Last Updated: May 20, 2025
If you search a booking website for hotels in La Fortuna/Arenal, you will get back several hundred results. This guide helps you find the best places to stay in La Fortuna with tips to narrow your search, know the best locations, what features are worth paying for, and common mistakes to avoid.
Or if you want to skip to the chase, my top 3 hand-picked recommendations for the best hotels for families are #1 Los Lagos Resort, #2 Hotel El Silencio del Campo and #3 The Springs Resort and Hot Springs. Keep reading to know why I picked these hotels and get even more recommendations.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out my ranked list of Best Things to Do in La Fortuna. Or go to my Step-by-Step Travel Guide to Costa Rica for help with every part of your trip planning process. If you’re traveling with kids, download my free Kids Wildlife Spotting Guide for Costa Rica.
Tips to begin your Search
Tip 1 – Choose the correct “La Fortuna”. There are 3 “La Fortuna” towns in Costa Rica – two are even in the same province of Alajuela, and one is in the province of Guanacaste, not too far away. There is also ‘El Castillo de La Fortuna’ which is a town on the other side of Lake Arenal and NOT where you want to stay. If you’re using Booking.com, enter “Fortuna” into the search field to get the correct results. On TripAdvisor, it’s “La Fortuna de San Carlos“. And then double-check the results on a map. Look for results in the area I’ve marked here in red.
Tip 2 – Always check the map! – La Fortuna has a weird layout because mountains and dense forests make some areas near La Fortuna unpassable by road. But I’ve seen hotel websites show results that seem close even though they are actually a 4-hour drive away on the other side of a mountain! Booking.com, especially on your computer web browser has a pretty good interface because you can see the map side-by-side with the listings. It is really important to CHECK THE MAP when booking hotels in La Fortuna.
Tip 3 – Search without adding kids (at first) – If you are traveling with kids and plan to share a room, do not enter the kids into the search just yet. Just enter “2 adults” + “1 room”. Why? Because many hotels in La Fortuna don’t do a great job of setting up child policies correctly on the platform. Once you enter children, I’ve seen booking sites exclude many potential hotels, room types, or incorrectly show a much higher price. Add the kids to the booking after you’ve selected your hotel, or contact the hotel directly to let them know.
Tip 4 – Adult Only Resorts – If you’re traveling with kids, don’t accidentally book an “Adults only” resort, of which there are a few in La Fortuna. Check the description. For example Nayara Springs is a big one.
Tip 5 – Book Early, Like Now! – Don’t wait to figure out every detail of your itinerary to book. In La Fortuna, I’ve seen prices double or more without warning. And the best resorts often sell out during high season from December to April. You can use my 7 day itinerary or this Build your own Itinerary guide to help you quickly figure out how long you need at each destination. Read Best Things to Do in La Fortuna to figure out how many days you need to do all your favorite activities.
Tip 6 – Use these Filters – “Very good 8+”,”Private bathroom”, “Included breakfast”, and “air conditioning”. Trust me, your family will thank you.
Tip 7 – Avoid listings with fewer than 20 reviews – There have been scams reported in Costa Rica of fake listings that either don’t exist or look nothing like the pictures. Check the reviews and make sure they sound authentic. You can also go with one of my hand-picked recommendations at end of this article.
Tip 8 – Save money with Included Breakfast – Food is expensive in Costa Rica, with an average meal for a family of 4 costing between $30 to $100. You will most likely save money with a hotel breakfast, especially if your kids can eat for free. Most hotels here do a really good job with breakfast, and they usually include lots of fresh fruit and Gallo Pinto – the national dish.
Related Post – Best Things to Do in La Fortuna with Kids
Location, Location, Location!
La Fortuna has three main accommodation zones.
- Town Center – Small and compact area filled with small hotels and restaurants around a city park. This part of La Fortuna is very walkable, but parking is a nightmare.
- Route 142 – Going west toward Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano is route 142. This is where most of the hot spring resorts are located, as well as many attractions. This section is not as walkable as these properties are large and far apart.
- Surrounding Areas – Beyond the main road, there are some smaller resorts, farm stays and many vacation rentals spread around the area. The roads to reach them are not very good and tours will usually not pick up from here. If you go any further north of the Springs Resort, the roads become extremely narrow and windy, and many sections are unpaved.
If you don’t have a car – If you don’t have a rental car, or you want to keep driving to a minimum, stay as close to the town center as possible. If you want to walk to different restaurants, it is best to stay in the walkable part of the town center. If you stay in a hot springs resort on route 142, you will have to mostly eat at your resort or get taxis.
Tour Pick Ups – Most tours will not pick you up at your hotel if you stay outside of the area between the town center and Tabacon Thermal Resort along Route 142. Sometimes you might be able to arrange pickup for an additional charge.
Taxis – If you stay in the town center, you can walk to the taxi stand where you will find plenty of metered taxis to take you to nearby attractions including Arenal Volcano, which is about 30 minutes away. You will also need to get a taxi back so ask the taxi driver if they will wait for you there. Uber is also a good option and easier to use than taxis. Get a Holafly unlimited data e-sim so your phone will keep working in Costa Rica.
You are not legally required to use car seats in taxis, but I recommend bringing your own for safety. Taxi drivers will not object to waiting a few minutes so you can install them.
If you drive a car, then staying on Route 142 (but not further than Tabacon Hot Springs), is the best. You have easy access to parking, and can avoid the busy town center. Tours will still pick you up from here.
You can also stay further away, and drive to a meeting point near the town center for tours. Try to check with the tour provider if they have parking. Otherwise, you will have to deal with the hassle of finding or paying for parking. Parking on the street also increases your risk of car break-ins, so take all your valuables with you. Several large and popular resorts are situated outside of the common tour pick-up zone, including The Springs Resort and Spa, and Arenal Observatory Lodge. These resorts are still worth the extra drive, but be aware of the tradeoffs.
Nighttime driving – Be aware that if you are staying off the main roads, then driving back to them after nightfall (around 6 pm) can be very stressful. Roads can be steep and windy, and even worse in the rainy season. It can get very foggy without warning, and many roads are poorly lit.
Is it worth staying in a Hot Springs Resort?
No it’s not necessary to stay in a Hot Springs resort because you can get day passes to almost any of the best hot springs resorts in La Fortuna. In fact, you might even want to avoid hot springs resorts because of the noise and crowds from other day pass visitors. On the other hand, if you have kids, it is really convenient to be able to visit the hot springs whenever you want.
If you end up staying in a smaller hot springs resort with only a few pools, I still highly recommend getting a day pass to either Baldi Hot Springs, Tabacon Hot Springs or The Springs Resort. Each of these is an attraction on its own. Baldi is the most kid-friendly and affordable with 25 pools and over-the-top features like cave saunas, waterslides, and waterfalls. Tabacon and The Springs are more calm and serene with beautifully landscaped, natural-looking pools.
Is it safe to stay in an Airbnb or Vacation Rental in La Fortuna?
I’ve owned Airbnbs as a host and rented them as a guest, so I completely understand their appeal, especially for families who need the extra room. But I actually recommend getting a hotel or resort in La Fortuna instead of an Airbnb, and here’s why.
- Last minute cancellations or issues gaining entry to the property – Because many rentals are run as side hustles, sometimes they are not run very professionally. I’ve seen even the best of hosts mix up arrival dates, or have cleaners cancel on them. Sometimes, they lose power or have weather damage, and cannot provide you alternative accommodation in the last minute. If you are traveling to Costa Rica for the first time, especially if you’re traveling with kids, this is just a risk you don’t want to take. If things go wrong, hotels are better equipped to handle it.
- Hard to reach – Many rentals are on smaller roads or residential areas. The roads to access these properties might not be well maintained. Addresses can also be difficult to find if you are not a local.
- Tour pick ups – Most tours won’t pick you up at private rentals.
- Safety – Vacation rentals are an easier target for petty crime like room break-ins
Best La Fortuna Hotels for Families and Kids
Here are my top hand-picked recommendations for an amazing family vacation. No place is perfect, so I breakdown the pros and cons for every option on this list.
#1 Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
Hotel Los Lagos is my number one choice for families in La Fortuna. This huge, sprawling property has so many similar features to the fancier, expensive resorts nearby, but is still very affordably priced. You can check prices for your dates here.
What you will love about it:
- It has stunning volcano views. If your budget allows it, it is worth paying extra for a superior room that also offers direct views. When the Volcano finally peaks out from behind the clouds at 6 am, you want to be there to see it. On the other hand, if you’re visiting in the rainy season, the cloud cover might not make the extra expense worthwhile.
- Four natural hot spring pools, swim-up bars and waterslides for (older) kids.
- Huge thousand-acre property with plenty of nature walks, a butterfly garden and frog pond. There is also a Volcano Observation Point that you can hike to for closer views.
- You have the option of doing ziplining or horse riding on the property for an extra cost. There is also a spa that offers a signature Volcano mud wrap treatment
- The rooms come with extra roll away beds and multiple bed configurations to support your family. Kids 7 and under don’t pay anything extra. The included breakfast buffet is really good.
- The location is great and it’s easy to get taxis and Ubers here even if you don’t have a car. Tour pick ups are not a problem.
The not so good:
- The decor is more ‘traditional’ rather than a modern, western-oriented aesthetic, and some guests might feel it looks outdated. But honestly, this is the norm in Costa Rica at the mid-range resorts. It’s one of the factors that keeps a beautiful resort like this one still affordable.
- The resort sells day passes to outside visitors. Sometimes tour groups visit in the afternoon and that can take away from the intimacy of a private resort. But you’re likely out and about doing stuff in the afternoon anyway right?
- It’s so big that you need to wait for a shuttle to transport you around the property
See Photos, Compare prices, and Read Reviews here
#2 El Silencio del Campo
Hotel El Silencio del Campo is my second choice with its on-site farm where kids can interact with farm animals. It frequently wins awards and is one of the highest rated properties on TripAdvisor. You can check prices for your dates here.
What you will love about it:
- Includes a farm tour with ponies, cows and chickens. Kids can ride the ponies, collect eggs and milk the cows the old-fashioned way. There is also a cheese-making demonstration.
- The food in the restaurant uses ingredients fresh from the farm and their on-site organic vegetable garden and fruit orchard
- Several hot springs with very natural-looking landscaping and shallow enough for children to safely use. The hot springs are private, just for hotel guests.
- The resort spa is great for the parents – and it also offers special pampering treatments designed just for kids.
- Has a small playground and trampoline
- Updated rooms with a simple, minimalist decor and multiple bed configurations for your family. Breakfast is included
- The location is great and it’s easy to get taxis and Ubers here even if you don’t have a car. Tour pick ups are not a problem.
The not so good:
- More expensive than other options, but still affordable. This is a small boutique hotel and can get booked out very quickly if you don’t plan in advance.
- The restaurant’s mission to be farm-to-table with locally grown food also means it doesn’t have the wide variety of choices you might find at other hotels and resorts at this price point.
See Photos, Compare prices, and read reviews here
#3 The Springs Resort at Arenal
The Springs Resort Arenal is one of the most expensive and exclusive resorts in La Fortuna. It was ranked by CNN as one of the top 7 resorts in the world for spectacular views. Of the other luxury resorts, this one is great for families because of its Club Rio Adventure Center and kids club. The Hot springs are among the best in town. Though expensive, it is worthwhile when compared to buying individual hot springs day passes for each family member. You can check prices for your dates here.
What you will love about it:
- Wildlife sanctuary where kids will love visiting rescued animals
- The adventure center offers horseback riding, tubing and kayaking along a stretch of private river access. These services cost extra
- Views of Arenal from just about everywhere on the property
- One of the largest hot springs with 28 mineral pools – all beautifully landscaped. They are open late so you can enjoy them at night while looking at the stars. If you are planning to get a day pass to visit the hot springs, it might be worth it to pay extra to spend the night here.
- Has everything you would expect from a five star resort, like high end furnishing, elegant design and premium bedding. It has five restaurants and a full-service spa
The not so good:
- It’s expensive. On top of Costa Rica already being expensive. But if you can afford it, or you are celebrating a special occasion, this resort promises a memorable experience. It is worthwhile to spend a night here with included access to hot springs, compared to paying for individual day passes (around $120 per person) for a family of 4.
- Location – it’s slightly further away from town and requires extra driving. However, with so many restaurants and activities on site, you won’t need to leave the property.
- Day Passes are available to outside visitors so you won’t have the pools all to yourself.
See Photos, Compare prices, and Read Reviews here
#4 Arenal Observatory Lodge
Arenal Observatory Lodge was once an actual observatory and still retains some of that scientific vibe. The closest property to Arenal Volcano, they have the best views in town. Well technically, they are not in town, but rather 30 – 40 minutes from town. You can check prices for your dates here.
What you will love about it:
- 7 miles of hiking trails through 780 acres of primary rainforest
- Has an observation deck, viewing platform and an on-site museum, making this a great educational experience for the whole family
- They offer free guided nature walks where wildlife sightings of sloths, coatis and monkeys are common
- Very affordable with clean, no-nonsense decor and on-site restaurant
The not so good:
- The location is really far away so it’s almost essential to have a car. Night time driving is a challenge here so plan to have most dinners at the on-site restaurant
- This property is very popular and is booked up months in advance
- The weather here can be chilly in the mornings and evenings making the swimming pool too cold for the kids
See Photos, Compare prices, and read reviews here
#5 Volcano Lodge
Volcano Lodge & Springs is a mid-range, family-owned hotel that includes a small playground area alongside their family-friendly pools and spacious grounds. You can check prices for your dates here.
What you will love about it:
- Has a cozier feel than other larger resorts and you can easily walk to the pool and restaurant
- The hot springs are exclusively for hotel guests
- There is a nice playground near the pool, a big draw for families with young kids
- The location is great and it’s easy to get taxis and ubers here even if you don’t have a car. Tour pick ups are not a problem.
The not so good:
- Because of its long-time reputation with families, the resort is always in heavy demand. This makes their prices higher for what you get compared to other resorts with similar features
See Photos, Compare prices, and Read Reviews here
#6 Baldi Hot Springs
Baldi Hot Springs is one of the best Hot Springs for families. It is one of the largest and has features for every age group, including water slides for toddlers and pre-schoolers. You can check prices for your dates here.
What you will love about it:
- Huge hot springs complex with 25 thermal pools that are scrubbed and cleaned every day. There are some neat features like the huge cave sauna and a 3-storey waterfall.
- There are separate water play areas for young kids, and faster water slides for older kids and adults.
- The pools are spread out between plenty of landscaping and rock features, so even on the most crowded days, you can find a pool entirely to yourself. Staying on the property will let you visit during off-peak hours when there are hardly any other visitors around.
- The location is great and it’s easy to get taxis and ubers here even if you don’t have a car. Tour pick ups are not a problem.
The not so good:
- Very popular with day pass visitors. But if you go to the back of the resort, the pools there are usually far less crowded, if not completely empty. Maybe avoid on holiday weekends though.
- The price point can be quite high to stay on the property. You can stay elsewhere and just get a day pass to enjoy the hot springs here
- The landscaping here is not as natural-looking as some of my other choices
See Photos, Compare prices, and Read Reviews here
Best Hotels if you don’t have a Car
If you don’t have a car, and you don’t want to deal with the hassle of taxis and Ubers, then it’s best to stay close to the center of town. From here, you can walk to restaurants, tour meeting points and several attractions.
- Hotel La Fortuna – Located right in the center of town, within walking distance of restaurants, shops, tour operators, and the central park. Budget to mid-range pricing.
- Hotel Arenal Xilopalo – Mid-range option within walking distance of town amenities with helpful staff for arranging tours with pick-up service.
- Hotel Monte Real – Beautiful tropical gardens with mountain and partial volcano views
- Socialtel La Fortuna – Modern boutique hostel/hotel hybrid with Contemporary, social-focused lodging
Best Hotels for a Unique Wow factor
If you’re looking for something a little different, then check these unique lodging options. Dome-glamping is especially popular in Costa Rica. La Fortuna is one of the best places to try it because the weather is not too hot or too chilly.
- Volcano Views Glamping – This property has 4 tented glamping domes with a hot tub and direct views of Arenal Volcano. It’s also a more affordable alternative to Nayara and next door to a restaurant that will deliver breakfast to your dome every morning. The tents are large enough to accommodate a family of 4.
- Nayara Tented Camp – Luxury safari-style tents perched on stilts in the rainforest canopy, each with private hot spring plunge pools and unobstructed volcano views.
- Tree Houses Hotel – Authentic elevated tree houses built around living trees with private balconies overlooking the forest canopy.
- Finca Luna Nueva Lodge – This organic farm is about 30 minutes from La Fortuna, but offers a unique eco-lodging experience in a working medicinal herb and spice farm. Guests and kids can participate in farm tours, chocolate-making workshops, and sustainable agriculture demonstrations.
Related Post: Best Things to Do in La Fortuna with Kids
What should I expect to spend for accommodation in La Fortuna?
Budget – These options are usually under $100 or maybe $150 in high season. For this price range, you can find clean and spacious rooms in the center of town, sometimes with views of the Volcano. Swimming pools and AC are common. The most distinguishing feature is that they are usually not updated with the same modern finishes and furniture that you might find at American chain hotels. Pick a well-rated hotel and you will most likely be rewarded with clean, friendly, and comfortable hotel rooms that will meet the needs of most families.
Mid-range – These properties are usually priced between $100 to $400 a night. At this price range, you will get usually get access to special features such as volcano views from your room, hot spring pools or large gardens. Furnishings and decor will be more traditional or minimalist, and breakfast will often be included in your stay. Once you consider the cost of a hot springs day pass and a quality meal, this price range might provide most value overall.
Luxury – These resorts will run $400 to $1000 or more a night. For this much money, you will have lots of beautiful, spacious gardens, over a dozen thermal pools, and a pampered experience. Something I like to do with my family is spend one night in a fancy resort and the remaining nights in a budget hotel to help balance the costs. We usually keep our itinerary clear of all other activities on our fancy resort day, so we can explore the grounds and get our money’s worth!
Ready for the Next Step?
- Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Costa Rica for Families – Know everything you need about flights, food, currency, rental cars, accommodation and activities
- 7 Day Itinerary from San Jose Airport or 7 Day Itinerary from Liberia Airport
- Best Things to Do in La Fortuna
- Best Places to Stay in Monteverde
- Download a Free Wildlife Spotting Guide and other Costa Rica Fun Facts for Kids by subscribing to my Newsletter.
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