Near the summit of Poas Volcano, the-mid range Altura Hotel provides bed-and-breakfast style lodging amid a lush rural setting. All seven rooms feature an eclectic modern-meets-rustic decor, along with free Wi-Fi, wet bars, mini-fridges, and huge windows with picturesque views of the surrounding farmland. A free hot breakfast and parking make up the short list of common amenities. However, most guests seem content to just relax around the fire pit in the outdoor garden amid the rolling landscape just minutes from Costa Rica's most popular national park. The nearby Poas Lodge and Restaurant provides similar rooms and amenities for less money.
Near the summit of Poas Volcano, the-mid range Altura Hotel provides bed-and-breakfast style lodging amid a lush rural setting. All seven rooms feature an eclectic modern-meets-rustic decor, along with free Wi-Fi, wet bars, mini-fridges, and huge windows with picturesque views of the surrounding farmland. A free hot breakfast and parking make up the short list of common amenities. However, most guests seem content to just relax around the fire pit in the outdoor garden amid the rolling landscape just minutes from Costa Rica's most popular national park. The nearby Poas Lodge and Restaurant provides similar rooms and amenities for less money.
This 42-room, upper-middle-range spa resort on the west side of the Arenal dam is a bit farther out from La Fortuna than most area hotels (about a 45-minute drive) but offers a stunning Bali-inspired spa building and large, well-appointed rooms overlooking the rainforest. The property also offers private trails in the rainforest as well as a pool and a big hot tub with swim-up bar -- but no hot springs (for those, consider the similarly priced Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa or the slightly pricier Tabacon).
This 42-room, upper-middle-range spa resort on the west side of the Arenal dam is a bit farther out from La Fortuna than most area hotels (about a 45-minute drive) but offers a stunning Bali-inspired spa building and large, well-appointed rooms overlooking the rainforest. The property also offers private trails in the rainforest as well as a pool and a big hot tub with swim-up bar -- but no hot springs (for those, consider the similarly priced Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa or the slightly pricier Tabacon).
Heliconias Nature Lodge is a pitch perfect example of Costa Rica’s tasteful rain forest-inspired flavor. The outdoor plunge pool and large, open-air restaurant with free breakfast, a full wine list, and nightly entertainment are surprising touches for a small, mid-range property. All 18 freestanding cabins are bright, open, and rustic with modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and private balconies. Upgraded categories add panoramic windows with rain forest views. However, there’s little within walking or driving distance, so most guests will want a car to explore the area. The more rustic Hotel Arenal Montechiari offers the same amenities at the edge of downtown La Fortuna for less money.
Heliconias Nature Lodge is a pitch perfect example of Costa Rica’s tasteful rain forest-inspired flavor. The outdoor plunge pool and large, open-air restaurant with free breakfast, a full wine list, and nightly entertainment are surprising touches for a small, mid-range property. All 18 freestanding cabins are bright, open, and rustic with modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and private balconies. Upgraded categories add panoramic windows with rain forest views. However, there’s little within walking or driving distance, so most guests will want a car to explore the area. The more rustic Hotel Arenal Montechiari offers the same amenities at the edge of downtown La Fortuna for less money.
A posh wonderland for affluent Americans and their kids, the 74-room luxury resort The Springs is 165 acres of seemingly endless pools and hot springs, restaurants, and activities -- all hidden on a volcano-facing slope seemingly in the middle of nowhere. (Expect a long, bumpy ride to and from the hotel that will dissuade you from day trips off the property). The Club Rio outdoor center allows guests to experience everything from river tubing to horseback riding right on-site. Rooms range from standard hotel rooms with good views of the volcano to entire villas modeled after Swiss ski chalets. Though the nearest notable property is the vastly different (and quirky) Leaves and Lizards, The Springs' main luxury competition comes from the smaller Nayara resorts. The Springs, however, gets to brag that it hosted Jay-Z and Beyonce during a much-publicized couples getaway -- not to mention an episode of "The Bachelor."
A posh wonderland for affluent Americans and their kids, the 74-room luxury resort The Springs is 165 acres of seemingly endless pools and hot springs, restaurants, and activities -- all hidden on a volcano-facing slope seemingly in the middle of nowhere. (Expect a long, bumpy ride to and from the hotel that will dissuade you from day trips off the property). The Club Rio outdoor center allows guests to experience everything from river tubing to horseback riding right on-site. Rooms range from standard hotel rooms with good views of the volcano to entire villas modeled after Swiss ski chalets. Though the nearest notable property is the vastly different (and quirky) Leaves and Lizards, The Springs' main luxury competition comes from the smaller Nayara resorts. The Springs, however, gets to brag that it hosted Jay-Z and Beyonce during a much-publicized couples getaway -- not to mention an episode of "The Bachelor."
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Amid Central Costa Rica’s rain forest, the three-pearl Lands in Love Hotel & Resort (Tierras Enamoradas) offers some of the region’s most eclectic lodging, 30 minutes outside of San Pedro. The 33 rooms are dated and dowdy, but all offer minibars, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and rain forest views. On paper, there are a wealth of resort-like amenities that include an adventure center for zip-lining and an outdoor pool. But, most interiors feel passed their prime with a look and feel that’s equal parts homely and charming. The distinct animal-friendly atmosphere -- including a vegetarian restaurant, a pet hotel, and free dog-walking opportunities for guests -- is either a major draw or one of the best reasons to stay elsewhere. While it lacks the same outdoor opportunities, Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Nature Reserve offers more sophistication and better rooms for the same money.
Amid Central Costa Rica’s rain forest, the three-pearl Lands in Love Hotel & Resort (Tierras Enamoradas) offers some of the region’s most eclectic lodging, 30 minutes outside of San Pedro. The 33 rooms are dated and dowdy, but all offer minibars, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and rain forest views. On paper, there are a wealth of resort-like amenities that include an adventure center for zip-lining and an outdoor pool. But, most interiors feel passed their prime with a look and feel that’s equal parts homely and charming. The distinct animal-friendly atmosphere -- including a vegetarian restaurant, a pet hotel, and free dog-walking opportunities for guests -- is either a major draw or one of the best reasons to stay elsewhere. While it lacks the same outdoor opportunities, Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Nature Reserve offers more sophistication and better rooms for the same money.
The aptly named El Silencio Lodge & Spa caters to guests seeking a secluded upscale rain forest getaway. The 16 rooms include entry-level Suites with spacious layouts, minibars, and private decks with outdoor hot tubs. Villas upgrade to house-style layouts with full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and wide decks. A range of outdoor opportunities like waterfall rappelling, zip-lining, and hiking is available at the adventure park. The spa, free hot breakfast, and free valet parking are nice upscale perks. However, with just one restaurant and a remote location, some guests may find the on-site amenities too limited once the sun sets. Note that kids under the age of eight aren't allowed here. Although it's less sophisticated, Xandari Resort & Spa offers many of the same amenities for less money.
The aptly named El Silencio Lodge & Spa caters to guests seeking a secluded upscale rain forest getaway. The 16 rooms include entry-level Suites with spacious layouts, minibars, and private decks with outdoor hot tubs. Villas upgrade to house-style layouts with full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and wide decks. A range of outdoor opportunities like waterfall rappelling, zip-lining, and hiking is available at the adventure park. The spa, free hot breakfast, and free valet parking are nice upscale perks. However, with just one restaurant and a remote location, some guests may find the on-site amenities too limited once the sun sets. Note that kids under the age of eight aren't allowed here. Although it's less sophisticated, Xandari Resort & Spa offers many of the same amenities for less money.