Blue River Resort & Hot Springs, Rincón de la Vieja

Blue River Resort & Hot Springs is a family-friendly, off-the-beaten-path resort in Costa Rica's rainforest. Considering the size of the property, it has relatively few guest cottages—just 25 in total, many side-by-side, all designed in a rustic style with wood paneling and hardwood floors. The bungalows are situated around a central area with a restaurant, pools, hot springs, a pool bar, a spa, and a botanical garden. Far from the bustle of cities and towns, the property is quiet, though the sounds of the jungle are ever-present, including birdsong and the occasional calls of frogs and howler monkeys.

Pros

• The hotel's pools are centrally located next to a restaurant and bars where guests can order food to enjoy by the water's edge. 
• Despite the hotel's remote location, the restaurant offers good quality food (and at reasonable prices).
• The hotel offers outstanding features for families.
• Travelers consistently rate the staff five stars.

Cons

• There are no shops, cafés, markets, or restaurants within walking distance. 
• Some bungalows could use an update.
• This isn't a good choice for travelers with limited mobility. 

Authenticity

The resort makes it easy to appreciate Costa Rica's natural beauty: the botanical garden attracts wildlife and is home to abundant plant life, and visitors can see more flora and fauna at the on-site frog pond, caiman pond, and butterfly farm. Meanwhile, the naturally occurring hot springs feed into swimming pools where guests can relax and enjoy views of the surrounding scenery.

Location

Situated on a river and embraced by the tropical rainforest, the resort is in proximity to the Santa Rosa and Guanacaste National Parks, both an hour's drive away. The location also provides a gateway to explore Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park, a 15-minute drive from the hotel.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The resort features 25 air-conditioned lodges designed with a rustic touch, integrating into the natural surroundings. The rooms offer garden views, with some providing glimpses of the volcano on clear days. Each room has a pillowtop bed, LCD TV, and an en suite bathroom with a shower. The cottage-style accommodation is comfortable and spacious, though a bit basic for a 4-star property. The rooms are furnished with either one king bed or two queen beds and provide a front terrace, complete with a hammock—perfect for a lazy afternoon.

Wildlife

The hotel has a large botanical garden home to resident sloths, and howler monkeys sometimes make an appearance. Blue River Resort & Hot Springs also has a frog pond, a caiman pond, horses, and a butterfly farm.

Amenities

Blue River Resort & Hot Springs gets its 4-star rating from its unique amenities. It prioritizes relaxation and wellness, with five outdoor swimming pools, including hot springs, a waterslide, and a spa offering various treatments. The resort also features a fitness center and a natural mud bath near a creek.

Family-Friendliness

The resort is family-friendly, with numerous activities to engage kids, such as nature hikes, touring the botanical gardens, and spotting the various animals around the property, plus a fun "dino hike," an exciting Jurassic Park-like experience. They even have a resident entertainer who does the rounds at the restaurant and common areas, making balloon animals for kids and putting on fire shows. Families will also appreciate a natural lagoon, frog and caiman ponds, a butterfly garden, horse stables, and various habitats featuring donkeys, peacocks, and iguanas. 

Other Highlights

An included breakfast, a mix of typical American and Costa Rican cuisine, is served daily at the on-site restaurant by the pool. Lunch and dinner are available from a la carte menus at the same venue. Travelers report that the quality and value are quite good. A full bar in the restaurant also serves wine, beer, and cocktails.