The hype
Guests are blown away by the sheer scale, the volcano views, and the endless pools, often calling it a 'once in a lifetime' splurge.
The Springs Resort And Spa
$400-800+/ night
Book this if You want the 'Bachelor' fantasy: a massive, all-inclusive-style adventure park where you never have to leave the property to see a sloth or soak in a hot spring.
Why People Love It
- 28 different hot spring pools ranging from 83°F to 104°F
- Every single room has a direct, unobstructed view of Arenal Volcano
- On-site Club Rio Adventure Center offers tubing, kayaking, and wildlife tours without a transfer
Quick Take: It’s a spectacular, Americanized jungle bubble that feels more like a high-end theme park than an authentic Costa Rican lodge.
Reviewed by @two.peas.and.eloise: We grabbed a day room here and it was the highlight of our Costa Rica trip. The hot springs are incredible, especially in the rain, and having a base for the baby to nap made it stress-free. You have to try the swim-up bar!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The rooms, while huge, are starting to show their age with some dated decor, chipped paint, and noisy AC units.
- You are a family who wants 'jungle lite' — adventure activities with safety and luxury
- You are a 'Bachelor' fan wanting to recreate the show's dates
- You hate planning and want a resort where everything (food, tours, spa) is on-site
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable, with evening turndown often including chocolates.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally spotless marble, though some guests report rusty fixtures due to the mineral water and humidity.
- Maintenance: The property is huge, so you might spot peeling paint or worn wood on exterior decks.
- Linens & towels: Towels are plentiful (needed for all the pools) but can feel a bit rough from heavy laundering.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh and breezy; older rooms can have a faint musty/damp smell common in the tropics.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Rattling air conditioning units in older rooms
- Golf carts zooming past ground-floor villas
- Howler monkeys at dawn (nature's alarm clock)
Before you book
Good to know
- The road to the hotel is unpaved and bumpy; a 4x4 is recommended if you're driving yourself.
- You don't need to book tours elsewhere; Club Rio on-site matches most local tour prices and quality.
- Day passes are available for non-guests, meaning pools can get crowded with day-trippers between 10am-4pm.
What to pack
- Water shoes for the river tubing and hot springs (rocks can be slippery)
- Quick-dry clothes — nothing dries in the humidity
- Binoculars for spotting toucans from your balcony hammock
Room Genie
Best picks
- Alta Vista Guest Rooms (2nd floor) for vaulted ceilings and better volcano views
- Aracari Building for central access to pools without needing a long hike
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor Vista rooms if you want privacy from people walking by
- Rooms furthest from the reception if you hate waiting for golf carts
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and would love to request an Alta Vista room on the second floor with a vaulted ceiling. We would prefer a unit in the Aracari building or similar central location to minimize reliance on shuttles, and away from the main road to avoid golf cart noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the resort fee included?
There is no explicit daily 'resort fee' listed, but expect high markups on food and activities. Breakfast is not included in base rates.
Can I see the volcano from my bed?
Yes, the resort is designed so nearly every bed faces the volcano, though clouds often cover the peak.
Is it kid-friendly?
Extremely. There are water slides, a kids' game room, mini-golf, and the wildlife sanctuary is a hit with children.
How far is the town of La Fortuna?
About 20-25 minutes driving. It's not walkable, and a taxi/shuttle costs $25-30 each way.
Are the hot springs natural?
Yes, they pump natural mineral thermal water into the 28 pools, ranging from 83°F to 104°F.
Do I need a car?
Not strictly necessary if you plan to stay on the resort (which most do), but helpful if you want to dine in town to save money.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Buy the 2-day pass for the hot springs if you aren't staying here; it's the best way to experience the luxury for less.
- ✨
Happy Hour at the Laguna Bar often has 2-for-1 cocktails — a rare deal on the property.
- ✨
Visit the wildlife sanctuary during feeding times (ask reception) for the best photos of the sloths and wildcats.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'wildlife' is often rescued animals in cages at the on-site sanctuary, which feels a bit like a zoo.
💡The humidity is intense; your swimsuit might never fully dry during your stay.
💡You have to sign waivers for almost everything at Club Rio, even the tubing.
💡The sushi at Ginger Sushi is 'tropicalized' — expect plantains and mango in your rolls.
💡The drive up to the reception is steep and winding; motion-sickness prone travelers beware.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Springs Resort And Spa is located and what's nearby.