Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs, Arenal/La Fortuna

Kimkim team favorite · 4.8 (65 reviews) · Comfort
Tranquil resort with Arenal Volcano views, geothermal hot springs, spa services, and family-friendly amenities

Overview

Sleep in the jungle at Arenal Manoa, which has sprawling grounds complete with dense vegetation, three eateries, a swimming pool, a spa, and several hot springs pools. Its 82 colonial-inspired bungalows each house two units, and each room has a private terrace hidden by tropical plants. Stroll from your room to breakfast along twisting walkways and enjoy volcano views from every unit, plus the pool, hot springs, and restaurants.

Kimkim's Take

Brittany
Brittany McNamara kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, March 2022 (Learn more)
Pros
  • The hotel has some of the best views in the area, with the property (and each guest suite) featuring vistas of Arenal Volcano.
  • You don't have to leave the grounds to enjoy a Costa Rican hot springs experience, as you'll find an entire complex with several pools, typically only open to hotel guests.
  • The property offers accessibility ramps at its central swimming pool and one of the hot springs pools.
  • Rooms come in duplex cottages sharing only one wall with another unit, meaning a quieter and more private experience.
  • The on-site eateries are very good—choose from a bistro with wood-fried pizza, light eats by the pool, or an open-air restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Cons
  • Because the property is vast, it takes time to get around it on foot (a shuttle service is available).
  • Thin walls mean you can sometimes hear neighbors if the adjacent room is occupied.
  • You'll need a driver or rental car to get around the area; it takes about 10 minutes to get to downtown La Fortuna (and longer for other sites). 
  • Though all rooms are comfy, most have queen beds, with only some offering king beds.

Additional Notes From Brittany

Arenal Manoa reminds me a lot of the popular Arenal Springs Resort in terms of layout, views, and services. So, if you're looking for a more affordable option, this could be it! I enjoyed lunch at the property's main restaurant, which was a memorable experience. The food was delicious (try the tres leches cake), and the views were unbeatable. As I waited for my meal, I could look over the hotel's pond, watch for wildlife, and enjoy the vistas of Arenal Volcano. 

Authenticity

You'll feel like you're in Arenal at this hotel! The vast property has beautiful tropical gardens, a pond, several hot springs pools, and cabins connected by pathways, all offering essential volcano views unique to the area.

Location

The hotel offers a decent location in Palma, just northwest of La Fortuna. Surrounded by trees and jungle greenery, the property feels remote despite being just a 10-minute drive from downtown La Fortuna and 20 minutes to the national park. Though there's plenty to enjoy at the hotel, you'll need to hire a transfer or rent a car to reach the area's major attractions or go offsite for a meal.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The suites at Arenal Manoa are all set in duplex cabins spread throughout the property. Thanks to dense greenery, you'll only share one wall with your neighbor and have plenty of privacy on your own terrace. Units are clean, modern, and bright, all offering air-conditioning, minifridges, and spacious bathrooms. Opt for one of the premium suites if you'd like a Jacuzzi tub in your bathroom or a king bed.

Sustainability

The hotel is a member of the Costa Rica Tourism Board's rigorous Sustainable Tourism Program, which requires an annual evaluation of elements like waste reduction and water and energy use. Arenal Manoa also established its own set of sustainability policies, which include contributing to the country's preservation of flora and fauna and supporting local businesses, among many others.

Wildlife

At Arenal Manoa, travelers will spot birds from their terraces and the surrounding nature trails, including hummingbirds and curassows. It's also possible to spot howler monkeys and sloths; a nearby lake is home to caimans.

Amenities

The biggest highlight at Arenal Manoa is the hot springs complex, with changing rooms, towels, a poolside eatery, and temperatures ranging from 93°F to 100.4°F. A "spa by the riverside" offers relaxing treatments in private open-air bungalows. Travelers can enjoy outdoor activities like self-guided nature walks around the property. The hot springs and pool are outfitted with ramps, and navigating the property via a golf cart and shuttle is possible. Some guest rooms are wheelchair accessible.

Family-Friendliness

Arenal Manoa welcomes children of all ages. Children three and younger stay for free, while a reduced rate applies for children between four and 12; kids ages 13 and up are charged as adults. The best room option for families is the Superior Suite, with a small, separate living room and two queen beds. The hotel offers a smaller pool ideal for kids, dedicated children's menus, and a working dairy farm—families will enjoy its cow-milking experience.

Other Highlights

There are several restaurants at Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs, so travelers don't have to drive into downtown La Fortuna. Breakfast is buffet-style and consistently gets rave reviews. The relaxed, open-air La Saca Restaurant has an all-day menu and an extensive wine list. Alambique Bistro serves sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas on a terrace with views of the Arenal volcano. Güipipia, the swim-up bar at the hot springs, offers snacks, cocktails, and international beers, with discounts during happy hour. Ohashi is the adjacent sushi bar (only open at night). Uyuyui, a bar located at the pool, specializes in tropical drinks. 

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3.5-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 24791111
Hotel address icon La Fortuna San Carlos

Traveler Reviews

65 total ratings, 51 with reviews
4.8
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.7
Location
4.7
Staff
4.9
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.8
Howard
Howard L.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jun 03, 2024
Beautiful grounds, great breakfasts, and meals by the pool and springs. Read more

Beautiful grounds, great breakfasts, and meals by the pool and springs.

Authenticity & Character
Location
View of Arenal Volcano
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2024
G
Greg W.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 20, 2024
I loved this place! It was quiet and easy to feel relaxed and comfortable. Close to all the activities. The views were so amazing. So many birds, animals and beautiful flowers right outside my door. Read more

I loved this place! It was quiet and easy to feel relaxed and comfortable. Close to all the activities. The views were so amazing. So many birds, animals and beautiful flowers right outside my door.

Authenticity & Character
Hidden away from the business of the cities. Felt like I was in paradise.
Location
So easy to come and go. Parked right outside my room. The drive from Libera was incredible, so much fun.
Staff
Everyone was super nice and took pride in there work and the resort.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Super clean and well maintained resort.
Stayed in May 2024
Larry
Larry R.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 30, 2024
Nice room. Friendly, helpful staff. Read more

Nice room. Friendly, helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Off the main road. Pretty grounds.
Staff
Very attentive. Helpful during a temporary illness.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2024
sagarika
sagarika r.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024
Beautiful resort with lush greenery and epic view of the Arenal Volcano from the resort room. Staff was amazing and very friendly and always willing to help. I wish we had more english language channels for the TV and the hotel had shuttle services to the downtown area.. Read more

Beautiful resort with lush greenery and epic view of the Arenal Volcano from the resort room. Staff was amazing and very friendly and always willing to help. I wish we had more english language channels for the TV and the hotel had shuttle services to the downtown area..

Authenticity & Character
Location
The resort is in a quiet setting for a peaceful getaway but a bit far from the downtown area
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2024
A
Andrew G.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024
Lovely location and pools. Read more

Lovely location and pools.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in February 2024
Bobbi
Bobbi S.
McHenry, IL | Reviewed on Mar 13, 2024
Absolutely amazing! The buffet was wonderful. Rooms were clean. Beds and pillows were too hard for my liking. Food was delicious. Beautiful volcano views. Seen a lot of wildlife, including a sloth on our resort. Read more

Absolutely amazing! The buffet was wonderful. Rooms were clean. Beds and pillows were too hard for my liking. Food was delicious. Beautiful volcano views. Seen a lot of wildlife, including a sloth on our resort.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2024
Andrea
Andrea B.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 07, 2024
This is a real little paradise in the jungle with direct view of the volcano. Wildlife all over the resort. Amazing breakfast. Read more

This is a real little paradise in the jungle with direct view of the volcano. Wildlife all over the resort. Amazing breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right under the volcano.
Staff
They were exceptional. Always pointin g out wildlife
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in February 2024
Robert
Robert N.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Mar 06, 2024
Fantastic place, great food, nice hot springs pool. Read more

Fantastic place, great food, nice hot springs pool.

Authenticity & Character
great rooms
Location
beautiful view
Staff
very friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
perfect
Stayed in February 2024
Nikki
Nikki S.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Mar 03, 2024
Can’t beat the thermal pools and feeling like you’re in the jungle. Read more

Can’t beat the thermal pools and feeling like you’re in the jungle.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy drive into La Fortuna center
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in February 2024
H
Harry K.
La Vista, NE | Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024
Beautiful gardens and surroundings.
Natural life was great… saw great birds and toucans.
Read more

Beautiful gardens and surroundings.
Natural life was great… saw great birds and toucans.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in February 2024

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3.5-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 24791111
Hotel address icon La Fortuna San Carlos