Best Hotels in La Fortuna, Costa Rica: Where to Stay in La Fortuna (Updated for 2024)

Last Updated on January 4, 2024

If you’re planning a trip to La Fortuna, then keep reading! I’ve taken several trips to this beautiful little town, so I know a thing or two about this gem of a town.

A ridiculously picturesque town at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, La Fortuna is one of those rare destinations that is truly perfect for all types of travelers.

Whether you’re looking for solo travel, eco-friendly travel, a digital nomad getaway, a couples’ retreat, something for the family, or something in between, this town really has it all.

Following suit, you can find all sorts of lodging options in La Fortuna. From wallet-friendly hostels to luxury hotels with all-inclusive features and volcano views, or something in between, this town has it all to provide every person visiting La Fortuna with a truly unforgettable experience.

To help you narrow down your options as you plan your visit, I created this complete La Fortuna hotel guide to the best hotels in La Fortuna, no matter what budget you’re working with.

The recommendations below are sorted by price range (from budget-friendly to high-end) and include links for booking so you can check out guest reviews, guest-provided photos, and up-to-date pricing as you start booking your trip. Let’s dive in!

We only recommend experiences and things that are personally tried or that come highly reviewed by close friends. Wayfare With Pierre is reader-supported and may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.

La Fortuna, Costa Rica Travel Overview

Getting there: La Fortuna is located in the Alajuela province. To get there, fly into either San Jose International Airport (my personal choice) or Guanacaste Airport. From there, it is roughly a 3-hour drive (with very beautiful views) from either airport. I recommend either a rental car from Adobe (a Costa Rica-based company) or booking this shuttle service my group personally used.

Things to do: Hot springs, La Fortuna Waterfall, coffee making at North Fields Cafe, hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park, Mistico Hanging Bridges, ATV off-roading, trek canyoning/waterfall rappelling, sloth watching in Sloth’s Territory, zip-lining through Arenal National Park, a day trip to the Rio Celeste waterfall, Costa Rica cuisine, etc.

Length of stay: You will need at least two nights in town to truly soak in the ambiance and explore some of the activities the town is known for. Personally, I recommend staying at least five days so you’re not feeling rushed during your trip. After all, Costa Rica is a slow-paced country and the pura vida culture is all about living in the moment.

Weather to expect: Fortuna has a tropical climate with the dry season (mid-Dec to Apr) seeing temperatures of roughly 70-85°F (perfect for those outdoor activities) while the rest of the year brings more rain showers and temperatures of 65-80°F with the true lush rainforest feel.

Some things to bring: Hiking shoes (men’s/women’s), travel-size mosquito repellant, sunscreen, disposable rain ponchos, anti-theft daily travel pack, traveler’s insurance (we recommend Safety Wing)

Best Budget Hotels in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Hotel Secreto La Fortuna

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Location: 2-minute drive to the town center
On-site hot springs: ❌
WiFi: ✅

A quaint little family-operated hotel, Secreto is conveniently located right within walking distance of downtown La Fortuna so you’re never too far away from the action.

Sure this is a budget stay, but it is absolutely one of the nicer budget hotels in La Fortuna. The rooms are simple and no-frills, but also bright and colorful for a bit of that pura vida flare.

This small hotel’s property features an outdoor pool, a well-kept courtyard garden, an outdoor dining area to meet fellow travelers, and more. To top it off, Secreto’s location means you get to enjoy ridiculously beautiful volcano views (La Arenal) from just about anywhere on the hotel grounds.

As far as amenities, Secreto comes with free on-site parking, wifi, included hot breakfast, air conditioning, and a TV.

If you’re looking for a nice launch point for your Arenal area trip that doesn’t break the bank, Secreto is a sure bet.

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Address: 100 metros norte de la clínica, C. 466A, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica

Selina La Fortuna

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Location: 1-minute drive to the town center
On-site hot springs: ❌
WiFi: ✅

If you’re a digital nomad, solo traveler or generally looking to meet other travelers, Selina is one of the best La Fortuna hotels to fit your needs. Sure, this small hotel (technically a hostel) may have smaller rooms, but where it truly wins is its prime location right in the heart of downtown.

This means you’re right in the middle of the action whether you’re looking to grab a quick bite, shop for souvenirs, book an excursion, or go for a foot tour of the town.

As far as the hostel grounds itself, Selina has a garden, free private parking, a pool, a coworking cafe with WiFI, an on-site restaurant, and a shared lounge and kitchen to comingle with other travelers staying at the hostel.

You can choose from a variety of room styles, including shared dormitory-style rooms, deluxe private bedrooms, and family-specific rooms. You can even go for a teepee tent!

When you’re not ziplining through trees or sighting sloths, Selina offers lots of health and wellness activities as well. The hostel offers professionally-led yoga sessions, wellness classes, massages, sound therapy, facials, and more.

Digital nomads especially have come to be huge fans of the Selina Hostel experience, with more than 110 locations around the world that provide a place to work, connect with others, and relax for the travels ahead.

Selina La Fortuna also provides an included breakfast buffet every morning consisting of cereal, juice, coffee, and more to get your day started.

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Address: Avenida 325, Provincia de Alajuela, 21007 Fortuna, Costa Rica

Monte Real Hotel

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Location: 2-minute drive to the town center
On-site hot springs: ❌
WiFi: ✅

Hotels in Costa Rica are amazing because opting for a “budget hotel” doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort, convenience, or safety. Monte Real Hotel is a perfect example.

Located right within walking distance of the town center, Monte Real is the perfect hotel for budget-conscious travelers who want to save a few bucks without giving up comfort.

With its central location to just about everything that the town has to offer– and with the bus station being only about 1300 feet away– it’s the perfect launch point for your daily adventures.

The hotel grounds feature an outdoor swimming pool, a nearby river, a frog garden, an on-site breakfast restaurant, and more. The rooms are simple but very comfortable and come with garden views, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and all the essentials you need to get your day started.

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Address: 100 m Sur y 300 m Este del parque central, Provincia de Alajuela, Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica

Best Mid-Range Hotels in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Baldi Hot Springs Hotel

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Location: 9-minute drive to the town center
On-site hot springs: ✅
WiFi: ✅

I have to be honest: Baldi Hot Springs has a special place in my heart and is easily my favorite hotel in La Fortuna hands down. Right when you drive up to the front of the hotel, you get a sense of luxury, relaxation, fun, and everything in between. It feels like a five-star resort but without the hefty price tag.

For starters, the location couldn’t be any better. Baldi is only about a 10-minute drive to both downtown and Arenal Volcano National Park, making it a great central location for all the action.

Even if you didn’t leave the hotel for your entire stay, there’s so much to enjoy at Baldi. As the home to the largest hot springs in the world, Baldi’s 25 thermal pools are the perfect place to lounge the day away, complete with greenery, birds, and frogs all singing in the background.

They also have a large buffet offering, spa and massage services, play areas for the kiddos, and high-end amenities in every room.

To top it off, you’re surrounded by the sound of birds singing all around, and the sound of falling water that invites you to let go of any stresses and soak in the relaxing ambiance. It doesn’t get any better than that.

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Address: 142, Provincia de Alajuela, San Carlos, Costa Rica

Arenal Springs Resort & Spa

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Location: 13-minute drive to the town center
On-site hot springs: ✅
WiFi: ✅

If you’re looking for a little slice of Costa Rican paradise– without breaking the bank– Hotel Arenal Springs Resort & Spa is a top contender.

While it’s not one of the high-end luxury hotels on this list, it sure feels like it is.

This place is all about luxury and serious relaxation. Imagine being tucked away from the hustle and bustle in lush tropical gardens or in your room that dishes out insane views of the Arenal Volcano.

But what truly takes the Arenal Springs Resort Spa up a notch is the hot spring pools smack dab in the middle of the property. As you’d expect, the hot springs’ thermal waters are naturally heated by the nearby Arenal Volcano and are mineral-rich, making them as healthy as they are relaxing.

What’s better after a long day of exploring than lounging in therapeutic hot spring pools surrounded by a tropical rainforest? Arenal Springs Resort also has a swim-up bar so you can sip on a tropical punch or two while you soak in all the vitality of the natural hot springs pools.

To top it off, the resort offers many amenities including several restaurants and coffee shops, a yoga deck, hot tubs in rooms, spa hotel services, transportation services, and more.

Arenal Springs Resort & Spa is just a short 10-minute drive from all the action in downtown La Fortuna, making it the perfect stay in La Fortuna for a mix of relaxation and adventure.

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Address: 7 km al Oeste de camino hacia El Volcan Arenal, 60503 Fortuna, Costa Rica

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

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Location: 35-minute drive to the town center
On-site hot springs: ❌
WiFi: ✅

If the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal are at the top of your list for your stay in La Fortuna, then it doesn’t get any better than Arenal Observatory Lodge.

Tucked away in a private nature reserve of more than 800 acres, Arenal Observatory Lodge sits right at the base of the Arenal Volcano, giving you quite literally the best volcano views in town compared to all other La Fortuna hotels. You can also see Lake Arenal from the property!

Because you’re in a remote location away from downtown La Fortuna, you can usually see lots of wildlife in the area as well.

Arenal Observatory Lodge doesn’t have natural hot springs on site, but the lodge provides nice amenities to enjoy such as a swimming pool, an on-site lake, a game room, massage and spa services, a bird wildlife sanctuary with more than 500 species, a bar, local food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and more.

However, what’s really great about Arenal Observatory Lodge is that it gives you direct access to so many trails through the rainforest and around the Arenal area. Lake Arenal is also nearby, so you’re not too far away from water sports and fishing if that’s more of your flavor of fun.

Given that it’s about 30 minutes away from downtown, it’s probably best to have a rental car if you want to stay at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. Adobe is a great local Costa Rican rental car service. However, you can check La Fortuna car rental rates here.

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Address: 24 km Oeste de La Fortuna de San Carlos, 21007 Fortuna, Costa Rica

Hotel El Silencio del Campo

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Location: 9-minute drive to the town center
On-site hot springs: ✅
WiFi: ✅

Only 6 minutes away from downtown La Fortuna, Hotel El Silencio del Campo is an absolute paradise that offers so much for the price.

The hotel experience includes an outdoor pool, a restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Papiro Restaurant), a relaxing spa, an animal sanctuary farm, an organic vegetable garden, and several hot springs on-site complete with swim-up bars.

It’s the perfect stay in La Fortuna for just about every type of traveler, with a variety of villas (rooms) specifically designed for couples, families, solo travelers, and even older adults/those who need more accessibility.

All in all, El Silencio del Campo is a true gem that is easily one of the most popular La Fortuna hotels year after year.

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Address: 5 Km West Of La Fortuna Central Park, Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Best High-End Hotels in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

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Location: 15-minute drive to the town center
On-site hot springs: ✅
WiFi: ✅

If you’re wanting your stay in La Fortuna to be as luxurious as it is adventurous, then you can’t go wrong with the haven that is Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa. Easily one of the most famous and luxurious resorts in La Fortuna, Tabacón is well-known for its popular thermal pools, spa services, and amazing service.

Imagine ending your day with a nice soak in the warm, natural Tabacon hot springs and the cool currents of the Tabacón River, all while enjoying Arenal volcano views in the distance.

Aside from the standard A/C, TV, and other essentials, a stay at Tabacon includes access to the exclusive hot springs with a swim-up bar, exclusive hotel guests access to the adults-only Shangri-La Gardens, daily breakfast from the on-site restaurant, Wi-Fi access, a fitness center, free valet parking, and more.

The suites are luxuriously designed with features and accommodate couples, solo adventurers, families, and anyone in between. The Honeymoon Suite even comes with a bathtub outside on the private balcony, complete with views of the volcano and Arenal Lake!

If you’re looking for a resort that resembles the blend of nature, adventure, and luxury that La Fortuna is all about, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa fits the bill perfectly.

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Address: 21007, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica

Lost Iguana Resort

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Location: 28-minute drive to the town center
On-site hot springs: ✅
WiFi: ✅

If getting away from the often busy town and immersing yourself in the Costa Rican tropical rainforest to be surrounded by nature is what you’re after, then Lost Iguana is the perfect place to be.

The hotel is literally situated right in the middle of about 120 acres of rainforest (and biodiversity), making it an absolute paradise for nature lovers or travelers looking to explore the biodiversity of this amazing country.

Lost Iguana is a smaller boutique hotel with only 42 rooms, but this just means that the experience is even more luxurious and thoughtfully curated. Every room, decorated with a luxury yet rustic appeal to blend in with Mother Nature, has perfect views of the volcano and a natural river that runs right along the property.

The resort has two private trails as well, which are perfect for morning walks or guided tours to spot wildlife along the way. From here, you can relax in the infinity pool (fed by hot springs) with volcano views, grab a bite at the resort’s restaurant (Arenal Oasis), or enjoy some long overdue R&R time at the Golden Gecko Spa.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation in nature, or a blend of both, Lost Iguana offers just all the vibes and luxuries you need to make your trip to La Fortuna one for the books.

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Address: 1.5 km northwest of Arenal Dam Alajuela La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica

The Springs Resort & Spa

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Location: 21-minute drive to the town center
On-site hot springs: ✅
WiFi: ✅

The Springs is easily one of the most popular luxury five-star resorts in the Fortuna area. It’s a bit further away from downtown like many of the luxury hotels in town, but that makes it an even better option for your stay if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and truly relax amidst Mother Nature.

What really sets The Springs apart from the rest is that it’s designed to offer not only a ridiculously luxurious stay but also a fun and relaxing experience that makes it almost feel like a theme park in itself.

The resort is decorated in festive reds, teals, and yellows, making for a lively yet relaxing atmosphere. The resort provides guests with unreal views of the volcano, access to many natural hot and cold springs on site, five dining restaurants to choose from, full-service spa treatments, and more.

You can spend time at the on-site water slide, putt putt course, a game room for the kiddos, or even the resort’s Club Rio Adventure Center, which gives you access to tons of more adventurous activities like kayaking, tubing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and an animal sanctuary.

The Springs was even voted by CNN Travel as one of seven resorts with the best views in the world (due to its perfect location at a higher altitude than other resorts in the area) and has even hosted the popular “Keeping Up with The Kardashians” and “The Bachelor” shows.

Yes, it’s that good, and the experience is more than worth the premium price tag.

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Address: 9 km West & 3.5 km North from the Center of Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica

Nayara Springs Resort

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Location: 15-minute drive to the town center
On-site hot springs: ✅
WiFi: ✅

For wanderlust folks searching for a luxury hotel that’s all about pure romance, Nayara Springs is the perfect place to be in the Fortuna and Nuevo Arenal area. This luxury haven is adults-only, so you don’t have to worry about any commotion as you celebrate your love.

Each of the 35 luxury villas comes complete with its own private plunge pool fed by natural mineral hot springs.

And for Nayara, it’s those little thoughtful touches that make a huge difference. The indoor and outdoor showers add a touch of luxury to your villa, providing a way to completely immerse yourself in the natural Costa Rican beauty around you.

It’s a setting that feels like something out of a dream (or an Instagram influencer’s feed) – surrounded by the Costa Rican rainforest, on-site curated gardens, and the majestic volcano in the backdrop.

Nayara Springs truly oozes exclusivity and relaxation, making it the perfect getaway for lovebirds looking for some much-needed quality time together.

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Address: La Palma Carretera 142, 21007 Fortuna, Costa Rica

Best Time to Visit La Fortuna

Before you start booking your La Fortuna hotel and itinerary, let’s cover the best times to visit in the first place. After all, the last thing you want is to excitedly book your trip, only to realize that you’ve booked for the rainy season.

Unlike the states, Costa Rica is a tropical country and only has two main seasons: rainy season and dry season.

As you might’ve guessed, the sweet spot for visiting is during the dry season, which starts around December and lasts through the end of April.

Personally, I like to visit in February or March.

My most recent trip to La Fortuna was a few months ago in March 2023, and the weather was absolutely perfect. Exploring Arenal Volcano National Park was a breeze, and it only rained once in the two weeks I was there.

However, keep in mind that, like all gems in Costa Rica, this prime season is popular, so you might find slightly higher prices and more fellow travelers in the mix.

If you’re looking for a quieter escape, then you’d be better off visiting during the shoulder months of May and November. Sure, you might have to deal with more rain showers in the afternoon (it is a tropical rainforest after all), but getting to enjoy the hot springs and amazing landscapes with fewer crowds could make it all worthwhile.

You’d be better off avoiding a trip to La Fortuna from September through early November, which are the wettest months of La Fortuna’s rainy season.

Closing Thoughts

La Fortuna is home to a long list of great hotels and resorts that combine luxury with the nature experience that this town is all about, and the hotels above are truly the cream of the crop.

These hotels aren’t just places to lay your head at night; they’re portals into the heart of Costa Rica’s unreal charm and untouched natural beauty.

Whether you seek the pampering feel of high-end hot springs resorts or the rustic and lowkey charm of boutique lodges, these hotels are the best of the best in the area and provide just about everything you need to truly immerse yourself in the untouched natural beauty and relaxation that La Fortuna, Costa Rica is all about. Pura Vida!