The 4 Best Lodges in Arenal

Amor Arenal

On top of luxury, you'll get a little bit of everything at Amor Arenal. The grounds sit at the base of Arenal Volcano, surrounded by dense rainforest, and the property provides two walking trails through the trees. Relax at one of the several on-site natural pools, many offering volcano views, waterfalls, swim-up bars, and drink and food services. Other amenities include a full-service spa with open-air treatment rooms, a yoga hut, and a fitness center overlooking the lush valley. You'll also have a gourmet restaurant using fresh, organic, and humanely raised products, plus a tapas bar with music, dancing, and crafted cocktails.

The rooms are just as luxurious as the grounds, with each private wooden villa suspended in the forest and surrounded by the jungle. All feature A-frame ceilings, skylights, air conditioning, smart TVs, luxury bedding, and a complimentary minibar with sangria, kombucha, local beer, and more. Other perks include a wooded deck with views of the valley and volcano, plus individual warm plunge pools and double rain showers.

Read kimkim's review of Amor Arenal

The Springs Resort & Spa Arenal

Aptly named for its 28 mineral hot springs, The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal stretches across 165 acres (67 ha) next to the volcano. Attracting a mix of families, couples, celebrities, and business travelers, the resort has 74 rooms (and 14 different room types) on the property; the highest tier offers villas modeled after Swiss ski chalets. All rooms have a rustic-luxe motif with wood, bamboo, and wicker accents, plus big marble bathrooms with jetted tubs. Each unit also has a spacious furnished outdoor space with volcano views, which, on a clear day, is a sight to behold. 

Of course, the on-site hot springs are the main draw, with multiple pools ranging from 83°F to 103°F (28°C to 39°C) on a volcano-facing slope surrounded by greenery. The spa offers a range of massage and beauty treatments, including a floating water massage, body wraps using therapeutic volcanic clay, and a steam room and sauna. You'll also find horse stables, a wildlife sanctuary with 22 types of animals, and several rainforest trails that lead to hot springs and waterfalls. Other amenities include five bars, five restaurants, a 14,000-square-foot (1,301 sqm) fitness center with a rock-climbing wall, and rafting and inner-tubing on the hotel's private stretch of the Class-III Arenal River.

Read kimkim's review of The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal

Hotel Lomas del Volcán

Hotel Lomas del Volcán is a mid-range option offering an instant connection to Costa Rica: locals craft all the wood furniture and decor in the rooms and throughout the hotel. And because the property was originally a farm (its nutrient-rich soils resulting from the volcano's 1968 eruption), you'll find a greenhouse growing veggies and fruit for the hotel's two restaurants. Together, they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and present an extensive wine list. Other amenities include an outdoor pool with a waterfall and covered hot tub, a hiking trail, plus a book exchange. 

You'll have your choice of standard and deluxe rooms, all set in stand-alone wooden cabins with two balconies, one facing Arenal Volcano. All the wood furniture and details are made by hand, creating an inviting and relaxing atmosphere in the Costa Rican jungle. All units feature air conditioning, minifridges, and modern bathrooms. Upgrade to a deluxe bungalow for more contemporary furnishings and a private Jacuzzi tub on the balcony with volcano views.

Read kimkim's review of Hotel Lomas del Volcán

Hotel Kokoro Mineral Hot Springs

Start each morning at Hotel Kororo, a standard property, with a complimentary continental breakfast in the open-air dining area surrounded by jungle greenery. The eatery only enhances its natural appeal each afternoon when it transforms into a lounge where you can sip Costa Rican coffee while reading a book. You can also relax at the outdoor swimming pool or Kokoro's hot springs, complete with a waterfall. 

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.

Read kimkim's review of Hotel Kororo