Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [131]
Hotel Fortuna (Map; 2479-9197; www.lafortunahotel.com; cnr Av Arenal & Calle 3; s/d incl breakfast US$68/79, with volcano views add US$10; ) The tallest building in town, this five-story, 44-room hotel is the newest and most modern hotel in downtown La Fortuna. The well-appointed rooms have balconies (some with volcano views), cable TV, private bathroom with hot water and hairdryer, and even room service. There’s an elevator, and most rooms are wheelchair-accessible. The gorgeous open-air lobby houses one of the best restaurants in town, Hojoche.
Hotel Cabañitas (Map; 2479-9343; www.hotelcabanitas.com; standard cabin s/d/tr US$80/95/115; superior cabin s/d/tr US$100/115/135; ste s/d/tr US$110/125/145; ) Located about 1km east of downtown, this quiet complex of 43 private cabins surrounding lush gardens is a great place to get away from it all, but still close enough to walk to town. Each cabin features dark polished wood from floor to ceiling, bathroom with hot water, air-con, coffeemaker, telephone and balcony with rocking chairs. The larger superior rooms have cable TV and minibar. There’s also a large swimming pool, a kiddie pool, spa, bar and restaurant onsite. Children under eight stay for free.
WEST OF TOWN
There are a few recommended places to stay along the road to Arenal, some of which have more character than others.
Budget
Hotel Las Flores (Map; 2479-9307; hotellasfloreslodge@ice.co.cr; s/d/tr incl breakfast US$20/30/40; ) This is a great budget option. Attractive, wood-paneled cabinas 2.5km west of town (near Lomas del Volcán) have hot-water bathroom, cable TV and fridge. There’s a nice soda onsite too.
Cerro Chato Lodge (Map; 2479-9522; www.cerrochato.com; r incl breakfast US$35-65; ) Owned by Miguel Zamora, an avid naturalist who delights in leading tourists on nature tours. Rooms here are simple and sweet, with hot-water bathroom and great views of the volcano. About 1.5km west of La Fortuna, turn left at the Super Christian £4 grocery store and continue 800m to the lodge. Miguel can pick you up for free from La Fortuna.
Midrange
Hotel Sueño Dorado (Map; 2479-7222; www.suendodorado.com; standard s/d/tr US$45/71/97, superior s/d/tr US$58/85/111, all incl breakfast; ) It’s nothing fancy, but this family-run motel with good volcano views is a good deal in low season. The yellow and green complex has 11 spotless rooms, all with private bathroom, hot water and TV, next to a bird-filled garden, restaurant and small pool. The wheelchair-accessible villa is the best room. It’s about 4km west of La Fortuna.
Erupciones Inn B&B (Map; 2479-1400; www.erupcionesinn.com; s/d incl breakfast US$80/90; ) The colorful cabinas at this appealing B&B are adorned with ornamental tiles and windows facing the volcano. And each one comes with its own private patio with chairs, looking onto the green scenery or the volcano. There’s even a Jacuzzi at this sweet spot, 9km west of La Fortuna.
Lomas del Volcán (Map; 2479-9000; www.lomasdelvolcan.com; s/d/tr/q incl breakfast US$97/105/135/165; ) Although Lomas del Volcán is one of the original resorts lining this stretch of road, it’s recommended because of its quiet location (you can hear monkeys in the trees) and stunning volcano views (especially when you’re soaking in the outdoor hot tub). Comfy, hardwood cabins have private hot-water bathroom with stained-glass accents, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking through the surrounding primary forest. Find it about 2km west of La Fortuna and then another signposted 1.5km down a dirt road.
Top End
Arenal Volcano Inn (Map; 2461-1122; www.arenalvolcanoinn.com; s/d/tr incl breakfast from US$103/119/133; ) The beautifully landscaped grounds of this quaint inn surround a pool and bungalow-style rooms, about 6.5km from La Fortuna. The tiled rooms are simple but include kitchenette and cable TV, and the management do all they can to make your stay relaxing and comfortable.
Hotel el Silencio del Campo (Map; 2479-7055; www.hotelsilenciodelcampo.com; d/tr/q incl