Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience, Arenal/La Fortuna

Pros

• Spend your free time relaxing in the on-site hot springs—open to hotel guests only—with its main cold water pool, several thermal pools, lockers, and showers.
• The gardens are pretty unique, as the hotel partners with a reforestation project to keep the grounds beautifully maintained, flat (easy to walk around), and home to several critters.
• If you want to experience hot springs from your room, you can upgrade to one of the units with a private thermal plunge pool, complete with a waterfall.

Cons

• While not too far from the area's attractions, you'll need a car or transfer to reach places like downtown La Fortuna and the national park.
• Though the property is family-friendly (as it provides kid-approved restaurants, swimming pools, and a play area), there aren't any connecting rooms, only adjacent rooms.
• Plan to make a reservation in advance if you'd like to use the gym.

Authenticity

Volcano Lodge's history dates back to 1999, not long after the area experienced a surge of interest in tourism. As this family-owned property expanded, the owners prioritized blending into the local environment. Walking the grounds and gardens, you'll surely get a sense of the country's Northern Zone with all the native vegetation.  

Location

Set just off the main road, the hotel provides rural views of Arenal Volcano while within driving distance of the area's attractions. A quick 20-minute drive takes you to the national park, and less than 15 minutes gets you to downtown La Fortuna and La Fortuna Waterfall. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's 70 rooms offer simple yet comfortable lodgings with air-conditioning, minifridges, and terraces with patio furniture. All the wooden furnishings in the rooms are hand-crafted, though the wood paneling and tile flooring date the property a bit. Upgrade to a thermal room or suite for a little indulgence, as these categories add sun loungers and a private stone plunge pool with a waterfall to your terrace. 

Amenities

Volcano Lodge's two thermal springs are the stars of the show on the property. Both are thoughtfully designed to incorporate carved stone walls, cascading waterfalls, native plants, and views of Arenal Volcano. One is paired with the hotel's free-form swimming pool, while the second thermal spring offers a swim-up bar. The hotel has an outdoor gym and yoga platform where you can easily get some exercise in the fresh air. Travelers with limited mobility can get around easily as there are paved paths, and the entire resort is located on the ground level. 

Wildlife

You're likely to spot wildlife, including iguanas, sloths, and a wide range of colorful birds while exploring the manicured grounds. For those looking for a guided experience, consider booking a wildlife refuge or canopy tour via the hotel's front desk. 

Family-Friendliness

Children of all ages are welcome at the hotel, but there's no option for extra beds or cots in the rooms. The common areas have puzzles and board games available. Next to the hotel's main pool, children have access to a small playground and a shallow kid's pool. Meals are made easy at the hotel's restaurant, which has children's menus offering dishes most kids love. 

Other Highlights

The hotel has several convenient dining choices: you can choose from the lodge's main open-air restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or the sports bar by the main lobby with various small plates, snacks, and drinks. Take a stroll on the perimeter trail for excellent views of the manicured gardens and a chance to catch a glimpse of some of the more shy wildlife.

Sustainability

The lodge partners with several sustainability programs in the local area, including a reforestation initiative. The owners have focused on reforestation on their property and gardens and planted over 3,000 trees in the region. Other projects include reducing and managing energy use, waste, and water.