Baldi Hot Springs Resort, Hotel & Spa, Arenal/La Fortuna
Family-friendly hot springs resort in the Costa Rican rainforest with 25 thermal pools, kids' play areas, and swim-up bars
The pools are amazing.
Overview
Pros
- The large property features 25 thermal mineral pools (one 24/7 pool reserved for hotel guests only), ranging from 93 to 152ºF.
- The pools have designated themes (quiet, Roman baths, swim-up sports bar, etc.), and you can choose between indoor and outdoor options.
- This is an excellent property for families with kids: it has many kid-friendly areas, including playgrounds and waterslides.
- The property's common spaces and some rooms have views of Arenal Volcano.
- Guests can enjoy two on-site restaurants, one Italian restaurant with an extensive menu and another with elevated Costa Rican fare and volcano views.
- A full-service spa offers treatments using local products, including coffee, white clay, thermal water, and fresh fruit.
- Guest rooms feel dated, and past guests say the hotel is due for renovations.
- The place offers more of a theme park experience than an authentic hot springs retreat in the rainforest.
- The on-site restaurants aren't well-reviewed, and some said the drinks are overpriced at the resort's five bars.
- According to past travelers, staff isn't always present or available to guests.
- Many day-use guests visit the pools, so the property can feel busy.
- The property isn't walkable to area sites or restaurants, and you'll need a car or taxi for self-guided offsite explorations.
Kimkim's Take
Authenticity
You'll find typical Costa Rican wood and stone accents at Baldi Hot Springs Resort, Hotel & Spa, but keep in mind that it's a lively property geared toward families and groups. With so many different pools, amenities, and expansive grounds, it can feel 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.Location
The resort is on Route 142, just under three miles (4.7 km) from downtown La Fortuna. The main road can get busy, and you'll need a car to venture off the property to eat offsite or visit the town or national park on your own.Rooms & Bathrooms
At Baldi Hot Springs Resort, Hotel & Spa, there are three categories of rooms, but all feel a little outdated, especially the "standard" rooms. If your budget allows, we recommend upgrading to a Junior Suite, which is much larger and more comfortable and will better let you enjoy the essence of the property. All rooms have air-conditioning, cable TV, and minibars. Deluxe and superior rooms and suites have outdoor terraces or balconies.Wildlife
Baldi Hot Springs Resort, Hotel & Spa is located in the Costa Rican rainforest, a natural habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. It's common to see tropical birds, and guests might get lucky and spot a sloth, howler monkey, or toucan.Amenities
Baldi is one of the largest hot springs resorts in the area, with 25 themed mineral pools ranging from 93 to 152ºF and water certified by the National Water Laboratory. There are quiet, relaxing pools with islands and waterfalls, swim-up bars and colorfully lit pools, accessible pools with ramps, and two waterparks perfect for kids. The hot springs are open from 10 am to 10 pm, with one pool available 24/7 for hotel guests only. There's also a large Jacuzzi (capacity of 60 people), several swim-up bars, and lots of outdoor lounge space, plus a spa that's only for hotel guests. There are some accessible rooms available, but the grounds are extensive, and the hotel doesn't offer transport around the property—potentially an issue for those with limited mobility.Family-Friendliness
The hotel has a family-friendly environment. There are dedicated children's areas, like the colorful Kid Zone and pools, and children's menus in the hotel restaurants. The best room option for those traveling with children is the junior family suite, with two king beds. Extra beds aren't available, and rooms only accommodate up to 2 or 3 children. The paved paths around the property are stroller-friendly.Other Highlights
There are two restaurants at the hotel. The included buffet breakfast is served at Virgita; the same venue serves Italian food for lunch and dinner. Pyramid, the other restaurant, serves lunch and dinner buffets. The resort also has five bars: three are swim-up and two are above-ground.Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with hotels like this.
Get startedTraveler Reviews
4.3
4.3
4.7
4.3
Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with hotels like this.
Get startedHotels in Arenal/La Fortuna
Show more hotels in Arenal/La FortunaArenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Sleep in the jungle at Arenal Manoa, which has sprawling grounds complete with dense vegetation, three eateries, a swimming pool, a spa, and several hot springs pools. Its 82...
Hotel Kokoro Mineral Hot Springs
Hotel Kokoro Mineral Hot Springs is a simple getaway with an on-site Costa Rican-Japanese fusion restaurant, an outdoor pool, and thermal pools of various temperatures. The...
Hotel Lomas del Volcán
Hotel Lomas del Volcán's feels secluded and off the beaten path despite its convenient location just 10 minutes outside La Fortuna. The 370-acre (150 ha) property faces the...
Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
You won't find better volcano views than those at Arenal Springs Resort & Spa, where duplex cabins with warm decor and terraces are scattered throughout the extensive...
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
The eco-friendly Casa Luna Hotel & Spa sits just outside downtown La Fortuna but its secluded, rainforest setting feels quiet and remote. Rustic, colonial-style rooms are...
Hotels in Costa Rica
Show more hotels in Costa RicaPark Inn San José by Radisson
You'll find the same color theme here in San José as in any Park Inn by Radisson hotel. Plain and simple, the hotel is no-frills but does offer an outdoor pool, fitness center,...
La Mariposa Hotel
As it's a hillside property, most travelers stay at La Mariposa Hotel for its incredible views, some of the best in Manuel Antonio. The hotel is updating all rooms, so some are...
Hotel Costa Verde
The vibe at this 70-room hotel, which has quirky features like an airplane converted into a private suite, might be described as "Costa Rica kitsch." Hotel Costa Verde opened...
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco has grown "little by little," starting with just five rooms in 2000 and gradually adding units every few years. Today, the hotel hosts 30 warm and...
Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort opened in 1979 as one of the first resorts in the Guanacaste region. Though the rooms are relatively generic, the grounds and amenities are all...
Arenal/La Fortuna Experiences
Show more Arenal/La Fortuna experiencesTabacon Hot Springs with Lunch or Dinner
Spend several hours at Tabacon Hot Springs, Costa Rica's most extensive network of naturally flowing thermal mineral springs, on this half-day excursion. Located inside a...
Río Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park Guided Rainforest Hike
Venture into Tenorio Volcano National Park for a refreshing hike along the Río Celeste, one of the most stunning natural attractions in Costa Rica. As the legend goes, after God...
Sky Adventures Tram & The Hand of Arenal
Ride high up into the mountains on this short excursion to the Hand of Arenal. Board the Sky Tram gondola with a guide for a 15-minute transfer to the monument and lookout...
EcoTermales Hot Springs & Meal
Uncover the wonders of EcoTermales Hot Springs in Arenal, an idyllic and economical hideaway ideal for adults and couples. Nestled within lush forests, indulge in mineral-rich...
Sloth & Bird Hike
Embark on a two-hour hiking excursion along the "sloth trail" with a bilingual guide. Discover the tropical forest while spotting sloths, birds, and reptiles in their natural...
Best of Arenal/La Fortuna
Best of Arenal/La FortunaHow Many Days to Spend in Arenal
Arenal Volcano National Park (along with the gateway town of La Fortuna) is a highlight of any Costa Rica itinerary. In an afternoon, you can get a feel for the park from one of...
How to Choose the Best Hot Springs in Arenal/La Fortuna
The Arenal/La Fortuna region in Costa Rica offers 12 different thermal pools. Each hot spring has a unique character making it ideal for different travel tastes, from romantic,...
How to Choose the Best Arenal Volcano Experience
Arenal Volcano is Costa Rica's best-known and most popular volcano, and travelers can experience it through hikes, horseback riding, and walking across hanging bridges. These...
Ultimate Guide to Visiting Arenal: Costa Rica's Most Famous Volcano
Every year travelers from around the world travel to the tiny Costa Rican town of La Fortuna. They come for one reason and one reason alone—to experience the majesty of Costa...
Where to Eat in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
After a day of trekking around the enormous Volcan Arenal, there are likely only two things you want: a soak in a nearby hot spring and a good meal. Luckily, La Fortuna is a...
Costa Rica Travel Advice
Costa Rica Travel AdviceHow to Choose the Best Hot Springs in Arenal/La Fortuna
The Arenal/La Fortuna region in Costa Rica offers 12 different thermal pools. Each hot spring has a unique character making it ideal for different travel tastes, from romantic,...
Best Whitewater Rafting in Costa Rica For Every Level
Costa Rica's dry season is from November to April. But May signals the beginning of the rainy season, and it's then that the rivers rise—making it the best time for aquatic...
Where to Eat in Monteverde, Costa Rica
Monteverde is known for its stunning cloud forest, but there's also plenty of incredible dining options to fill you up after those long sky walks and zip-line adventures . The...
How to Choose the Best Arenal Volcano Experience
Arenal Volcano is Costa Rica's best-known and most popular volcano, and travelers can experience it through hikes, horseback riding, and walking across hanging bridges. These...
7 Best Places for Birding in Costa Rica
More than a quarter of Costa Rica is protected jungle, home to a wide variety of native wildlife—including 850 colorful species of birds. Learn about the country's best areas to...
Costa Rica Travel Essentials
Costa Rica Travel EssentialsBest Time of Year to Visit Costa Rica
For access to all the country has to offer, visit during the dry season that runs from December through April—winter is the most popular time, with great weather and sizable...
Essential Costa Rica: 4 Regions to Visit
Costa Rica is proof that big things can come in small packages. Although this Central American gem is barely the size of West Virginia, it’s the most biodiverse country on the...
How kimkim Trips Work in Costa Rica
Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Here's a quick introduction to kimkim, how our trips work, and what makes us unique. We'll go over how our itineraries are customized to your...
Driving in Costa Rica: Road Trip FAQ
Costa Rica has a way of igniting the adventurous spirit within. This is, after all, one of the world's most biodiverse countries loaded with rainforests, wildlife species,...
Costa Rica FAQ
Costa Rica is a natural marvel—a relatively small country boasting four UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and 28 national parks. Travelers heading to this biodiverse wonderland can read...
Costa Rica Travel Guides
Costa Rica Travel GuidesEssential Costa Rica: 4 Regions to Visit
Costa Rica is proof that big things can come in small packages. Although this Central American gem is barely the size of West Virginia, it’s the most biodiverse country on the...
Ultimate Guide to Visiting Arenal: Costa Rica's Most Famous Volcano
Every year travelers from around the world travel to the tiny Costa Rican town of La Fortuna. They come for one reason and one reason alone—to experience the majesty of Costa...
Ultimate Guide to Guanacaste and the Famed Gold Coast
Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province is an eco-playground with plentiful beaches and large expanses of protected rainforest. This guide covers everything you need to know to...
Ultimate Guide to Monteverde: Costa Rica's Lost World
Costa Rica's mountainous Monteverde region is a traveler favorite, topping lists for its distinct cloud forest ecosystem, abundant wildlife, and hiking and ziplining options....
Ultimate Guide to Puerto Viejo: Costa Rica's Southern Caribbean Coast
While most visitors to Costa Rica will head west to the Pacific, the laidback lifestyle and Afro-Caribbean culture and cuisine of Puerto Viejo beckon you to experience life on...
Make the Most of Your Time in Costa Rica
Make the Most of Your Time in Costa RicaHow Many Days to Spend in Costa Rica
You can have a great adventure in Costa Rica in as short as a long weekend. With only a few days to spare, you'll have enough time to hike through a rainforest, see an active...
5 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itineraries
With less than a week, it's possible to experience many of Costa Rica's star attractions. You can visit misty cloud forests, go whale watching on the Pacific, view wildlife in...
1 Week in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With a week in Costa Rica, you can explore two to three locations. Nature lovers will delight in a natural wonders trip, complete with visits to La Fortuna, Monteverde, and...
10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
Travelers with more than a week to spend in Costa Rica have time to experience more of what makes the country so exceptional. These unique 10-day itineraries lead you through...
2 Weeks in Costa Rica - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With two weeks to spend in Costa Rica, travelers can truly enjoy the country's natural beauty and geographic diversity. Look for wildlife in the national parks, relax on...
Costa Rica Tours & Itineraries
Costa Rica Tours & ItinerariesBest of Costa Rica in 7 Days: Explore Jungles, Volcanoes and Beaches
With a mix of rugged jungles, active volcanoes and world-class beaches, Costa Rica offers some of the best natural sights and experiences in the world, all conveniently packed...
Classic Costa Rica: 7-Day Self-Drive Tour
Taking a road trip through Costa Rica gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore where you want. You'll pass through stunning natural scenery — from lush cloud forests to...
Best of Costa Rica - 14 Days
This two-week itinerary includes many of Costa Rica's greatest hits. You'll venture into the country's most beautiful national parks and enjoy zip-lining adventures, nature...
Best of Costa Rica: Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio - 8 Days
This 8-day trip is ideal for travelers looking to experience Costa Rica's highlights. Go for a dip in Arenal's hot springs and spot monkeys and other wildlife on hikes around...
Costa Rica Essentials: Self-Drive Tour - 14 Days
In this two-week tour, you can experience Costa Rica's main attractions as well as its lesser-known marvels. Drive along coasts, rainforest roads, and hills to discover the...
Trip Planning Essentials
How kimkim Trips Work in Costa Rica
Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Here's a quick introduction to kimkim, how our trips work, and what makes us unique. We'll go over how our itineraries are customized to your...
Ultimate Costa Rica Itineraries: 5, 7, 10, & 14 Days
Costa Rica looks deceptively small on a map, a fact many travelers discover when trying to choose which of its locales to visit on vacation. We've eliminated this paradox of...
Costa Rica Travel Agents
Kimkim has selected the best Costa Rica travel agents so you'll have a worry-free trip
Most Viewed Costa Rica Content
10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
Travelers with more than a week to spend in Costa Rica have time to experience more of what makes the country so exceptional. These unique 10-day itineraries lead you through...
Best of Costa Rica in 7 Days: Explore Jungles, Volcanoes and Beaches
With a mix of rugged jungles, active volcanoes and world-class beaches, Costa Rica offers some of the best natural sights and experiences in the world, all conveniently packed...
5 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itineraries
With less than a week, it's possible to experience many of Costa Rica's star attractions. You can visit misty cloud forests, go whale watching on the Pacific, view wildlife in...
1 Week in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With a week in Costa Rica, you can explore two to three locations. Nature lovers will delight in a natural wonders trip, complete with visits to La Fortuna, Monteverde, and...
2 Weeks in Costa Rica - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With two weeks to spend in Costa Rica, travelers can truly enjoy the country's natural beauty and geographic diversity. Look for wildlife in the national parks, relax on...
Latest Travel Insights
Explore Turrialba & Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast - 10 Days
Set off an adventurous journey from the Costa Rican city of Turrialba to the Caribbean coast, immersing yourself in the country's untouched beauty and local culture. Start with...
Family-Friendly Costa Rica Adventure: La Fortuna & Gulf of Papagayo - 7 Days
Discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Costa Rica on this fun-filled, weeklong family tour. Start in La Fortuna, where you'll hike around the impressive Arenal...
10 Days in Costa Rica - 4 Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
Given Costa Rica's size, you can fit jungle, aquatic, and urban adventures in your 10-day honeymoon. Outdoorsy couples will enjoy rafting the Río Pacuare and ziplining in...
1 Week in Costa Rica - 5 Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
During a one-week honeymoon adventure in Costa Rica, you can experience pristine rainforest, secluded beaches, and volcanic landscapes. For a mix of all three, opt for a...
Romantic Costa Rica Road Trip: Mountains, Cloud Forests & Beaches - 10 Days
Perfect for active couples, this 10-day self-drive adventure in paradise gives you a glimpse of Costa Rica's lesser-explored gems. After a city tour of San José, drive deep into...