Most Arenal trips revolve around two things: the volcano and the hot springs. Where you sleep decides how easily you get to both, and if you can walk to dinner.
The best hotels in Arenal, Costa Rica, sit in three areas. La Fortuna town is the budget-friendly, walkable base. The road west toward the volcano is where you’ll find the hot springs resorts. Lake Arenal is quieter and farther out. For hot springs, book Tabacón. Families do well at The Springs Resort, couples splurging should look at Nayara Springs or Nayara Tented Camp, and nature lovers should try Arenal Observatory Lodge, inside the national park. Volcano Lodge is the mid-range pick with its own thermal pools.
This guide compares the main resorts, explains where to stay and covers what to know before you book.
| Hotel | Best for | Hot springs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa | Hot springs lovers | Natural thermal river and pools | $$$ |
| The Springs Resort & Spa | Families | Many thermal pools on 165 acres | $$$ |
| Nayara Springs | Couples, adults only | Private plunge pools | $$$$ |
| Nayara Tented Camp | Couples, luxury | Check when booking | $$$$ |
| Arenal Observatory Lodge | Hikers, birders | No | $$ |
| Volcano Lodge | Value with thermal pools | Two thermal areas | $$ |
| La Fortuna town hotels | Budget, no car | Usually no | $ |
Location first
Where to Stay Near Arenal Volcano
- La Fortuna town: The cheapest option, with restaurants, sodas (small family-run restaurants), tour offices and buses within walking distance. You’ll drive or take a taxi to the volcano, the waterfall and the hot springs. Best if you don’t have a car. See our La Fortuna guide.
- The volcano road: The road west from town toward the volcano and the lake is lined with hot springs resorts and lodges with volcano views. You’ll want a car or plan to rely on hotel shuttles and taxis.
- Lake Arenal and El Castillo: Quieter, with lake views and fewer crowds, but 30 minutes or more from La Fortuna’s restaurants and tours.
Our picks
Best Hotels in Arenal, Costa Rica
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa: best for hot springs
Tabacón is built around a natural thermal river, with waterfalls and pools that run from about 72°F to 100°F. Hotel guests also get the adults-only Shangri-La Gardens, a quieter set of pools away from day visitors. There are several restaurants and bars, including a swim-up bar in the springs, and a spa. It holds Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism. If hot springs are the reason you’re coming, this is the classic choice. Read our Tabacón hot springs review.
The Springs Resort & Spa: best for families
The Springs sits on 165 acres about 9 kilometers west and 3.5 kilometers north of La Fortuna, with volcano views and a long list of thermal pools. Kids get a water slide, mini golf and a game room. Below the resort, the Club Río adventure center along the Arenal River runs tubing, inflatable kayaking, horseback riding and climbing, and there’s an on-site animal sanctuary. Five places to eat mean you rarely need to leave.
Nayara Springs and Nayara Tented Camp: best for a splurge
Nayara runs three properties next to each other near Arenal Volcano National Park. Nayara Springs is adults-only, with private villas that each have a hot springs plunge pool. Nayara Tented Camp puts luxury tents on a hillside facing the volcano and has been ranked Central America’s best resort by Travel + Leisure readers several years running. Nayara Gardens is the family-friendly sister.
Arenal Observatory Lodge: best for nature
A lodge inside Arenal Volcano National Park, and the hotel closest to the volcano. It has a private reserve with about 11 kilometers of trails, plus a pool and a spa, but no hot springs. It’s a long way from town on a partly unpaved road, so plan to eat at the lodge most nights. Birders and hikers love it; people who want nightlife won’t.
Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience: best value
A family-owned hotel a few kilometers from La Fortuna, with 66 rooms and suites facing the volcano or the gardens. It has two thermal pool areas, including one with a swim-up bar, and a children’s playground. It’s a good middle ground: hot springs on site without top-end resort prices, and a short taxi ride to town.
More options
- Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa: upscale, next to the national park, with volcano views from the rooms.
- Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs: bungalows with a pool, spa and hot springs.
- Lost Iguana Resort & Spa: a secluded rainforest resort more than 30 minutes from La Fortuna, near the lake.
- Hotels in La Fortuna town: simple hotels and hostels close to restaurants and tour pickups, the cheapest way to see Arenal.
Before you book
Tips for Booking an Arenal Hotel
- Book early for the dry season. December through April, and especially Christmas, New Year’s and Easter week, fill up first.
- Check what “hot springs” means. Some hotels have large natural thermal areas, others a couple of heated pools. If yours has none, buy a day pass. Our Costa Rica hot springs comparison covers the options.
- Ask about breakfast and shuttles. Many hotels outside town include breakfast and offer shuttles or tour pickups, which matters if you don’t have a car.
- Stay at least two nights. One night isn’t enough for the waterfall, a volcano hike and the hot springs, and two nights gives you a second chance at a clear view.
Things to do
What to Do Near Your Hotel
- La Fortuna Waterfall: a short drive from town, with a steep staircase down to a swimming hole. See our La Fortuna Waterfall guide.
- Arenal Volcano National Park: trails across old lava flows and forest, with good bird and wildlife spotting.
- Hanging bridges, ziplining and rafting: all run daily from La Fortuna. See our guides to ziplining and white-water rafting.
- Río Celeste: a day trip to the bright blue river in Tenorio Volcano National Park. Read our Río Celeste guide.
Getting there
Getting to Arenal and La Fortuna
- By car: about three hours from San José’s Juan Santamaría airport (SJO) or from Liberia (LIR). The roads are paved.
- By shuttle: shared and private shuttles run from San José, Liberia, Monteverde and the beaches. Compare options in our guide to private transfers.
- By air: SANSA flies from San José to La Fortuna. See our domestic flights guide.
Good to know
Arenal Hotels FAQ
Where is the best place to stay near Arenal Volcano?
For hot springs and volcano views, stay on the road west of La Fortuna, where Tabacón, The Springs and Nayara are. For a budget, walkable base, stay in La Fortuna town. For quiet and nature, try Arenal Observatory Lodge or Lake Arenal.
Which Arenal hotel has the best hot springs?
Tabacón is the best known, with a natural thermal river and pools. The Springs has many thermal pools and suits families, and Nayara Springs has private plunge pools for adults.
Should I stay in La Fortuna or near the volcano?
Stay in town if you don’t have a car or want to walk to restaurants. Stay near the volcano if hot springs and views matter more and you have a car or plan to use hotel shuttles.
Is there a family-friendly resort in Arenal?
Yes. The Springs Resort has a water slide, mini golf, a kids’ game room and river activities, and Nayara Gardens and Volcano Lodge also welcome families.
How many nights should I stay in Arenal?
At least two, and three if you can. That gives you time for the waterfall, a hike, the hot springs and more than one chance at a clear volcano view.
The short version
Tabacón for hot springs, The Springs for families, Nayara for a splurge, Arenal Observatory Lodge for nature and Volcano Lodge for value.
Stay in La Fortuna town if you don’t have a car, book early for the dry season and give yourself at least two nights.