The Best Hotels in La Fortuna, Costa Rica: Our Complete Guide
Last update: 06/12/2026
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I’m back with another article about Costa Rica. We were lucky enough to spend a month in Costa Rica with the kids in 2023, and it was a fantastic experience! With its incredible biodiversity and volcanic landscapes, this small Central American country gave us plenty to discover. It was also our first time visiting this part of the world, and it turned out to be a truly enriching trip, both culturally and in terms of the scenery.
During our month-long journey through Costa Rica, we stopped in La Fortuna/Arenal, one of the country’s most popular and unmissable destinations. Put simply, La Fortuna is the main starting point for most excursions in the region. That’s why I’ve put together this complete guide to the best hotels in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. As it’s such a popular tourist destination, the good news is that you’ll find plenty of places to stay, with options to suit every budget.
La Fortuna gave us some amazing experiences, from hanging bridges and hot springs to tropical forests. That said, a word of caution: we also felt that some activities were more like tourist traps. I therefore recommend being selective when booking excursions. Then again, that’s often the case in highly touristy destinations! Either way, I can assure you that La Fortuna and the surrounding area are well worth visiting.
As you’ve probably gathered, the aim of this article is to help you plan your trip to Costa Rica. It wasn’t too far for us to travel from Guadeloupe, but depending on where you’re coming from, it could be quite a long journey. So, let me help you find the right accommodation in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
The Best Hotels in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
As I mentioned, La Fortuna/Arenal was one of the stops on our month-long itinerary through Costa Rica. As it’s the perfect base for exploring the surrounding area, you’ll find all kinds of hotels here. Options range from small, simple yet well-loved properties to luxury resorts—it all depends on what you’re looking for! To make your search easier, I’ve organized my selection by category. You can skip straight to the section that interests you or, if you’re still unsure, read through the full article. Either way, I’m confident you’ll find at least one hotel that suits you—if not several!
Luxury Hotels in La Fortuna: Outstanding Settings and High-End Comfort
If you feel like treating yourself during your stay in La Fortuna, you’ll be pleased to know that the area is home to some beautiful high-end properties. You’ll find stunning 4- and 5-star hotels offering everything you would expect: idyllic settings, spas, swimming pools, gyms, fine-dining restaurants and much more. Although there is plenty of choice, the best hotels tend to fill up quickly, especially during the high season. So, once you’ve made your decision, my advice is not to wait too long before booking.
The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
Set directly opposite Arenal Volcano, this five-star resort is designed to impress. I’ll let you discover all the details for yourself, but everything here has been created to wow its guests! More specifically, the resort features 28 thermal-water pools surrounded by lush vegetation, all with incredible views of Arenal’s iconic cone. The rooms are just as impressive: they’re spacious and feature a hot tub and private terrace. Best of all, they face the volcano—what a view!
Unsurprisingly, the facilities are excellent and include a spa with a sauna and steam room, a gym, free parking and five restaurants, including a buffet restaurant, grill and sushi bar. There’s certainly no shortage of choice! Reviews are equally enthusiastic about the service, with guests consistently praising the warm and attentive staff. Of course, this exceptional setting and level of comfort come at a price. But if you’re looking for a truly luxurious escape in La Fortuna, The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal is an excellent choice.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
At Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, you’ll be even closer to Arenal Volcano. You’ll literally be staying at the foot of the volcano while enjoying its natural hot springs. To set the scene, the resort features five pools hidden among the jungle vegetation, creating a wonderfully immersive experience in nature. As you might expect, this is the property’s main attraction.
The rooms and suites are modern and exceptionally comfortable, with air conditioning, high-quality bedding and stylish bathrooms. The suites also include a separate sitting area. To make your stay even more enjoyable, you’ll find a luxury spa, sauna, bar and two restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. Add in complimentary valet parking, a welcome cocktail and unlimited access to the hot springs, and you have a premium resort offering complete immersion in nature.
Nayara Gardens
Very close to Arenal Volcano, Nayara Gardens is a luxurious boutique hotel tucked away in the rainforest. Guests stay in private bungalow-style casitas, beautifully decorated with wood and featuring their own terrace. Many also come with a small private pool or hot tub, all surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
Luxury and relaxation are the key themes here, with swimming pools, hot springs, a high-end spa offering volcanic mud treatments, three restaurants and a wine bar. At breakfast, you can enjoy spectacular views of Arenal Volcano—what better way to start the day? Ultimately, this hotel fully deserves its reputation: it’s luxurious and beautifully designed, with flawless service in a completely natural setting.
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort
Located on the road to Arenal Volcano, The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort is a peaceful retreat where you can unwind and make the most of its soothing thermal waters. The property offers spotless, contemporary rooms with views of Arenal Volcano and hydromassage showers. During your stay, you can move between thermal pools, waterfalls, the swim-up bar and the spa. The excellent restaurants are located on the fifth floor and offer breathtaking panoramic views.
Guests particularly appreciate the warm welcome from the staff, the peaceful atmosphere and the thermal pools, which remain enjoyable even when it rains. Another major advantage is the location: the hotel is only a few minutes from the town center, the hanging bridges and Arenal Volcano. This is an adults-only property, making it a particularly good option for a luxurious getaway as a couple or with friends.
Lost Iguana Resort and Spa
Close to Lake Arenal and the Mistico hanging bridges, Lost Iguana Resort & Spa is an upscale jungle retreat with incredible views of the volcano. Guests can choose from spacious rooms with balconies, luxury suites or private villas. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be surrounded by the kind of lush tropical scenery Costa Rica is famous for.
To help you picture the setting, the grounds feature flower-lined paths, a small maze and an outdoor swimming pool with a bar—perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. Dining options include a buffet breakfast and a restaurant serving international cuisine. Although it is slightly less luxurious than the previous hotels and doesn’t have its own hot springs, the property offers genuine immersion in nature, with hummingbirds, frogs and other wildlife regularly spotted in the grounds. A real highlight!
Hotel Lomas del Volcan
This four-star hotel combines the charm of traditional wooden cabins with the comfort and facilities of a resort. Guests can choose from several independent bungalows designed for two to four people. Each one has a private terrace overlooking the gardens, and some even feature their own hot tub.
The property has been designed to blend into its lush natural surroundings while still providing excellent facilities, including a swimming pool with a swim-up bar, a hot tub, two restaurants and a private 1.5 km walking trail. A buffet breakfast is also included, while the hotel offers spa treatments, massages and help arranging excursions. In short, this is an ideal place to enjoy peace and quiet, privacy, tropical scenery, local wildlife and high-quality facilities. You’re unlikely to be disappointed!
As you can see, each of these hotels offers a different experience and its own range of luxury amenities. Choosing between them isn’t always easy, so the comparison table below should help you narrow down your options.
| Name | Location | Features | Reviews | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal | La Fortuna / Arenal | 5-star resort facing the volcano, 28 thermal pools, spa, gym, 5 restaurants & bars, free Wi-Fi & parking. | You’ll love the vast tropical estate, the multiple hot pools, and the direct view of Arenal from your terrace. | €460 – €2,900 | Book |
| Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa | Arenal, La Fortuna | Natural thermal river, 5 pools, luxury spa, sauna/steam room, 2 restaurants & bars, unlimited access to the springs for guests. | You’ll be delighted by the unique hot springs experience in the heart of the jungle, with high-end service and a zen vibe. | €380 – €700 | Book |
| Nayara Gardens | La Fortuna | 5-star boutique hotel in the rainforest, private casitas/bungalows with terrace and often pool/jacuzzi, hot springs, spa, 3 restaurants & wine bar. | You’ll be enchanted by the privacy of the casitas, the refined decor, and the impeccable service with Arenal views. | €400 – €1,400 | Book |
| The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort | La Fortuna | 5-star adults-only hotel, thermal pools & waterfalls, swim-up bar, spa, panoramic restaurants, hydromassage showers. | You’ll appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, the hot pools even in the rain, and the stunning views from the rooms. | €210 – €780 | Book |
| Lost Iguana Resort & Spa | El Castillo de La Fortuna | Rooms, suites & villas with balcony and volcano view, large outdoor pool, tropical gardens with trails, restaurant & buffet breakfast. | You’ll be charmed by the total jungle immersion, private trails, and spotting wildlife like hummingbirds and frogs. | €340 – €1,100 | Book |
| Hotel Lomas del Volcan | La Fortuna | Independent wooden bungalows (2–4 people) with terrace, pool & hot tub, 2 restaurants, breakfast included, private 1.5 km trail, spa. | You’ll love the estate’s tranquility, the lush setting, and the proximity to activities (hanging bridges, waterfall, volcano). | €260 – €370 | Book |
Mid-Range Hotels in La Fortuna: Comfort at a Reasonable Price
If you’re looking for a good balance between comfort and price in La Fortuna, this section is for you. I’ve selected five comfortable, family-friendly hotels, most of which have a swimming pool and beautiful views of Arenal Volcano—without costing a fortune. As you’ll see, many of them offer excellent value for money.
Hotel Monte Real
Just 200 meters from La Fortuna’s central park, Hotel Monte Real is a convenient and welcoming place to stay. The hotel sits beside a small river and has its own patch of forest, complete with a “frog garden”. Despite being right in the town center, you may spot sloths, hummingbirds and toucans in the grounds—a rare treat for such a central property.
The rooms are simple and clean, with air conditioning, a television and a safe. Some also feature a balcony overlooking the volcano. Guests can enjoy a large swimming pool and a bar-restaurant serving excellent breakfasts beside the water. With its central yet peaceful location and useful facilities, Hotel Monte Real offers very good value.
La Fortuna Lodge by Treebu Hotels
This three-star hotel is another option right in the center of La Fortuna. Although it is small and centrally located, the atmosphere remains very peaceful. Guests can choose from several double rooms offering different levels of comfort and prices. All are modern and comfortable, with air conditioning and a private bathroom, while some also feature a balcony overlooking the volcano.
A generous breakfast is included, giving you the perfect start before a day of exploring. The hotel also has pleasant communal spaces, including a terrace and lounge area. What really stands out at La Fortuna Lodge by Treebu Hotels is the warm welcome, exceptional cleanliness, peaceful atmosphere and convenient location close to local amenities. One final point to note: this is an adults-only property, making it particularly suitable for couples or groups of friends.
Hotel Arenal Country Inn
Located a little outside the town center, Hotel Arenal Country Inn offers a quieter stay while remaining close to La Fortuna and its tropical surroundings. The rooms can accommodate between two and five guests and are housed in individual bungalow-style buildings, each with a private terrace and bathroom. You won’t necessarily have spectacular volcano views here, but the peaceful setting and views over the gardens or pool are very pleasant. The pool is surrounded by greenery, with a snack bar serving light meals, and a good breakfast is included.
From a practical point of view, parking is free, reception is open 24 hours a day and an airport shuttle service is available if required. Overall, the peaceful atmosphere, colorful gardens and excellent value for money are what make this hotel stand out. It ticks plenty of boxes, doesn’t it?
Hotel La Pradera del Arenal
Just 2 km from the center of La Fortuna, Hotel La Pradera del Arenal offers both volcano views and swimming pools—two of the features many travelers are looking for in this area. The hotel is set in a large tropical garden and offers simple, clean rooms and bungalows equipped with everything you need. As an added bonus, most of them enjoy panoramic views of Arenal Volcano.
There’s plenty more on offer too. Guests have access to three swimming pools with views, heated hot tubs, an à la carte restaurant, a bar, a games room, free parking and a tour desk. Considering the price and the number of facilities included, this hotel is clearly one of the best-value options in the area.
La Fortuna Downtown Hotel Boutique
Located in the center of La Fortuna, La Fortuna Downtown Hotel Boutique is an excellent base if you want to explore the town on foot. The rooms are simple and clean, with air conditioning, a private bathroom and a balcony. At the heart of the hotel, you’ll find an attractive swimming pool and a restaurant known for its delicious food. Breakfast is also included, parking is free and the staff can help organise excursions if required.
The location is extremely central, yet the atmosphere remains friendly and relaxed. You’ll also be only five minutes by car from the hot springs and around 20 minutes from Arenal Volcano. In short, this is a reliable option if you want to combine outdoor adventures with evenings in the center of town.
You’ll find another summary table below, bringing together the key features of each hotel so you can compare them more easily.
| Name | Location | Features | Reviews | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Monte Real | La Fortuna town center | Outdoor pool, riverside garden, air-conditioned rooms, breakfast, parking. | You’ll enjoy the calm right in town, the wildlife (sloths, hummingbirds), and in some rooms, the view of Arenal. | €70 – €150 | Book |
| La Fortuna Lodge by Treebu Hotels | La Fortuna town center | Adults-only property, air-conditioned rooms, terrace & common areas, breakfast. | You’ll love the warm welcome, spotless cleanliness, and the very central yet quiet location. | €55 – €130 | Book |
| Hotel Arenal Country Inn | La Fortuna (quiet area) | Family rooms in bungalows with terrace, large pool, tropical gardens, breakfast included, parking. | You’ll be charmed by the peaceful atmosphere, the flower-filled gardens, and the great value for money. | €120 – €200 | Book |
| Hotel La Pradera del Arenal | 2 km from La Fortuna town | Rooms & bungalows, 3 pools with views, heated jacuzzis, restaurant & bar, large garden, tour desk. | You’ll appreciate the volcano view from many rooms and the complete facilities for the price. | €110 – €150 | Book |
| La Fortuna Downtown Hotel Boutique | Downtown La Fortuna | Central pool, on-site restaurant, air-conditioned rooms with balcony, free breakfast & parking. | You’ll love the ideal location to explore on foot and the easy organization of excursions. | €100 – €180 | Book |
Affordable Hotels in La Fortuna for Travellers on a Budget
You certainly don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna. The area also has plenty of small, simple places to stay, including family-run hotels and hostels offering all the essentials: a practical room, a fan or air conditioning, and sometimes even a small swimming pool or shared kitchen. These are ideal options if you want to keep your accommodation and food costs under control.
Hotel La Choza Inn
Just 300 meters from the center of La Fortuna, La Choza Inn is a simple and friendly option for budget-conscious travelers. Despite its central location, it sits on a particularly quiet street, making it a pleasant place to stay. This small hotel offers both private rooms and shared dormitories, all with a bathroom, Wi-Fi and views of either the garden or the mountains. Guests also have access to a large tropical garden, a shared kitchen and several lounge areas.
A particularly nice bonus is that breakfast is included, along with a free daily shuttle to the natural hot river. The friendly staff can also help arrange activities at competitive prices. All things considered, it’s an excellent choice for backpackers.
Arenal Poshpacker
Right in the heart of La Fortuna, opposite the Lava Lounge, Arenal Poshpacker is a friendly hostel and a convenient base for exploring the town and surrounding area. Although it is a hostel, guests can choose between private rooms and shared dormitories. The accommodation is arranged around an outdoor swimming pool with a bar, garden and spacious terrace.
You’ll also have access to a shared kitchen, a 24-hour reception, airport transfers, and bike and car rentals. If you don’t feel like cooking, the on-site restaurant serves pizzas and American-style food for a quick and easy meal—not necessarily the healthiest option, but certainly convenient! The social, relaxed atmosphere, attentive staff and central location are the property’s main strengths.
Cabinas La Catarata
Just a five-minute drive from La Fortuna Waterfall, Cabinas La Catarata is a charming property surrounded by a tropical garden filled with birds. It also has an outdoor swimming pool and several terraces. Accommodation is provided in rustic cabinas—small wooden houses equipped with a kitchen or kitchenette, dining area and living room.
Guests also have access to free private parking, room service and car rentals if needed. An à la carte breakfast is available every morning too. In short, this property offers an appealing balance between a jungle atmosphere and easy access to town.
Hotel Villas Vilma
Located on the road to the volcano, just 10 minutes from the national park, Hotel Villas Vilma is a small, well-maintained hotel with a swimming pool, hot tub and attractive tropical gardens. The rooms and bungalows provide everything you need, including views of either the garden or the volcano, a refrigerator and tea- and coffee-making facilities. From a practical perspective, several restaurants and shops are located less than 50 meters away. The warm and friendly welcome will also make you feel at home from the moment you arrive. You can book this property with confidence.
Alojamientos N&S
Alojamientos N&S is located just a five- to seven-minute walk from the center of La Fortuna. It offers studios and apartments, giving you the freedom to stay completely independently. All the units are practical and well equipped, with Wi-Fi and either a kitchen or kitchenette. Free parking is also available directly outside. Reviews frequently mention the warm welcome from the host, Reyna, who can also help guests arrange excursions and transfers. This personal assistance is a real advantage and makes planning your stay much easier.
Most units have air conditioning, but if this is essential for you, it’s worth checking the details carefully before booking. Whether you’re travelling alone, as a couple or with your family, this is a very good option if you want to prepare your own meals and enjoy a peaceful stay while remaining close to La Fortuna’s shops and the activities around Arenal.
To wrap up this section, here is a comparison table of the best affordable hotels in La Fortuna.
| Name | Location | Features | Reviews | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel La Choza Inn | 300 m from La Fortuna town center | Private rooms & dorms, breakfast included, large garden, shared kitchen, Wi-Fi, shuttle to hot river, parking. | You’ll enjoy the friendly vibe, the quiet street, and the great activity deals offered by the staff. | €15 – €60 | Book |
| Arenal Poshpacker | Downtown La Fortuna | Outdoor pool, restaurant & bar, shared kitchen, terrace, 24/7 reception, bike/car rentals, Wi-Fi. | You’ll love the social atmosphere, the attentive staff, and the location close to everything. | €18 – €95 | Book |
| Cabinas La Catarata | 5 min from La Fortuna Waterfall | Wooden cabinas with kitchen/kitchenette, outdoor pool, gardens & terraces, breakfast (optional), private parking. | You’ll be enchanted by the jungle vibe, the birds in the garden, and the proximity to natural sites. | €50 – €100 | Book |
| Hotel Villas Vilma | Volcano road, La Fortuna | Small well-kept property, pool & hot tub, bungalows/rooms with terrace, Arenal views, fridge, Wi-Fi, restaurants 50 m away. | You’ll appreciate the tropical gardens, the peaceful pool, and the convenient location near restaurants and hot springs. | €80 – €120 | Book |
| Alojamientos N&S | 5–7 min walk from town center | Studios & apartments with kitchen/kitchenette, some air-conditioned, Wi-Fi, free parking, excursion planning assistance. | You’ll love Reyna’s warm welcome, the independence of the units, and the convenient location for exploring. | €45 – €110 | Book |
That brings us to the end of this guide to the best hotels in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. As you’ve seen, the options range from small family-run hotels to luxurious five-star resorts with their own hot springs. The hardest part may simply be deciding which one to choose!
To discover more of La Fortuna and the surrounding area, take a look at our article about the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. It’s definitely worth visiting!
See you soon for another guide to where to stay!
