Casa Luna Hotel & Spa, Arenal/La Fortuna

Pros

• You can relax at 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 gets crowded; sometimes, there's not enough seating for everyone.

Authenticity

Casa Luna Hotel & Spa offers an authentic Costa Rican experience with rustic and adobe-style decor. The rooms are set in groups of four or six within cabin-like buildings offering views of the Arenal Volcano. The property's distinct character is further accentuated by wooden ceilings and furniture, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The hotel's tranquility and jungle setting allow you to immerse yourself in the local environment.

Location

Casa Luna Hotel & Spa is tucked away in a quieter area just south of La Fortuna, surrounded by nature and wildlife. Unlike many hotels in the region, it's not set along the busy Route 142, offering a peaceful retreat. The hotel is about 2 miles (3.2 km) from the town center and La Fortuna Waterfall, making it a short drive or taxi ride away. Despite its secluded setting, it's within walking distance of a few restaurants and attractions.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel offers three accommodations: Standard Deluxe, Junior Suite, and Superior rooms. 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 views of Arenal Volcano. Some standard rooms may feel dated, so consider upgrading for a more modern feel.

Sustainability

Casa Luna Hotel & Spa is dedicated to sustainability and conservation. The property uses solar energy to heat 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.

Wildlife

Casa Luna sits on land planted with gardens and fringed by verdant tropical forests. Guests will spot various species of birds fluttering around these gardens and trees, as well as colorful butterflies on the nature trail. At night, there are frogs, and it's also possible to see monkeys.

Amenities

Casa Luna Hotel & Spa has a large, lagoon-like pool with an artificial waterfall. A snack bar and a small lounge area are located beside the pool. There's also a children's pool and four solar-powered hot tubs nearby. The hotel has a nice spa, but there's no gym on-site. A nature trail is on-site, and walkways connect reception with the hotel rooms, so those with limited mobility shouldn't have much trouble getting around the grounds. The ground-floor rooms are wheelchair accessible.

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. The hotel doesn't offer cribs or extra beds. Parents with strollers will find the grounds easy to navigate via concrete walkways. 

Other Highlights

The hotel's restaurant, Luna Grill, is open for breakfast (included with the room rate), lunch, and dinner. The open-air dining room is surrounded by tropical foliage, and the menus offer a section of traditional Costa Rican dishes and international cuisine. Travelers can also order food and drinks at the poolside bar. Prices are reasonable at both venues.