Our family recently stayed at Hotel Los Lagos, one of the most affordable (and popular) hot springs resorts in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. In this post, we’ll give an overview of what the property is like and share our experience. We’ll cover everything from the thermal pools and rooms to the resort’s amenities and nearby attractions.
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. Read our hotel reviews for properties all around Costa Rica.
Overview
Hotel Los Lagos is a very popular, family-friendly hotel and one of the most budget-friendly hot springs resorts in La Fortuna. While it may not be the fanciest accommodations in the area, many people love it for its value, spacious grounds, and variety of amenities.
It’s a large property set on 1,050 acres (425 hectares) with a true resort feel. About 100 rooms are spread out in small buildings around the property.
The hotel is located right off the main road to Lake Arenal, a short drive from downtown La Fortuna. The property extends far back towards Arenal Volcano. A road inside the resort leads to a lovely volcano viewpoint and emerald-colored lake, for which the hotel was named.
Hotel Los Lagos has gorgeous hot springs onsite. The eight thermal pools are different temperatures and are surrounded by lush gardens. It also has a couple of cool water pools and waterslides that are a hit with kids.
Rooms are large and comfortable with an authentic Costa Rican feel—think native woods and traditional styling rather than modern luxury.
There’s a pool bar/restaurant and full restaurant open three meals a day, plus a spa and several onsite activities.
Location and Volcano Views
Hotel Los Lagos is in a good location, only about 10 minutes from downtown La Fortuna where you’ll find most of the area’s restaurants and stores. It’s right off the main road (Route 142) but set back. We didn’t notice much road noise during our stay.
The foothills of Arenal Volcano back the property. On a clear day, you can see the entire volcano. Arenal is a towering, cone-shaped volcano that is the focal point of this area.
During our visit to La Fortuna in mid-December (when we were comparing several hot springs resorts), clouds obscured most of Arenal Volcano. We could only see the base, which is typical for this time of year. Our When to Visit section, below, gives more on what to expect for weather.
Los Lagos Hotel is about 2.5 hours from Costa Rica’s largest international airport in San Jose (SJO) and 2.5 hours from Guanacaste Airport in Liberia (LIR).
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.
Customer Service and Check-in
We arrived shortly after check-in time and there was a long line with people checking into the hotel and for day passes. Los Lagos allows people to visit their hot springs for the day, so some locals were arriving to get their wristbands.
Although the check-in process took a while, it was smooth and easy. The friendly employee provided us with a helpful property map so that we could get our bearings. We were each given wristbands.
Front desk staff is available 24 hours a day during high season (December-April, July, August 1-5, December 17-31, and Easter Week). During low season, hours are 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Property Set Up
The Reception, main restaurant, hot springs, and pools are centrally located on the lower end of the property near where you enter.
IMPORTANT: When reserving a room, keep in mind its location, especially if you won’t have a rental car. While some rooms are only a short walk to Reception (1-2 minutes), others are higher up on the property and best accessed by driving.
If you’re looking at the property map, the rooms in the 100s are the closest to Reception and the pools. Most of these are Standard rooms (101-117 and 403-414), but there are also Superior rooms in this area (118-159).
Our Superior room (in the 200s) was in the back of the property, about a two-minute drive from the main facilities. It would have been a very long walk. We were happy to have our car.
Note that if you won’t have a rental car, the hotel has a free shuttle that you can call for pickup.
Room Options at Los Lagos Hotel, Spa and Resort
Many of the rooms at Los Lagos are dated and could use some renovations, but they’re very comfortable. We liked that it felt like a traditional Costa Rican hotel. The accommodations have a good setup for families in particular.
Here are the room types:
Standard Rooms
Basic but comfortable rooms with 2 double beds and views of the volcano or gardens. Each room is 40 square meters (430 square feet) and holds up to 4 people.
Superior Rooms
Larger rooms at 60 square meters (645 square feet) with 2 queen beds and 2 optional trundle beds to accommodate up to 6 people.
Our family stayed in a Superior room and couldn’t believe how big it was. The trundle beds were perfect with our two young kids. They slid out from under the main beds and could be pushed back when not in use.
Each Superior room has a terrace or balcony. Our room had a large terrace with a comfortable two-person sofa where we enjoyed relaxing.
Tree House
The tree house is the newest room type; they only have one. It’s the most upscale option, with a more modern feel. The tree house comes with 1 king bed and is good for couples.
It has some unique features like a private thermal pool with whirlpool beds, balcony with jungle views, outdoor shower, and electric fireplace. It’s located high up on the property so has nice views.
Villa
There’s only one villa/house on the property. It’s designed for groups of up to 9 people. One area has 2 double beds, a living room with a sofa bed, and bathroom. A connecting door leads to another area that has two levels. On the lower level is a fully equipped kitchen, and the top floor has a king bed and 2 trundle beds along with a bathroom.
Room Amenities
All rooms have air-conditioning, a hairdryer, phone, complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee maker, mini-fridge, cable TV, and a safe deposit box.
Room Prices
Los Lagos is a mid-range hotel in La Fortuna. Prices vary seasonally, with the rainy season (May to mid-November) offering the best rates.
In general, you can expect to pay $150-230 per night for a Standard Room (double occupancy) and $185-245 per night for a Superior Room (double occupancy). The Tree House and Villa are more expensive at $330-750 per night for the Tree House, and $485-620 for the Villa. Rates are plus tax (13% in Costa Rica).
The peak season, when prices are highest, is during Christmas/New Years and Easter Week.
Check current rates and availability at Hotel Los Lagos.
Hot Springs
The hot springs were the best part of our stay. The eight thermal pools are heated naturally by the volcano’s powerful geothermal energy.
The main pool is located near the swim-up bar and restaurant. This is where you’ll find the largest pool. It tends to be the busiest and most social spot since the bar is right there.
Several smaller pools branch off at different levels going up the property. Each has a different temperature, so you can find one that’s perfect for you—some are quite hot while others are pleasantly warm.
The landscaping all around is beautiful. Lots of thick tropical greenery creates more private, intimate spaces. Palm trees, flowering plants, and lush vegetation surround every pool, making you feel like you’re in a jungle oasis.
Some pools have built-in seats with jets, which were really popular on our visit. They’re good if you’re looking for a massage-like experience. We enjoyed moving between the different pools to find our favorite temperature and set-up.
The resort has a locker room and offers towels. You have to return them at the end of your visit or there’s a fee.
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Swimming Pool
The resort also has two large cool water pools with many lounge chairs and tables spread around for relaxing. They’re next to the hot spring pools so that you can go between them if you get too hot.
The pool area also has two fun waterslides that empty into the cool water pool. They’re fast so better for adults, teens, or more adventurous kids.
Restaurants at Los Lagos Hotel, Spa and Resort
The resort has one main restaurant that is open for three meals a day and a casual restaurant with a swim-up bar at the hot springs.
Las Palmas – Main Restaurant
This restaurant serves a mix of Costa Rican and international cuisine. The menu is huge with salads and many steak, chicken, fish, and pasta dishes. There’s a kids menu with spaghetti bolognese, chicken fingers, cheeseburger, and mac and cheese. Entrees are $10-29.
We ate lunch here, and the food was fairly good. The portions were generous, and the service was friendly. However, it is a little overpriced given the quality. If you have a rental car, we highly recommend heading to one of the many great restaurant choices in town. Our La Fortuna Destination Guide has some of our favorites.
One of the best parts of the restaurant is the atmosphere. It’s open-air and looks out to the gardens. We saw tons of colorful birds coming around, even trying to steal food!
The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly. We appreciated the convenience of having a full restaurant onsite. It was great to be able to grab a quick lunch after doing an early-morning tour.
Food restrictions: The menu doesn’t label allergens or dietary restrictions (like nuts, dairy, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan), though each dish is clearly described in both English and Spanish.
For vegetarians and vegans, there are few options, mostly pasta dishes.
Los Lagos also has a buffet for lunch and dinner during busier times of year.
Hours:
- Breakfast: 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Lunch: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Dinner: 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Room service is available from 12:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Lemnos Wet Bar
This is the pool bar restaurant at the hot springs. It has a small swim-up bar and a few tables set up right in the water where you can relax with a drink. A few more tables are on an adjacent patio.
The menu is small with casual food like hamburgers, pizzas, nachos, ceviche, fish tacos, and sandwiches.
There’s a huge cocktail menu with both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Several cocktails are made with Cacique guaro, a local spirit made from sugar cane.
They have their own craft beer (two types) made by a local brewery called San Roque. We tried the Summer Ale and it was good.
They also serve fresh fruit smoothies—our kids said that they were awesome.
Drink prices are very reasonable at around $4-7.
The area around the pool bar is the busiest spot at the resort. On our visit, it got crowded around 6:00 p.m.
Everything was wonderful at the hot springs except that it took us a long time to pay our bill on one occasion because it was busy and there wasn’t much staff.
Pool Bar Restaurant Hours:
- Bar: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Kitchen: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Breakfast
Breakfast is included for all guests, which is a great benefit.
The hotel serves a large buffet with basic offerings. You’ll find things like traditional gallo pinto (rice and beans), scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, hash browns, pancakes, fresh tropical fruit, muffins, pastries, toast, cheese and deli meats, and fresh juices.
Everything is standard breakfast fare, but there’s enough variety that everyone should be able to find something they like. The fruit is always fresh, and the Costa Rican coffee is good.
Spa
The resort’s Fangas Spa is nestled within the property’s lush tropical surroundings. The treatment rooms are surrounded by forest, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
The services menu is impressive. It includes therapeutic massages (around $100 for 60 minutes), body wraps and exfoliations (around $75), facials (around $40), manicures, and pedicures.
They offer local specialties like volcanic mud facials and coffee exfoliations that use Costa Rican ingredients, along with hot stone massages using volcanic rocks.
Gym
Hotel Los Lagos does not have a gym, but if you run, you could check out the roads and trails inside the resort. Just keep in mind that the property is hilly.
Activities Onsite
The resort offers a few activities onsite.
You can go zip lining right on the property (1.5 hour tour; $70). We saw people zipping by the restaurant during one of our meals!
Horseback riding is also available ($70; 2 hours) on an 8-kilometer (5-mile) trail.
You can also kayak on the small lake on the property.
Mirador/Viewpoint
A highlight is the Mirador. This scenic viewpoint has an incredible view of Arenal Volcano and Lake Los Juncos. Los Lagos, “the Lakes,” was named after this green-colored lake. It’s worth the drive or long walk up to see it (about 2.8 km/1.7 miles from Reception).
Trails
We didn’t have time to check them out, but the resort has a short loop of trails where you can see birds, turtles, and butterflies.
Family-Friendly Amenities
While the hotel doesn’t have specific amenities for kids like a game room or playground, kids usually love the pools, waterslides, wildlife viewing, and trails. Ours did!
Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi is good throughout the property, including at the hot springs.
Souvenir Shop
The large souvenir shop is right across from the restaurant. It sells clothes and Costa Rica-themed gifts like Christmas ornaments, coffee mugs, and wood carvings. It also had a good selection of Costa Rica children’s books and local wildlife guides.
The shop stocks insect repellent, sunscreen, and personal care items. Prices seemed reasonable at the gift shop. A stuffed animal we bought for our kids in town was actually less at the resort.
Sustainability
We were impressed with the large field of solar panels on the property. This isn’t something you typically see in Costa Rica, and it shows the resort’s commitment to sustainability.
There are recycling bins near the rooms and in common areas throughout the property.
Nearby Attractions
The resort’s location makes it convenient for exploring La Fortuna’s popular attractions:
- Arenal Volcano National Park: 15-minute drive
- Mirador El Silencio Volcano Hike: 10-minute drive
- Arenal 1968 Trail Volcano Hike: 10-minute drive
- La Fortuna Waterfall: 10-minute drive
- Mistico Hanging Bridges: 20-minute drive
- Sky Adventures Zip Lining and Hanging Bridges: 25-minute drive
- Lake Arenal: 15-minute drive
- La Fortuna Downtown: 10-minute drive
Discover the best activities in La Fortuna/Arenal with our post, 19 Unique Things to Do in La Fortuna.
Value for Money
Hotel Los Lagos is an excellent value, especially for families. While the rooms aren’t luxurious, they’re spacious and comfortable. The hot springs are the main draw and they’re well-maintained with beautiful landscaping. At $150-245 per night for most rooms, it’s one of the most affordable hot springs resorts in La Fortuna.
The property does allow day pass visitors, which means the pools can get crowded during peak times. However, we found that early mornings and later evenings were quieter.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hot springs resort with good amenities, Los Lagos is a solid choice. The large rooms, multiple pools, onsite restaurants, and activities make it convenient, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
Traveling with kids? Be sure to check out our Costa Rica with Kids page for more family travel planning resources.
Pros and Cons of Los Lagos Hotel, Spa and Resort
Pros:
- Very affordable compared to other hot spring resorts in La Fortuna
- Amazing volcano view from all around the property (weather permitting)
- Eight hot spring pools with varying temperatures
- Large, comfortable rooms that can accommodate families
- Cool water pools and waterslides
- Full-service spa
- Onsite activities like zip lining
- Beautiful tropical landscaping throughout the property
- Good location close to La Fortuna and area attractions
- Casual, authentic Costa Rican atmosphere
Cons:
- Rooms are dated and could use renovations
- Day pass visitors mean pools can get crowded
- Some rooms require driving to reach from the main area
- Service at the pool bar can be slow when busy
- Large, often busy, resort – not ideal if you’re looking for a boutique property
When to Visit
La Fortuna is one of the rainier destinations in the country. But remember, that wet weather is what keeps the rainforest so lush and green!
December and January tend to get the most rain in the Arenal area. On our visit in mid-December, we found this to be true. Most mornings were dry with storms in the afternoon or evening. Some nights it rained a lot. We did have plenty of breaks of sun.
September is considered to be the best time to see the volcano. A popular pairing for a trip this time of year is La Fortuna and the Caribbean coast, which has its “summer” in September and October. Our Rainy Season Itinerary has more details.
We have visited the Arenal area in March, June, and July during previous trips and had great weather, with mostly dry days.
Transportation
Hotel Los Lagos is about 2.5 hours from both San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia Airport (LIR).
The drive from both airports is on well-traveled, paved roads. Some parts are quite curvy. If you’re comfortable driving in Costa Rica, we recommend renting a car to have more flexibility.
If you’re arriving without a car, you can take a shuttle from the airport. Feel free to reach out if you need help with the arrangements. We work with an excellent local transportation company. From San Jose or Liberia, the cost is around $200-250 plus tax. They pick you up directly from the airport and take you to the hotel, with a stop along the way if you’d like. Our Shuttles page has more information and reviews.
To get around locally in La Fortuna, you can take taxis for around $10-15 each way.
Conclusion
Hotel Los Lagos offers a nice hot springs experience at an affordable price. While the rooms could use updating and the pools can get busy, the property’s large size, beautiful landscaping, and multiple thermal pools make it a solid value. The onsite activities, restaurants, and proximity to La Fortuna’s attractions add convenience. If you’re looking for an authentic Costa Rican hot springs resort that won’t break the bank, Los Lagos is a great option.
Check current rates and availability at Hotel Los Lagos.
Our Review Policy
This review is based on our family’s personal experience at Hotel Los Lagos. 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.
Please note that if you book a stay at Hotel Los Lagos using one of our links to booking.com above, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.
Other Hot Springs in Costa Rica
Interested in learning about other hot springs in Costa Rica? Our Hot Springs articles cover more options in La Fortuna/Arenal plus other areas of the country. Also be sure to read our post Hotel Review: Arenal Springs Resort and Spa to learn about another popular resort in town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hot springs clean?
Yes, the hot springs are well-maintained. We saw staff draining them early one morning for cleaning.
Are the hot springs naturally heated?
Yes, the hot springs are naturally heated by Arenal Volcano’s geothermal activity.
Does Hotel Los Lagos allow day pass visitors?
Yes, unlike some other hot springs resorts in La Fortuna, Los Lagos allows day pass visitors. This can make the pools busier during peak times (usually mid-afternoon to early evening), but mornings and later evenings tend to be quieter.
If you’re looking for a hot springs resort that doesn’t allow day passes, we recommend Arenal Springs Resort and Spa (mid-to-high end), Nayara Gardens (luxury; welcomes families), or Nayara Springs (luxury; adults only).
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is at 3:00 p.m. and check-out is at 12:00 p.m.
Is there a shuttle to get around the property?
Yes, there’s a free internal shuttle that runs from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. You can call the front desk to request pickup.
Is the property secure?
Yes, the resort has 24-hour security and a gate at the entrance.
Can I see wildlife on the property?
Yes, you can see some wildlife. We saw hummingbirds and other types of birds in the gardens, as well as iguanas and lizards around the pool. It’s also possible to see monkeys and sloths on the property, though sightings aren’t guaranteed.
Is parking free?
Yes, parking is free and available near your room.
Is there a resort fee?
No, Hotel Los Lagos doesn’t charge a resort fee.
Do I need a rental car?
Having a rental car is nice for getting to restaurants in town and gives you flexibility with activities. However, it’s not absolutely necessary. The resort has a free shuttle for getting around the property, and you can take taxis to town (around $10-15 each way). Most local tours include transportation.
If you won’t have a car, you may want to stay in one of the rooms closer to Reception.
Is the hotel family-friendly?
Yes! With multiple pools, waterslides, spacious rooms, and a casual atmosphere, Los Lagos is very family-friendly. We saw a lot of other families on our visit. The large Superior Rooms can accommodate up to six people, which is great for families.
Do the staff speak English?
Yes, the front desk and restaurant staff speak English, though having some basic Spanish phrases is always helpful.
Is the hotel wheelchair accessible?
The hotel has wheelchair-accessible rooms located close to the main facilities.
Does the hotel have a conference room?
Yes, the resort has a conference room that holds up to 90 people and a very large hall that holds up to 500 people for meetings and events like weddings.
How far is Hotel Los Lagos from downtown La Fortuna?
The resort is about 10 minutes from downtown La Fortuna by car.
Have a question about staying at Hotel Los Lagos or want to share your experience? Comment below.
Looking for more information to plan your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these posts:
Arenal Springs Resort and Spa Review: If you’d prefer a slightly more upscale hot springs resort, we recommend Arenal Springs. Read our full review.
La Fortuna Hotel Guide: Discover options for all budgets (hostel to five-star luxury) with our full guide to hotels in the Arenal area.
Parador Resort and Spa Review: If you’re heading to Manuel Antonio after La Fortuna, the Parador is one of the most popular resorts in town. Learn about their beach access and amenities.
Hotel Belmar Review: Sustainable Luxury in Monteverde: Our review of one of Monteverde’s most popular boutique hotels.
Best Hotels for Families: We curated this list of the best hotels with kids. Covers popular destinations all around the country.
Practical Travel: Get more travel essentials on packing, weather, safety, and transportation with these articles.
