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Where to Stay in La Fortuna: Town or the Volcano Road?

La Fortuna’s hotels are spread across two main areas, and picking the right one matters more than you’d think.

Downtown puts restaurants, supermarkets, tour offices and the bus terminal within walking distance. It’s the easy pick without a rental car, and it’s where most of the hostels and cheaper hotels are.

The volcano road, Route 142 heading west toward Arenal and the lake, is where the hot springs resorts and volcano-view lodges are. You’ll want a car out there, or plan on taxis and hotel shuttles.

Here’s a quick look at all 15, with rough nightly rates for two people:

Hotel	Area	Rough Nightly Rate
Nayara Springs	Volcano road	Usually $1,000 and up
The Springs Resort	North of the volcano road	About $470 and up
Tabacón	Volcano road	About $340 to $880
Nayara Gardens	Volcano road	About $440 and up
Nayara Tented Camp	Volcano road	About $1,200 and up
Arenal Observatory Lodge	Near the national park	About $110 to $320
Hotel Los Lagos	Volcano road	About $145 to $300
El Silencio del Campo	Volcano road	About $235 to $415
Casa Luna	Edge of town	From about $129
Volcano Lodge	Volcano road	About $170 to $380
Poshtel Arenal	Downtown	Privates about $54 to $62
Argdivan Hostel	Downtown	Dorms from about $10
Hotel Monte Real	Downtown	From about $73
Ceiba Hostel	Downtown	Dorms from about $12
Arenal Backpackers Resort	Downtown	Budget dorms and privates

Rates swing a lot with the season, so treat these as a rough guide. December to April, and especially Christmas and Easter, cost the most.

Luxury Hotels in La Fortuna

La Fortuna’s luxury hotels are built around the hot springs and the volcano views. They’re worth it for a honeymoon or a once-in-a-while treat. These five are the best of the bunch.

1. Nayara Springs

Nayara Springs is the honeymoon pick. It’s adults-only, and every villa has its own plunge pool filled with natural thermal water, on a private deck surrounded by forest.

You’re paying for privacy and service more than a long list of facilities. Expect rates of about $1,000 a night and up, with the odd deal in low season.

It’s on the main volcano road, about 7 km west of town. That puts you close to the hot springs and restaurants on that stretch.

2. The Springs Resort and Spa

The Springs is the big family resort, with 28 pools, many of them fed by hot springs. There are also five restaurants and an on-site rescue center for wild animals.

Its Club Río area adds river activities, and the volcano views from the rooms are some of the best around. Ask for a volcano-facing room when you book.

It’s about 20 minutes from town, so you’ll need a car or the hotel shuttle. Rates start around $470 a night in low season and climb well past $1,000 in March. Food and drinks on site aren’t cheap, either.

3. Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa

Tabacón is built around a natural hot river, and that’s what sets it apart. The warm water runs through landscaped gardens, with spots that are hotter or cooler depending on where you settle in.

There’s a full spa, and the Shangri-La Gardens area is adults-only. Rooms are comfortable rather than flashy, since most people come for the springs.

It’s about 13 km west of town, around 15 minutes by car. Rates run about $340 to $880 a night, and staying over means the hot river is right outside your door.

4. Nayara Gardens

Nayara Gardens is Nayara Springs’ sister hotel, and it’s the one to pick when you’re traveling with kids. It’s family-friendly, with a kids’ pool.

Each casita has its own outdoor hot tub on a private terrace, with thick forest all around for privacy.

Rates start around $440 a night in low season and reach about $1,250 in March. It’s a splurge, but a little easier on the wallet than Nayara Springs.

5. Nayara Tented Camp

Nayara Tented Camp is the most unusual stay in La Fortuna. The safari-style tents are on stilts on a clifftop, each with its own hot spring pool looking out over the rainforest.

There’s an infinity pool and a spa, and families can stay in the larger family tents. It’s worth asking about age rules for kids, though.

It’s the priciest of the Nayara hotels, from about $1,200 a night in low season. Book early for high season.

Mid-Range Hotels in La Fortuna

The mid-range hotels are where La Fortuna gives you the most for your money. Several have their own hot springs, at a fraction of the luxury prices.

6. Arenal Observatory Lodge and Trails

Arenal Observatory Lodge is the closest place to stay to the volcano, about 1.7 miles from its base. It started in 1987 as a research station for the Smithsonian Institution, and that history is still part of the place.

The 870-acre property has 11 km of trails, including an 800-meter paved section that works for wheelchairs, and the birdwatching is excellent.

There are no hot springs, just a pool, a jacuzzi and a spa, which keeps rates down to about $110 to $320. The catch is the drive: it’s about 30 minutes from town, and the last 9 km are gravel.

7. Hotel Los Lagos

Los Lagos is a hot springs resort with waterslides, about 6 km west of town. It’s a great middle ground for families.

Beyond the pools, the property has a crocodile area, frog ponds and a butterfly garden. A 2.8 km trail also leads up to a volcano viewpoint.

Rates run about $145 to $255 a night in low season and around $300 in March. Rooms are simple, but you’re mostly here for the grounds.

8. Hotel El Silencio del Campo

El Silencio del Campo means “silence of the countryside,” and it lives up to the name. Bungalows are spread out across the grounds, with thermal pools that feel far calmer than the big resorts.

Kids can feed animals and collect eggs at its small farm, Pavo Real. The restaurant, Papiro, uses produce from the hotel’s own organic garden.

It’s about 5 km west of the church on the volcano road. Rates are about $235 a night in low season and about $415 in high season.

9. Casa Luna Hotel and Spa

Casa Luna is about 1.5 km south and 1.5 km west of the church. It’s close enough to town but quiet, with tropical gardens all around.

There’s a lagoon-style pool, a kids’ pool and four hot tubs, plus the Luna Grill restaurant and the Luna Spa.

Rates start around $129 a night in low season. That makes it a good-value pick for couples and families who want space without resort prices.

10. Volcano Lodge

Volcano Lodge is about 7 km west of town, close to the big hot springs resorts but priced like a mid-range hotel.

Rooms come with private terraces. The thermal pools have a swim-up bar, so you can get a drink without leaving the water. Guests rave about the breakfast buffet too.

Rates run about $170 a night in June and about $380 in March.

Budget Hotels in La Fortuna

La Fortuna is great on a budget. Most of the cheap stays are in town, a short walk from sodas, supermarkets and tour pickups. A hot springs day pass costs far less than a resort room, too.

11. Poshtel Arenal

Poshtel Arenal is right by the Catholic church in the center of town, about as central as it gets. It has dorms and private rooms, plus a pool with a pool bar that was recently renovated.

Private rooms run about $54 to $62 a night. It’s a good pick for solo trips and anyone who wants a pool without the resort price.

12. Argdivan Hostel

Argdivan is a newer hostel about 200 meters south of the roundabout, and it gets excellent reviews on Hostelworld.

Dorm beds start around $10 a night and private rooms around $39. It works for couples on a budget as well as backpackers.

The rooftop terrace has a volcano view and a bar. When you want to meet people, the hostel runs bingo, movie and darts nights.

13. Hotel Monte Real

Monte Real is a small, family-run hotel about 100 meters south and 300 meters east of the central park. It’s a few minutes’ walk from town.

It backs onto the Río Burío, so it’s quiet at night, and there’s a pool for hot afternoons. Rates start around $73 a night.

It’s a solid pick for couples or small families who want a private room and a pool without the hostel scene.

14. Ceiba Hostel

Ceiba is a newer eco hostel on Calle 460, about half a kilometer from the center. It feels noticeably fresher than older budget spots.

Dorm beds cost about $12 to $15, and private rooms start around $39. Breakfast costs extra, about $4 to $8, and parking is free, which is handy with a rental car.

15. Arenal Backpackers Resort

Arenal Backpackers Resort is about 350 meters west of the central park, and it’s the most fun of the budget stays. Alongside regular dorms and private rooms, you can sleep in a pod or a safari tent.

There’s a pool, a jacuzzi and a rooftop bar, and reviews are strong, with guests often singling out the staff.

Which La Fortuna Hotel Should You Book?

For a honeymoon or a big splurge, Nayara Springs is the one. With kids, The Springs or Los Lagos keep everyone busy, and Nayara Gardens works when the budget is bigger.

For the best value, Casa Luna and El Silencio del Campo give you space and calm without luxury prices. On a budget, stay in town at Argdivan or Poshtel and buy a hot springs day pass for one evening.

Whatever you pick, our guide to the best hot springs in La Fortuna will help you plan the rest. So will our 3-day La Fortuna itinerary.

Best Hotels in La Fortuna FAQ

What Is the Best Area to Stay in La Fortuna?

The best area to stay in La Fortuna depends on two things: how you’re getting around and your budget. Downtown is best without a car, since restaurants, tours and the bus terminal are a walk away.

The volcano road, Route 142 heading west, is best for hot springs resorts and volcano views. You’ll need a car or taxis, though.

Should You Stay Near the Hot Springs or in Town?

Stay near the hot springs when the resort pools are a big part of your trip. Stay in town when you’re planning lots of tours and want cheap food nearby.

Plenty of people stay in town and buy a day pass instead, which costs about $47 to $115 at the main springs.

Do Budget Hotels in La Fortuna Have Hot Springs?

Most budget hotels in La Fortuna don’t have hot springs. A few have regular pools, like Poshtel Arenal, Hotel Monte Real and Arenal Backpackers Resort.

For a cheap soak, Los Laureles costs about $10, and the El Choyín hot river is free.

How Far Ahead Should You Book a Hotel in La Fortuna?

Book a hotel in La Fortuna about a month ahead for December to April, and earlier for Christmas, New Year and Easter. The popular hot springs resorts fill up first.

Outside high season, a week or two ahead is fine for most places in town.

Are the Luxury Resorts in La Fortuna Worth It?

The luxury resorts in La Fortuna are worth it for a trip like a honeymoon. That’s when hot springs, privacy and volcano views are the whole point. Nayara Springs and Tabacón give you something a regular hotel can’t.

Rather spend on tours? A mid-range hotel plus a day pass gets you most of the same soak for far less.

Is La Fortuna Good for Families With Young Kids?

La Fortuna is great for families with young kids. The Springs, Los Lagos and Nayara Gardens have kids’ pools or waterslides, and Baldi Hot Springs makes a fun day out.

Easy activities like the hanging bridges and chocolate tours work well with little ones too.