Where to Stay in La Fortuna: 13 Hotel Picks for Every Budget

The Arenal region is one of our favorite areas to stay for a unique Costa Rican experience and a host of adventurous outdoor activities. Located just outside Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna is a small but lively town that serves as a hub for hot springs, jungle and waterfall hikes, and amazing wildlife viewing. Since it’s one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, there are a ton of lodging options, to the point that we found it a little overwhelming to figure out where to stay in La Fortuna on our first trip. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of our favorite hotels in the area and how to choose the one that suits your travel style.

Overview: La Fortuna Lodging

La Fortuna is located to the east of Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano at the intersection of Routes 702 and 142. Most people come to La Fortuna for the rainforest vibe and volcano views and opt for a hotel nearer the national park than the town. But there are some great downtown lodging options as well that place you in walking distance to fantastic dining options and local culture. 

Whether you choose to stay in the heart of La Fortuna or in the more secluded outlying areas, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation styles for every budget - I mean every budget. You can find a private room for as little as $40 up to a high end spa resort that runs over $1000 (!) a night in peak season.

Quick Picks: My Favorite Hotels in La Fortuna

• Best Luxury Hotel: Nayara Springs / Nayara Gardens
• Best Mid-Range Hotel: Hotel Lomas del Volcán
• Best Budget Hotel: Oasis by Franklin
• Best Hot Springs Resort: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
• Best Family-Friendly Hotel: Casa del Rio

Downtown Hotels

Staying downtown is great for travelers who want to take in as much local culture as possible and try out a variety of dining options without worrying about transportation. Most of these hotels are quite affordable (though you can find budget-friendly options closer to the volcano as well). You can get a partial view of the volcano from some of the downtown hotels.

Mid-range: La Fortuna Downtown Hotel Boutique

This downtown hotel is centrally located near the cathedral and has clean, modern, air-conditioned rooms. Amenities include wifi, a simple swimming pool, and onsite dining with complementary breakfast. Be aware that there can be some street noise given the location in the absolute center of downtown.

Budget: Oasis by Franklin Hotel Boutique

Located a few blocks away from town center, Oasis offers a range of simple small rooms to larger villas with a separate bedroom. One big perk is the shared laundry room and kitchen. Wi-fi is included and there is a small swimming pool. It tends to be quieter in terms of street noise since it’s further away from town center.

Ultra-Budget: Hotel Arenal By Regina

A small, budget-friendly hotel in the heart of La Fortuna with clean, air-conditioned rooms (some with volcano views) and free WiFi. At around $45 a night, these rooms are a great value, and breakfast is complementary. There are also dormitory-style rooms for as little as $25 per bed. Given the location, the street noise can be noticeable, so this spot is best for visitors looking to spend their time adventuring outdoors rather than a spa-like experience.

Hot Springs Resorts

If relaxing in the springs geothermally heated by Arenal Volcano after an active day of hiking and ziplining is something that interests you, consider staying at resort that includes hot springs access.

Luxury: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

A luxury eco-resort famous for its natural hot springs and lush rainforest surroundings. The property features beautiful cascading springs, landscaped gardens, and stunning volcano views. There is an additional outdoor lounge area exclusive for hotel guests 18 years and up. The rooms are modern and spacious, and breakfast and WiFi are complementary.

Mid-Range: Arenal Springs Resort & Spa

A charming boutique resort with casita-style suites, each offering volcano views and modern amenities. The resort features multiple natural swimming pools, including a dedicated pool for children, and a hot springs river with cascading pools of various temperatures. Several dining options are onsite. Its relaxed atmosphere and hospitality make it a great choice for both couples and families. Breakfast and WiFi are included.

Budget: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa

Casa Luna offers hot springs Jacuzzis at a more affordable price than the above options. It should be noted that all of these hot springs resorts come at a premium price compared to the downtown hotels. Starting around $170 per night, Casa Luna offers clean, cozy rooms with views of the volcano or gardens, and includes amenities like a pool, outdoor hot tubs, and an on-site spa. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves Costa Rican and international food. WiFi is free, but only available in the common areas.

Jungle Lodges

These hotels highlight the beauty of the jungle with a focus on the natural surroundings, walking trails, and wildlife for a serene getaway.

Luxury: Nayara Gardens and Nayara Springs

Often regarded as the best luxury hotel of the region, these sister resorts offer spacious romantic villas or casitas that comes with an outdoor jacuzzi or plunge pool, an oversized bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, and a secluded terrace surrounded by lush gardens. There are multiple gourmet restaurants, an intimate wine bar, a spa overlooking the jungle, yoga pavilions, nature trails, and multiple pools. Although we didn't list Nayara under the hot springs category since it's not the main focus of the reosrt, there are several small hot springs pools around the property, which is an added bonus. The entire Nayara Springs side (which is pricier) is adults-only.

We stayed at Nayara Gardens on our first trip and my only regret is spending only three nights there, as it seemed we only had time to experience a fraction of the resort. Even though we were guests of the Gardens, we were permitted to use the adults-only pool of the Springs side, which is quiet with an amazing view of the volcano on clear days. The breakfast buffet was amazing and complementary.

Mid-Range: Hotel Lomas del Volcán

An eco-lodge with individual wooden bungalow, each with a private terrace with views of Arenal Volcano.. The property includes a swimming pool, open-air restaurant serving Costa Rican and international cuisine, and a private rainforest trail for guests to explore. This hotel has the essentials for a relaxed stay without the luxury price tag, and breakfast is complementary.

Budget: Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge

Located on a family-run private reserve, this lodge features rustic cabins with simple but comfortable rooms. These rooms are not air-conditioned (though there is a ceiling fan) and there is no WiFi or TV. But it's worth the exchange for the interior quiet to appreciate the surrounding sounds of nature. The lodge’s main highlight is its wildlife, with trails perfect for viewing frogs, sloths, toucans, and more. There is a on-site restaurant serving homemade Costa Rican meals. Perfect for budget travelers and nature lovers who want immersion in the rainforest rather than resort frills.

Family-Friendly Hotels

Costa Rica in general is quite family-friendly with a range of activities for every age. Your kids will be welcome at any of the options on this list (excluding Nayara Springs, which is adults only). But these resorts are the best options that feature activities specifically for kids. 

Luxury: The Springs Resort & Spa

A sprawling resort with dozens of hot spring pools (some with slides), family suites, a game room, and even putt-putt. There are several restaurants, a full-service spa, and sweeping views of Arenal Volcano. It’s considered one of the best family resorts in Costa Rica, but I'll be honest- it’s also one of the most expensive, with many rooms running over $1k per night in the peak season. Even the base-level double-queen rooms are huge and luxurious, and full villas with up to 5 bedrooms are an option. Best for special occasions or traveling with large family.

Mid-range: Hotel Boutique Casa del Rio

Casa del Río is a great option for families who want a luxury stay that’s not nearly as pricey as The Springs. The property features spacious grounds with recreation including a soccer field, basketball court, table tennis, and pool slide. There are larger villas available that sleep up to 7 people, and breakfast is complementary. This is an excellent choice for families looking for both convenience and value.

Budget: Arenal Country Inn

Just outside the center of La Fortuna, this laid-back inn offers simple cabins set on wide, open grounds with plenty of space for kids to run around. There’s a large pool, outdoor game pavilion with billiards and foosball, on-site restaurant, and a welcoming, low-key atmosphere that makes it easy for families to relax. Since it’s within walking distance of downtown, you can experience dining options outside the resort without worrying about loading the kids up in a car. It’s simple, but the combination of affordable rates, family-friendly setting, and convenient location make it a solid budget choice.

Tips for Choosing Accommodation in La Fortuna

There is no shortage of lodging in La Fortuna. This list doesn’t even include glamping, hostel, and Airbnb options. The good news is, it’s unlikely you’ll have a bad experience. 

I’d suggest you start by considering whether hot springs access is important. If not, would you prefer to feel tucked into the rainforest surrounded by wildlife, or would you rather be within walking distance of a variety of local restaurants? For travelers who aren't too particular about a relaxing hotel atmosphere because they plan to spend as much time as possible exploring the adventurous activities in the region, I’d recommend staying downtown where hotels tend to be less expensive. For couples looking for a romantic getaway, you may want to opt for one of the spa resorts.

Final Thoughts

Arenal offers a fantastic blend of adventure, relaxation, dining, and wild-life. There is truly every type of lodging for every type of traveler and budget, all backed by warm Costa Rican hospitality. No matter where you choose to stay, I’m certain your visit will be unforgettable.