Hotel Las Colinas

While this hotel won't win any style awards, the three-floor structure -- built in the 1980s, before La Fortuna's boom of tourist development -- is one of the taller buildings in the neighborhood, and that advantage is used to great effect. From the hotel's open-air terrace there are some truly stunning views of Costa Rica's most famous mountain, Arenal Volcano. This pleasant space serves as the main social hub for what is, at core, a simple place to crash at night while touring the sights in the Arenal area. Lounge chairs and other patio furniture provide ample space for relaxing. Aside from another small garden patio, the hotel has a small breakfast restaurant, but nowhere else for guests to gather. With its casual vibe and low-key style, this hotel caters primarily to budget-conscious couples and small groups of friends, though a few families pass through as well. 

Situated on a busy side street just off the main strip in La Fortuna, Hotel Las Colinas is central to everything the town has to offer. Dozens of shops, restaurants, bars, and other services are less than a five-minute walk away. The town's hot springs -- Ecotermales Fortuna -- take 10 minutes to reach by car, while Fortuna Waterfalls are a 15-minute drive outside of town. Arenal Volcano -- the area’s main draw and one of Costa Rica’s most well-known volcanoes -- is a 25-minute drive west. The largest lake in Costa Rica, Laguna de Arenal, sits behind the volcano and takes about 20 minutes to reach by road. The area is known for its outdoor activities including rafting, zip-lining, hiking, and the like -- the hotel can help arrange these activities as well as tours of Arenal Volcano National Park.The hotel is equidistant from San Jose’s Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport -- both are more than two hours away by road. As a small, budget property, no airport transportation is offered. Guests looking to rent a car will find several rental counters in the terminal at both airports. Taxi service is reasonably affordable throughout Costa Rica, but can get expensive when covering long distances. Private shuttle bus/van service is likely the best option. This is easy to arrange at the airport and affordable, with rates on par with other Central American tourist destinations.

The decor in most rooms is clean and basic. Off-white tile flooring, dated and patterned bed linens, and dark wood furniture all feel pretty standard. Bright jungle-inspired prints hang on the walls, adding a dash of color, while potted plants and a few "local" knick-knacks on shelves do their bit to keep things cheerful. All rooms feature small flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.The hotel features multiple room categories. Entry-level Economic Rooms are small and feel like they're one notch above a hostel. Mid-range Standard Rooms are adequately sized with floor space comparable to a standard chain hotel room. Some rooms in this category also feature an optional private balcony with lovely views of Arenal Volcano. Multi-bed units are available to accommodate families. Junior Suites offer a king bed plus a seating area and a mini-fridge. The Honeymoon Suite is likewise spacious and similarly appointed, but adds a two-person whirlpool hot tub that’s exposed to the sleeping area. The private bathrooms in all categories are clean and functional. Most feature a stand-up tile shower stall while the Honeymoon Suite includes both a shower stall and a two-person whirlpool tub situated in the middle of the room. Small hairdryers and generic soap are standard. Given the building's construction, there is a bit of internal noise and rooms facing the street will pick up street noise.

Like most of the hotel, the unnamed first-floor restaurant is clean and cheerful, with bright green walls and vibrant wall art. A free hot breakfast is served each morning to mostly solid reviews, and it's a partial buffet that includes items like eggs, pancakes, toast, and coffee or tea. The space acts as a de facto lounge for guests. However, it was typically vacant during our stay. Other extras are limited, but Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and guests must find their own on-street parking.The centerpiece of the property is a moderately-sized second-floor terrace. Dozens of outdoor plants give the space a bit of life, and there are lovely wooden rocking chairs and lounge chairs set about the space. The terrace is partially open-air and has excellent views of Arenal Volcano and the town of La Fortuna. There's an additional wooden patio down below for anyone seeking an alternative place to sit, though it lacks views.A tiny spa services the hotel. The one-room space isn’t connected directly to the hotel, but rather in a room one door down. As the massage table is situated less than 20 feet from the side street outside, road noise can be considerable. A long list of treatments and services -- including massages, facials, and waxing -- is available. Those looking for more active ways to spend their time can arrange tours, treks, and activities directly through the hotel's front desk.