Where to Stay in La Fortuna: Best Areas and Hotels
Wondering where to stay in La Fortuna? La Fortuna is a small town in Costa Rica and is located at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. A hot springs paradise that everyone wants to visit when they come to the country.
The town also offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking in the lava fields or in the untouched rainforest, ziplining, walking on suspension bridges, or bird watching.
In this post, you’ll find the best places to stay in La Fortuna if you’re visiting for the first time.
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Where to stay in La Fortuna
1. Hot Springs Area – Best for Everyone
Where to stay in La Fortuna with family and kids, or if you’re planning a romantic getaway? Most hot spring hotels are located right next to the volcano on Highway 142, a 15-minute drive from the town. Rejuvenate with a soak in the mineral-rich hot spring pools, or pamper yourself with a body treatment, facial, or lava stone massage at the on-site spas.
Recommended post → Things to Do in Arenal
Many resorts offer day tickets for adults and children to visit, but for the best experience, spend a few days here and enjoy the relaxation. There are hot springs for every budget, or you can enjoy the free natural hot spring river located right next to the Tabacon Resort.
We think this is one of the best areas to stay in La Fortuna if you want to relax and recharge.
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort – Adults Only
Where to stay in La Fortuna if you are looking for adults-only hot springs accommodation? The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort is just a few minutes drive from the city. This resort offers hot springs facilities, a unique spa, stunning unspoiled nature, and countless entertainment and leisure activities.
All rooms at the Royal Corin Hotel have a balcony overlooking the Arenal Volcano. The rooms feature modern, stylish furnishings and private bathrooms with marble countertops and showers with hydromassage jets.
Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast, and culinary 5-star cuisine is served at Emperador Restaurant.
Photo credit: The Royal Corin
Paradise Hot Springs Resort
Where to stay in La Fortuna if you’re looking for an affordable but still unique hot spring hotel? Paradise Hot Springs is a thermal water resort featuring natural thermal water at different temperatures, hydro massage, instrumental music, and tropical gardens.
Various rooms and suites are available, perfect for relaxing after a full day of exploring. The resort includes a restaurant and a swim-up bar. You can enjoy delicious Costa Rican coffee at the Ficus coffee bar or chill out at the pool bar.
Pamper your body from head to toe with a massage at the resort using local and natural ingredients.
Photo credit: Paradise Hot Springs Resort
Baldi Hot Springs Hotel & Spa
The Baldi Hot Springs Hotel & Spa is located 5 km from the city center, at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. Baldi’s spa and wellness center uses natural volcanic mineral water with pools of different temperatures. The rooms are designed to suit families, honeymooners, and couples.
Treat yourself at Acqua Spa with body wraps, facials, exfoliation, couple packages, and massage services. In the Virgita Restaurant, you can taste a combination of Italian and local Costa Rican dishes, where more than 20 dishes are served.
Photo credit: Baldi Hot Springs Hotel & Spa
2. Best View of the Arenal Volcano
While there are many hotels and resorts that offer fantastic views of Arenal Volcano, we list a few accommodations that will make your trip to Costa Rica unforgettable.
Enjoy the peace and quiet of these hotels while admiring the views and the lush tropical gardens surrounding you. Many accommodations offer private pools, with spacious gardens where you can relax to the sounds of the rainforest, unwind and recharge.
Where to stay in La Fortuna if I’m looking for even more impressive views of the volcano and to be close to the Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges? Although it is not included in the area we have marked on the map, the Sangregado Lodge has one of the best views in La Fortuna that you will never forget.
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Nestled in a serene and secluded location overlooking the breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano, this hot spring hotel is a haven of relaxation and indulgence in this area.
The property offers two hot spring pools and a jacuzzi with the added benefit of a full-service swim-up bar offering snacks and drinks. The comfortably furnished rooms and suites make your stay comfortable and cozy.
Arenal Manoa Resort offers a wide range of restaurants and dining experiences. The La Saca Restaurant is the perfect place to try delicious local and international dishes prepared with the freshest and carefully selected ingredients.
Photo credit: Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
The Springs Resort & Spa is less than a 10-minute drive from the town. All rooms, suites, and villas at the Springs Resort & Spa have private terraces and/or balconies to enjoy the famous scenic view of the Arenal Volcano.
The rooms are equipped with hammocks, rocking chairs, minibars, and luxurious marbled bathrooms with jacuzzi tubs. The Resort has 4 bars and 5 restaurants offering a variety of dining experiences. Indulge in facials, body wraps, massages, manicures, and pedicures at the onsite spa.
Photo credit: The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
Nayara Gardens
Where to stay in La Fortuna if you’re planning a romantic honeymoon near the Arena Volcano? Nayara Gardens is built around a rainforest with lots of untouched jungle, leaving space for wildlife to live undisturbed and as close as possible to their natural habitat.
Inside the fabulous property, you can see sloths, parrots, monkeys, and rare bird species of different colors. You can also take a trip with the hotel to the town and then return to the hotel to relax in the pools or thermal springs or pamper yourself in the spa.
This accommodation feels like you’re in a private jungle, with great views of the volcano and the opportunity to spot animals.
Photo credit: Nayara Gardens
3. City Center
Where to stay in La Fortuna without a car? The city center offers a wide variety of affordable accommodations at different price options.
One of the best and most popular ways to get to the town is by air-conditioned minivan, which allows 25 kg of bags and backpacks per passenger. Transfers are available from the airport/city to La Fortuna (any hotel).
As the city is not large and there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance, it can be a good choice if you arrive by minivan. You can also take a cheaper direct local bus to the city but the journey time will be much longer.
Recommended post → San Jose to La Fortuna
This is one of the best areas to stay in La Fortuna if you are looking for affordable accommodation.
Noah’s Forest Hotel by Tifakara
Where to stay in La Fortuna if you want a peaceful getaway near the city? Noah’s Forest Hotel is a tropical oasis just 1 km from the center. The property features a fantastic restaurant with local and international cuisine, a jacuzzi, a swimming pool, and a lounge with a ping-pong table.
It is perfect for travelers seeking privacy, as all the separate cabins are hidden from view thanks to the dense forest and jungle foliage. All rooms are modern and spacious, and some bungalows have a jacuzzi.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast accompanied by the sounds of the forest and the songs of the birds.
Photo credit: Noah’s Forest Hotel
Hotel Boutique Casa Del Rio
Hotel Boutique Casa Del Rio offers a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere surrounded by lush vegetation. The spacious bedrooms are immersed in nature, with all the facilities and furnishings to offer a comfortable retreat.
There are many restaurants nearby, and El Salto is within walking distance. Whether you’re traveling to La Fortuna with the family or looking for a romantic getaway, Casa Del Rio Hotel Boutique is the ideal retreat to relax and recharge.
Photo credit: Hotel Boutique Casa Del Rio
Lodge by Treebu Hotels
The location of the hotel is perfect as it is close to the city, but still away from the noise. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Arenal Volcano from exclusive premium rooms with direct views of the volcano. They have a private balcony so you can fully enjoy this natural view.
You can choose from several types of hearty breakfasts, perfect for starting an exploratory and exciting day. If you are looking for affordable accommodation with a view of the Arenal Volcano, this is one of the best choices.
Photo credit: Lodge by Treebu Hotels
La Fortuna: FAQ
Top Tours
Waterfall, Hanging Bridges, Arenal Volcano Combo Tour
Zipline Experience
Coffee and Chocolate Tour
River Rafting
Sloths Watching Tour
Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Ticket
Best time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
How to Get to La Fortuna
Getting to La Fortuna may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are several ways to get there. Easily accessible by shared and private transfer, taxi, bus, or rental car.
Recommended post → San Jose to La Fortuna
Where to stay in La Fortuna if you like hiking?
If you like hiking, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is one of the best hotels in La Fortuna.
The accommodation is located right in the jungle next to the Arenal Volcano. There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from, and the resort also has an on-site bird sanctuary with over 500 different species of birds.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna: Map of the Best Areas
We’ve categorized La Fortuna into 3 areas to help you find the best places to stay.
We hope our post on the best areas and hotels in La Fortuna helps you plan to choose where to stay. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
More Travel Guides about La Fortuna
- The Ultimate Costa Rica Itinerary for 14 Days
- La Fortuna Waterfall
- 9 Best Things to Do in La Fortuna
- Guide to Rio Celeste Waterfall
- Best Eco Lodges in Costa Rica
- Best La Fortuna Hot Springs
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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