Arenal Springs Resort & Spa, Arenal/La Fortuna

Kimkim team favorite · 4.7 (18 reviews) · Comfort
Resort with on-site hot springs, wildlife encounters, family-friendly suites, and volcano views

Overview

Arenal Springs Resort & Spa has 90 guest rooms, all situated in duplex cabins with warm decor and terraces with volcano views. The property's buildings are connected by pathways lined with manicured tropical gardens. Enjoy 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, gardens, and 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. 
  • The pool and hot springs are only for hotel guests—Arenal Springs Resort & Spa doesn't offer day passes. 
  • 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 rather than a key card to enter rooms, 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 luxurious. 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, on-site 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. The property isn't on any major roads, so 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.  

Sustainability

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

Wildlife

Travelers might see tropical birds, iguanas, sloths, armadillos, and capuchin monkeys around the resort's sprawling grounds. Some have spotted the famous Jesus Christ lizard, known for darting across the surface of water, at the springs and pool.

Amenities

Arenal Springs' biggest draw is its three hot spring pools (one only for adults and two open to children). The pool complex includes landscape gardens and the hotel bar. A standard (unheated) swimming pool has its own bar and a swim-up sushi restaurant. The property also offers a spa and a small fitness center. 

Family-Friendliness

Arenal Springs Resort & Spa is a family-friendly hotel with a kids' pool, an outdoor play area, and kid-friendly options (pizza, burritos, chicken fingers) on restaurant menus. The best room for families with children is the Junior Superior Suite. The hotel has an ideal layout for parents with strollers, and golf carts are also available to transport families around the grounds.

Other Highlights

The property has three restaurants, all located near the central pool and hot springs area. Breakfast is served buffet-style at Ti Cain, the main restaurant with volcano views. Sakana is an a la carte restaurant and bar specializing in Asian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Italian Corner serves pizzas, pasta, and wines from Chile and Argentina. Bar El Barril has a full bar, including beer, cocktails, wine, and snacks.

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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

Traveler Reviews

18 total ratings, 11 with reviews
4.7
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.5
Location
4.6
Staff
4.8
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.8
Margaret
Margaret C.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024
AMAZING! The best parts were the hot-springs tubs piped directly into your hotel room, the gorgeous breakfast, volcano views and many hot and cool pools. 10/10 would live here if I could! Read more

AMAZING! The best parts were the hot-springs tubs piped directly into your hotel room, the gorgeous breakfast, volcano views and many hot and cool pools. 10/10 would live here if I could!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2024
S
Samantha S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024
WOW! This was a lovely place. The hot springs on the resort were wonderful. Read more

WOW! This was a lovely place. The hot springs on the resort were wonderful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2024
D
David H.
Crown Point, IN | Reviewed on Feb 17, 2024
the view of the volcano is really cool. nice room restaurants r good. shuttle service downtown close. recommend staying here Read more

the view of the volcano is really cool. nice room restaurants r good. shuttle service downtown close. recommend staying here

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in February 2024
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

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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