Noah's Forest by Tifakara, Arenal/La Fortuna

Pros

• This unique property is committed to providing an authentic wilderness experience, prioritizing privacy while remaining just one mile (2 km) from downtown La Fortuna.
• A shuttle service can take you to the hotel's sister property, Tifakara Boutique Hotel & Birding Oasis, where you can enjoy a complimentary wildlife night tour. 
• A river runs through the property, and some rooms are riverside bungalows, making it a great location for birding and wildlife viewing. 
• All rooms are standalone bungalows with clean and modern decor, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, and TVs streaming Netflix, and deluxe rooms feature a private outdoor hot tub.
• You can relax at the outdoor pool or hang out in the game room.

Cons

• As the hotel plans for expansion and property enhancements, travelers may experience construction noise during the day.
• There's no on-site spa or gym available. 
• In the evenings, the small pool tends to feel crowded. 

Additional Notes From Brittany

"Okay, but where's the hotel?" was my first thought as I stood in the parking lot opposite the reception. Noah's Forest offers the ultimate jungle oasis, with its hidden bungalows unseen from the road and only accessible via winding pathways through gardens and forest. "Can I live here?" was the next thought, as each bungalow feels totally private with greenery keeping patios and decks hidden from other guests.

Authenticity

Noah's Forest is a serene nature oasis deep in the jungle—you can't see any rooms from the road or the parking lot. To get to your private, independent bungalow, you'll weave through paths lined with tropical plants, flowers, and trees, all home to abundant wildlife. 

Location

Somehow, this hotel makes you feel in the middle of the forest while being less than a mile from the city center. You could walk to downtown restaurants and shops in under 20 minutes, but you might want to have a rental car to zip around the region. Arenal Volcano National Park is 30 minutes by car, Tabacon Hot Springs 20 minutes, and La Fortuna Waterfall just under 15 minutes.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The uber sense of privacy is enhanced by the property offering only 20 rooms, all charming cottages surrounded by vegetation that keeps private terraces completely hidden. All are modern and spacious, and many sit beside the river. Some offer personal Jacuzzis. Everyone can enjoy a coffee maker, mini fridge, WiFi, air-conditioning, umbrellas, and Netflix streaming in their room. 

Wildlife

Noah's Forest lives up to its name, as the lush greenery provides a natural ambience that is teeming with wildlife. Travelers have spotted frogs, sloths, monkeys, and many varieties of birds on the property. The staff is always happy to point out some of the more hidden creatures, and the hotel's sister property offers a night wildlife tour, which you can access via a free shuttle. 

Amenities

The hotel has a small heated pool tucked away in a quiet corner of the property, with an outdoor hot tub next to the pool. While there's no spa on-site, you can schedule several different massage services in your private rooms. None of the bungalows are specifically designed to be accessible, but they're all single-story units and guests with limited mobility can comfortably get around on the smooth pathways. 

Family-Friendliness

Children of all ages are welcome at Noah's Forest, with those under the age of seven staying for free and older kids costing a small additional fee. The pool and diverse wildlife have been favorites of previous families staying in the bungalows. The Deluxe Quad Bungalow is the best option for families as it can sleep up to five and includes a private hot tub. 

Other Highlights

Besides the serene vibes, there's a lot more to love about Noah's Forest. The a la carte breakfast offers traditional Costa Rican cuisine and international dishes like eggs benedict and bagels with lox. You can also dine at the open-air restaurant for dinner, and as part of the hotel's expansion, the restaurant recently added a lunch and afternoon snack menu. The property also has its own signature scent that guests can enjoy in the rooms.