Amor Arenal
Located at the end of a quiet road, far from the bustle of La Fortuna, Amor Arenal sits at the base of Arenal Volcano, surrounded by dense rainforest. You don't have to leave the property to enjoy the natural environment, as it features two walking trails, Serenity Trail and Nanciton Trail. Enjoy the views from the hotel's on-site natural pools or your private villa, suspended in the forest and surrounded by the jungle. Each features A-frame ceilings, skylights, air conditioning, luxury bedding, and a complimentary minibar with sangria, kombucha, local beer, and more.
Other perks include a wooden deck with views of the valley and volcano, plus individual warm plunge pools and double rain showers. Meanwhile, additional amenities include a full-service spa with open-air treatment rooms, a yoga hut, and a fitness center overlooking the lush valley. There's also a gourmet restaurant using fresh, organic, and humanely raised products, plus a tapas bar with music, dancing, and crafted cocktails.
Read kimkim's review of Amor Arenal
Nayara Springs
TripAdvisor ranked Nayara Springs as the world's second-best hotel; understandably, it's now one of the most sought-after lodging options in all of Arenal/La Fortuna. You'll see why when you arrive, as this adults-only resort sits in a tranquil rainforest with tropical gardens. (Families can stay at the hotel's sister property, Nayara Gardens.)
The standard rooms provide jungle or rainforest views from a wooden terrace, plus a buffet breakfast, daily yoga sessions, nighttime guided frog tours, and birding tours. All are private villas with personal plunge pools, though you can upgrade for king beds and wraparound terraces with volcano views.
The outdoor pool features a swim-up bar and hot tubs, adding to the serene vibes. Other amenities include spa treatments, yoga sessions in an outdoor bungalow suspended in the rainforest, and five on-site restaurants serving farm-to-table international cuisine. Nayara even has a tapas bar with a respectable wine list. For an active excursion, check out the property's Perezoso Trail—perfect for spotting sloths.
Read kimkim's review of Nayara Springs
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Tifakara Boutique Hotel & Birding Oasis
You'll find the mid-range property Tifakara Boutique Hotel just down the street from La Fortuna Waterfall, which makes perfect sense as ti-fakara means "waterfall" in the Maleku language. Since the lodge is next door to the national park boundary, various trees and plant life surround you and attract numerous wildlife, especially birds and insects. Other highlights include a beautiful outdoor pool with a waterfall and an open-air dining area.
The standard rooms in the lodge's main building are a bit dated and plain, so upgrading to one of the modern and bright cabins is recommended. Although small and with a minimalist vibe, they're the best for feeling enveloped by the jungle and feature minifridges, private balconies, and outdoor showers. Guests should plan to bring binoculars to more easily spot birds from their balcony and will also have the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary nighttime frog tour right on the property.
Read kimkim's review of Tifakara Boutique Hotel
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa truly encompasses the definition of "boutique." 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 both 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, the traditional Costa Rican breakfast!
This property is a bit closer to downtown La Fortuna but still provides impeccable grounds and gardens attracting many birds, which are easy to spot from your room. 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. You'll also find a nature trail through the forest and down to the river.
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
Hotel Kokoro
Start each morning at Hotel Kororo, a simple standard option, with a complimentary continental breakfast in the open-air dining area surrounded by jungle greenery. The trees and gardens provide a habitat for local species so that you can spot birds and even sloths at the hotel. The eatery only enhances its natural appeal each afternoon when it transforms into a lounge where you can sip Costa Rican coffee while tucking into a good book. You can also relax at the outdoor swimming pool or Kokoro's hot springs, complete with a waterfall and fed by natural mineral springs.
Straightforward rooms feature wood paneling on the walls and ceilings, a nod to the area's past, while suites feel like an upgrade with tile flooring and bright, warm colors. All come with air conditioning, cable TV, private bathrooms, and balconies or terraces. Suites (also referred to as cabins) provide separate seating areas and views of the volcano.
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