Find hotels in Arenal from £36

Top reasons to visit Arenal

• Stunning Natural Beauty: Arenal boasts breathtaking landscapes, including lush forests, majestic waterfalls, and picturesque volcanoes.
• Outdoor Adventures: Engage in thrilling activities like hiking, rock climbing, and zip-lining, perfect for adrenaline seekers.
• Relaxing Hot Springs: Unwind in the region's natural hot springs, offering a serene escape amidst stunning surroundings.
• Charming Accommodation: Choose from a variety of lodgings, from cosy bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts.
• Romantic Getaways: Arenal's tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty make it an ideal destination for couples.

Find great hotels near Arenal

Arenal, Costa Rica, offers a delightful array of accommodation options, ranging from charming bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels. Whether you're seeking adventure, a family-friendly atmosphere, or a serene hot spring retreat, you'll discover numerous hotels that cater to your desires. With options like Arenal Springs Resort and other star-rated establishments, your perfect getaway awaits amidst the stunning landscapes of Guanacaste.

• Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort: Nestled 9.3km from Arenal, Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort is a charming 3.5-star hotel perfect for families seeking a rejuvenating getaway. This property boasts a unique spa theme complemented by natural hot springs available onsite. Guests can indulge in a full range of spa services, including manicures, massages, and poolside relaxation. The hotel is family-friendly, offering amenities such as a children's pool and first aid kit, ensuring peace of mind for parents. Its lush surroundings and hot spring amenities provide a tranquil retreat for all ages, making it an ideal choice for those looking to unwind in nature.
• Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience: Set 8.7km from Arenal, this 4-star lodge offers an adventurous escape for families and thrill-seekers alike. Volcano Lodge is renowned for its hot spring experiences and a plethora of adventure sports available nearby, including cave exploring and horseback riding. The property features a children’s pool, arcade game room, and playground, catering to the needs of younger guests. With its unique blend of adventure and relaxation, this lodge provides the perfect base for exploring the stunning natural beauty of Costa Rica while ensuring that families have a memorable and engaging stay.
• The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal: A luxurious 5-star resort located 8.7km from Arenal, The Springs Resort and Spa offers a sophisticated experience for business and leisure travellers. With its onsite natural hot springs, this resort is perfect for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Business amenities include conference spaces and meeting rooms, making it an excellent choice for corporate retreats. Guests can unwind in the full-service spa that features outdoor treatment rooms and hot stone massages. The perfect blend of business and pleasure awaits you at this opulent retreat, ensuring a memorable visit to the Arenal region.

Where to stay in and around Arenal

Arenal, Guanacaste, is a haven for both adventure enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation. Immerse yourself in the outdoor beauty with activities like hiking, zip-lining, and soaking in natural hot springs. Discover the romantic allure of the area at Amor Arenal, where tranquil surroundings and friendly locals create an inviting atmosphere. With a blend of seclusion and vibrant adventure, Arenal promises an unforgettable travel experience.

• Tronadora: Nestled a mere 2.5km from Arenal, Tronadora is a vibrant city renowned for its stunning outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery. The area experiences moderate seasonal fluctuations in visitor numbers, with peaks in March and from December to January. Nature enthusiasts flock to Tronadora for its diverse activities, including exhilarating zipline courses and various adventure pursuits. Key highlights include the nearby majestic volcano, picturesque mountains, and the tranquil lake, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and adventure.
• Nuevo Arenal: This quaint village, located in the Arenal region, offers a charming escape with year-round appeal. While traveller numbers peak in January and from March to April, Nuevo Arenal remains a delightful destination for those seeking outdoor experiences and scenic beauty. Visitors can unwind at local resorts and spas, or engage in thrilling adventure activities. The surrounding landscape, featuring a striking volcano, serene mountains, and a stunning lake, provides a perfect backdrop for exploration and relaxation.
• Aguacate: Situated in the Arenal area, Aguacate is a picturesque village that draws visitors with its seasonal charm. With peak arrivals in March and from December to January, this destination is celebrated for its outdoor offerings and scenic vistas. Guests can enjoy local recreational centres, luxurious resorts, and a variety of adventure activities. The village is surrounded by awe-inspiring natural landmarks, including a spectacular volcano, a serene lake, and majestic mountains, making it an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Things to do near Arenal

Arenal, Guanacaste, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure amidst stunning scenery. Popular activities include rock climbing and various affordable adventure tours, alongside relaxing at luxurious resorts and spas. Whether you're after adrenaline-pumping experiences or tranquil moments, Arenal offers a diverse range of attractions for every traveller.

Shopping

In Arenal, you can visit various local shops for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, El Pilon Station, located 8.1km away, offers a blend of businesses with a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for finding gifts and experiencing local culture.

Recreation

At Wellness Park Costa Rica, enjoy serene surroundings with yoga sessions and nature walks, perfect for relaxation. Termales Los Laureles offers rejuvenating hot springs amidst lush landscapes. For adventure, Go Adventure Park provides thrilling activities like zip-lining and hiking, blending wellness with excitement in a stunning setting.

Adventure

At FlyZone Wakeboard School, located 3.1km from Arenal, immerse yourself in thrilling water sports amidst vibrant outdoor vibes. Experience the exhilaration of ziplining at Costa Rica Sky Adventures, found 8.7km away, where adventure awaits in the treetops. For stunning scenery, hike the picturesque trails of Cerró Pelado, 13.1km from Arenal.

Nightlife

Arenal boasts a vibrant nightlife, with venues like La Fortuna's Lava Lounge offering live music and cocktails. The Arenal Observatory Lodge features a relaxed bar with stunning views. For a lively atmosphere, check out the local dance spots where you can enjoy traditional rhythms and friendly locals.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Arenal

Arenal, Costa Rica, offers numerous ways to save on your visit. Enjoy free activities like Lake Arenal, and consider travelling during the cheaper months of September to November. For transport, opt for buses over taxis to cut costs. Book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates, and check Expedia for last-minute deals, particularly on Saturdays, which tend to be cheaper. Utilise Expedia’s filters to find budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Arenal are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and July, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Arenal about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Arenal is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Arenal is Thursday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred destination, and additional criteria. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that the most affordable hotels appear at the top. Furthermore, you can refine your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You may find that combining your hotel stay in Arenal with your flights and activities through an Expedia package could help you save some money.

Find the best attractions near Arenal

Arenal, Guanacaste, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering breathtaking scenery and thrilling adventures. Visitors can indulge in relaxing hot springs, explore stunning waterfalls, and wander through the national parks. This destination is perfect for those seeking outdoor activities, romantic getaways, and unique experiences, making it an ideal spot for a memorable holiday.

• Lake Arenal: Nestled 1.9km from Arenal, Lake Arenal offers stunning beach scenery and a romantic atmosphere. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water’s edge, soaking in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
• Tabacon Hot Springs: Located 7.5km from Arenal, Tabacon Hot Springs is a serene oasis renowned for its natural thermal waters. Surrounded by lush rainforest, it provides a tranquil escape where guests can unwind in the soothing waters, making it perfect for wellness and relaxation.
• Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park: Just 6.2km from Arenal, this enchanting reserve features a series of hanging bridges that allow visitors to explore the lush canopy of the rainforest. The romantic setting is ideal for nature lovers, offering stunning views and opportunities to spot diverse wildlife.

Best time to go to Arenal

The best time to visit Arenal can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Arenal falls in May, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature in Arenal falls in January and December. December has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
February	73.9°F (23.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	75.2°F (24.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
April	77.5°F (25.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	78.3°F (25.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	77.4°F (25.2°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	76.5°F (24.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
August	77.4°F (25.2°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
September	77.7°F (25.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
October	76.1°F (24.5°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
November	74.1°F (23.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Arenal

When planning your visit to Arenal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, you can fly into three major airports. Liberia (LIR-Daniel Oduber International) is situated 27.3km away and offers nearby hotels such as the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo and Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, both providing shuttle services. La Fortuna (FON-Arenal), located 11.2km from Arenal, features top-notch accommodations like The Springs Resort and Spa and Nayara Springs, both offering 24-hour shuttle services. Lastly, Tambor (TMU) is 34.8km from Arenal, with options like Hotel Nantipa and Barceló Tambor nearby. Each airport provides varying transportation services to ensure a smooth journey to your destination.