Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa, Arenal/La Fortuna

4.0 (9 reviews) · Standard
Scenic hilltop resort with volcano views, gardens, and 11 thermo-mineral and cold water pools
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Overview

Opened in 1994 and renovated in 2014, Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa is a large, comfortable hotel situated on a hill with views of the Arenal Volcano. The resort features 118 guest rooms, each with a terrace to enjoy volcano vistas. Guests can relax in the 11 thermo-mineral water pools and a cold pool with a wet bar surrounded by lush gardens. Because the property is expansive, guests can drive their cars up to their bungalow. Visitors can enjoy the on-site restaurant, which offers delicious meals and volcano views.

Kimkim's Take

Adam
Adam Gomez kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, August 2023 (Learn more)
Pros
  • All rooms are equipped with a terrace and chairs for volcano viewing.
  • The hotel has several thermo-mineral and cold water pools, one with a swim-up bar.
  • The location is perfect for volcano viewing, just a 10-minute drive from La Fortuna and a 20-minute drive from the Arenal Volcano Park and hiking trails
  • The property is beautifully maintained, with lush gardens surrounding each room.
  • The hotel staff is known for being very friendly and accommodating.
Cons
  • Depending on your room location, other cabins may obstruct your views.
  • The hotel's remote location is difficult to access if you don't have a rental car.
  • The resort feels a bit dated and could use a refresh.

Authenticity

Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa offers an authentic experience of Costa Rica's natural beauty. The resort features 118 accommodations, including cabins with terraces set atop a hill for spectacular volcano views. The cabin's design and location provide a sense of seclusion and connection to nature, enhancing the authenticity of your stay. The resort's character is amplified by the gardens surrounding the accommodations.

Location

The resort is ideally located for exploring the natural wonders of Costa Rica. It offers views of the Arenal Volcano and is a 10-minute drive from the town of La Fortuna. The Arenal Volcano National Park and its numerous hiking paths are a mere 20-minute drive away, making it a convenient base for adventure and exploration. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Though basic, the rooms at Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa are clean and comfortable, with tiled bathrooms and large towels. Each room features a terrace with rocking chairs, perfect for enjoying the volcano views. All have white or red tiled flooring, wood furnishings, and wood-beamed ceilings, but the Superior and Villa rooms feel a bit more warm and welcoming.

Wildlife

The Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa is located at the foot of Arenal Volcano and near the entrance to the Arenal National Park. Guests will likely spot toucans, macaws, and howler monkeys around the grounds.

Amenities

The resort has 11 thermo-mineral and cold water pools, a spa, and a small gym. The resort offers its own ziplining canopy tours and horseback riding tours that operate on and from the property. A complimentary shuttle helps travelers get around the large property, and some (but not all) areas are accessible to wheelchair users.

Family-Friendliness

Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa is very family-friendly. Children are charged a reduced rate. All room types are suitable for families, and villas can accommodate up to seven people. Many of the pools are appropriate for kids, and there's plenty of outdoor space to run and play. Older kids will also enjoy the property's horseback riding and ziplining tours. The breakfast buffet has a lot of kid-friendly options. 

Other Highlights

An included breakfast buffet is served in the on-site Oscar Restaurant in a glass-walled A-frame house surrounded by tropical rainforest. Lunch and dinner menus feature Costa Rican and international fare, including grilled meat, seafood, salads, pasta, rice dishes, and desserts. A pool bar serves cocktails and snacks (and has a full bar that includes beer and wine).

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 24791100
Hotel address icon 7 Km Oeste de la Iglesia de la Fortuna
Hotel website icon Hotel website
Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa map

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Traveler Reviews

9 total ratings, 6 with reviews
4.0
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
3.9
Location
4.2
Staff
4.2
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.3
Adam
Adam G.
Boulder, CO | Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023
I'm a kimkim staff member, and I was on a work trip and stayed at this hotel. Great property with multiple pools/hot springs. The staff is really friendly. This is a great three-star hotel in Arenal. The room was big and had a patio with fantastic views of Arenal Volcano. The breakfast buffet had a great selection of choices. I would stay here again! Read more

I'm a kimkim staff member, and I was on a work trip and stayed at this hotel. Great property with multiple pools/hot springs. The staff is really friendly. This is a great three-star hotel in Arenal. The room was big and had a patio with fantastic views of Arenal Volcano. The breakfast buffet had a great selection of choices. I would stay here again!

Authenticity & Character
It has a rustic feel and could feel a little outdated to some.
Location
10 minutes to downtown La Fortuna and about a 10 minute drive to the base of Arenal Volcano
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Paul
Paul C.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Aug 11, 2023
This was a much bigger complex than we would have chosen complete with wrist band! BUT our cabin was in a great position and really enhanced our experience here - we had a lovely view from the back that had no cabins in....had we been in another area this would not have been the case. BUT we all gained a little digestive issue - so rather than finding a SODA in La Fortuna we ate in and the food was very nice and just what those who ate needed. Good hot tube - shame some people don't have... Read more

This was a much bigger complex than we would have chosen complete with wrist band! BUT our cabin was in a great position and really enhanced our experience here - we had a lovely view from the back that had no cabins in....had we been in another area this would not have been the case. BUT we all gained a little digestive issue - so rather than finding a SODA in La Fortuna we ate in and the food was very nice and just what those who ate needed. Good hot tube - shame some people don't have the social skills to not have loud speakers in the pools but that is the fault of the tourist and not the venue. great position for a view of the volcano and also to get to the tour site.

Authenticity & Character
Our cabin was in a great situation and as such we had a great time and when in our cabin had great views from the back . Not sure how we would have felt not in the back row though.
Location
Good views of the volcano, 10 minute drive from La Fortuna, 15 minute drive from the Arenal Volcano park and hike.
Staff
Not really anything to improve, all good but no extra special feel.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable.
Stayed in July 2023
G
Guthrie B.
West New York, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 15, 2023
Great hotel, but so big. Read more

Great hotel, but so big.

Authenticity & Character
Location
In the mountains, so not easy to explore.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2023
N
Nancy A.
Schenectady, NY | Reviewed on Apr 06, 2023
The room was nice with a good view of Arenal from the rocking chairs on the porch. The hot springs were the best, though they sometimes get crowded. Unfortunately we found the food to be lacking (don't recommend the burger or steak at all). So if you plan to eat off-site because you have a rental car or will Uber, then great - enjoy the room and hot springs. :-) Read more

The room was nice with a good view of Arenal from the rocking chairs on the porch. The hot springs were the best, though they sometimes get crowded. Unfortunately we found the food to be lacking (don't recommend the burger or steak at all). So if you plan to eat off-site because you have a rental car or will Uber, then great - enjoy the room and hot springs. :-)

Authenticity & Character
Better food.
Location
If you don't have a rental car or aren't on a tour it's hard to get around (remote).
Staff
Very nice people.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was very clean with nice, large towels.
Stayed in March 2023
Bianca
Bianca S.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2023
Wonderful staff and great amenities. Breakfast buffet is just ok but lunch/dinner food is fantastic. And what a view! Some hot springs pools and swim-up bar pool could be warmer and the bathroom in the rooms could be updated but overall, it was an incredible stay. Read more

Wonderful staff and great amenities. Breakfast buffet is just ok but lunch/dinner food is fantastic. And what a view! Some hot springs pools and swim-up bar pool could be warmer and the bathroom in the rooms could be updated but overall, it was an incredible stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
quick ride La Fortuna
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in December 2022
K
Katie W.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 23, 2022
This hotel has an unbeatable view of the volcano and a few nice pools to lounge in on lazy days. Staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating. And the breakfast buffet will fill you up for a day of activity. The location is also great- no more than a 15 minute drive from most activities. Room quality, food and drink quality, and poolside amenities do not have quite the same level of "wow" factor. So this hotel is a great "home base" for travelers hoping to get out and explore every day,... Read more

This hotel has an unbeatable view of the volcano and a few nice pools to lounge in on lazy days. Staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating. And the breakfast buffet will fill you up for a day of activity. The location is also great- no more than a 15 minute drive from most activities.

Room quality, food and drink quality, and poolside amenities do not have quite the same level of "wow" factor. So this hotel is a great "home base" for travelers hoping to get out and explore every day, but perhaps might not be a top choice for a resort-only stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in February 2022

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 24791100
Hotel address icon 7 Km Oeste de la Iglesia de la Fortuna
Hotel website icon Hotel website
Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa map

Open map

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