Noah's Forest
Somehow, this hotel makes you feel like you're in the middle of the forest while being less than a mile from the center of La Fortuna, meaning you could walk to downtown restaurants and shops in under 20 minutes. Noah's Forest is a serene nature oasis deep in the jungle—you can't see any rooms from the road or the parking lot. To get to your private, independent bungalow, you'll weave through paths lined with tropical plants, flowers, and trees, all home to abundant wildlife. Amenities include an outdoor pool and an open-air restaurant for dinner.
The uber sense of privacy is enhanced by the property offering only 20 rooms, all charming cottages surrounded by vegetation that keeps private terraces entirely hidden. All are modern and spacious, and some offer personal Jacuzzis. Everyone can enjoy a coffee maker, mini fridge, WiFi, air conditioning, umbrellas, and Netflix streaming in their room. A river runs through the property, and some rooms are riverside bungalows, making it an excellent location for birding and wildlife viewing.
Read kimkim's review of Noah's Forest
Hotel Eco Arenal
Set just north of downtown La Fortuna, Hotel Eco Arenal is a mid-range option just a five-minute drive from shops and restaurants. This is a helpful perk, as there's no on-site eatery, and the hotel only serves breakfast (the staff is always ready to offer advice on where to grab a bite to eat). At the same time, the property keeps you away from the noise, with beautiful grounds home to many different critters. Fall asleep to chirping insects and watch sloths sleeping in the trees during the day. All rooms provide the necessities, though some are more modern than others and vary in configurations. Everything is fairly basic and standard yet clean and functional.
The hotel's staff is friendly and helpful, willing to answer requests and questions via text or WhatsApp (and always enthusiastically). The hotel serves a decent breakfast, which you'll enjoy on the outdoor dining terrace with volcano views.
Read kimkim's review of Hotel Eco Arenal
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Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
Unlike many popular hotels in La Fortuna, Casa Luna Hotel & Spa isn't along the main road. Instead, you'll be about halfway between the downtown area and La Fortuna Waterfall—within walking distance of nearby eateries and activities, yet in the jungle. It's a small hotel with all units offering views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato (Arenal's little brother). Seeing the volcanoes will be a daily affair from your room and the open-air restaurant, Luna Grill. This eatery provides quite a memorable dining experience on a tiled patio surrounded by encroaching green gardens—a great place to enjoy your gallo pinto, a traditional Costa Rican breakfast!
Other amenities include a swimming pool (with a waterfall) and Jacuzzis on site, and the Luna Spa has several treatments, including deep tissue and hot stone massages. The standard rooms are cozy, warm, and inviting, with tile floors and wood ceilings. Superior rooms and suites add more space—suitable for groups and families. All rooms sit in pairs surrounded by tropical plants and offer modern amenities, like air conditioning, minibars, and flatscreen TVs.
Read kimkim's review of Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
Downtown Boutique Hotel
If you want to be in the heart of La Fortuna town, you can stay at the mid-range Downtown La Fortuna Hotel, set directly on the main road and across the street from La Fortuna Park. You won't have the typical experience surrounded by the Costa Rican rainforest, but you'll be in the middle of the action and steps from all the village's restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops. The building is modern, with a colorful art gallery in the main lobby.
Rooms are simple but have everything you might need for a standard stay, including air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, and clean bathrooms. Family rooms offer a bit more space and balconies. And although it's a small, basic hotel, there's still an outdoor pool with a waterfall and an on-site Lebanese steakhouse, La Parilla de Maria Bonita, which also features a daily happy hour.
Read kimkim's review of Downtown La Fortuna Hotel
Arenal Country Inn
A decent option less than a mile from downtown La Fortuna and its many restaurants is Arenal Country Inn. You'll also be close to El Salto rope swing, a grocery store, and two eateries offering discounts to hotel guests. This property has basic rooms in the standard category, ranging from one to four beds. Families and groups may want to choose an option with one queen bed and two or three single beds. Although simple, you'll still get amenities like air conditioning, minifridges, and flatscreen TVs.
The ground facilities and the exceptional staff make up for the basic rooms—you may even interact with the owner, who is heavily involved in the hotel's day-to-day operations. Enjoy splashing in the large outdoor pool, surrounded by trees and tropical plants yet still offering views of the volcano. Kids and adults can enjoy the open-air lounge with quirky wooden furniture, pool tables, and foosball. Learn more
Hotel Magic Mountain
Hotel Magic Mountain is an excellent mid-range option if you're looking for a hotel within walking distance of downtown La Fortuna. You can easily stroll to many restaurants, cafés, and shops. The only trade-off is that you'll be right on the main road, which can get busy and noisy. Enjoy views of Arenal Volcano from the outdoor pool—with its hot tubs, waterfalls, and hidden pools—the garden terrace and each room. But for the best views on the property, head to the rooftop lounge and bar for dinner or drinks. The restaurants serve international cuisine, but the local and regional food is a highlight.
Overall, the rooms are clean, modern, and comfy, though a bit standard and not particular to the location. Still, all feature air conditioning, minifridges, and private terraces/balconies with volcano views. Grab a suite for a bit more space, a seating area, a wine bar, and an in-room Jacuzzi tub with views of Arenal Volcano.
Read kimkim's review of Hotel Magic Mountain
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