Paradise Hot Springs & Resort
Paradise Hot Springs & Resort is an excellent option for the budget-minded. It's a relatively small property with just 25 rooms—clean and simple with typical amenities like minifridges, air-conditioning, and complimentary breakfast. Rooms lack character overall, but you'll find wooden furniture and marble bathrooms made from local sources. If you upgrade to a suite, you can enjoy views of the volcano, private soaking tubs, and/or roof-top patios.
But visitors don't choose Paradise for the decor or rooms—undoubtedly, the highlight of this property is the on-site geothermal pools. You'll have your choice of eight hot spring pools, one featuring a swim-up bar and others with a waterfall and submerged stone loungers. Although you may notice slight wear and tear around the pools, guests can still enjoy a good soak surrounded by lush gardens filled with tropical plants and trees. Unlike some other properties in the area, Paradise limits the number of daily users, so the atmosphere remains relaxed and quiet.
When hungry, you can grab a meal at Paradise's restaurant, which features open-air dining. This is also where you can enjoy your complimentary breakfast in the morning, overlooking the pool and listening to jungle sounds.
Read kimkim's review of Paradise Hot Springs & Resort
Arenal Country Inn
A decent option within walking distance of La Fortuna town is Arenal Country Inn. This property has the most basic rooms of all the options on our list, but they get the job done. All lodgings come in the standard category, ranging from one to four beds. Families and groups may want to choose a bigger option with one queen bed and two or three single beds. Although simple, you'll still get amenities like air-conditioning, minifridges, and flat-screen 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, or take a stroll through the property via nature trails. Kids and adults can enjoy the open-air lounge with quirky wooden furniture, pool tables, and foosball. You'll appreciate the hotel's proximity to a few restaurants when you're ready to eat.
Read kimkim's review of Arenal Country Inn
Brisas Arenal Hotel
If you're looking for truly simple lodgings or a budget-friendly option, Brisas Arenal Hotel is a good choice. It's southwest of La Fortuna town and not far from the national park boundary, but don't expect anything fancy. Rooms are basic and dated with lots of wood paneling, so they can feel a bit dark. Still, you'll get comfy beds, high ceilings, cable TVs, air-conditioning, and shared patios with hammocks.
Some rooms are more modern than others, with recent updates and brighter, airier vibes. Upgrade if you'd like a few extra amenities, such as microwaves, minifridges, and in-room Jacuzzi tubs. As for property amenities, there's not much. You'll find a small outdoor pool, seating in the garden, and a pleasant open-air dining area where you can enjoy your breakfast and other meals at the restaurant.
Read kimkim's review of Brisas Arenal Hotel
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Hotel Eco Arenal
With a stay at Hotel Eco Arenal, you'll be 1.25 miles (2 km) from downtown La Fortuna, yet feel like you're in the middle of the jungle. You can choose your level of intimacy, as some units are lined up next to one another like a standard hotel, whereas others come in lodges with just two, three, or four rooms in each building. Rooms are relatively simple and small, but all feature air-conditioning, minifridges, cable TV, and balconies or terraces, some with volcano views.
Although the rooms can feel a bit basic, the hotel's beautiful grounds make up for it! Enjoy strolling through the lush pathways lined with tall palm trees, swimming in the outdoor pool, and soaking in the hot tub. You'll find many other places to relax, including outdoor wooden lounges and an open-air restaurant with views of Arenal Volcano. Here is where you can enjoy your traditional Costa Rican breakfast surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest.
Another perk about Hotel Eco Arenal is the property's commitment to sustainability. The hotel's three sustainability measures are recycling and waste reduction, preserving the surrounding natural environment, and supporting the project Finding Pepper. This nonprofit established a wildlife refuge and works with reforestation initiatives to care for animals across the country.
Read kimkim's review of Hotel Eco Arenal
Hotel Kokoro Arenal
Step back in time for a rustic and slightly vintage (albeit dated) feel at Hotel Kokoro Arenal. Standard rooms have 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, but suites (also referred to as cabins) provide separate seating areas and views of the volcano.
Enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the open-air dining area surrounded by jungle greenery. In the afternoon, the eatery transforms into a lounge where you can sip Costa Rican coffee while reading a book, but keep in mind that it doesn't serve lunch or dinner. You can also relax at the outdoor swimming pool or Kokoro's own hot springs pool, complete with a waterfall.
Hotel Kokoro Arenal is farther from La Fortuna than some other recommended boutique accommodations. Having a car is helpful, as you'll be in the Palma area, about 5 miles (8 km) from the town center.
Read kimkim's review of Hotel Kokoro Arenal
Hotel Lomas del Volcán
Although a bit far from downtown La Fortuna, Hotel Lomas del Volcán sits at the edge of the national park boundary, so you'll really feel enveloped by nature. The main building with the lobby and restaurant looks very modern, but the rooms are in wooden bungalows that blend into the natural environment. Standard rooms feel a little dated, whereas deluxe cabins are warm, bright, and spacious, with seating areas, large windows, and balconies with Jacuzzis.
The property is large enough that you don't necessarily need to leave unless you're exploring the area's highlights. The property has the Restaurante Hojarasca serving international food and La Arboleda Bar & Lounge for drinks and small bites. For entertainment, you can relax at the outdoor pool with an artificial waterfall and covered hot tub.
Read kimkim's review of Hotel Lomas del Volcán
Downtown La Fortuna Hotel
If you want to be in the heart of La Fortuna town, you can stay at Downtown La Fortuna Hotel. You won't have the typical experience surrounded by the Costa Rican rainforest, but you'll be in the middle of the action and within walking distance of 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, flat-screen 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
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