Hotel at a Glance: Hotel Lavas del Arenal

Hotel Lavas del Arenal is tucked away in the Costa Rican jungles, just a few miles from Arenal Volcano National Park. The hotel borders a small nature reserve filled with lush, tropical foliage and native wildlife, including parrots and howler monkeys. Guests can stick around the hotel to explore the reserve, or book canoeing, hiking, or whitewater-rafting trips through the front desk.

• Press accolades: TripAdvisor named Hotel Lavas del Arenal one of Costa Rica’s “Top 25 Bargain Hotels.”
• Where you’ll stay: Newly constructed rooms feature private bathrooms and free WiFi, plus microwaves, refrigerators, and coffeemakers.
• Views of the volcano: On clear days, guests can see Arenal from the outdoor swimming pool.
• See local waterfalls on an included tour for two. The 3-kilometer tour includes a tractor ride through grasslands and forest and provides access to Pino Blanco and La Fortuna Waterfalls.
• Close to town: La Fortuna is just 4 miles down the road. ####La Fortuna, Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano, Soothing Hot Springs, and Exotic Birds

Until very recently, Arenal was Costa Rica’s most active volcano. It’s dormant now, but the surrounding region is no less stunning, with hiking trails, fertile rainforests, whitewater rapids for kayaking, and a lake that’s perfect for watersports. And many tourists still come to see the volcano, which punctuates the varied topography of Arenal Volcano National Park.

The park contains a diverse ecosystem near the center of Costa Rica. Birders come here from all over the world to glimpse some 850 species of feathery friends, including the rare and striking Resplendent Quetzal. The rich landscape is marked by waterfalls and a few rivers ideal for whitewater rafting, most notably Rio Toro.  The park is also a prime spot to take a scenic hike through dense cloud forest by way of hanging bridges.

A more rugged trek awaits at Sendero Coladas, or Lava Flow Trail, which leads to a field of jagged volcanic rock that formed after the eruption decades ago. Due to its geothermal activity, the park is also home to a number of natural hot springs. These therapeutic springs are a nice spot to unwind after a hike or a sing-off with a howler monkey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to travel to the hotel from the airport? The best airport to fly in/out of is Juan Santamaría International Airport (airport code: SJO) and is about 70 miles away. For further travel directions, please click here.

Is there an additional occupancy fee, or do I have to purchase another Groupon? The standard occupancy of the Standard Room and Superior Room is 2 guests; however, an extra guest can be added in the Superior Room for an additional $20/night (for room only).

Will I be approached to attend a timeshare sales presentation? Timeshares are common in Costa Rica and so are the sales pitches that accompany them. You may be asked at hotel check-in if you are interested in attending a sales presentation. If you don’t want to attend, simply decline and you won’t be approached again. If you decline a presentation, you will not lose the value of your Groupon or have to pay additional fees.

Which activities and amenities are included in the resort credits? Resort credits are not offered with this deal.

Are dinner reservations required for restaurants? Is there a dress code? Please contact the property for reservation and dress code information.

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