Top Hotels in La Fortuna de San Carlos All-inclusives
Top Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos
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La Fortuna de San Carlos All-inclusives | Places to Stay in La Fortuna de San Carlos
La Fortuna de San Carlos is at the center of an array of geological wonder. The nearby Arenal is Costa Rica's most active volcano, routinely bursting with lava and ash, and the Catarata de La Fortuna is a waterfall pouring from a seventy-meter cliff. The Tabacon Hot Springs are a relaxing intermission in the midst of the various spectacles, and the Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat is a blissful end to any day's excursion.
Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos
1. Nayara Gardens
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4062 reviews
Nayara Gardens is a five-star luxury boutique hotel that is widely recognized for providing premium luxury amenities and ultra-personalized service at surprisingly affordable rates. Located on the outskirts of the amazing Arenal Volcano, Arenal Nayara is an oasis of tranquility, where guests can experience a profound and organic immersion with nature while living in luxury at the same time. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, each one of our 50 spacious casitas (bungalows) provides an exclusive, ultra-luxurious retreat. Each expansive casita (ranging from 855 to 1905 square feet) includes a secluded garden with an outdoor shower and a beautiful terrace overlooking the volcano with a private, intimate Jacuzzi for two.
Best service, amazing views!
Reviewed By Alyssa SStaying at Nayara Gardens was the best vacation experience we have ever had. We stayed for our honeymoon. The grounds and atmosphere are incredibly romantic. We never felt like the resort was too crowded. Many casitas have private pools, so the resort pools were never crowded. Our room had a view of the volcano directly out of the balcony with a hammock and outdoor hot tub - magical. The view was perfectly framed by the forest, yet the groundskeepers maintain the trees and bushes for privacy so that your balcony is never visible to the guests walking the grounds. Each of the restaurants had a unique experience. Our favorite was Amor Loco which had a jazz lounge atmosphere, the food here was excellent. The Nostalgia wine and tapas bar provided self-serve automated wine tastings from Chile and Argentina curated by an extremely knowledgeable sommelier. We wish that we got to stay longer to try all the restaurants. We ended up taking a taxi one night into the La Fortuna town to experience the life of the town and a local restaurant. There are many bars and restaurants, with many catered toward tourists and a few more local places. One day we went to Tabacon to check out the hot springs there. We absolutely loved the grounds at Tabacon, but highly recommend staying at Nayara instead, and getting a day pass to Tabacon if you want to experience the hot spring waterfalls. The service and experience at Nayara cannot be beat. Nayara also has hot springs access in their tented camp area and all Nayara grounds are accessible to guests at any one of the three resorts. It is all walkable, though be ready for steep hills as it is at the base of the volcano! The service was impeccable. From the golf cart rides through the grounds to towel and umbrella service, every need had been considered and taken care of before it arose. We enjoyed the daily housekeeping as well as the nightly turn down service. Each night the staff left a little surprise on the bed as well as fresh cool water at the bedside. It was fairly inexpensive to take a taxi here. Uber is cheaper but we were told that it is illegal currently in Costa Rica and so if you are pulled over by police, you will have to get out and call a taxi from where you are left. We took an Uber one time and the driver went off route through a neighborhood to avoid a police car. The hotel recommends using a taxi instead.
2. Hotel Lomas del Volcan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2218 reviews
Lomas del Volcán Hotel is a warm mountain hotel that maintains it's rustic style with wood cabins, each one with 2 decks that invites you to enjoy nature, one with a view to the Arenal Volcano and the other with a view to the tropical forest.
Truly wonderful!
Reviewed By Louise WThe setting and views at this hotel are breathtaking, it is an absolute gem of a place to stay. The wildlife was amazing from the toucan that came each evening outside of our lodge to survey his territory, to the lady hummingbird that had a nest with chicks in a tree just outside the bar, to all the frogs and toads that came out when it rained. We ate lunch and dinner at the hotel and the food was good, great that you can have the same menu in the bar as the restaurant so you don’t have to get dressed up after a 5 hour hike! All of the staff were so helpful and friendly, I would return to this hotel without hesitation.
3. Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4033 reviews
At VOLCANO LODGE AND SPRINGS, located in La Palma, La Fortuna de San Carlos, at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano, our hot springs and lush tropical garden gives you joy and relaxation to our guests and companions. Undoubtedly, our location allows you to witness the imposing Arenal Volcano from a vantage point. QUALITY SERVICE: Knowing that service is the main reason of hospitality, the Volcano Lodge & Gardens’ team, will do our best to make your stay a very fond memory to take home. FACILITIES: All our 66 rooms are Superior and non smoking, have deluxe finishes, 2 comfortable full size beds or 1 king size bed, TV/cable, telephone, air-conditioned, coffee maker, hot water shower, hairdryer and a nice terrace facing the Volcano. We also offer 4 rooms for handicap. RESTAURANT:Sura Restaurant, capacity: 120 people, we’ll be offering you our traditional local and international food, while you enjoy the majestic view of the volcano, birds surrounded nature. You can ask for room service too. OTHER FACILITIES: *Two swimming pools for adults, two swimming pools for children and two Jacuzzis, all of them with view to the Volcano.*Laundry service, Private parking, Internet Access / Wireless Free, Tours information, nature trail, Playground.* Massages Service from 9 am to 9 pm.
Volcano views
Reviewed By Jessica GThe picture you see with the volcano? It doesn't even begin to portray the amazing views! The hot springs, the breakfast, the beautifully kept grounds, the staff and close location to the sights? Perfect. We would absolutely recommend to anyone going to la fortuna. We also were very lucky the weather cleared and had a full view of Mt. Arenal. Even the locals were stopped to look. Special thanks to Daniella!
4. Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2012 reviews
Arenal Kioro offers a fabulous place with a natural viewpoint to the Arenal Volcano. The hotel has 27 acres of undulating land, surrounded by two streams (La Palma and Kioro) with crystalline waters that begin to flow in the Arenal Volcano National Park. It has two paths where plant species are identified. Besides, private thermal springs for our customer's delight. All our suites have:Two terraces with the best panoramic volcano and mountain view, hydro-massage, air conditioning, safe deposit box, minibar, coffee maker, hot water, direct dialing telephone, satellite television, hair dryer, key card, safety locks, internet connections.
Nice hotel, great view, friendly staff
Reviewed By cbaumelThe hotel was pretty nice; the pool and hot springs are good, and it wasn't crowded when we were there. The rooms are nice and spacious, but not over the top (jacuzzi included), and all have a fantastic view of the volcano, which was really awesome. The food options are limited - there is a breakfast buffet which is good, not great, but for dinner you are pretty stuck with limited options. The hotel is fairly far from town, which means if you want to go out somewhere for dinner or look around the local town, it is a 20-30 minute ride (and about $15-18 each way). The cleaning crew did a great job and entertained us each day with towel animals - would stay here again!
5. Hotel Roca Negra del Arenal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
Everyone needs a place to lay their weary head. For travelers visiting La Fortuna de San Carlos, Hotel Roca Negra del Arenal is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. Well-known for its romantic environment and proximity to great restaurants and attractions, Hotel Roca Negra del Arenal makes it easy to enjoy the best of La Fortuna de San Carlos. The rooms offer air conditioning and a refrigerator, and getting online is possible, as free wifi is available, allowing you to rest and refresh with ease. In addition, as a valued Hotel Roca Negra del Arenal guest, you can enjoy a pool that is available on-site. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking. For those interested in checking out popular landmarks while visiting La Fortuna de San Carlos, Hotel Roca Negra del Arenal is located a short distance from Iglesia de La Fortuna de San Carlos (1.4 mi) and Arenal Vida Campesina (2.5 mi). When you’re feeling hungry, be sure to check out La Fortuna Pub, Restaurante Las Palmas, and El Establo, which are some pubs that are popular with locals and out-of-towners alike. Should time allow, Ecotermales Fortuna is a popular attraction that is within walking distance. Hotel Roca Negra del Arenal is sure to make your visit to La Fortuna de San Carlos one worth remembering.
Exceptional value for money. Can highly recommend
Reviewed By lindaatschWe loved everything about the Roca Negra. Location: 2km outside of La Fortuna. All activities very easily accessible by car. Selection of restaurants and shops within walking distance. Very nice warm welcome and familiar feeling with staff. Room was huge, very private, quiet and spotlessly clean. Self contained patio/garden area with spectacular view of the Volcano (room 12). Beautiful, well maintained, spacious gardens, lots of wildlife to observe. Clean and inviting pool area. Use of well equiped general kitchen, free fresh eggs and coffee. Nice seating areas for breakfast. Can’t recommend highly enough. Exceptional value for money.
6. Hotel Mountain Paradise
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1845 reviews
Your Home away from Home.
Great staff, great birds, great view. Very clean. Food is bad.
Reviewed By aPaddlingDuckSix and half years ago we stayed here as a group of 12 during the off season, and we had lovely time. This time we returned, and we did so because our last visit was so lovely. Good news first: The staff were warm and truly gave us the impression they cared. From the bar to the breakfast to the maintenance and bell boy. The room was very clean. Housekeeping really cares. The bar man at the pool is excellent, and so are his drinks. Prices are a touch high outside of happy hour. Breakfast staff are lovely people. Excellent birds spotted on the property, many from our window and patio. If birding is a priority for you when visiting Arenal, know that you may have a great start at the hotel. All of these sorts of properties spray to reduce bugs, but they seem to have struck a good balance because we still had a lot of birds putting on a show. Wifi was fast and signal robust at the bar, dining and room. Tons of towels, plenty of soap and shampoo. Needs improvement: There are several things the hotel should take note of. All of the notes are for administration and not the staff. Staff were great. First and this is the most important. The food quality needs to be improved greatly as well as consistency. Some items were good, others were not and some seemed to vary depending on the day. Overall, this kitchen needs help. This could be the lingering aftershocks of what covid did to the hospitality industry, but we’re basically past that as a reason in May of 2022. For the price point quality must improve. The Costa Rican breakfast was decent and sustaining, but everything else need improvement. Food was great on our previous stay. To management: Poor food quality has a knock down effect on other things. On our last visit we availed ourselves of the spa. It was a bit expensive then, but it was great. This time we went elsewhere for a massage, in large part because of the food quality. If the food isn’t great why would the spa be great? I also chose not to book a tour through the hotel for this same reason. While the room was very clean, including the bathroom, it’s clear things are looking a bit worn since our last visit. The bathrooms, because they always get the most usage in a room, need a bit of a facelift, not heavy work, just new plumbing fixtures, especially the sink and the regular shower. Moving around the property I noticed very few potential safety issues but where I did, it bothered me because they are easily fixed. Hotel management needs to look out for any sort of sharp metal anywhere on property and in rooms, there wasn’t much but where I saw it, it clearly had been there too long. Also, the bar by the pool should make sure any electrical cords are kept away from the water. I don’t believe there is a serious issue here, but it needs to be double checked. Music at the bar and brekkie was a bit loud at times. Finally every room needs a big golf umbrella to help you get to brekkie when it's raining. This used to be the case here. Not anymore. The weird: One evening we ordered room service, I placed a tip on the bill and put it on the room. The morning we left I went to the front desk to clear the charge. I was presented with the total which included the tip for the restaurant. The front desk staffer asked me if I wanted to put a tip on when I presented my credit card. I mentioned I’d already tipped the restaurant and bill reflected that accurately. The front desk staffer then said, oh yes but that’s a different department. Confused I ask again, there is a tip for the restaurant, right? “Yes, but this would be a tip for the front desk.” I politely declined. A tip for the front desk, on top of the bill and tip at the restaurant, for clearing my bill? Most would say this is strange, and they wouldn’t be wrong. To me this shows a lack of training from the top. Front desk staff don’t get tipped except a concierge, but that’s a whole other conversation. Correcting the record: Some recent reviewers have mentioned they felt the hotel was not doing enough maintenance. I saw a lot going on while we were staying. Gardening, painting, roofing, etc, and almost all of it was done quietly for the most part. Hope they get to the bathrooms. Overall, the property is very nicely maintained for the price point and I rather like a bit of a rustic look. The verdict: Would we stay again? Probably. The staff were very kind and truly seemed to take pride in their work. The birds were great too. I wrote this enormous review because I really want to see Hotel Mountain Paradise succeed, they are so close to being a GREAT place to stay. The staff deserves it, they clearly care.
