In the northern lowlands of Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano rises 5,437 feet over rainforests and ecosystems. It last erupted in 2010, but it still pulls in travelers for adventure and relaxation. The area around it has hot springs, waterfalls, and trails. La Fortuna, the nearby town, serves as a base for visits.
Picking the right place to stay shapes your time here. The region has solid options that mix comfort with the outdoors. This guide covers five strong hotels near Arenal Volcano. They work for couples, families, or solo trips. You can relax after hikes or enjoy the hot springs.
Why Choose Arenal and La Fortuna for Your Stay
Arenal and La Fortuna draw about 500,000 visitors a year, thanks to the volcano and its surroundings. The area sits in Alajuela Province, with La Fortuna as the main hub. It has shops, restaurants, and tour offices. From there, you reach the volcano in 20-30 minutes. Hot springs, fed by volcanic heat, top the list of draws. Trails lead to spots like La Fortuna Waterfall, a 230-foot drop into a swimming hole.
Accommodations range from budget lodges to high-end resorts. Many offer volcano views and on-site activities. In 2025, expect steady demand, so book early for peak season (December to April). The dry season brings clear skies for views, while the wet months (May to November) keep things green and less crowded.
The 5 Best Hotels Near Arenal Volcano
Here are the best five hotels that stand out based on location, amenities, and value.
1. Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Tabacon started as a simple hot springs spot years ago. Now, it’s a full resort with rooms and pools heated by the volcano. You look out at Arenal from many areas, though eruptions stopped in 2010.
The setup splits into the hotel part and the springs, about 300 meters apart. The hotel has rooms with seating areas, dining tables, and bathrooms stocked with robes and coffee makers. A shuttle runs every 10 minutes, or you walk it in 5-10.
The 18 pools form the main draw, set in gardens and open until 10 PM. Guests get into the adults-only Shangri-La section with six more pools, away from day visitors. After zip-lining or hiking, these waters hit the spot.
Dining includes Los Tucanes for meals and Ave del Paraíso at the springs. The spa offers treatments like mud wraps in open spaces. Tabacon runs carbon-neutral and won awards for its spa. Rates start around $300 per night in low season, up to $500 in high. It’s a good fit for relaxation seekers.
2. The Springs Resort & Spa
The Springs covers 165 acres, 20 minutes from La Fortuna. It gives volcano views from most spots and suits families or couples. The calm setting keeps things quiet.
Rooms come large and clean, with balconies for four, hammocks, and volcano sights. Bathrooms have double sinks and big showers. Options go from standards to villas, all with AC and fridges.
Pools number 28, with hot springs at different temps. Some have shallow ends for kids. The main one has a swim-up bar. You won’t crowd in, thanks to the size.
Five restaurants cover casual to fine dining, like Las Ventanas for snacks or Tres Cascadas for upscale plates. Monkeys sometimes show up during meals. Food costs more than town spots, but the views make up for it.
The Club Rio center nearby handles rafting and tours. In 2025, it ranks high for relaxation in Central America. Expect $400-600 per night.
3. Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience
Volcano Lodge sits 10-15 minutes from La Fortuna, a short cab ride away. It offers hot springs and views at a fair price. Landscaping includes fruit trees that draw birds and turkeys.
Two big hot spring pools and a regular pool provide options. Rooms range from doubles to suites, each with patios facing the volcano. Clear nights give a direct look at Arenal.
Breakfast comes included, with a buffet and omelet station—the omelets stand out. Tours like bridge walks and hikes start from here. The front desk stays open 24 hours.
It lacks the flash of bigger resorts but holds value. It appeals to those watching budgets without skipping comforts. Rates hover at $150-250.
4. Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa
Built in 1987 as a research station, Arenal Observatory sits closest to the volcano. The 30-minute drive from La Fortuna goes over gravel—rent a 4×4.
Rooms stay basic and comfortable, without TVs to cut distractions. Wi-Fi works for streaming. Porches face the volcano, with monkey calls in the background.
Trails cover the grounds, plus a deck for birds, pool, and frog pond. A free morning walk shows local wildlife. Breakfast includes eggs, fruit, and breads, good for hikes or rides.
It skips modern extras but delivers real feel. Its spot and history keep it popular. Prices run $200-350.
5. Nayara Resort, Spa & Gardens
Nayara sits 15 minutes from La Fortuna, in gardens with volcano views. Casitas and villas act like private homes, with outdoor showers, tubs, and decks.
The spa handles treatments, and a wine bar adds options. Mis Amores serves local dishes. Hot springs stay small but personal. Service feels tailored.
Eco practices and global rankings make it a go-to for upscale stays in 2025. Rates start at $500, up to $800.
Hotel Comparison Table
To help compare, here’s a quick table of key features. Prices are approximate for double occupancy in shoulder season (2025 averages from Booking.com and Expedia).
| Hotel | Starting Price (USD/night) | Hot Springs Access | Volcano View | Family-Friendly | On-Site Dining Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tabacon Thermal Resort | 300 | Yes (18+ pools) | Yes | Moderate | 2 restaurants |
| The Springs Resort | 400 | Yes (28 pools) | Yes | Yes | 5 restaurants |
| Volcano Lodge | 150 | Yes (2 pools) | Yes | Yes | 1 (breakfast incl.) |
| Arenal Observatory | 200 | No | Yes | Moderate | 1 (breakfast incl.) |
| Nayara Resort | 500 | Yes (small) | Yes | Adults-focused | 2 restaurants |
This table shows trade-offs: more pools mean higher cost, but value picks like Volcano Lodge balance it.
Things to Do Around Your Hotel
Stay active with nearby spots. Hike Arenal Volcano National Park trails for lava fields and wildlife—sloths and toucans appear often. La Fortuna Waterfall charges a $18 entry for swims. Zip-lining at Sky Adventures runs $50-80.
Hot springs visits pair well with hotels. If your place lacks them, day passes at Baldi or Ecotermales cost $40-50. Birdwatching tops 400 species here; guides add $30.
For families, the Mistico Hanging Bridges offer safe walks ($29/adult). Horseback rides to the lake run $60. In town, soda stands serve casado for $8-10.
Tips for Booking and Staying
Book 3-6 months ahead. Use sites like Booking.com for deals, or direct for perks. Check for volcano view rooms—they book fast.
Pack light layers; days hit 80°F, nights drop to 60°F. Bug spray and rain gear help year-round. Most hotels include breakfast; add tours through them for ease.
Budget $200-600 per night for these spots. Add $50-100 daily for meals and activities. Taxis from La Fortuna run $10-20; shuttles to San José cost $50/person.
Sustainability matters—pick certified spots like Tabacon. Spanish helps in town, but English works at hotels.
Getting to Arenal and La Fortuna
Drive 3 hours from San José’s SJO airport. No direct flights; Sansa may add routes—check updates. A 4×4 rental costs $50-70/day, better for roads than a sedan.
From Liberia’s LIR, it’s also 3 hours. Shuttles run $50-60 one-way. Taxis hit $150, so share if possible. Once there, La Fortuna’s center has ATMs and markets. Hotels often pick up from town.
Final Thoughts
Arenal and La Fortuna mix nature and comfort in Costa Rica. These five hotels cover bases for most trips. Pick based on your group and budget—Tabacon for springs, Nayara for luxury. Plan ahead, and you’ll have a solid stay. For more Costa Rica tips, check our guides on other areas.