La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations for families in the country—and for good reason! With views of the iconic Arenal Volcano, hot springs to relax in, waterfalls to explore, wildlife tours, and adventure activities, it’s an easy place to slow down and keep kids entertained.
Choosing where to stay in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, can make or break your trip, especially when traveling as a family. There are so many options to choose from, and it can definitely feel overwhelming!
In this guide, we’ll break down the best areas to stay for families, organized based on your budget and travel style. We’ll also highlight amenities families care about most, like pools, breakfast, walkability, parking, and proximity to attractions.
Table of contents
- Best Areas to Stay in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
- Best Budget & Family-Friendly Stays in La Fortuna
- Best Mid-Range Family Hotels in La Fortuna
- Best Luxury & All-Inclusive Family Resorts in La Fortuna
- Tips for Choosing the Best Place to Stay in La Fortuna with Kids
- Final Thoughts: Where to Stay in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
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Best Areas to Stay in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Before choosing a hotel, it helps to understand the different areas around La Fortuna and what makes each one ideal for families.
La Fortuna Town Center
Best for: Walkability, dining, budget-friendly stays, first-time visitors.
Staying in downtown La Fortuna puts you within walking distance of restaurants, bakeries, tour operators, shops, and parks. This area is perfect for families who don’t want to drive everywhere and prefer easy access to food and amenities.
Why families love it:
- Walkable to restaurants and shops.
- Easy access to tours and shuttles.
- More affordable accommodations.
- Great base for short stays.
Arenal Volcano / Outskirts of Town
Best for: Views, nature, hot springs, resort-style stays.
Just outside La Fortuna town, you’ll find jungle lodges, eco-resorts, and luxury hotels with incredible volcano views. This area is quieter and more immersive, but usually requires a rental car.
Why families love it:
- Stunning Arenal Volcano views.
- Larger properties with pools and activities.
- Hot springs and on-site dining.
- Peaceful rainforest setting.
Best Budget & Family-Friendly Stays in La Fortuna
These accommodations are affordable, well-reviewed, and ideal for families—offering private rooms, convenient locations, and practical amenities.
(TOP PICK) Arenal Xilopalo
Best budget hotel for families in La Fortuna
This is where we stayed, and it’s one of the best budget-friendly family hotels in La Fortuna.
Why families love it:
- Spacious family rooms.
- On-site restaurant with delicious food and incredible Arenal Volcano views.
- Covered pool, perfect for rainy rainforest days.
- Free parking.
- Walkable to shops, restaurants, and tour offices.
- Friendly staff and excellent reviews.
This is a fantastic choice if you want comfort, location, and value without sacrificing quality.
Hotel Secreto La Fortuna
Great budget-friendly hotel in the heart of town
Hotel Secreto La Fortuna is a solid option in the budget category and a great choice for families who want comfort, walkability, and strong value.
Why families love it:
- Central La Fortuna town location.
- Outdoor pool with a kids’ pool.
- Free breakfast included.
- Free parking.
- Clean, modern rooms with excellent reviews.
- Helpful staff for booking tours and transportation.
Hotel Secreto is generally comparable in price to other budget hotels in La Fortuna and sometimes slightly higher than the lowest-cost options, but the included breakfast and family-friendly pool make it an excellent overall value.
Hotel Las Colinas
Affordable, walkable stay in La Fortuna town
Hotel Las Colinas is a simple, well-rated budget hotel right in the center of La Fortuna, making it a convenient option for families who want to be close to everything without spending a lot.
Why families love it:
- Prime downtown location.
- Family rooms available.
- Free parking on-site.
- Helpful staff who can assist with booking tours and transportation.
- Quiet, no-frills atmosphere.
While it doesn’t have resort-style amenities like a pool or hot springs, Hotel Las Colinas is a good choice for families who plan to spend most of their time exploring La Fortuna and want a clean, comfortable, and affordable place to sleep in a great location.
Best Mid-Range Family Hotels in La Fortuna
These hotels offer more comfort, larger pools, and resort-style amenities—without luxury-level pricing.
(TOP PICK) Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails
Best mid-range stay for nature-loving families
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is a unique mid-range option for families who want to stay immersed in nature with some of the best views of Arenal Volcano in the region. Located just outside La Fortuna, this lodge sits on a large private reserve with miles of trails right on-site.
Why families love it:
- Incredible direct views of Arenal Volcano.
- Extensive on-site hiking trails, hanging bridges, and wildlife viewing.
- Spacious family rooms.
- On-site restaurant and breakfast available.
- Educational experiences like guided nature walks and birdwatching.
- Free parking.
This is an excellent choice for families who want a hands-on nature experience without paying luxury resort prices. While it’s not walkable to town, the setting, views, and included access to trails make it a memorable and good-value mid-range stay.
Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs
Comfortable mid-range resort with volcano views and on-site hot springs
Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs is a comfortable mid-range option for families who want spacious accommodations, stunning volcano views, and easy access to on-site hot springs. Located just outside La Fortuna, this resort offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, with pools, dining, and family-friendly amenities all on the property.
Why families love it:
- Spacious family rooms.
- Beautiful pool area.
- On-site hot springs access.
- On-site restaurant and breakfast available.
- Close to major attractions.
Ideal for families who want a relaxing resort feel without going fully all-inclusive.
Hotel El Silencio del Campo
Family-friendly mid-range resort with thermal pools and a farm-style experience.
Hotel El Silencio del Campo is a family-friendly mid-range resort that combines thermal pools, farm-style charm, and a peaceful rainforest setting. Situated near La Fortuna, it offers spacious rooms, on-site dining, and opportunities for kids to explore nature and interact with animals, making it ideal for families seeking both comfort and adventure.
Why families love it:
- Family-friendly rooms.
- Thermal pools on-site.
- Farm-style setting with animals.
- Restaurant and breakfast included.
- Close to town and attractions.
This is a favorite for families traveling with younger kids.
Best Luxury & All-Inclusive Family Resorts in La Fortuna
If your budget allows, these luxury resorts deliver unforgettable experiences—especially for families who want everything in one place.
(TOP PICK) The Springs Resort & Spa
Best luxury family resort in La Fortuna
The Springs Resort & Spa is a top luxury family resort offering an unforgettable mix of hot springs, pools, and adventure activities with stunning views of Arenal Volcano. Located just outside La Fortuna, this expansive resort provides family suites, on-site dining, and a variety of kid-friendly experiences, making it perfect for a full-service luxury stay.
Why families love it:
- Massive property with multiple hot spring pools.
- Family suites available.
- On-site restaurants, kids’ activities, and an adventure center.
- Stunning Arenal Volcano views.
- Shuttle services and tours available.
This is a splurge—but many families say it’s worth every penny.
Baldi Hot Springs Hotel & Spa
Popular luxury family resort with multiple pools and kid-friendly amenities
Baldi Hot Springs Hotel & Spa is a popular luxury resort known for its multiple hot spring pools, water slides, and family-oriented amenities. Situated near La Fortuna, it combines relaxation and fun with on-site dining, breakfast options, and easy access to Arenal Volcano tours, making it an ideal choice for families seeking both comfort and entertainment.
Why families love it:
- One of the most popular family resorts in La Fortuna.
- Multiple hot spring pools and water slides.
- Breakfast included.
- On-site restaurants.
- Great for kids and teens.
Perfect if your family wants fun, pools, and convenience.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Upscale thermal resort ideal for families who want relaxation and nature experiences
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is an upscale thermal resort offering a serene, nature-immersed experience for families who want both luxury and adventure. Nestled near Arenal Volcano, the resort features natural hot springs, family-friendly areas, on-site dining, and peaceful rainforest surroundings, perfect for families looking to relax and explore in comfort.
Why families love it:
- Luxury hot springs experience.
- Family-friendly (with designated family areas).
- Beautiful natural thermal river.
- On-site dining and breakfast options.
- Peaceful, upscale atmosphere.
Best for families with older kids who enjoy relaxation and nature.
Tips for Choosing the Best Place to Stay in La Fortuna with Kids
Choosing the right hotel in La Fortuna can significantly impact your family’s experience. Here are some practical, family-tested tips to help you decide where to stay.
Decide If You’ll Have a Rental Car
If you plan to rent a car, you’ll have more flexibility and can comfortably stay outside of La Fortuna town. Resorts and lodges near Arenal Volcano often offer more space, better views, and quieter surroundings.
If you won’t have a car, staying in La Fortuna town center is the easiest option. You’ll be able to walk to restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and tour offices without relying on taxis.
Prioritize Walkability for Short Stays
For families staying just a few nights, walkability can be a game-changer. Being able to walk to dinner after a long travel day—or grab snacks and coffee nearby—makes traveling with kids much easier.
Downtown La Fortuna hotels are ideal if you want:
- Easy access to food and ice cream shops.
- Nearby pharmacies and supermarkets.
- Minimal driving after activities.
Consider the Season (Especially Rainy Season)
If you’re visiting during the green/rainy season (May–November), look for hotels with:
- Covered pools or hot springs.
- On-site restaurants.
- Comfortable indoor common areas.
This ensures your family still has fun options during afternoon rain showers—something we appreciated with kids when we traveled in June!
Look for Pools or Hot Springs
After waterfall hikes and adventure tours, kids love having a pool to unwind.
Many of the best family hotels in La Fortuna offer:
- Large swimming pools.
- Thermal hot springs.
- Shallow areas for younger kids.
Hot springs are a major bonus and can save money compared to buying separate day passes.
On-Site Dining Makes Life Easier
Hotels with on-site restaurants or included breakfast simplify mornings and evenings—especially with younger children or early tours.
Breakfast included can:
- Save time and money.
- Make early departures stress-free.
- Keep kids happy before busy activity days.
Book True Family Rooms
Not all “family-friendly” hotels actually offer space.
When booking, look for:
- Family rooms or suites.
- Multiple beds (not just rollaway).
- Extra space for luggage and strollers.
This is especially important if you’re staying more than a night or two.
Balance Location With Experience
Staying in town offers convenience, while staying near Arenal Volcano offers immersion in nature.
Ask yourself:
- Do we want convenience or scenery?
- Are we okay driving to dinner?
- Do we want a resort-style experience or a home base?
There’s no wrong choice—just the one that best fits your family’s travel style.
Think About Your Kids’ Ages
- Toddlers & young kids: Walkable locations, family rooms, pools, and on-site dining.
- Older kids & teens: Resorts with hot springs, water slides, and adventure activities.
Matching your hotel to your kids’ ages can make the trip far more enjoyable for everyone.
Final Thoughts: Where to Stay in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna has accommodations for every type of family—from budget-friendly hotels like Arenal Xilopalo, to mid-range resorts, to luxury hot spring escapes like The Springs and Baldi. The best choice depends on your travel style, budget, and whether you prefer walkability or jungle views.
No matter where you stay, La Fortuna is an unforgettable destination for families visiting Costa Rica, and you’re guaranteed to have a great trip!
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