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Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs, Arenal/La Fortuna

Extensive property with gardens, hot springs, and comfy suites, all with views of Arenal Volcano.

Overview

Sleep in the jungle at Arenal Manoa, with its sprawling grounds complete with dense vegetation, three eateries, a swimming pool, a spa, and several hot springs pools. Each cabin houses two units, each offering a private terrace hidden by tropical plants. Stroll from your room to breakfast along twisting walkways and enjoy volcano views from every unit, plus the pool, hot springs, and restaurants.

Kimkim's Take

Brittany
Brittany McNamara kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, March 2022 (Learn more)
Pros
  • The hotel has some of the best views in the area, with the property and each guest suite featuring vistas of Arenal Volcano.
  • You don't have to leave the grounds to enjoy a Costa Rican hot springs experience, as you'll find an entire complex with several pools, typically only open to hotel guests.
  • The property offers accessibility ramps at its central swimming pool and one of the hot springs pools.
  • Rooms come in the form of duplex cottages sharing only one wall with another unit, meaning a quieter and more private experience.
  • The onsite eateries are very tasty, and you can choose from a bistro with wood-fried pizza, light eats by the pool, or a beautiful restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • The property has a section for adults-only thermal pools and Jacuzzis in the works, with a hopeful opening date in December 2022.
Cons
  • Because the property is vast, it takes a bit more time to get around by foot, though a shuttle service is available.
  • You'll need a driver or rental car to get around the area, as it takes about 10 minutes to get to downtown La Fortuna and longer for other sites. 
  • Though all rooms are comfy, most have queen beds, with only six offering king beds.

Additional Notes From Brittany

Arenal Manoa reminds me a lot of the popular Arenal Springs Resort in terms of layout, views, and services. So if you're looking for a more affordable option, this could be it! I enjoyed lunch at the property's main restaurant, which was a memorable experience. Not only was the food delicious (try the tres leches!), but the views were unbeatable. As I waited for my meal, I could look over the hotel's pond, watch for wildlife, and enjoy the vistas of Arenal Volcano. 

Authenticity

You'll definitely feel like you're in Arenal at this hotel! The huge property has beautiful tropical gardens, a pond, several hot springs pools, and cabins connected by pathways, all offering those essential volcano views unique to the area.

Location

The hotel offers a decent location in Palma, just northwest of La Fortuna. Surrounded by trees and jungle greenery, the property feels remote despite being just a 10-minute drive from downtown La Fortuna and 20 minutes to the national park. Though there's plenty to enjoy at the hotel, you'll need to hire a transfer or rent a car to reach the area's major attractions or go offsite for a meal.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The suites at Arenal Manoa are all set in duplex cabins spread throughout the property. You'll only share one wall with your neighbor and have plenty of privacy on your own terrace, thanks to dense greenery. Units are clean, modern, and bright, all offering air conditioning, minifridges, and spacious bathrooms. Opt for one of the premium suites if you'd like a Jacuzzi tub in your bathroom or a king bed.

Other Highlights

The biggest highlight at Arenal Manoa is the hot springs complex, with changing rooms, towels, a poolside eatery, and temperatures ranging from 93°F to 100.4°F. Besides the poolside restaurant—perfect for lighter fare and drinks—you'll also find a restaurant serving international cuisine and a bistro with wood-fired pizza and sandwiches. Enjoy dining al fresco with incredible views of Arenal Volcano. 

Sustainability

The hotel is a member of the Costa Rica Tourism Board's rigorous Sustainable Tourism Program, which requires an annual evaluation of elements like waste reduction and water and energy use. Arenal Manoa also established its own set of sustainability policies, which include contributing to the country's preservation of flora and fauna and supporting local businesses, among many others.

Hotel Information

3.5-star Hotel
+506 24791111
La Fortuna San Carlos

Traveler Reviews

45 total ratings, 35 with reviews
4.8 out of 5
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.7
Location
4.7
Staff
4.9
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.8
C
Cosimo F.
West Springfield, VA | Reviewed on Aug 26, 2023

We only stayed 2 nights but it was lovely. Awesome hot springs with bar. Very friendly and helpful staff. Read more

We only stayed 2 nights but it was lovely. Awesome hot springs with bar. Very friendly and helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2023
Prasad
Prasad T.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2023

Beautiful room and view from the hotel and great service and food. Read more

Beautiful room and view from the hotel and great service and food.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2023
Brenda
Brenda P.
Shaker Heights, OH | Reviewed on Jul 18, 2023

We loved this hotel, it was beautiful. We had great nights sleep on comfortable beds and a delicious breakfast every morning. The staff was friendly, kind and helpful. I would definitely stay here again. Read more

We loved this hotel, it was beautiful. We had great nights sleep on comfortable beds and a delicious breakfast every morning. The staff was friendly, kind and helpful. I would definitely stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
The view of the volcano, mountains and landscape made the character of this hotel very special.
Location
The view of the volcano was breathtaking!
Staff
All our staff interactions were wonderful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The cleanliness was excellent but our mattress was not that comfortable, it sank in the center. We wanted to remain next to our family members rooms so we didn’t ask to change rooms. The cleanliness gets an excellent rating though.
Stayed in July 2023
T
Tabatha S.
Boise, ID | Reviewed on Jul 17, 2023

The staff was so friendly and so helpful. The room was clean and very comfortable. The best part was the breakfast. It was THE best included breakfast I've ever had at a hotel or resort before. It had everything you could think of and it was fresh and they took a lot of pride in the presentation and service. It was impressive. We also loved the spa services. We had a perfect view of the volcano. Read more

The staff was so friendly and so helpful. The room was clean and very comfortable. The best part was the breakfast. It was THE best included breakfast I've ever had at a hotel or resort before. It had everything you could think of and it was fresh and they took a lot of pride in the presentation and service. It was impressive. We also loved the spa services. We had a perfect view of the volcano.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It's a little further from LaFortuna, but never a problem.
Staff
The staff was so helpful and friendly. I would talk with the staff about some of the adventures we went on and if they weren't aware of it, they wanted to know how it went later. They were polite and kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2023
Elise
Elise S.
Duarte, CA | Reviewed on Jun 23, 2023

Our family of four really enjoyed our stay here. Clean and spacious room with strong A/C and amazing view of the volcano. 2 main pools were really nice, although not as numerous as other nearby hotels, as only one pool was hot spring. Breakfast is amazing, we also ate lunch/dinner poolside and in the restaurant which has breathtaking views. Depending on your room location, you need to be prepared to walk a bit or call for shuttle service around the property. Read more

Our family of four really enjoyed our stay here. Clean and spacious room with strong A/C and amazing view of the volcano. 2 main pools were really nice, although not as numerous as other nearby hotels, as only one pool was hot spring. Breakfast is amazing, we also ate lunch/dinner poolside and in the restaurant which has breathtaking views. Depending on your room location, you need to be prepared to walk a bit or call for shuttle service around the property.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful property, rooms are spread out
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable mattresses!
Stayed in June 2023
M
Matt D.
Kernersville, NC | Reviewed on Jun 14, 2023

We loved our stay at Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs. The hot springs were relaxing, the food was excellent, and the staff was friendly and helpful. Read more

We loved our stay at Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs. The hot springs were relaxing, the food was excellent, and the staff was friendly and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2023
Zohra
Zohra H.
Sunrise Manor, NV | Reviewed on Jun 12, 2023

The view of the volcano from your villa is just breath taking. The breakfast is amazing. A quick cab ride into town. Read more

The view of the volcano from your villa is just breath taking. The breakfast is amazing. A quick cab ride into town.

Authenticity & Character
Fancy resort. The thermal springs pool with bar was heavenly.
Location
A quick cab ride into town!
Staff
Above and beyond staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Uber clean. There was a rainforest type feel in the bathroom. So healing and pretty!
Stayed in May 2023
Steve
Steve B.
San Francisco, CA | Reviewed on May 23, 2023

My wife especially loved the dessert at the restaurant in Arenal. The breakfast and meals were generally pretty good, and she thinks they were close to Michelin star quality. The guided hike in the Arenal Volcano Park was a bit steep and not as nice as some of the other hikes, but overall, we had a good time at this hotel. Read more

My wife especially loved the dessert at the restaurant in Arenal. The breakfast and meals were generally pretty good, and she thinks they were close to Michelin star quality. The guided hike in the Arenal Volcano Park was a bit steep and not as nice as some of the other hikes, but overall, we had a good time at this hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2023
J
Jan E.
Australia | Reviewed on May 05, 2023

A beautiful hotel with fantastic views of the volcano. Friendly staff who went out of their way to ensure we were enjoying our trip. Read more

A beautiful hotel with fantastic views of the volcano. Friendly staff who went out of their way to ensure we were enjoying our trip.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2023
Chandni
Chandni K.
Phoenix, AZ | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2023

Beautiful hotel, food was amazing and service was wonderful! I can’t wait to go back! Read more

Beautiful hotel, food was amazing and service was wonderful! I can’t wait to go back!

Authenticity & Character
Cute hotel property, beautiful wildlife
Location
Perfect volcano views
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2023