It's not fancy, but this 42-room, three-floor, mid-range hotel offers clean, reasonably lit rooms, unobstructed views of both Arenal and Cerro Chato volcanoes, and quick and easy access to La Fortuna. Features include an outdoor pool with a sim-up bar and a couple of hot tubs, but those who want a full-on water park resort in the area might prefer Los Lagos. The hotel's most notable draw is the throbbingly packed weekend karaoke-dance nights at the hotel bar.
It's not fancy, but this 42-room, three-floor, mid-range hotel offers clean, reasonably lit rooms, unobstructed views of both Arenal and Cerro Chato volcanoes, and quick and easy access to La Fortuna. Features include an outdoor pool with a sim-up bar and a couple of hot tubs, but those who want a full-on water park resort in the area might prefer Los Lagos. The hotel's most notable draw is the throbbingly packed weekend karaoke-dance nights at the hotel bar.
This conveniently located, 46-room mid-range resort offers brightly colored bungalows that wouldn't look out of place in a Smurf village. They feature showers that mimic natural waterfalls and come with private outdoor hot tubs or pools, though views of the volcanos and Wi-Fi signals are both limited. About 15 minutes from La Fortuna, Hotel Mountain Paradise shares a spur road with its nearest competitor, the luxurious Nayara Hotel; those seeking cheaper accommodations might consider Volcano Lodge & Gardens, though its rooms aren't as attractive.
This conveniently located, 46-room mid-range resort offers brightly colored bungalows that wouldn't look out of place in a Smurf village. They feature showers that mimic natural waterfalls and come with private outdoor hot tubs or pools, though views of the volcanos and Wi-Fi signals are both limited. About 15 minutes from La Fortuna, Hotel Mountain Paradise shares a spur road with its nearest competitor, the luxurious Nayara Hotel; those seeking cheaper accommodations might consider Volcano Lodge & Gardens, though its rooms aren't as attractive.
Tilajari Hotel Resort is a sprawling, business-centric three-pearl resort with plenty to offer travelers looking for all-in-one lodging. There’s little in the surrounding area and nothing within walking distance. However, the long list of amenities -- including an open-air restaurant, three pools (including a kiddy pool), multiple sports courts/fields, and a butterfly garden -- mean most guests will rarely need to venture off-property. All 76 rooms are bright and traditionally decorated with cable TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private balconies with river views. Although it’s dated, El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa offers similar amenities plus hot spring pools and one of Costa Rica’s largest spas for less money.
Tilajari Hotel Resort is a sprawling, business-centric three-pearl resort with plenty to offer travelers looking for all-in-one lodging. There’s little in the surrounding area and nothing within walking distance. However, the long list of amenities -- including an open-air restaurant, three pools (including a kiddy pool), multiple sports courts/fields, and a butterfly garden -- mean most guests will rarely need to venture off-property. All 76 rooms are bright and traditionally decorated with cable TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private balconies with river views. Although it’s dated, El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa offers similar amenities plus hot spring pools and one of Costa Rica’s largest spas for less money.
For a small hotel, this 54-room boutique has a lot to offer: A beautiful hot springs pool complex with natural thermal waters, great views of Arenal volcano, a lovely spa, a bar with an outdoor terrace, and an on-site restaurant. Contemporary rooms all have volcano views, but the property feels more developed, and less lush, than others in the area. Those wanting to feel surrounded by nature might want to stay elsewhere.
For a small hotel, this 54-room boutique has a lot to offer: A beautiful hot springs pool complex with natural thermal waters, great views of Arenal volcano, a lovely spa, a bar with an outdoor terrace, and an on-site restaurant. Contemporary rooms all have volcano views, but the property feels more developed, and less lush, than others in the area. Those wanting to feel surrounded by nature might want to stay elsewhere.
The 90-room, upper-middle-range hotel popular with the tour bus crowd appeals to a wide range of international tourists, though is a bit lacking in authentic Costa Rican flavor. Attractive rooms all have terraces with volcano views, and Master Suites include large rock-lined hot tubs inside. The hotel is centrally located between La Fortuna and the entrance to Arenal National Park, though the hotel's explicit mission is to give guests as little reason to want to leave the property as possible. Given the range of features -- hot springs with a swim-up bar, multiple restaurants, a spa -- many guests do choose to stay put. It may also be worth considering Hotel El Silencio del Campo, which has extra-hot hot springs and a bit more local character.
The 90-room, upper-middle-range hotel popular with the tour bus crowd appeals to a wide range of international tourists, though is a bit lacking in authentic Costa Rican flavor. Attractive rooms all have terraces with volcano views, and Master Suites include large rock-lined hot tubs inside. The hotel is centrally located between La Fortuna and the entrance to Arenal National Park, though the hotel's explicit mission is to give guests as little reason to want to leave the property as possible. Given the range of features -- hot springs with a swim-up bar, multiple restaurants, a spa -- many guests do choose to stay put. It may also be worth considering Hotel El Silencio del Campo, which has extra-hot hot springs and a bit more local character.
On a quiet street 30 minutes from Arenal Volcano, Arenal Green Hotel delivers exactly what it promises — clean, rustic, rainforest-inspired lodging with few frills. The nine freestanding Bungalows come with private terraces, mini-fridges, and wet bars, while a single Family Bungalow upgrades to a full kitchen and a large, three-bedroom layout. The restaurant serves a free hot breakfast daily and a traditional Costa Rican lunches and dinners are available during peak season. There’s nothing walkable in the vicinity, but this is a pleasant place to relax for a few days, especially when the short, five-minute drive to La Fortuna, and the reasonable rates, are considered. Travelers who'd like better volcano views and a sparkling pool might consider Hotel Arenal Montechiari instead, though it's a bit pricier.
On a quiet street 30 minutes from Arenal Volcano, Arenal Green Hotel delivers exactly what it promises — clean, rustic, rainforest-inspired lodging with few frills. The nine freestanding Bungalows come with private terraces, mini-fridges, and wet bars, while a single Family Bungalow upgrades to a full kitchen and a large, three-bedroom layout. The restaurant serves a free hot breakfast daily and a traditional Costa Rican lunches and dinners are available during peak season. There’s nothing walkable in the vicinity, but this is a pleasant place to relax for a few days, especially when the short, five-minute drive to La Fortuna, and the reasonable rates, are considered. Travelers who'd like better volcano views and a sparkling pool might consider Hotel Arenal Montechiari instead, though it's a bit pricier.
Situated outside La Fortuna on the edge of Parque Nacional Volcan Arenal, Brisas Arenal Hotel is a rustic two-and-a-half-pearl spot in a quiet, residential neighborhood. Amid perfectly manicured grounds, the hotel has a tiny plunge pool and serves a free, simple breakfast with local and international options. All 10 cabin-style rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, private porches, and air-conditioning; Tropical Suites upgrade to sunken hot tubs with rainforest views. Most visitors to the hotel are seeking a quiet, secluded retreat, however, that does mean there’s nothing within walking distance. The nearby Hotel Arenal Montechiari is pricier, but includes awesome volcano views and a beautiful outdoor pool.
Situated outside La Fortuna on the edge of Parque Nacional Volcan Arenal, Brisas Arenal Hotel is a rustic two-and-a-half-pearl spot in a quiet, residential neighborhood. Amid perfectly manicured grounds, the hotel has a tiny plunge pool and serves a free, simple breakfast with local and international options. All 10 cabin-style rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, private porches, and air-conditioning; Tropical Suites upgrade to sunken hot tubs with rainforest views. Most visitors to the hotel are seeking a quiet, secluded retreat, however, that does mean there’s nothing within walking distance. The nearby Hotel Arenal Montechiari is pricier, but includes awesome volcano views and a beautiful outdoor pool.
This mid-range gated resort has 47 terraced bungalows that seem to climb up the side of Arenal volcano. These big-windowed but dimly lit wooden cabins don't always have stunning views of the volcano, but each one has two private decks. The property is about 10 minutes north of La Fortuna by car, and property features include a swimming pool, hot tub, excellent restaurant serving all three meals (including the free breakfast), and a bar with volcano views. There are no hot springs, though; for that, consider Hotel El Silencio del Campo.
This mid-range gated resort has 47 terraced bungalows that seem to climb up the side of Arenal volcano. These big-windowed but dimly lit wooden cabins don't always have stunning views of the volcano, but each one has two private decks. The property is about 10 minutes north of La Fortuna by car, and property features include a swimming pool, hot tub, excellent restaurant serving all three meals (including the free breakfast), and a bar with volcano views. There are no hot springs, though; for that, consider Hotel El Silencio del Campo.
Occidental Papagayo is an adult-only, three-and-a-half-pearl property located on the Gulf of Papagayo. The resort’s 163 rooms aren’t especially chic, but they’re nonetheless adequate, offering coffeemakers, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Occidental’s all-inclusive package covers food, drinks, and entertainment. Guests also have access to a solid roster of amenities that includes a picturesque pool, four restaurants and numerous bars, as well as beach access. While this resort lacks wow factor, travelers looking for a fun, all-inclusive vacation are likely to be satisfied. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica has sleeker facilities and a better beach, but its rates are generally higher.
Occidental Papagayo is an adult-only, three-and-a-half-pearl property located on the Gulf of Papagayo. The resort’s 163 rooms aren’t especially chic, but they’re nonetheless adequate, offering coffeemakers, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Occidental’s all-inclusive package covers food, drinks, and entertainment. Guests also have access to a solid roster of amenities that includes a picturesque pool, four restaurants and numerous bars, as well as beach access. While this resort lacks wow factor, travelers looking for a fun, all-inclusive vacation are likely to be satisfied. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica has sleeker facilities and a better beach, but its rates are generally higher.