Arenal Manoa and Hot Springs Resort is the best-value way to wake up facing the volcano without paying luxury prices, and it is one of the most highly rated hotels in the region. It sits about seven kilometres from La Fortuna town on the road toward Arenal, on landscaped grounds with gardens and open lawns that frame the cone. There are natural thermal hot springs on site, plus two outdoor pools and a children’s pool, two swim-up bars and poolside bars, so you can spend the afternoon soaking with a drink and a view. Two restaurants handle meals, including a gourmet option for dinner, and the Manoa Spa offers massages, body treatments and aromatherapy. Rooms come in several categories, named Chato, Premium, Volcano and Garden, plus separate villas, and many have private terraces facing the volcano. A buffet breakfast is included, parking is free, and the staff can arrange guided tours, with transport from the hotel, to the national park and the area’s headline sights.
Location and getting around: the hotel is about seven kilometres west of La Fortuna, toward the volcano, and roughly twenty minutes by road from the Arenal Volcano National Park entrance. Several hot-springs complexes, including Los Lagos, Baldi and EcoTermales, are within a short drive, and Natura Eco Park is close enough to walk. Free self-parking makes a rental car easy, and there is an electric car charging point.
The rooms: the hotel has around 111 rooms in several categories. Volcano rooms and villas are the ones to pick, with terraces facing Arenal; Garden rooms look over the grounds. Rooms have large TVs, rainfall showers and pillow menus.
Who it suits: couples who want a volcano view and hot springs at a mid-range price, and families, thanks to the children’s pool, babysitting for a fee and family-friendly service. It suits travellers with a car best, though taxis to town are quick.
Good to know: breakfast is a free buffet, and there is a complimentary manager’s reception. Late-night room service is available. Ask for a volcano-facing room when you book, since views are the reason to stay here.
Why stay here
- ✓Natural hot springs
- ✓Two outdoor pools
- ✓Two swim-up bars
- ✓Manoa Spa
- ✓Free breakfast buffet
- ✓Volcano-view terraces
- ✓Free parking
- ✓Tour desk with transport
Good questions
Does Arenal Manoa have its own hot springs?+
Yes, the resort has natural thermal hot springs on site, as well as two outdoor pools and a children’s pool. Two swim-up bars serve drinks in the pools.
Is breakfast included at Arenal Manoa?+
Yes, a buffet breakfast is included with stays. The hotel also has two restaurants for lunch and dinner.
How far is the hotel from La Fortuna town?+
It is about seven kilometres from La Fortuna centre on the road toward the volcano. Parking is free, and the hotel can arrange transport for tours.
