Arenal offers several lodges, many featuring iconic views of Arenal Volcano while also sitting within the Costa Rican jungle. Our top picks for accommodation in Arenal maintain an authentic atmosphere while still providing amenities like on-site eateries and hot springs. Enjoy staying in cabins, bungalows, and wooden rooms with warm decor and private outdoor spaces.
## At a Glance: Exploring the Finest Lodges in Arenal
Here’s a comparative overview of some of the most exceptional lodging options available in the breathtaking Arenal region, each offering a unique experience tailored to different preferences and budgets. From luxurious retreats nestled deep within the rainforest to cozy cabins boasting stunning volcano views, Arenal has something for every traveler seeking an unforgettable Costa Rican adventure.
| Amor Arenal | The Springs Resort & Spa Arenal | Hotel Lomas del Volcán | Hotel Kokoro Mineral Hot Springs | |
| Best For | Luxury stays | Views & adventure | Cozy quarters | Budget travelers |
| Pros |
-Individual cabins nestled within the verdant jungle, each featuring a private plunge pool for ultimate relaxation and seclusion. -Three distinct mineral pools, each offering a unique temperature and ambiance, with one boasting a convenient swim-up bar for refreshing cocktails. -Open-air spa treatment rooms, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the surrounding rainforest while indulging in rejuvenating therapies. -Six diverse restaurants and bars, providing a wide array of culinary experiences to satisfy every palate, from gourmet cuisine to casual tapas. |
-A sprawling property encompassing 165 acres, offering a wealth of activities such as kayaking, horseback riding, exhilarating river tubing, and much more. -Three distinct hot springs areas, each with breathtaking volcano views and cascading waterfalls, providing a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. -Villas designed to maximize the stunning volcano views, each featuring private terraces where you can relax and soak in the natural beauty. |
-Private wooden cabins offering a cozy and intimate atmosphere, each with its own terrace providing breathtaking views of the majestic volcano. -An inviting outdoor pool featuring a picturesque waterfall, creating a tranquil and refreshing oasis for guests to enjoy. -Conveniently located next to the renowned Chato Volcano hiking trail, making it easy to explore the region’s natural wonders. -Two restaurants, one boasting a large and diverse wine menu, perfect for pairing with delicious meals. |
-Hilltop hot springs offering panoramic views and a refreshing waterfall, providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. -A unique restaurant featuring a delightful fusion of Japanese and Costa Rican cuisine, offering a tantalizing culinary adventure. -Large and spacious family rooms, ideal for accommodating larger groups or families traveling together.
|
| Cons | -Located a bit further from the main town center, requiring transportation for easy access to local attractions and amenities. | -The property features a steep and hilly terrain, which may pose a challenge for guests with mobility issues. | -Access to the hotel requires navigating a bumpy gravel road, which may be less comfortable for some travelers. | -The hotel can get quite busy with student groups, potentially impacting the overall tranquility and ambiance. |
| Budget Tier | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $ |
| Authenticity | ***** | **** | **** | *** |
| Location | *** | *** | *** | **** |
| Rooms & Bathrooms | ***** | ***** | **** | ** |
| Other Highlights | A serene meditation room and a dedicated yoga deck, perfect for finding inner peace amidst the natural surroundings. | Unique spa treatments incorporating volcanic clay, bamboo cane, and locally sourced coffee, providing a truly authentic and rejuvenating experience. | Engaging sustainability programs for guests, allowing you to contribute to the preservation of the environment during your stay. | Quiet grounds teeming with diverse wildlife, offering opportunities for nature observation and appreciation. |
## Amor Arenal: A Sanctuary of Luxury and Nature
Nestled at the foot of the imposing Arenal Volcano and enveloped by the verdant embrace of a dense rainforest, Amor Arenal stands as a testament to luxurious tranquility. This exquisite property provides an escape where you can immerse yourself in the wonders of Costa Rica’s natural beauty while indulging in unparalleled comfort and service.
The grounds themselves are an invitation to explore, with two well-maintained walking trails winding through the lush foliage. As you wander through this tropical paradise, you’ll discover hidden natural pools, each offering breathtaking views of the iconic volcano. Many of these pools are enhanced with cascading waterfalls, convenient swim-up bars serving refreshing beverages, and attentive food and drink service, ensuring a seamless blend of relaxation and indulgence.
Beyond the captivating pools, Amor Arenal boasts a full-service spa, complete with open-air treatment rooms that allow you to connect with the sights and sounds of the rainforest during your rejuvenating therapies. A dedicated yoga hut provides a serene space for mindful movement, while a state-of-the-art fitness center overlooks the lush valley, inspiring you to stay active amidst stunning scenery. Culinary delights await at the gourmet restaurant, where fresh, organic, and humanely raised products are transformed into delectable dishes. For a more casual ambiance, the tapas bar beckons with its vibrant music, lively dancing, and expertly crafted cocktails.
The accommodations at Amor Arenal are nothing short of extraordinary. Each private wooden villa is thoughtfully designed and artfully suspended within the forest, ensuring complete seclusion and immersion in the natural surroundings. Inside, A-frame ceilings and strategically placed skylights create a sense of spaciousness and light, while modern amenities such as air conditioning and smart TVs cater to your every need. Luxury bedding promises a restful night’s sleep, and a complimentary minibar stocked with sangria, kombucha, and local beer adds a touch of indulgence. Each villa also features a private wooded deck, offering panoramic views of the valley and volcano, as well as an individual warm plunge pool and a luxurious double rain shower for the ultimate in relaxation. Amor Arenal offers an unforgettable experience that seamlessly blends luxury with the raw beauty of the Arenal region.
## The Springs Resort & Spa Arenal: Where Adventure Meets Volcanic Majesty
The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal lives up to its name, offering a sprawling sanctuary of relaxation and adventure spread across 165 acres of breathtaking landscape at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano. With its impressive 28 mineral hot springs, this resort attracts a diverse clientele, from families seeking memorable vacations to couples embarking on romantic getaways, discerning celebrities, and business travelers in search of a unique and inspiring setting.
The resort boasts an impressive array of 74 rooms, encompassing 14 distinct room types to cater to diverse preferences and needs. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, the highest tier offers opulent villas modeled after charming Swiss ski chalets, providing a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Regardless of the chosen room type, guests can expect a consistent aesthetic of rustic-luxe design, characterized by the warm tones of wood, the natural texture of bamboo, and the inviting charm of wicker accents. The spacious marble bathrooms are equipped with jetted tubs, offering a private oasis for relaxation. Perhaps the most alluring feature of each unit is the expansive, furnished outdoor space, providing uninterrupted views of the iconic Arenal Volcano, a sight that is simply breathtaking on a clear day.
The on-site hot springs are undoubtedly the resort’s main attraction, offering a diverse range of temperatures, from a soothing 83°F to a deeply relaxing 103°F (28°C to 39°C). These naturally heated pools are nestled on a volcano-facing slope, surrounded by lush greenery, providing an immersive and unforgettable experience. The resort’s world-class spa offers a comprehensive menu of massage and beauty treatments, including a unique floating water massage, invigorating body wraps using therapeutic volcanic clay, and a traditional steam room and sauna. For those seeking adventure, The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal offers a variety of activities, including horseback riding at the on-site stables, wildlife observation at the sanctuary with 22 different animal species, and exploration of the rainforest trails leading to hidden hot springs and cascading waterfalls. Additional amenities include five distinct bars, five exceptional restaurants, a sprawling 14,000-square-foot fitness center complete with a rock-climbing wall, and the exhilarating opportunity to raft and inner-tube on the hotel’s private stretch of the Class-III Arenal River.
## Hotel Lomas del Volcán: Authentic Costa Rican Charm with Volcano Views
Hotel Lomas del Volcán provides a unique and authentic experience, offering a harmonious blend of comfort and connection to the vibrant culture of Costa Rica. This mid-range hotel prides itself on its commitment to supporting local artisans, showcasing handcrafted wood furniture and decor throughout the property, creating a warm and inviting ambiance that reflects the region’s rich heritage.
The hotel’s history is deeply intertwined with the land, as it was originally established as a farm, benefiting from the nutrient-rich soils resulting from the Arenal Volcano’s eruption in 1968. Today, you’ll discover a flourishing greenhouse where the hotel cultivates a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits for its two on-site restaurants. These restaurants serve delectable breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, complemented by an extensive wine list that caters to discerning palates. In addition to its culinary offerings, Hotel Lomas del Volcán features an inviting outdoor pool with a captivating waterfall and a covered hot tub, providing a relaxing oasis for guests to unwind. For those seeking to explore the natural surroundings, a convenient hiking trail is accessible directly from the property, and a book exchange program offers a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
Hotel Lomas del Volcán offers a selection of comfortable standard and deluxe rooms, each housed in charming stand-alone wooden cabins. These cabins offer a sense of privacy and tranquility, enhanced by two private balconies, with one specifically positioned to capture the breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano. The handcrafted wood furniture and intricate details contribute to the inviting and relaxing atmosphere, providing an authentic glimpse into the heart of the Costa Rican jungle. All units are equipped with modern conveniences, including air conditioning, minifridges, and well-appointed bathrooms. For an elevated experience, guests can upgrade to a deluxe bungalow, which features more contemporary furnishings and a private Jacuzzi tub on the balcony, allowing for an even more luxurious soak while enjoying the unparalleled volcano views.
## Hotel Kokoro Mineral Hot Springs: Budget-Friendly Relaxation in a Natural Setting
Hotel Kokoro Mineral Hot Springs offers a comfortable and affordable option for travelers seeking to experience the wonders of the Arenal region without breaking the bank. This standard property provides a relaxing and serene atmosphere, surrounded by lush jungle greenery and featuring its own mineral hot springs.
Guests can start each morning with a complimentary continental breakfast served in the open-air dining area, allowing you to savor the flavors of Costa Rica while immersing yourself in the natural surroundings. The eatery transforms into a cozy lounge in the afternoon, offering a tranquil space to sip on freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee while indulging in a good book. Guests can also unwind and rejuvenate at the outdoor swimming pool or the hotel’s namesake Kokoro hot springs, complete with a refreshing waterfall, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty.
The hotel offers straightforward rooms featuring warm wood paneling on the walls and ceilings, a nod to the region’s rich history. For a more spacious and upgraded experience, suites are available, boasting tile flooring and bright, inviting colors. All accommodations come equipped with essential amenities, including air conditioning, cable TV, private bathrooms, and balconies or terraces. The suites, also referred to as cabins, offer the added benefit of separate seating areas and captivating views of the majestic Arenal Volcano, providing an enhanced level of comfort and immersion in the natural beauty of the region. Hotel Kokoro Mineral Hot Springs provides an excellent value for budget-conscious travelers, offering a comfortable stay and access to rejuvenating hot springs in a peaceful and natural setting.
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