BEST HOTEL: Volcano Lodge Costa Rica

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There are so many options for accommodations in La Fortuna, Costa Rica that it can be hard to pick the best one for your family. After you read this review, curated after visiting these hot springs several times, you’ll know more about Volcano Lodge Costa Rica. Spoiler alert- we love it!

On our most recent family trip to Costa Rica, we had the amazing opportunity to travel the country and stay at some incredible family hotels. We spent time on Jaco Beach riding horses, seeing crocodiles, and eating amazing food.

We then headed up to Playa San Miguel for four nights at Hotel Cristal Azul, (don’t recommend it). Finally, we spent time at a completely off-the-grid farm called Rancho Margot. It was our best Costa Rica family travel itinerary yet.

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It’s no secret, however, that La Fortuna is one of my favorite places in Costa Rica. The Arenal Volcano is simply breathtaking every time I see it, and I am always in awe of the awesome food and customer service that are trademarks of the region.

We never miss La Fortuna on our Costa Rica trips, but we usually just spend the day there- we eat at one of our favorite La Fortuna restaurants before heading to Kalambu Hot Springs or Baldi Hot Springs for the evening.

On this trip, though, we decided to stay for a few nights and when we found Volcano Lodge Costa Rica we were thrilled. Here’s my review.

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About Volcano Lodge Costa Rica

The Volcano Lodge Costa Rica is a fully Costa Rican-owned hotel- in fact, it is family-owned. At Pura Vida Moms, I prefer to recommend locally owned hotels, restaurants and activities, so this resort definitely fits the bill.

For example, when we first arrived at the hotel my girls wanted to go to the playground- next to where they were playing the family that owns the kitchen was having a meeting. The mix of business and family was so fun to watch. I loved seeing brothers and sisters working alongside their parents.

Plus, the property itself is gorgeous and has just about everything you would need to stay on-site the entire time if you want to just chill and swim. If not, the hotel offers plenty of off-site activities (more on that below!)

Volcano Lodge and Springs has two natural springs- one cold and one hot and offers several swimming pools in which to relax. The ambiance is very quiet as only guests of the hotel can enjoy the hot springs. This is in stark contrast to many other hotels in the area that also offer day passes.

There is a restaurant on site that offers three meals and snacks per day, and it’s a mix of Costa Rican and international cuisine. Even better? It’s easy to get to in a car, taxi, or even on the local bus if you haven’t rented a car.

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Location- Volcano Lodge Costa Rica

Volcano Lodge Costa Rica resort is located on the main road leading out of La Fortuna and towards the Arenal Volcano, the laguna and dam, and the town of Tilarán. In short, it’s where almost all the hot springs resorts are also located. Volcano Lodge is about 10 minutes from the city center of La Fortuna, and the views of the famous Arenal Volcano from the property are simply amazing.

If you are driving a car in Costa Rica, there is a secure car park at the lodge. If you are taking a taxi from downtown, just tell the driver you are going to Volcano Lodge and they will know exactly where to take you.

When you arrive on the property, you will park near the office and reception to check in. Expect to be pampered. Our check-in was efficient, courteous, and friendly- and we all got a delicious natural fruit welcome drink. From the reception, you will be given directions to your room where a bellhop will be waiting to help you unload your suitcases and get situated.

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Accommodations At Volcano Lodge

At Volcano Lodge Costa Rica, we stayed in a Thermal Superior Junior Suite room, which I would highly recommend because it has its own private thermal plunge pool right on the back patio! Plus, it was surrounded by tropical gardens which made the thermal pools on the patio feel extra private and cozy.

Our room was spacious and impeccably clean- and included a welcome bottle of champagne and snacks! The room had two queen beds, air conditioning and a fan, a refrigerator, wireless internet, and cable television. You can also request this room with a king-size bed.

The back patio was private and spacious and had an amazing view of the volcano. Plus- there was cable TV for the kids while parents relaxed in the private hot tub! Need I say more?

If you want to spend a little bit less on your room you can still have the whole Volcano Lodge hotel thermal experience with the hot spring pools and just not have a thermal pool on your patio. In that case, I recommend a Superior Room with seating on the back patio that overlooks the volcano.

One more small tip- Volcano Lodge Costa Rica also owns a small hotel in downtown La Fortuna called the San Bosco Inn. They offer much more simple accommodations, but they are right downtown and have a nice patio for viewing the volcano. What is super cool, if you are looking to save some cash, is that you can use the Volcano Lodge hot springs if you stay there. They also offer family rooms that sleep up to 8 and have a pool on the property and an included breakfast.

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Food- Volcano Lodge Costa Rica

So, as we know, I love traditional Costa Rican food. I love it so so so so so much! And let me tell you- we ate like KINGS at Volcano Lodge Costa Rica. Every room booking included a full breakfast buffet in the main restaurant, and we also had a package that included lunch and dinner. There are poolside appetizers and a full cocktail bar and drink service and several wet and dry bars throughout the property as well.

Our breakfast had all the traditional Costa Rican foods- gallo pinto, eggs, homemade tortillas, traditional Costa Rican coffee, juice, fruit, plus a waffle bar and pancakes, sausage, cheese, cereal, – basically anything you could want! We loved it, and it started early which we were thankful for as our girls were up at 5 am every morning!

Lunch and dinner were fixed menus with several options for each of the three courses and a good kids’ meal. We sampled Costa Rican shrimp and rice, arroz con pollo, filet mignon, roasted pork tenderloin, vegetable soup, and some amazing salads.

I especially loved how beautifully and lovingly the food was plated- my chicken and rice was even shaped like a volcano!

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Service was excellent- we were treated like family in the restaurant and the waiters and chefs even made accommodations for the food our girls enjoy. I would recommend this restaurant even for nonguests- the price is reasonable considering the super high quality of the food.

I can’t wait to go back- AND the kids’ pool is next to the restaurant. I saw lots of parents eating at the tables next to the pool while their kids swam.

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Play At Volcano Lodge and Springs

There is a lot to do right on the Volcano Lodge and Springs property- there are four hot springs pools of varying temperatures that are great for kids and adults alike.

I loved the Wet Bar pool- it was shallow enough for my kids to play, and there were also fun nooks and crannies into which couples could sneak over and enjoy too.

There is also a fun play structure right by the main restaurant- we played there a ton! I enjoyed a cold Costa Rican beer and volcano views while the kids played and made friends with the other kids staying at the hotel- friends from all over the world!

I was also super impressed with the grounds- there is an awesome reforestation project with flora that is clearly labeled so it’s easy to walk along and learn about the native plants on a self-guided tour.

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Into leaving the property? The Volcano Lodge Costa Rica team can book literally ANY experience you want to have in the La Fortuna area- and they can do bookings even for just one person.

Which is amazing- most of the time in Costa Rica you have to have two or more people on a tour. With Volcano Lodge Costa Rica, if dad wants to ride an ATV and mom and the kids want to do a zip line you can totally do that. It’s a huge advantage, and their tour prices can’t be beat.

I have a whole roundup of the best activities in Arenal, but I would not miss the Eco Glide zipline tours or Arenal Mistico hanging bridges. We haven’t done it yet, but I’d also take a hike into the Arenal Volcano National Park next time we come to this area as the kids are getting big enough to do it. We also never miss Baldi Hot Springs.

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Volcano Lodge Costa Rica FAQ

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO LA FORTUNA/ARENAL:

• PLANNING A TRIP TO COSTA RICA
• BEST RESORTS: Best Hotels For Families In Arenal Costa Rica
• ARENAL ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES: 15 Top Arenal and La Fortuna Activities (For Families)
• BEST HOT SPRINGS: Top 10 Hot Springs in Costa Rica