Volcano Lodge And Springs- Top Family Hot Springs Resort In La Fortuna (2023)

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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 one of our favorite La Fortuna Hotels for families. Let’s dive into the Volcano Lodge and Springs family hot springs hotel review.

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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 in 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.

The perfect family hotel near the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna Costa Rica isVolcano Lodge and Springs! A mid-priced hotel that caters to families- delicious continental breakfast, gorgeous volcano views, multiple hot springs and cold pools and beautifully groomed walking trails.

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.

Visit Volcano Lodge and Springs

The Volcano Lodge and Springs resort 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 the 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.

The perfect family hotel near the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna Costa Rica isVolcano Lodge and Springs! A mid-priced hotel that caters to families- delicious continental breakfast, gorgeous volcano views, multiple hot springs and cold pools and beautifully groomed walking trails.

Arrive At Volcano Lodge and Springs

The 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 and Springs 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.

Sleep At at Volcano Lodge and Springs

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. In 2023, rates for that room are about $325 a night with breakfast included for 2 adults and 2 children.

The perfect family hotel near the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna Costa Rica isVolcano Lodge and Springs! A mid-priced hotel that caters to families- delicious continental breakfast, gorgeous volcano views, multiple hot springs and cold pools and beautifully groomed walking trails.

Eat At Volcano Lodge and Springs

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 Resort and Spa. Every room booking includes 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!

The perfect family hotel near the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna Costa Rica isVolcano Lodge and Springs! A mid-priced hotel that caters to families- delicious continental breakfast, gorgeous volcano views, multiple hot springs and cold pools and beautifully groomed walking trails.

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 it reasonable considering the super high quality of the food.

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.

Play At Volcano Lodge and Springs

There is a lot to do right on the Volcano Lodge and Springs property- there are four 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.

The perfect family hotel near the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna Costa Rica isVolcano Lodge and Springs! A mid-priced hotel that caters to families- delicious continental breakfast, gorgeous volcano views, multiple hot springs and cold pools and beautifully groomed walking trails.

Into leaving the property? The Volcano Lodge and Springs 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 and Springs, 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 beaten.

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.

Is Volcano Lodge and Springs good for families?

Yes! There is a playground with ample space for kids to run around, lots of kid-friendly foods on the menu, and a kid’s swimming pool. Kids are welcome in all spaces of the resort.

Do all the rooms have a volcano view?

No. Some rooms have a volcano view, and others have a garden view. If you are wanting to make sure you have a volcano view, you can call the hotel before or after booking to make sure you get the view that you want.

Is there an all-inclusive option?

No. A full and hearty traditional Costa Rican breakfast is included with the room rate for all the occupants. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner, drinks, and appetizers. The food is delicious!

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

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Christa Jimenez

Welcome! I’m Christa, a Spanish teacher married to a handsome Costa Rican and mother of two bilingual daughters. We’ve spent over 25 years living in and traveling to Costa Rica with our daughters, and this website is my love letter to all things Costa Rica- and to bilingual parenting too. You can read my full story here. Thanks for stopping by!

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