Ti-fakara Boutique Hotel, Arenal/La Fortuna

Pros

• The hotel grounds are undoubtedly a highlight. Lush with jungle foliage, they attract wildlife and make the property an excellent place for bird watching.
• Guests can enjoy a complimentary night tour searching for different frog species and other animals. 
• Most of the rooms are independent cottages offering a bit more privacy and come with outdoor showers.
• The location is prime if you want to be in the jungle yet close to some attractions (La Fortuna Waterfall is just a 5-minute uphill walk). 
• All rooms feature a balcony and complimentary drinking water replenished daily.
• You can enjoy a made-to-order breakfast (included) with both local and international options, served in-room, at the Bosque restaurant, or by the pool.

Cons

• Though the waterfall is just down the street, you'll need a car or a taxi to reach downtown La Fortuna and all the other sites.
• The small property doesn't have a gym or spa, though you can receive some spa services directly in your room. 

Additional Notes From Brittany

Despite being away from the town center, Ti-fakara Boutique Hotel is far from quiet, thanks to the property's wildlife residents. I couldn't get over how many chirping frogs, buzzing insects, singing birds, and chattering geckos I could hear—the perfect accommodation for someone like me, who likes to avoid crowds and reconnect with nature. Though I didn't stay here, I'd definitely participate in the complimentary nature night walks if I did.

Authenticity

Named after the Maleku word for waterfall, Ti-fakara does an excellent job of leveraging its location and environs, giving you a full rainforest experience while not skimping on modern comforts. Sleek private bungalows are tucked amid lush foliage, wildlife is often spotted at guests' doorsteps or from balconies, and stone paths weave their way through thick vegetation to the hotel's main building and restaurant. You'll find Costa Rican fare and fresh fruit smoothies at the restaurant and bar, and the free wildlife night walk brings you that much closer to your surroundings.

Location

You'll be a 5-10-minute walk (uphill) from the popular La Fortuna Waterfall and a 25-minute drive from Arenal Volcano National Park. The hotel's secluded setting feels worlds away from civilization, yet it's conveniently located near cafés, restaurants, and shops in La Fortuna, an 8-minute drive. The best way to explore the area is by renting a car or ordering a taxi through the hotel.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Rooms vary in decor and layout, but all have large glass doors that open up to furnished balconies, tiled floors, light-painted walls (some cream, some blue), and warm wood and black metal accents. We recommend booking one of the slightly more modern bungalows that are detached from the rooms of the main building, like the Tropical Forest Bungalow. You'll enjoy rainforest and Arenal Volcano views and outdoor showers (some more exposed to the elements than others). Keep in mind that bathrooms tend to be quite humid, given the open shower concept. 

Amenities

After a long day of hiking and exploration, unwind in the hotel's small pool and two adjacent hot tubs with a drink or snack from the bar or a meal from Bosque. While there's no dedicated spa, you can receive treatments in the privacy of your own room, and the frog sanctuary and nocturnal guided walks add more opportunities to learn and see endemic wildlife. Travelers with limited mobility can easily get around the small property but will want to book a room on the ground floor as there are no elevators. 

Family-Friendliness

While the amenities offered to families are somewhat barebones— there are no cots, childcare services, or kid's menus available—the property has been a hit with previous travelers with children, in large part due to the easy wildlife viewing and idyllic setting (the frog sanctuary and nature walk are favorites). Most rooms at the hotel only sleep two, so families will want to snag a Premium Quadruple Room that sleeps up to four people. The small property is easy to navigate with strollers, given the stone path that winds throughout the premises.

Wildlife

The dense jungle surroundings give you ample opportunities to spot wildlife, especially near the pool area. Previous travelers have spotted sloths, toucans, and geckos hanging around the property. An on-site frog sanctuary is a great place to learn more about Costa Rica's amphibious world, and the complimentary night tour offers more chances for wildlife viewing. Your guides are happy to help you spot the harder-to-notice critters. 

Other Highlights

The main highlight of Ti-fakara Boutique Hotel is its atmosphere—quiet, calming, and surrounded by thick forests full of wildlife. You could easily spend all day here, listening to the birds from your room balcony, relaxing by the outdoor pool, soaking in the hot tubs, and joining the nightly nature walk.