Casa Luna Hotel & Spa, Arenal/La Fortuna

Pros

• Take your pick between the large outdoor pool and four hot tubs (some semi-private and surrounded by greenery).
• The hotel uses unique eco-friendly practices, including water heated by a solar energy system.
• You can eat on a budget while still enjoying high-quality dishes at the on-site restaurant.
• Because you'll be away from the main road, you have a better chance to see wildlife right on the quiet property.
• Many rooms provide views of the Arenal volcano.

Cons

• Some rooms and the pool area could do with minor renovations or upkeep.
• Past guests say walls are thin, and it's possible to hear noises from neighboring units.
• The pool area can get crowded; sometimes, there's not enough seating for everyone.

Authenticity

Casa Luna Hotel & Spa blends in seamlessly with its rainforest surroundings, with rustic cabin-like buildings dotted around the property in groups of four and decorated with a colorful Costa Rican aesthetic. Local and sustainable is a theme here, with water heated via solar panels and an on-site restaurant that sources from local suppliers and uses produce grown in the property's organic garden. 

Location

The property is tucked away in a quieter area just south of La Fortuna, surrounded by nature and wildlife (and not set along the busy Route 142 like most of the area's hotels). The town center and La Fortuna Waterfall are about 2 miles (3.2 km) or a short drive or taxi ride away. Despite the secluded setting, you're within walking distance of a few restaurants and attractions.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel offers three styles of accommodations: Standard Deluxe, Junior Suite, and Superior. All rooms feature tile floors, wooden ceilings and furniture, and vibrant pops of color. They're housed in two-story or three-story cabin-like buildings, providing each room with a patio or balcony and volcano views. Some of the most basic Standard Deluxe rooms can feel a little dated, so consider upgrading for a more modern feel. Bathrooms are simple but well-equipped, and all rooms have eco-friendly air-conditioning and free WiFi (though the latter can be patchy throughout the property).

Amenities

One of the hotel's standout features is its large, lagoon-like pool with an artificial waterfall, snack bar, and small lounge area. There's also a children's pool and four solar-powered hot tubs nearby. The on-site spa provides massages, body wraps, and facials deep in the forest, and a nature trail allows you to explore and spot wildlife without leaving the property. The Luna Grill serves breakfast (included with the room rate), lunch, and dinner in an open-air dining room surrounded by tropical foliage. You can also order food and drinks at the poolside bar.

Family-Friendliness

Casa Luna is family-friendly, featuring a kids' menu at the restaurant and a children's pool. The Superior Rooms, which can accommodate two adults and two children, are the best choice for families, but the hotel doesn't offer cribs or extra beds. Parents with strollers will find the grounds easy to navigate via concrete walkways. 

Wildlife

Casa Luna sits on land planted with gardens and fringed by verdant tropical forests. You're likely to spot various species of birds fluttering around these gardens and trees, as well as colorful butterflies on the nature trail. At night, you'll hear a symphony of frogs, and if you're lucky you might catch a glimpse of monkeys in the treetops.

Sustainability

The hotel is commendable in its dedication to sustainability and conservation. Solar energy heats its pools and water, making it the only property in northern Costa Rica to do so. It also features an inverter air-conditioning system, 100% LED lighting, and more. The on-site organic garden supplies ingredients for the restaurant and snack bar, and the preserved forest on the property is home to local wildlife and a nature path.