Best Hotels Near Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs (2026 Guide)
Find the best hotels near Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica with natural hot springs. From luxury resorts to budget options in La Fortuna, complete guide with prices.
Contents
Arenal Volcano: Costa Rica's Most Iconic Destination
Arenal Volcano, with its perfect conical shape rising 1,670 meters above the surrounding rainforest, is one of Costa Rica's most recognizable landmarks. While the volcano has been dormant since 2010, the geothermal activity beneath continues to heat natural hot springs throughout the region.
La Fortuna, the gateway town to Arenal, offers everything from world-class luxury resorts with private hot springs to budget-friendly hotels minutes from thermal pools. This guide helps you find the perfect place to soak in volcanic mineral waters while gazing at one of Central America's most beautiful volcanoes.
Hot Springs Overview
The Arenal area features dozens of hot springs, from massive resort complexes to intimate natural pools. Water temperatures range from pleasantly warm to steaming hot, all heated naturally by volcanic activity deep underground.
Types of hot springs access:
- Hotel hot springs: Private pools for guests only
- Resort day passes: Pay to access resort pools (usually $30-100)
- Free natural hot springs: Public access along the river (basic, no facilities)
Luxury Hot Springs Resorts
Nayara Springs & Nayara Gardens
The Best in Central America
Repeatedly voted the #1 hotel in Central and South America and ranked among the top 5 hotels worldwide, Nayara defines luxury in the Arenal region. The property offers two distinct experiences: Nayara Gardens (family-friendly) and Nayara Springs (adults-only).
Highlights:
- Private plunge pools in every Springs villa
- Secluded "casitas" in tropical gardens
- Direct volcano views
- Award-winning Amor Loco restaurant
- Spa with volcanic mud treatments
Hot Springs: Private jacuzzi-style pools heated by volcanic thermal water in each Springs villa. Gardens guests access beautiful shared hot spring pools.
Price: Nayara Gardens from $400 USD/night | Nayara Springs from $800 USD/night
Best for: Honeymooners, luxury travelers, special occasions
The Springs Resort & Spa
World's Most Spectacular Views
Named by CNN Travel as one of the seven resorts with the most spectacular views in the world, The Springs Resort sits directly facing Arenal Volcano with 28 hot spring pools cascading down the hillside.
Highlights:
- 28 natural hot spring pools
- Five unique restaurants
- Club Rio Adventure Center on-site
- Wildlife sanctuary with rescued animals
- Water slides and kids' activities
Hot Springs: 28 pools at varying temperatures, from cool plunge pools to steaming hot baths. Swim-up bars, waterfalls, and stunning volcano views.
Price: From $350 USD/night
Best for: Families, adventure seekers, those wanting resort facilities
Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Costa Rica's Original Hot Springs Resort
Tabacon pioneered the hot springs resort concept in Costa Rica and remains one of the most popular. The property features 25 mineral-rich thermal pools set among tropical gardens with cascading waterfalls.
Highlights:
- 25 thermal pools in garden setting
- Natural cascading waterfalls
- Full-service spa with thermal treatments
- Elegant on-site restaurant
- Day passes available for non-guests
Hot Springs: Largest hot springs complex in Costa Rica. Pools range from 77°F to 122°F (25°C to 50°C). The thermal river and waterfall are highlights.
Price: From $300 USD/night
Best for: Couples, first-time visitors, those wanting iconic hot springs experience
Mid-Range Hotels with Hot Springs
Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa
All Suites with Volcano Views
Every suite at Arenal Kioro features volcano views from private balconies with jacuzzi tubs. The property offers on-site hot springs plus complimentary shuttle to nearby Titokú Hot Springs.
Highlights:
- All-suite accommodations
- Private balcony jacuzzis
- On-site hot spring pools
- Free access to Titokú Hot Springs
- Naturia Spa
Hot Springs: 8 different pools at varying temperatures on property, plus free access to the larger Titokú complex.
Price: From $200 USD/night
Best for: Value-seekers wanting hot springs and views
Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort
Adults-Only Wellness Focus
This 4.5-star adults-only hotel emphasizes wellness with natural hot springs, full-service spa, and adventure activities. Perfect balance of relaxation and exploration.
Highlights:
- Adults-only (16+)
- Natural hot springs on property
- Full-service spa
- Adventure tour desk
- Excellent restaurant
Hot Springs: Multiple pools with varying temperatures, plus outdoor treatment areas using thermal water.
Price: From $180 USD/night
Best for: Couples, wellness travelers, adults seeking quieter atmosphere
Arenal Manoa Hotel & Hot Springs
Boutique Charm with Big Views
A smaller, more intimate option, Arenal Manoa features lush tropical gardens and natural hot spring pools with some of the best volcano views in the area.
Highlights:
- Boutique size (more personal)
- Stunning volcano views
- Natural hot spring pools
- On-site restaurant
- Peaceful atmosphere
Hot Springs: Mineral-rich thermal pools surrounded by tropical gardens with unobstructed volcano views.
Price: From $150 USD/night
Best for: Couples seeking intimate atmosphere, photographers
Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
Classic Hot Springs Experience
Located in the heart of La Fortuna, this family-friendly resort offers authentic Costa Rican hospitality with 100% natural hot springs and unmatched volcano views.
Highlights:
- Central location in La Fortuna
- Natural hot springs and jacuzzis
- Natria Spa on-site
- Family-friendly pools
- Tour desk for adventures
Hot Springs: Multiple natural thermal pools plus jacuzzi areas, all with volcano views.
Price: From $140 USD/night
Best for: Families, value-seekers, first-time visitors
Budget-Friendly Options
Hotels Near Public Hot Springs
Several budget hotels in La Fortuna offer affordable accommodation within minutes of day-pass hot springs:
Los Lagos Hot Springs: Budget hotel with its own extensive hot spring complex. From $80/night.
Baldi Hot Springs Resort: Large complex with 25 pools, budget rooms available. From $70/night.
Arenal Paraiso Resort: Affordable option with thermal pools. From $60/night.
La Fortuna Town Hotels
Stay in town and purchase day passes to hot springs separately. Hotels from $40-80/night, hot springs day passes $30-80.
Hot Springs Comparison
| Resort | # of Pools | Day Pass | Hotel Rate | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nayara Springs | Private villas | No | From $800 | Privacy & luxury |
| The Springs | 28 | $99 | From $350 | Views & variety |
| Tabacon | 25 | $99 | From $300 | Gardens & waterfalls |
| Arenal Kioro | 8 + Titokú | $48 (Titokú) | From $200 | Value + views |
| Baldi | 25 | $45 | From $70 | Budget option |
Best Activities Beyond Hot Springs
Adventure Activities
- Waterfall rappelling: Descend tropical waterfalls
- White water rafting: Class II-IV rapids
- Zip lining: Arenal Sky Adventures
- Hanging bridges: Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
- Canyoneering: Rappel, jump, and swim through canyons
Nature & Wildlife
- Arenal Volcano National Park: Hiking trails with volcano views
- La Fortuna Waterfall: 70-meter waterfall with swimming
- Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge: Boat tours for wildlife
- Night tours: Spot nocturnal wildlife
Lake Arenal
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Windsurfing (advanced)
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (December - April)
- Best volcano views (clearer skies)
- Peak season prices
- Book 2-3 months ahead
Green Season (May - November)
- Lower prices (20-40% off)
- Lush, green landscapes
- Morning often clear, rain in afternoon
- Hot springs feel even better in the rain!
Getting to Arenal
From San José: 3-3.5 hours by car or shuttle
From Liberia Airport: 2.5 hours (convenient for Guanacaste beaches)
From Monteverde: 3-4 hours via Arenal Lake taxi-boat-taxi (scenic) or 3 hours by road
From Manuel Antonio: 4-5 hours
Conclusion
Arenal offers something magical—soaking in naturally heated volcanic waters while gazing at a majestic volcano. Whether you choose an ultra-luxury private villa at Nayara or a budget room near Baldi Hot Springs, the experience of thermal bathing surrounded by rainforest is unforgettable.
For first-time visitors, we recommend a mid-range option like Arenal Kioro or Tabacon that combines quality hot springs, good value, and volcano views. Splurge on Nayara or The Springs for special occasions.
Use our search widget above to compare rates and find the perfect Arenal hotel for your Costa Rica adventure.
