Hotel Kokoro Mineral Hot Springs, Arenal/La Fortuna
Rustic jungle retreat with volcano views, a hilltop pool, hot springs, wildlife trails, and Costa Rican-Japanese fusion dining
Amazing and friendly staff and service. Loved the view and how this wonderful hotel looks and how the rooms are set up. Breakfast was local and... Read more
I was glad to be isolated from the busy town. The trees and view of the volcano are magnificent. Even on our first day, we saw... Read more
Overview
Kimkim's Take
- The hotel's quiet grounds offer opportunities to view wildlife like birds, insects, frogs, and other creatures.
- Guests can soak in the hot springs and a hilltop pool with a waterfall open to hotel guests only.
- Kokoro means "heart" in Japanese, and you'll find other nods to Asian culture, including the Umami Restaurant, which serves Costa Rican cuisine with Japanese influences, and the Wakami Spa.
- The on-site restaurant serves all meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Past guests rave about the thoughtful staff.
- Plan for a 10-minute drive ($10 taxi ride) if you'd like to check out La Fortuna or grab a meal in the town and a 20-minute journey to the national park.
- The hotel's affordability makes it particularly popular with student groups, so it can sometimes get busy.
- Some travelers report that the hotel could use renovations.
Authenticity
Rustic yet clean, you'll find Hotel Kokoro tucked away into the forest, surrounded by trees sprawling across the property. The environment allows guests to stroll around the grounds with binoculars for bird-watching or spotting other animals, like sloths (or the hotel's resident cats).Location
Enjoy a fairly quiet location away from the main town and sites, which makes the property an excellent place to spot wildlife. As a tradeoff, you'll be a bit far from the area's action and might want to have a car (or cash for a taxi ride). Ten minutes will get you to downtown La Fortuna, but plan for 15-20 if you'd like to check out the national park or La Fortuna Waterfall.Rooms & Bathrooms
Rooms are relatively standard with a rustic cabin vibe, though perfectly clean and functional, with air-conditioning, minifridges, and wood furniture. Most have tile flooring, some feature wood paneling, and a few include colorful murals on the walls. For more privacy, book the premium ecolodge in its standalone bungalow.Wildlife
Hotel Kokoro Mineral Hot Springs sits on expansive grounds adjacent to Arenal Natura Ecological Park. Guests can expect to see plenty of colorful wildlife, including toucans and tanagers. Staff are also happy to point out the best places to spot wildlife, like sloths, on and around the property.Amenities
Guests can enjoy several amenities on the property, including a yoga platform, a large lagoon-like outdoor pool, and an all-day coffee and tea station in the lobby. The biggest highlight has to be Kokoro's hot spring pools. You'll have your choice of three various temperatures and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere of waterfalls and dense jungle greenery.Family-Friendliness
Hotel Kokoro Mineral Hot Springs features hot springs and a pool that is popular with children. There's no age limit on younger guests, and up to two children under five (per family) stay free. Families will appreciate the rooms with multiple beds sleeping up to five. There's also a children's menu in the restaurant.Other Highlights
There's a restaurant on-site that serves a buffet-style breakfast and Costa Rican-Japanese fusion cuisine for lunch and dinner. The hotel has no bar, but the restaurant serves beer, wine, and cocktails.Like what you see?
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Get startedTravelers often mention
Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews
The staff were frequently mentioned as being welcoming, helpful, and providing excellent service. (7 mentions)
Guests appreciated the unique hot springs available at the hotel, which were regularly maintained and considered a highlight of their stay. (7 mentions)
Breakfast was well-received, but there were mixed reviews about the quality and availability of other meals such as lunch and dinner. (4 mentions)
The hotel grounds are known for their extensive gardens and diverse birdlife, which guests enjoyed from the comfort of their decks. (4 mentions)
Traveler Reviews
4.6
4.1
4.9
4.0
Extensive gardens and birdlife made up for pretty basic accommodation. Restaurant was not Japanese fusion as described. Hot springs uninviting.
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