12 Best Hotels in La Fortuna, Costa Rica (By Travel Style & Budget)

2. Nayara Springs – Adults Only

Vibe: Ultra-romantic rainforest luxury, total privacy, hot spring indulgence

Nayara Springs is a luxury hotel that lives up to the hype . This adults-only, retreat is located at the base of Arenal Volcano and is built entirely around privacy, nature, and luxury.

Why It Stands Out
Every villa has its own natural thermal plunge pool, fed by mineral-rich hot springs. Combined with the rainforest setting and impeccable service, it’s one of the most romantic stays not just in La Fortuna, but in all of Costa Rica.

Rooms & Design
Villas are spacious, private, and surrounded by jungle. Expect four-poster beds, floor-to-ceiling glass, indoor and outdoor rain showers, wraparound terraces, hammocks, and lush private gardens.

Dining & Amenities
Dining is a big part of the experience here. Amor Loco delivers fine dining in a romantic, candle-lit setting, while Mis Amores offers a more relaxed Mediterranean menu. There are also poolside bars, in-villa dining, an award-winning spa, yoga pavilions, jungle trails, and a fitness center.

Good to Know
This is a true splurge stay and very intentionally quiet. It’s adults-only, not social or lively, and best suited for travelers who want privacy, romance, and deep relaxation rather than adventure-packed days.

Why We Love It
If you’re visiting La Fortuna for a honeymoon, anniversary, or once-in-a-lifetime trip and want the absolute best in romance and luxury, this is as good as it gets.

Nayara also has Nayara Gardens and Nayara Tented Camp, both are also excellent options. Gardens is better for travelers who want a slightly more social, classic luxury resort feel, while Tented Camp is ideal if you love dramatic design and glamping-style suites with big views.

3. Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Vibe: Iconic rainforest hot springs, refined luxury, nature-first indulgence

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is one of Costa Rica’s most popular stays. The resort is built around a naturally flowing thermal river that winds through the rainforest. It creates waterfalls, quiet soaking pools, and jungle-framed swimming spots.

Rooms & Design
Expect plush bedding, rain showers (some with soaking tubs), private terraces, and large windows. Suites offer extra space and work especially well for couples or families who want room to spread out.

Thermal Springs & Spa
The resort’s hot springs range from lively, social pools to tucked-away soaking spots hidden in the jungle.

Adults can also access Shangri-La Gardens, a serene, guest-only (18+) section with Bali beds, cocktail service, and quieter pools.

The spa offers open-air treatment bungalows, volcanic mud rituals, and a hydrotherapy circuit designed to fully reset your body.

Note: If you don’t stay at Tabacon you can still book a day pass for the hot springs. You can do that here.

Dining & Amenities
Tabacon offers elegant evening dining, relaxed garden-side meals, swim-up bars, and in-room dining. There’s also yoga, guided nature walks, and a concierge team that can arrange everything from volcano hikes to romantic private dinners.

Good to Know
Tabacón welcomes both couples and families, so while it’s romantic, it’s not adults-only. The property is spread out, so you’ll do a fair amount of walking between rooms, dining, and the hot springs.

Why We Love It
Tabacón is basically the quintessential La Fortuna experience. It is arguably one of the most famous hotels in Costa Rica. I think if you are really into the hot spring experience, this is the place.

4. The Springs Resort & Spa

Vibe: All-in-one luxury playground, epic volcano views, hot springs + adventure

The Springs Resort & Spa is one of the biggest, most experience-packed resorts in the Arenal area. This sprawling luxury property has dozens of hot-spring pools, multiple restaurants, a full-service spa, and an on-site adventure center.

Why It Stands Out
There are nearly 30 hot and cool pools, five restaurants, a wildlife preserve, and Club Rio Adventure Center on-site. You could easily stay here for days without ever leaving the property.

Rooms & Design
Expect oversized beds, private terraces, soaking tubs in many units, blackout curtains, spa robes, and excellent views across most categories.

There are also larger suites and villas for families or groups.

Décor leans classic rather than ultra-modern, but everything is well-maintained.

Thermal Springs & Spa
The hot springs range from social pools with swim-up bars to quieter, tucked-away soaking spots surrounded by jungle. There’s also a family-friendly lagoon-style pool area with slides.

The spa offers volcanic mud wraps, massage therapies, steam rooms, and hydro-style treatments.

Note: If you don’t stay at The Springs Resort you can still book a 2-day pass for the hot springs. You can do that here.

Dining & Amenities
There are five restaurants and multiple bars. Places range from upscale dinner spots to casual poolside and adventure-area eats. Guests also have access to yoga, a fitness center, kids’ club, and game rooms.

Activities (Club Rio)
This is a major differentiator. On property you’ll find ziplining, river tubing, horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking trails, and a wildlife preserve with rescued animals, all without needing to arrange off-site tours.

Good to Know
This is a large, lively resort that welcomes both couples and families. It’s not meant to feel quiet or minimalist. Expect some walking and a high-energy atmosphere in certain areas.

Why We Love It
We think the Springs is perfect for travelers who want luxury, hot springs, adventure, and volcano views in one place. We think it’s especially great for families. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, I think you are better off with one of the other places on this list.

5. Suwa Villa Arenal

Vibe: Stylish boutique stay, walk-everywhere convenience, calm oasis in town

Suwa Villa Arenal is one of the best boutique hotels in town if you want to stay right in La Fortuna. It is located just two blocks from the central park and feels like a little garden.

This is a great option for travelers who want to walk to restaurants, tour agencies, cafés, and shops and still come back to a place that feels calm, clean, and thoughtfully designed.

Why It Stands Out
Location and value. Suwa Villa consistently gets outstanding reviews because it offers a level of comfort and design that’s rare inside La Fortuna town, especially at this price point. It’s polished, friendly, and extremely well run.

Rooms & Layout
Rooms are compact but very well designed, with comfortable beds, strong A/C, modern bathrooms, desks, and mini-bars. Many rooms open onto small patios or garden areas, which helps the space feel more private and relaxed.

Amenities
One of Suwa’s biggest perks is the shared kitchen, which is fully stocked and genuinely usable. There’s also a communal lounge area, tropical gardens, free parking, laundry facilities, and reliable Wi-Fi.

Good to Know
Rooms are on the smaller side, which is typical for a boutique town stay. This isn’t a resort and doesn’t have hot springs or a spa on-site.

Why We Love It
Suwa Villa Arenal is one of our favorite in-town stays in La Fortuna. It’s perfect if you want something clean, stylish, friendly, and walkable without paying resort prices or dealing with noisy streets. For couples, families, or small groups who value location and comfort over resort amenities, this place makes sense.

6. Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Vibe: Immersive rainforest lodge, unbeatable volcano views, nature-first stay

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is one of the most unique places you can stay in the Arenal area and the only hotel located inside Arenal Volcano National Park. The hotel property is spread across hundreds of acres of protected land. It offers direct access to rainforest trails, waterfalls, wildlife, and some of the closest views of Arenal Volcano you’ll find anywhere.

Why It Stands Out
The location is unmatched. Guests have access to over 7 miles of private trails, hanging bridges, waterfalls, an observation tower, and a bird sanctuary with more than 500 species of birds — all on-site.

Rooms & Layout
Rooms and villas are spread throughout the property and range from standard forest-view rooms to larger suites and private villas.

Dining & Amenities
The on-site restaurant, El Jilguero, serves Costa Rican and international dishes with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. There’s also a bar, coffee and smoothie spot, swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa, and daily guided morning walks included with your stay.

Wildlife & Experiences
This is one of the best birdwatching hotels in Costa Rica. You might spot spot toucans, trogons, hummingbirds, monkeys, and countless other species right from the trails or their room terraces.

Good to Know
The lodge is located about 25 minutes from La Fortuna town, so you’ll want a car or to rely on arranged transportation. This is not a hot springs resort or a nightlife stay. It’s quiet, expansive, and nature-focused. Décor is more eco-lodge than luxury resort.

Why We Love It
We think Arenal Observatory Lodge is ideal if you came to Costa Rica for rainforest, wildlife, and volcano views. As people who love the nature side of Costa Rica, we highly recommend this place. The hotel itself is decent, but the property is what really stands out.

7. Hotel Lomo del Volcano

Vibe: Classic Arenal bungalows in the jungle, quiet and romantic, great “mid-range splurge”

If you want a comfortable resort base near the volcano that feels immersive (without the price tag of the big luxury hot springs resorts), this is a really solid pick.

Rooms & Design
All rooms are wooden bungalows with rustic finishes and a cozy, natural feel. Options include:

• Bungalow (King or Two Queens): Spacious, comfortable, great for couples or families.
• Bungalow Deluxe: Includes a private jacuzzi on the balcony

Expect A/C, Wi-Fi, mini bar, coffee maker, safe, and a terrace designed for hanging out.

Dining & Amenities
There’s an on-site restaurant (Hojarasca) which serves Costa Rican + international food, plus a bar/lounge (La Arboleda) with two different vibes: upbeat bar area and a quieter lounge for families or chill evenings.

There’s also a pool and jacuzzi area, gardens, room service, and even a private romantic dinner setup if you’re celebrating something.

Spa & Wellness
They offer a full spa menu (Swedish, deep tissue, hot stones, volcanic mud, chocolate treatments) and a yoga deck. Bonus: complimentary yoga classes on select mornings, which is a nice touch if you want a more relaxed pace between adventures.

Good to Know
This is not an on-site hot springs resort like Tabacón or The Springs (it has jacuzzi/pool, but the main draw is bungalows + jungle setting). You’ll still be close to the Arenal attractions, but you’ll be driving/taxi-ing to most tours and the bigger hot springs.

Why We Love It
Lomas del Volcán is one of our favorite recommendations for travelers who want that classic La Fortuna feel: private bungalows, volcano views, peaceful gardens, and a calm base that’s still close to everything. It works especially well for couples who want romance without “only honeymooners,” and for families who like having space and privacy.

8. Volcano Lodge Hotel

Vibe: Classic La Fortuna hot springs resort, great value, family-friendly

Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience is one of those La Fortuna stays that feels like a real “Costa Rica resort experience” without the ultra-luxury price tag. It’s set in lush tropical gardens at the base of Arenal Volcano, with private, guest-only thermal hot springs, waterfalls, and multiple pool areas.

If you want hot springs on-site, a relaxed resort vibe, and easy access to everything around Arenal, Volcano Lodge is a very solid all-around pick.

Why It Stands Out
The big selling point is that the hot springs are exclusive to hotel guests, and there are two separate thermal areas with different vibes and temperatures (including one with a swim-up bar and evening lighting). For the Arenal area, that’s a lot of value in one place.

Rooms & Design
Volcano Lodge has around 60+ rooms and suites with private terraces and views of the volcano, gardens, or both. The style is rustic-meets-comfortable: local wood furniture, stone and tile details, and a more traditional Costa Rica lodge feel rather than modern design hotel.

If you want an extra “treat yourself” upgrade, the Thermal Superior Rooms and some Junior Suites include private hot springs plunge pools right on your terrace.

Hot Springs & Pools
This is where you’ll spend most of your time. Expect:

• Two thermal hot springs zones with waterfalls and multiple temperatures
• Thermal jacuzzis (including one covered)
• Two free-form cold-water pools for cooling off
• A more lively hot springs area with ambient lighting, music, and swim-up bar

Dining & Amenities
There’s an on-site restaurant (Sura Bar & Bistro) serving Costa Rican and international food, plus bars (including the thermal sport bar by the springs). You’ll also find gardens, a small walking trail, lounge/game areas, a kids playground, Wi-Fi throughout, and a spa.

Good to Know
This is not a sleek, minimalist luxury resort. It’s more about gardens, comfort, and the hot springs experience. Also, because it’s not directly in town, most people either have a rental car or rely on taxis/shuttles for dinners and exploring La Fortuna.

Why We Love It
We think Volcano Lodge is a great “smart choice” in La Fortuna. especially if you want on-site hot springs, a comfortable resort setup, and a price that feels more approachable than the top-tier luxury properties. It’s easy, relaxing, and checks the boxes for a lot of travelers without overcomplicating things.

9. Hotel Campo Verde

Vibe: Peaceful, nature-forward stay with big volcano views and easy town access

Hotel Campo Verde is a small, thoughtfully run property with just 14 rooms plus a villa, designed for couples, families, and longer stays.

Rooms & Layout

• Deluxe Rooms: Ideal for couples and honeymoons, with a king bed, private jacuzzi, and terrace facing the volcano.
• Junior Rooms: Designed for up to four people, with two queen beds and garden views.
• Junior Family Rooms: Best for longer stays, with a kitchenette, extra space, and terraces
• Family Villa: A great option for families or groups, sleeping up to six, with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, dining area, workspace, and large private terrace.

All rooms include air conditioning, Wi-Fi, coffee makers, mini fridges, safes, and private bathrooms with hot water.

Why We Love It
We think Hotel Campo Verde is a great fit if you want classic Arenal views, a calm atmosphere, and good value without committing to a full-scale resort.

10. Arenal Xilopalo

Vibe: Warm, family-run garden hotel with a peaceful, local feel

Arenal Xilopalo is one of those places that feels genuinely cared for. It’s a small, family-owned hotel where the focus is on friendly service, comfort, and making guests feel welcome rather than trying to impress with flashy extras.

Rooms & Layout

• Standard Rooms: Functional and comfortable, with two double beds, air conditioning, private bathroom with hot water, Wi-Fi, cable TV, mini fridge, coffee maker, and dining table.
• Acacia Rooms: Similar layout but built with warm wooden design elements and a private terrace overlooking the gardens.
• Family Rooms: Designed for groups of 4–7 people, featuring more space and an equipped kitchen, making them ideal for families traveling together.

Good to Know
This is not a luxury or boutique-style hotel. The appeal here is simplicity, cleanliness, and personal service.

Why We Love It
Arenal Xilopalo is a great choice for families, budget-conscious travelers, and anyone who values a friendly, low-key atmosphere over upscale amenities. We also think the staff here are excellent.

11. Viajero La Fortuna Hostel

Vibe: Social, stylish, adults-only hostel with strong community energy

Viajero La Fortuna is modern, social, and designed for travelers who want more than just a bed, but don’t want a quiet, isolated resort either.

This is an 18+ hostel.

Why It Stands Out
Viajero nails the “social but not chaotic” vibe. There are daily activities, yoga sessions, dance classes, and organized events, but it’s not a party hostel in the traditional sense. You can be social when you want to be, or quietly work, relax, or recharge when you don’t.

Rooms & Layout
You can choose between private rooms, shared dorms, and tents (pictured above). I suggest teh tent, just for the experience of it. Keep in mind, that means you will need to use the shared bathrooms though.

Amenities
Pool, bar, restaurant, coworking space, spa, lockers, strong Wi-Fi, outdoor patios, and daily activities. Breakfast is available but not included.

Why We Love It
Viajero La Fortuna is one of the best options in town for solo travelers, digital nomads, and younger couples who want to meet people without sacrificing comfort. In our opinion, it’s very Instagram worthy, but in a good way.

12. La Fortuna Lodge by Treebu Hotels

Vibe: Central, affordable, walk-everywhere base with volcano views

La Fortuna Lodge is all about location and simplicity. If you want to stay right in town, walk to restaurants, tours, pharmacies, and cafés, and still wake up with Arenal Volcano in view, this is a very practical and budget-friendly option.

Rooms & Layout
Rooms are simple, clean, and designed for short, activity-packed stays. Options include:

• Standard Rooms: Basic and functional.
• Superior Rooms: Indirect volcano views, with access to a shared terrace.
• Premium Twin Rooms: Partial volcano views with a small terrace and internal garden.
• Premium Volcano View Rooms: Direct Arenal Volcano views with a private balcony (the best choice if views matter to you).

Good to Know
This is a town-center hotel, so it doesn’t have hot springs, a spa, or large resort amenities. Rooms are best suited for couples or friends who plan to be out exploring most of the day rather than lounging on property.

Why We Love It
La Fortuna Lodge is a great choice if you want to maximize convenience and keep costs down without sacrificing comfort.

In our opinion, this is one of those places that does exactly what it promises: a solid, central base in La Fortuna with volcano views if you choose the right room.