volcano. The hotel has a normal swimming pool and a hot spring pool. Kokoro offers an eco-friendly experience in the rain forest.
Check the latest rates at Hotel Kokro Arenal
Hotel Lomas del Volcan
You’ll feel like Arenal volcano is in your backyard as the Lomas del Volcan sits at the base of Arenal. Stay in a bungalow with a Jacuzzi or balcony and let the sounds of nature surround you. Since the hotel is located off the main road and not close to town, it’s very quiet and peaceful.
They have an open-air restaurant so if you grab a front table, you can watch the wildlife wander around on the property. If you drive, do note that the road to the hotel is not paved and the signage is not the best.
Check the latest rates at Hotel Lomas del Volcan
These are the best luxury hotels in Arenal that we recommend, but there are plenty for every budget and every traveler.
Read about things to do in the Arenal area!
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Love luxury hotels! What can be better than staying in super comfortable place where you can feel like a king? 😉
Agreed 🙂