Baldi Hot Springs Resort & Spa
If you prefer a lively experience, consider staying at Baldi Hot Springs Resort & Spa. The resort has 25 mineral pools certified by the National Water Laboratory. Each thermal hot spring features a different theme and ranges from 93 to 152ºF. The hot springs are open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with one pool available 24/7 for hotel guests.
With so many different pools, amenities, play areas, waterslides, colorful lighting, swim-up bars, and expansive grounds, Baldi can feel a bit more like an attraction than a Costa Rican hotel. However, you can still find a pocket of quiet by walking along the winding paths and choosing a pool with a more mellow vibe.
At Baldi Hot Springs Resort & Spa, you can choose from three categories of rooms, but all feel a little outdated, especially the "standard" rooms. All rooms have air conditioning, cable TV, and minibars, while deluxe rooms, superior rooms, and suites have outdoor terraces or balconies. If your budget allows, we recommend upgrading to a Junior Suite, which is much larger, more comfortable, and will better let you enjoy the essence of the property with a balcony or terrace.
Read kimkim's review of Baldi Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa is a boutique hotel with just 42 guestrooms, all featuring views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato (Arenal's little brother). The standard rooms are cozy, warm, and inviting, with tile floors and wood ceilings. Superior rooms and suites add a bit more space, so it might be best for groups or families. Buildings surrounded by tropical plants house rooms in groups of four and offer modern amenities that families will appreciate, like air conditioning, minibars, and flatscreen TVs.
Casa Luna's open-air restaurant, Luna Grill, offers quite a memorable dining experience on a tiled patio surrounded by encroaching green gardens with views of the volcano. It's a great place to enjoy your gallo pinto, the traditional Costa Rican breakfast! There's also a swimming pool (with a waterfall) and Jacuzzis on-site, which can keep you entertained and relaxed. When you need a quiet moment, the Luna Spa has several treatments, including deep tissue and hot stone massages.
Read kimkim's review of Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
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The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort
With 54 rooms, The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort is a boutique accommodation near the Palma area, roughly the midpoint between La Fortuna town and the entrance to the national park. The list of amenities at the resort is long and includes a full-service spa, a sauna with natural thermal water steam, four eateries, and 10 natural and thermal pools, which are the property's biggest draw. Keep in mind that the resort has an age restriction of 13 years and older, so it's best for those who want a quieter stay.
The hot springs cover a good portion of the grounds, so you'll walk along paths lined with tropical plants to get from pool to pool. You'll find two warm swimming pools, one cold water pool, and seven other thermal pools, two with waterfalls and one set within the resort's thermal river. The natural stonework, wooden bridges, and floral gardens pull it all together.
When not enjoying the pools, you can head to the Loto Spa for a little pampering or dine at one of the two restaurants. The Emperador Restaurant uses local ingredients and has indoor and outdoor seating, while the Lava Restaurant is more casual with light meals and live music. You'll also find two bars (a lobby bar and a swim-up pool bar) for drinks and snacks.
As for the rooms, The Royal Corin offers two types of standard units (queen or king) and two suites, all relatively spacious but simple. Each has air conditioning, minibars, linen bedding, and private balconies with volcano views, while suites add in-room Jacuzzi tubs.
Read kimkim's review of The Royal Corin
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Of all the hotels on this list, Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs has some of the best views of the volcano. This hotel is perched atop a hill in the Palma area, with each suite as a private bungalow with outdoor spaces, minifridges, air conditioning, and volcano views. You might prefer the premium suite for a bit more space, plus a large deck with outdoor dining and a Jacuzzi bathtub.
In addition to the bright, large, and comfy bungalows, the on-site hot springs are a draw, with two pools, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, and an accessible ramp. The mineral waters in the pools are known to offer several wellness benefits, but for extra pampering, check out the on-site spa, which uses local ingredients like volcanic mud.
The property's La Saca Restaurant offers a unique mix of flavors in its Costa Rican dishes, an extensive wine menu, and volcano views from the outdoor dining area. But to switch it up for a meal or two, try the other restaurant, Alambique Bistro, which serves wood-fired pizza and sandwiches.
Read kimkim's review of Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Tifakara Lodge
Tifakara Lodge offers a slightly different location, just down the street from 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, the dense jungle offers opportunities to spot wildlife on the property. Amenities include a beautiful outdoor pool with a waterfall and an open-air dining area.
The standard rooms in the lodge's main building are dated and plain, so we recommended upgrading to one of the modern and bright cabins. Although small and with a minimalist vibe, they're surrounded by the jungle and feature flatscreen TVs, minifridges, private balconies, and outdoor showers.
Read kimkim's review of Tifakara Lodge
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