Arenal Springs Resort and Spa — Hotel in La Fortuna

When we first checked into the resort we were blown away. The location is great, with it being close to town, but also far enough away to not hear the traffic or commotion. The resort has 4 hot spring pools, as well as a jacuzzi and 2 cold pools. The bell staff were both hospital and kind. However, our experience started to go down hill once we tried to shower, after a long day of traveling. When I went to shower the water was so hot I could burn my skin if I stood under it to long. The cold water wasn’t working at all. I went to the front desk and explained what was happening. They had a gentleman, who proceeded to eye roll us like we were being dramatic, come to our room to check it out. He confirmed what we were saying was true. The stated maintenance would come and fix the issue. So we went to town to give it some time. We arrived back to our room about 2 hours after check in and tried to shower again. This time there was no hot water it was freezing cold. We went back to the front desk to tell them what was going on and they stated it should take about an hour for the water to reach normal temperature (this would now be 4.5 hour after normal checkin, we checked in an hour late so 3.5 hours of us being there). The lady at the front desk said we could shower in another room if we wanted and then we could return to our room. This was weird to me because why would they just not switch our room right then in there. At a five star resort I thought this recovery was terrible. However, we declined and decided to wait the extra hour, hoping it would be fixed. We changed into our bathing suits and went to enjoy the pools for a little over and hour. We then went back to the room to shower for the third time and the water was still the same temperature. COLD. At this point I was very upset and our last day of vacation was becoming miserable. We packed all our stuff and put it into the car. We proceeded to the front desk to tell them yet again the water is not working. I asked if we could be switched rooms and the first response was that they were sold out. I then asked if we could receive our money back, so we can go to an accommodation where we could shower and relax the rest of the night. Once I said that things changed. They asked for us to wait to see what they could do for us. Finally, at 8PM we were offered a new room (even though they just said they were sold out) it was an upgrade, but at this point the resolution didn’t matter. The whole issue was a complete headache and made my decision to never want to stay here again. I was not made about the silly issue of the water not getting to temperature, but more so about the recovery and resolution. At a five star resort that charges $300+ a night for a standard room should not have made us wait over 3.5 hours to get us into a new room. I shouldn’t of had to be the one demanding a new room, it should have been offered the second time we went down. The recovery was absolutely terrible and for that reason I will not only not ever stay here, but I will advise others to not stay here if traveling. Other than that issue the resort was beautiful. If they just resolved the issue in a timely manner we would have really enjoyed staying at this resort because it is beautiful. But save yourself the money and headache and stay somewhere like baldi springs, los Lagos...

This resort was absolutely stunning!! We wished we would have stayed here the entire time we were in La Fortuna. From the moment you enter the premises, you are greeted with such care, kindness, and attentiveness. Everyone was so accommodating and considerate. We felt so relaxed and at peace during every moment of our stay. We were so impressed with everything. The 6:30am free yoga every morning was really nice, very beginner friendly, more relaxing than an exercise focused type of yoga. The tea offered at the end of the yoga class was incredible and made from fresh fruits.

The breakfast buffet was incredible. Build your own smoothies, build your own eggs Benedict, build your own omelette. Plentiful options, the best resort breakfast we have ever had! Get there earlier to beat some of the lines for the build your own stations!

We booked a Volcano tour through the resort and it was easy to get picked up from and dropped off at the resort. How much wildlife you get to see and if the volcano is visible and the trails that are safe and open to go on to even with a guide is dependent on the weather. Unfortunately our tour it was a bit rainy and in the afternoon so we didn’t get to see as much as the people did in the morning of the same day.

There is plenty to do on the resort premises including the many hot springs and even the bar / restaurant that you can access while in the hot springs! There seemed to be plenty for kids to do as well including outdoor games, a designated pool area, and an arcade room. There is nice gym as well.

We wish we had more time to explore everything! We ate at the Italian restaurant at the resort which was pretty expensive but excellent service and decent food - we got the arancini and spinach mushroom carbonara- we would recommend venturing out of the resort for lunch and dinner options.

Overall, we were extremely impressed with our stay. No issues with the room at all. Other places we stayed in La Fortuna had an issue with lizards and bugs in the room - but not Arenal Springs! The bathroom was gorgeous, lots of natural light but again - no wildlife entering the room! We loved how private and intimate it felt while also being able to be in community with others! We did not take advantage of the no additional charge for room service for any of the restaurants on the resort, but would recommend to others! We had a great view of the volcano from our room when weather visibility permitted! We were close to beautiful views but did not hear a ton of wildlife which again- other places we stayed in Arenal, we struggled to sleep because of how loud the wildlife was- again this was not an issue at Arenal Springs.

We would recommend this resort to anyone looking to relax and experience...

Arenal Springs is a beautiful hotel where every villa has a view of the volcano. The breakfast was buffet style and very good. The natural springs are piped in and a little smaller than I expected, but still very nice and relaxing. The swim up bar can get quite crowded, but had great staff and good food selection. The rooms are also well appointed and quite nice. I think the vast majority of people will love it. It's not that we didn't, we did, but there are a couple of reasons I am giving it four and not five stars.

First, the check in was pleasant enough with a fresh local juice being presented to you. However, it was semi rushed and just not very effusive in greeting. I don't need anyone to fawn over me, but I like to feel a little more welcomed. Everyone else was very pleasant, but the front desk staff just seemed ever so slightly annoyed with people. This was our last stay in Costa Rica after six days, well excluding the Hilton Liberia hotel the night before the flight, and it just struck me as odd as all of our other interactions in the country were so positive. It was almost like the front desk staff was not happy to see a tourist? Not that I scream tourist or anything, but, yes, I'm a tourist.

The other issue we had that rubbed us the wrong way was the first night we went to dinner at their Italian restaurant, the only open at this time. We brought a bottle of wine in and ordered appetizers and dinner. There seemed to be no problem bringing in the wine and the food was good. However, at the end, the server charged the meal to the room but said I needed to pay him $10 USD cash as a corkage fee. I don't mind paying a corkage fee, but have that as an item on the receipt. I am generous tipper, always at least 20% (be aware that many places in Costa Rica already have a built in 10% gratuity so adjust accordingly if you wish), and I did leave a tip. He requested this after the bill was cleared. It was weird and off putting. I'm at a resort with a wristband so I don't have to carry cash. I had to walk down to my room and get $10 USD, which luckily I had, and walk it back to him. I just was left with the feeling that the restaurant wasn't getting this rather it went directly in his pocket. Could I have argued this? Sure, but I shouldn't have to. This is a vacation. Needless to say, that was the last dinner we ate there. We drove to other restaurants just to not give them business anymore.

Other than those two gripes, it is a nice place and a good alternative to the much more expensive Tabacon. However, there is a lot of competition in the area.

I would add though that if you choose to go here, support the spa. The prices are fairly reasonable and it is quite nice and the...