If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, you’ve most likely heard of Arenal or La Fortuna. Filled with plenty of outdoor adventure, wildlife watching opportunities and a huge national park, this area ranks as one of the favorite places in Costa Rica for visitors.
Because of this, it isn’t too difficult to plan your trip to La Fortuna. When it comes to picking a nice hotel, you have plenty to choose from. In fact, some of the nicest hotels in the country are in this area so if you want a luxury vacation, La Fortuna is definitely the best place to do it!
We love the La Fortuna area and have visited many times, staying 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. There are also notes of hotels with their own hot springs in La Fortuna.
Map
Click here to go to our interactive map with all hotels listed below.
You can get to all these hotels via driving or shuttle. The only things to note is that hotels like Lost Iguana, Arenal Observatory Lodge and The Springs may come with an extra charge for tours and transportation because they are outside the main route.
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. They have the normal Nayara Hotel that is open for everyone but if you’re there for your honeymoon or a couples getaway, book a villa at the adult only Nayara Springs.
You don’t have a volcano view but each villa has their own private natural hot spring pool and indoor and outdoor showers with separate his and her bathrooms.
Nayara Springs truly focuses on privacy and exclusivity as they offer breakfast in villa and nighttime turn down service. This is one of our top favorite hotels in the world but it is quite $$!
They also recently opened up their own glamping resort, Nayara Tented camp for a luxury experience closer to nature.
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. Their hot spring section is absolutely gorgeous! They have pools down by the river with beautiful river views and a lagoon like area closer to the hotel with a swim up bar, views of the volcano and a waterslide for kids.
Personally for us, the hot springs at The Springs are our absolute favorite. Additionally, the property is very big so you don’t ever feel too crowded in the hotel or hot springs.
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 on the same property as the hotel so you don’t have to go far to enjoy hiking, horseback riding, tubing and kayaking. Kids will love the Spring’s Wildlife preserve, created to take care of injured animals.
When it comes to the best hotels in La Fortuna, The Springs Resort & Spa is definitely in the top three. There’s no question as to why it’s a favorite for celebrities from all around the world! Many futbol stars from Costa Rica, Spain and Europe vacation at the Springs, famous people like Will Smith and Bill gates have stayed here, The Bachelor was filmed at The Springs and whether you love or hate them, the Kardashians stayed there too.
Read our review of the Springs Resort and Spa and get $10 USD ff the Club Rio Outdoor Center multi adventure package!
Amor Arenal
A newish luxury hotel for adults. Perfect for couples and honeymooners as it’s located very close to the volcano for amazing views and offers luxury furnishings and accommodations.
Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa
The modern rooms at the Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa 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. Their suites have ceiling to floor glass windows so waking up in the morning being this close to the volcano is an experience you’ll never forget. We’ve stayed here twice and I know we haven’t forgotten what a great experience it was!
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.
El Silencio del Campo
For a relaxing and beautiful hotel without breaking the bank, El Silencio del Campo is an excellent choice. Their property with gardens, a restaurant, spa, bar a swimming pool and thermal pools have a wonderful view of Arenal Volcano. They have standard, family and romantic villas and even their own farm!
Check the latest rates for Hotel El Silencio del Campo.
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 and they also have a hotel guest section only called the Shangri-la Gardens. There you can enjoy the waterfalls and soothing water in a romantic garden setting.
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. A lot of Costa Rican celebrities like to stay at the Hotel Royal Corin.
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. 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. It’s close to Arenal Dam and Mistico Hanging Bridges Park so it’s further away from La Fortuna but in a very quiet area. This is a great option for couples and families who wants their kids to enjoy more nature.
Check the latest rates at Lost Iguana Resort
Arenal Observatory Lodge
The lodge is the closest hotels to Arenal Volcano and focuses on a true nature experience. The property used to be a research center and now has hiking trails, a waterfall, hanging bridges and horseback riding trails.
Rooms are typical lodge style with no televisions or air conditioning. It doesn’t offer the typical luxury experience but it offers a one-of-a-kind luxury experience to get close to the rainforest, volcano, nature and wildlife. That itself is luxury for those who want a vacation filled with exactly those things.
We’ve stayed here twice and it’s one of our absolute favorite lodges in Costa Rica. It is perfect for those who really want to immerse themselves in nature. Also great for families and big groups as they have large cabins.
It’s quite far from La Fortuna as it’s actually in Arenal Volcano National Park but they have an on-site restaurant, pools and game room. We do recommend a high car to get to the lodge due to the road conditions.
Check the latest rates at Arenal Observatory Lodge.
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.
Check the latest rates at Hotel Lomas del Volcan
Los Lagos
This beautiful 4 star hotel has their own hot springs, butterfly garden and waterslide and offer day passes to outside guests. They also have a very special view of Arenal Volcano and lake at the top of their property.
They have a large property with beautiful rooms and maintained gardens. We visited once to tour the property and I even considered a wedding here because of the observation area they have of the lake and Arenal Volcano. It’s perfect for a wedding!
Check the latest rates at Los Lagos.
Read More About La Fortuna and Arenal Below to Help Plan Your Trip!
Best hot springs in La Fortuna
Driving from Guanacaste to La Fortuna and vice versa
Driving from San Jose to La Fortuna and vice versa
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