Our family recently stayed at Arenal Springs Resort and Spa in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. In this post, we’ll give an overview of what the property is like and share our experience spending three nights at this popular hot springs resort.
Note: This is an unbiased review based on our personal experience. We paid for our stay and received no compensation. We share our honest opinions to help you plan your trip.
Overview
Arenal Springs Resort and Spa is a beautiful property with views of Arenal Volcano and natural hot springs right onsite.
This mid-size hotel has around 100 rooms (bungalow style) spread throughout the property. It has lots of amenities, including four different restaurants, hot springs, a swimming pool, spa, fitness center, and activities for kids. All the rooms at Arenal Springs Resort have air conditioning, and the price includes a nice breakfast.
Although it’s a resort, Arenal Springs still has a Costa Rican touch, which we really liked. The property is also very family friendly. We were traveling with our kids who were 9 and 5 at the time and everyone loved the hotel.
Location and Volcano Views
Arenal Springs Resort is in a good location, only about 10 minutes from downtown La Fortuna on a quiet side road.
Tip: Since La Fortuna is more spread out, it’s nice to have a rental car to get to restaurants in town and area attractions. If you decide to rent a car, be sure to check out our discount to save 10% through one of the most reputable rental companies in Costa Rica.
The resort has great volcano views (weather permitting). When we visited in mid-December, we were only able to see the volcano’s base because of clouds, which is common during certain times of the year. See the When to Visit section, below, for more information.
Arenal Springs Resort is about 2.5 hours from Costa Rica’s largest international airport in San Jose and 2.5 hours from the airport in Liberia.
Customer Service and Check-in
The Arenal Springs staff provided excellent service during our stay.
Before we arrived, the resort contacted us through WhatsApp, sending helpful information about the hotel. They also asked about any dietary restrictions and if we had sensitivity to cleaning products, which we appreciated.
The check-in process was fast and friendly. They had a menu of welcome drinks with wine, beer, and signature cocktails. The kids got some fun non-alcoholic drinks that were quite fancy and they loved.
During check-in, we were given bracelets, which unlocked our room electronically.
After having the welcome drinks, a friendly reception worker took us to our room in an electric golf cart, which was really fun. During the short drive, he gave more information about the resort and pointed out some of the amenities.
Room Options at Arenal Springs Resort and Spa
The rooms at Arenal Springs are spread out on four main “streets.” One small road leads from Reception to the rooms. The property isn’t huge so it’s only a short walk to Reception or the hot springs (around five minutes or less) from just about any room.
Junior Suites
These are bungalows with one unit on each side. They have either two queen beds or one king. A rollaway bed can be added to accommodate five people. This makes it one of the only hotels in La Fortuna that allows families with five people to stay in the same room.
Master Suites
The Master Suites are larger two-bedroom units that can hold up to ten people. These have better amenities, including a jacuzzi with natural hot springs water.
Room Prices
Arenal Springs is at the high end of mid-range for La Fortuna. Prices vary seasonally, with the rainy season (May to mid-November) offering the best rates.
In general, you can expect to pay $250-425 per night for a Junior Suite (double occupancy) and $935-1,100 per night for a Master Suite (based on 4-person occupancy).
The peak season, when prices are highest, is during Christmas/New Year’s and Easter Week.
Check current rates and availability at Arenal Springs Resort.
Room Amenities
We booked a Junior Suite, which was comfortable, though the decor was basic and could have used some updating. The beds had good mattresses and linens.
In the room, we had a TV, ceiling fan, A/C, coffee maker, and mini-fridge with drinks. The bathroom was decent-sized but rather rustic. The shower had a clothesline to dry bathing suits.
We enjoyed our outdoor terrace with volcano views (although partially clouded).
Rooms were very clean with daily housekeeping, and our kids loved the fun towel animals the staff created each day.
Hot Springs
The resort has several hot springs centrally located near Reception. These are naturally heated by Arenal Volcano, with temperatures ranging from 34-39 °C (93-104 °F).
Two large hot spring pools have swim-up bars and outdoor restaurants right there. A full bar is available, serving cocktails, wine, beer, and fresh fruit smoothies. One of the large pools is adults-only. The pools are made of concrete but have a natural feel with river rocks and lots of tropical plants.
Branching off from the main area are several smaller hot springs and a Jacuzzi. Some of these are set off on their own so more private.
We enjoyed going to the hot springs at night after doing activities during the day. Unlike many other popular resorts in La Fortuna, only hotel guests can use the hot springs at Arenal Springs Resort—they don’t allow visitors on day passes. This meant it never felt crowded during our stay (mid-December).
There are many lounge chairs around the pools and some cabanas with pretty, flowing privacy curtains.
The pools are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Swimming Pool
The resort has a large cool water swimming pool. This is perfect for kids or if you need a break from the hot springs.
Restaurants at Arenal Springs Resort and Spa
Options
Arenal Springs Resort has four restaurants and a café.
Ti-Cain Restaurant – Main restaurant. Indoors. Open for dinner only, 6-9:30 p.m. Big menu with a lot of local seafood and meat dishes.
Segreto Restaurant – Located next to Reception (indoors). We didn’t eat here, but it has Italian food (brick-oven pizza, salads, charcuterie, pastas).
Sakana Sushi Bar & Restaurant – Located at the hot springs. We ate here and loved it. Excellent service and food. They were very helpful in accommodating our dietary restrictions. In addition to sushi, they have ramen, poke bowls, and noodle dishes. The chef made it really fun for the kids with spiralized carrots that were part of our sushi boat. Open 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Las Iguanas Snack Restaurant – At the hot springs. Casual options like hummus, guacamole with chips, nachos, tacos, sandwiches, and burgers, plus kid-friendly food like chicken fingers and hot dogs.
Kahui Coffee Shop – Great spot for coffee connoisseurs. They can prepare it in many different ways, including the Costa Rican chorreador or Vandola method. Also has pastries and sweets. Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Dietary Restrictions and Vegetarian Options
The menus had options that were gluten free, soy free, nut free, dairy free, mollusk and crustacean free, vegetarian, and vegan.
Ti-Cain restaurant had a good-sized menu with limited vegetarian and vegan options, though there were many choices for pescatarians.
The Italian restaurant (Segreto) had good options for vegetarians; limited vegan.
Sakana (sushi restaurant) was probably the best option for vegetarians and vegans. We counted at least six good choices (e.g., vegan poke bowl, vegetarian rolls, and tofu curry).
Restaurant Prices
The restaurant prices at Arenal Springs are very high by Costa Rican standards. Though the food we had was great, we sometimes drove to town for more reasonably priced options (see our La Fortuna destination guide for recommendations).
Entrees at the main restaurant (Ti-Cain) – $30-47. At the Italian restaurant (Segreto), entrees were $23-39.
At the sushi restaurant, rolls ranged from $13-21; other mains were $20-30.
The Snack Restaurant (Las Iguanas) was $9-28.
Breakfast
A breakfast buffet is included in the room rate, and the quality was excellent.
They had everything you would expect, including traditional foods plus more upscale items like frittatas, oatmeal pancakes, chorizo meatballs, and yucca hashbrowns. Homemade breads (both sweet and savory), pastries, and cereals were available, along with fresh juices and of course, good Costa Rican coffee.
All items were clearly labeled. They also had a made-to-order egg station.
Breakfast runs from 6:30-9:30 a.m. daily.
Spa
The resort’s spa offers massages (starting at $80 for 45 min.) as well as scrubs, facials, and masks ($70-100).
Treatments take place in garden-view bungalows that accommodate 1-3 people.
Gym
The fitness center had 2 spin bikes, 4 other stationary bikes, free weights, a weight bench, a rowing machine, 1 elliptical machine, and 2 treadmills when we visited.
The gym is a large, air-conditioned space. It’s open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Yoga Platform
Near the spa is an open-air yoga platform with beautiful wood decking. The resort offers a free yoga class every day at 6:30 a.m.
Family-Friendly Amenities
Arenal Springs Resort is a great option for families with both young kids and teens.
Kids Game Room
The resort has a fun game room with foosball, air hockey, a play tent, toddler toys, and board games. It’s open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Outdoor Playground
There’s a big play structure next to the swimming pool with a slide and swings for younger kids.
Games Near Pools
Near the locker room are a few things to keep the kids entertained like a giant Jenga game, Foos ball table, corn hole, and comfy Adirondack chairs. Our kids enjoyed this while we were waiting for dinner.
Outdoor Volleyball and Soccer Fields
These are in the center of the property.
Wifi
The WiFi at Arenal Springs was excellent in our room, around the pools, and throughout the property.
Souvenir Shop
The resort has a souvenir shop. It also stocks essentials you might need during your stay like sunscreen, insect repellent, and basic medications.
Sustainability
Arenal Springs Resort has the Certification of Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica. This means that the hotel actively reduces their environmental impacts, while advancing social, cultural, and economic goals.
On our visit, we saw this in action. The hotel recycles, uses energy efficient lighting and A/C (which didn’t affect our comfort), has solar hot water, composts, and has a biodigester.
They also have an agroecological (sustainable) farm. Here, they make organic fertilizer, reforest, and grow vegetables for their restaurants.
Nearby Attractions
The resort’s location makes it convenient for exploring La Fortuna’s popular attractions:
- Arenal Volcano National Park: 20-minute drive
- La Fortuna Waterfall: 15-minute drive
- Mistico Hanging Bridges: 20-minute drive
- Lake Arenal: 25-minute drive
Value for Money
Arenal Springs is in the mid to high-end price range for La Fortuna. Is it worth it? We thought so. The hot springs are just for hotel guests (no crowds from day passes), a nice breakfast is included, and the bungalows give you some privacy.
Having hot springs, restaurants, and activities right on the property is very convenient, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
If you’re watching your budget and plan to be out exploring most days, you might be better off at a smaller place in town.
Pros and Cons of Arenal Springs Resort and Spa
Pros:
- Nice hot springs only for hotel guests
- Good breakfast buffet included
- Bungalow-style rooms with good privacy
- Several restaurants on property
- Very family-friendly with amenities for kids of all ages
- Helpful, friendly staff
- Good volcano views (weather permitting)
- Quiet location away from town noise
Cons:
- Room decor is a little basic and could use updating
- Restaurant prices are high even by tourist standards
- Not within walking distance of town
- Need taxis or a rental car to access La Fortuna and attractions
When to Visit
La Fortuna has different weather patterns than other parts of Costa Rica. It’s one of the rainier destinations (locals joke that it rains 366 days a year!). But it’s a rainforest after all.
December and January tend to be the rainiest months. September is considered to be the best time to see the volcano, making it a good option if you’re visiting during rainy season on the Pacific coast.
We have visited the Arenal area in March, June, and July during previous trips and had great weather, with mostly dry days.
Transportation
Arenal Springs Resort is about 2.5 hours from both San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia Airport (LIR).
The drive from either airport is on well-maintained paved roads. If you’re okay with driving in Costa Rica, we recommend renting a car to have more flexibility.
When arriving without a car, you can take a shuttle from the airport. If you need help with the arrangements, we work with an excellent local transportation company that provides private door-to-door service from the airport. From San Jose or Liberia, the cost is around $200-250 plus tax. Our Shuttles page has more information and reviews.
Once at the resort, you’ll need to take taxis to get to town if you won’t have a car (around $10-15 each way).
Conclusion
Arenal Springs Resort and Spa is a nice blend of comfort and authentic Costa Rican hospitality. The hot springs are the main highlight, with multiple pools nestled in beautifully landscaped gardens. While the restaurants charge higher prices than those in town, the food quality is good and the included breakfast buffet was a standout for us. For families looking for a resort with private hot springs and volcano views in La Fortuna, Arenal Springs Resort is a great choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hot springs clean? Yes, the resort drains and cleans the hot springs every night and refills them in the morning.
Are the hot springs naturally heated? Yes, the hot springs are naturally heated by Arenal Volcano’s geothermal activity.
Is the resort handicap-accessible? Yes, the hotel has several handicap-accessible rooms that are located closest to the road inside the resort. The pools and restaurants are also accessible.
Do I need a car? Having a rental car is nice to have to get to other restaurants and gives you more flexibility with activities. But it’s not absolutely necessary. The resort is only about a 10-minute drive to town and most local tours include transportation.
Does the resort have a shuttle to town? No, Arenal Springs doesn’t offer a shuttle service to La Fortuna.
Is the hotel family-friendly? Yes! With amenities like a kids’ game room, playground, family pool, and kid-friendly menu options, Arenal Springs caters well to families with children of all ages.
Does Arenal Springs Resort have hiking trails on site? No, the resort does not have hiking trails on the property.
Will I see wildlife? The hotel property used to be farmland for cattle so much of it is open and unforested. For this reason, it’s harder to see wildlife but you can see many types of birds. We recommend doing some wildlife tours in the area. Some great options are a safari river float, sloth tour, or hanging bridges.
Is parking free? Yes, the resort has a large lot next to Reception. You also can drive your car directly to your room, as each bungalow has dedicated parking.
Is there a resort fee? No, Arenal Springs doesn’t charge a resort fee. Your nightly rate includes access to all the amenities.
Do the staff speak English? Yes, the staff at Arenal Springs generally speak good English.
Is the property guarded? Yes, there is a security guard station with a gate at the entrance.
Do they provide pool towels? Yes, you can get pool towels near the locker rooms by the hot springs.
What are the check-in and check-out times? Check-in is at 3:00 p.m. and check-out is at 12:00 p.m.
How far is Arenal Springs Resort from the airport? The resort is approximately 2.5 hours from both San Jose Airport and Liberia Airport.
How much does it cost to stay at Arenal Springs Resort? Junior Suites range from $250-425 per night (double occupancy), while Master Suites cost between $935-1,100 per night (4-person occupancy). Prices are higher during peak holiday seasons. Check current rates and availability.
Is there an adults-only section? There is no adults-only section for rooms, but some hot spring pools are designated as adults-only (18+).
Is room service available? Yes, you can get food from any of their restaurants delivered to your room for no extra charge.
Does the hotel do anything special for Christmas and New Year’s? When we were there in December, there were lots of outdoor decorations and Christmas trees. They also have special dinner events for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Is smoking permitted? Per Costa Rican law, there is no smoking in the rooms or pools, but the resort does have a designated smoking area near the main parking lot.
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Our Review Policy
This review is based on our family’s personal experience at Arenal Springs Resort & Spa. We paid for our own accommodations and received no compensation or special treatment in exchange for this review. Our goal is to provide honest, unbiased information to help travelers make informed decisions about their Costa Rica accommodations.
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Have a question about Arenal Springs Resort and Spa or have you been? Leave a comment below.
Looking for more information about La Fortuna? Check out these posts:
La Fortuna Hotel Guide: Not sure if Arenal Springs is right for you? Check out our full hotel guide for La Fortuna with many other options.
19 Unique Things to Do in La Fortuna: From hiking around the volcano and sloth tours to thrilling adventures like zip lining and canyoning, there’s something for everyone.
Parador Resort and Spa Review: Our Family Stay in Manuel Antonio – Read about our experience at this ocean-view resort with extensive jungle grounds, multiple pools, and great wildlife viewing.