Termales del Arenal
Thermal pools 4.6 km west of La Fortuna on the road to Arenal Volcano
About this stay
Staying at Termales del Arenal means waking up to garden or mountain views from your private balcony or terrace, with the promise of a day filled with relaxation and fun. The heart of the experience is undoubtedly the hot spring bath and the swimming pool, offering a refreshing dip with scenic surroundings. Families will appreciate the on-site waterpark, while those seeking tranquility can unwind in the sauna or unwind in spa services. The traditional restaurant provides a taste of local cuisine, ensuring a complete and comfortable stay for all.
- Hot spring bath and five pools
- Waterpark on site
- Sauna and spa services
- Air-conditioned family rooms with balcony or terrace
- 4.6 km west of La Fortuna on the volcano road
- 8.7 guest score from 638 reviews
Our take
Termales del Arenal sits 4.6 km west of La Fortuna's central park on the road to the volcano, with five pools and a hot spring bath for guests, so the soak is a walk from your room rather than a drive to a day-pass resort. Recent guests describe the thermal pools as uncrowded, with several temperatures to move between. Family rooms have air conditioning and a balcony or terrace, and the waterpark, sauna and spa add to the mix. The waterpark sets a playful mood, so I would send couples who want silence at night elsewhere. Arenal's cone is often in cloud, so treat any volcano view from the pools as a bonus rather than a promise.
- ✓Soak after dark: the cloud that hides Arenal by day sometimes lifts in the evening, and the hot water feels best once the air cools.
- ✓For a free soak, El Choyín hot river is a short drive further toward the volcano: enter by the path at the bridge, leave before nightfall, and keep nothing in the car.
- ✓La Fortuna Waterfall is about 6 km away and Arenal Natura Ecological Park about 3 km, both easy morning outings before the pools.
- ✓A car or taxi is needed for the town: 4.6 km on the volcano road is not a pleasant walk at night, and dinner options in La Fortuna are far wider.
Why we love it
- The relaxing hot spring bath
- Swimming pool with scenic views
- Fun waterpark for all ages
- Comfortable family rooms with balconies
Why guests love itTermales del Arenal combines the two things that keep children happy around La Fortuna: warm water and a waterpark. Family rooms are air-conditioned with a balcony or terrace, and the thermal bath, the five pools and the waterpark are all on site, so a rainy afternoon, frequent in the Arenal area, still has a plan. Guests report several pool temperatures, which matters for small children who cannot stay long in the hottest water. The restaurant serves local dishes, a relief after a day of tours when nobody wants to drive back to town. The trade-off is the noise level: with a waterpark on site, afternoons are lively. Families with teenagers who want to walk to cafés will find the 4.6 km to La Fortuna a limit, while those with younger children rarely need to leave. The 8.7 average across 638 reviews is solid for a property of this size.