See all 19 photos
Kimkim favorite

Arenal Springs Resort & Spa, Arenal/La Fortuna

Extensive resort with cozy duplex cabins, views of Arenal Volcano, hot springs pools, and three eateries.
Karen
Karen P.
Jan 16, 2023
Loved the hotel and privacy of the hot springs. Would definitely stay here again.
Lisa
Lisa W.
Dec 10, 2022
Great hot spring pools with swim up bar. The sushi bar at the pool is amazing! People were awesome. The place was spotless! The volcano could... Read more
C
Chirag B.
Jul 10, 2022
This resort is THE place to stay if you can fit it into your budget. AMAZING place PROS - BEAUTIFUL resort - Customer Service was absolutely... Read more
Angelica
Angelica P.
May 06, 2022
This was the best hotel we stayed in! From the greeting with juices to the service at the front desk. They decorated our suite for our... Read more
D
Dan J.
Apr 29, 2022
This is a great hotel, super easy to stay at and extremely well run, very enjoyable stay.
Previous Next
See all reviews (8) arrow_downward

Overview

The property at  Arenal Springs Resort & Spa hosts 108 rooms, all situated in duplex cabins with warm decor and terraces with volcano views. Enjoy your meals on-site at one of the three restaurants with different themes (Italian, Costa Rican, and Japanese), plus complimentary minibars in each room. You'll also find a huge hot springs area with swim-up bars, waterfalls, and gardens, plus complimentary morning yoga and bird-watching.

Kimkim's Take

Brittany
Brittany McNamara kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, March 2022 (Learn more)
Pros
  • You can enjoy the well-stocked minibar for free, though you'll need to pay if you want to restock it during your stay. 
  • As a hot springs resort, you can enjoy all the pools and spa treatments at the property, which are open to hotel guests only.
  • Enjoy your meals at one of the three on-site eateries; one serves meals throughout the day, and the two others serve lunch and dinner.
  • Because the hotel situates each room in a duplex bungalow, you'll only share one wall with your neighbor for a quieter, more private experience—and you'll have your own parking spot right out front.
  • Whether strolling through the grounds or relaxing in your room, you can enjoy some of the best views in the area of Arenal Volcano.
Cons
  • The property is pretty big, so it takes a bit more time to get around on foot, though there's also a shuttle service.
  • You'll need to book a transfer or rental car to get around the area, as the property is too far to reach any of the sites or La Fortuna by foot.
  • The hotel uses wristbands to enter rooms rather than a key card, which some may dislike.

Additional Notes From Brittany 

At first look, the hotel seemed big, and I could see how it might give off an impersonal vibe. But once you get into the details, it all comes together and feels cozy yet luxuriant. The on-site hot springs are the biggest draw, and I was definitely charmed by the swim-up bars, stone pools with waterfalls, and soaking tubs surrounded by vegetation. 

Authenticity

Yes, this is a resort, but you certainly won't forget that you're in beautiful Costa Rica. The grounds are huge and provide a nice mix of cultural elements, including views of Arenal Volcano, onsite farms and ranching, jungle gardens, and a large hot springs complex with 13 different pools to enjoy. As a bonus, more than 130 bird species call the property home, and there's a special bird-watching corner to enjoy. 

Location

You'll be in the Palma area, which isn't within walking distance of any major attractions but is fairly convenient for driving around the region. It takes about 20 minutes to drive to the national park, 15 minutes to La Fortuna Waterfall, and about 10 minutes to downtown La Fortuna. As the property isn't on any major roads, it's easy to feel hidden in the jungle while being relatively close to the action.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The property covers a lot of ground and almost feels like its own neighborhood, as roads lead to duplex cabins hosting two rooms and offering a parking spot for each. All rooms feature warm wooden furnishings, beamed ceilings, air-conditioning, and complimentary minibars (only pay if you need a restock). Bathrooms have open showers with tropical plants (making it feel like an outdoor shower), and all units provide a terrace with patio furniture and volcano views. Upgrade for a stone soaking tub with a mini waterfall.  

Other Highlights

If you don't mind wearing a wristband, you might find this unique system quite convenient, as it works as your room key and payment for meals or other purchases if you leave a card on file. But the hotel's main highlight is the hot springs, which feature 13 different pools, poolside bars, and areas specifically for kids and adults, plus towels, lockers, and showers. Other perks include the impressive wine selection at the Italian restaurant (with a tasting room) and complimentary morning yoga on the sun deck. 

Sustainability

Arenal Springs Resort & Spa functions on a sustainable management system, meaning they strive to meet current demands without impacting future needs. Some examples of this include growing food on-site (you can visit the garden, cows, pigs, and chickens), heating water through solar energy, and treating water with a Biodigester, using the byproduct for power.

Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3.5-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 24791212
Hotel address icon 7 km al Oeste de la Fortuna camino hacia El Volcan Arenal
Hotel website icon Hotel website

Traveler Reviews

14 total ratings, 8 with reviews
4.7 out of 5
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.5
Location
4.6
Staff
4.8
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.8
THOMAS
THOMAS R.
Coeur d'Alene, ID | Reviewed on Jul 07, 2023
A lovely, well maintained resort. Very attentive and efficient staff. Good restaurants. Beautiful modern, duplex cabins surrounded by gardens and birds. Read more

A lovely, well maintained resort. Very attentive and efficient staff. Good restaurants. Beautiful modern, duplex cabins surrounded by gardens and birds.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in June 2023
Karen
Karen P.
Middletown, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 16, 2023
Loved the hotel and privacy of the hot springs. Would definitely stay here again. Read more

Loved the hotel and privacy of the hot springs. Would definitely stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in January 2023
Lisa
Lisa W.
Canada | Reviewed on Dec 10, 2022
Great hot spring pools with swim up bar. The sushi bar at the pool is amazing! People were awesome. The place was spotless! The volcano could be seen from your room! We were greeted with a hot towel and a refreshing drink! Read more

Great hot spring pools with swim up bar. The sushi bar at the pool is amazing! People were awesome. The place was spotless! The volcano could be seen from your room! We were greeted with a hot towel and a refreshing drink!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in November 2022
A
Anna L.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Aug 02, 2022
Lovely hotel set in a lot of grounds. I like the lodge arrangements that was separate to the pool and restaurants. Good choice of restaurants, we particularly liked the Italian, the Sushi bar and the snack menu which was offered during the day. There was plenty of choice for breakfast and the service time from 6:30 helped with several of our early morning excursions. We preferred the evening meals from the other restaurants on site. There was a mix up upon checking where my acceptance of... Read more

Lovely hotel set in a lot of grounds. I like the lodge arrangements that was separate to the pool and restaurants.

Good choice of restaurants, we particularly liked the Italian, the Sushi bar and the snack menu which was offered during the day. There was plenty of choice for breakfast and the service time from 6:30 helped with several of our early morning excursions. We preferred the evening meals from the other restaurants on site.

There was a mix up upon checking where my acceptance of an upgrade for one of the rooms turned out to be a change the hotel had made, reducing our 3 room requirement to a single room which was upgraded to the Master Suite. Whilst this did come with a double room, it would not have worked accommodating with 2 families, 7 people. The hotel did insisted that we had to settle for this arrangement as they were full, fortunately KimKim were already on the case and by the time we went back to reception after assessing the room. Arenal Springs did provide us with another double room which we made work. That was an unfortunate start to an otherwise wonderful stay at Arenal Springs.

We all loved the daily towel displays and chocolates and the Master Suite was luxurious with two in-room jacuzzis powered by Hot Springs, an indoor and outdoor shower and a hammock with a view of Arenal Volcano.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2022
E
Erica B.
Poland | Reviewed on Jul 21, 2022
The Springs, like Peace Lodge, gets the service aspect down 100%. They do not miss any details and are totally focused on making sure adults and kids have whatever they need to relax and enjoy. The property is big but they run you wherever you want to go on golf carts. We had two adjoining rooms (610-611) and they put my parents right next door without us even asking. The rooms are nice — not luxurious but spacious and super comfortable. The food was really good — again, nothing out of this... Read more

The Springs, like Peace Lodge, gets the service aspect down 100%. They do not miss any details and are totally focused on making sure adults and kids have whatever they need to relax and enjoy. The property is big but they run you wherever you want to go on golf carts. We had two adjoining rooms (610-611) and they put my parents right next door without us even asking. The rooms are nice — not luxurious but spacious and super comfortable. The food was really good — again, nothing out of this world but really solid. The hot spring pools were a hit for everyone and the kids could be in the main one for hours. The large pools weren’t the cleanest which was my only issue but they are heavily used. There is a swim up pool vibe — fun, music, cocktails and so If you are looking for luxury or quiet this isn’t it. We did a lot of hiking and so only used the pools for an hour or so between or after excursions and so it was fine for us for these pop ins. Overall, a really solid comfortable choice for families or groups. If only adults, I would likely look for something a bit more unique.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms and restaurants were spotless — the main pool area not as much. Lots of floating hair (no joke) and the area by the swim up bar was rundown and not clean.
Stayed in July 2022
C
Chirag B.
Springboro, OH | Reviewed on Jul 10, 2022
This resort is THE place to stay if you can fit it into your budget. AMAZING place PROS
- BEAUTIFUL resort
- Customer Service was absolutely amazing and the BEST. They took care of you from the moment you arrived to when you left
- The food options and service at the pool was fantastic
- The rooms are BEAUTIFULLY stocked when you check in
- It is very easy to get around the resort
- The staff is fantastic and they are very efficient in their work
- The WIFI is absolutely insane. We tested it... Read more

This resort is THE place to stay if you can fit it into your budget. AMAZING place

PROS
- BEAUTIFUL resort
- Customer Service was absolutely amazing and the BEST. They took care of you from the moment you arrived to when you left
- The food options and service at the pool was fantastic
- The rooms are BEAUTIFULLY stocked when you check in
- It is very easy to get around the resort
- The staff is fantastic and they are very efficient in their work
- The WIFI is absolutely insane. We tested it at various points in the resort and it averaged over 45 mb/sec which is MORE than enough for great video conferencing even
- The restaurants and morning buffet is fantastic

CONS
- NONE

We would come back here and stay in a HEARTBEAT. If you have the chance and dont stay here then you will be making a HUGE mistake

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in June 2022
Angelica
Angelica P.
Durham, NC | Reviewed on May 06, 2022
This was the best hotel we stayed in! From the greeting with juices to the service at the front desk. They decorated our suite for our honeymoon. The breakfast buffet was delicious and the food at the restaurant too. And the best part were the thermal pools. Read more

This was the best hotel we stayed in! From the greeting with juices to the service at the front desk. They decorated our suite for our honeymoon. The breakfast buffet was delicious and the food at the restaurant too. And the best part were the thermal pools.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2022
D
Dan J.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 29, 2022
This is a great hotel, super easy to stay at and extremely well run, very enjoyable stay. Read more

This is a great hotel, super easy to stay at and extremely well run, very enjoyable stay.

Tips for future travelers

Stay longer

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2022