Travelers find their perfect balance at Arenal Xilopalo, where urban adventures meet peaceful retreats in a setting that invites both exploration and relaxation
Arenal Xilopalo offers the best of city living with tranquil escapes on its rooftop terrace and garden. Guests stay connected with in-room WiFi, explore the surroundings on rental bikes, and treat themselves to hair styling services after a day of adventures.
Located in La Fortuna, Arenal Xilopalo is in the city center and in the mountains. Baldi Hot Springs and Los Lagos Hot Springs are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano National Park. Puentes Colgantes del Arenal and Arenal Adventure World are also worth visiting. Be sure not to miss outdoor adventures like mountain biking, hiking/biking trails, and ecotours, or hop on a moped rental nearby and take a self-guided tour around the aera. Visit our La Fortuna travel guide
21007, Alajuela, La Fortuna, Calle 478
What's nearby
La Fortuna Park
6 min walk - 0.6 km
Puentes Colgantes del Arenal
11 min walk - 1.0 km
El Salto Fortuna River
5 min drive - 2.5 km
Arenal Adventure World
5 min drive - 2.8 km
Baldi Hot Springs
7 min drive - 5.3 km
Getting around
Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO)
160 min drive
Restaurants
Restaurante Fortuneño
4 min walk
Chocolate Fusión
6 min walk
Lava Lounge Bar & Grill
5 min walk
Kenko Bar & Restaurant
9 min walk
Tayakiry Cafe
6 min walk
About this property
Arenal Xilopalo
Hotel near Baldi Hot Springs
Take advantage of a rooftop terrace, a garden, and a hair salon at Arenal Xilopalo. Adventurous travelers may like the cycling and horseback riding at this hotel. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
Free self parking
Bike rentals, a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and concierge services
Luggage storage, tour/ticket assistance, and smoke-free premises
Room features
All guestrooms at Arenal Xilopalo boast comforts such as air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi.
Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge) from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on request
Free self parking on site
Things to do
Bicycle rentals
Horseback riding/rentals
Family friendly
In-room refrigerator
Conveniences
Hair salon
Limited-hour front desk
Luggage storage
Guest services
Concierge services
Housekeeping (daily)
Tour and ticket assistance
Business services
Computer station
Outdoors
Garden
In the mountains
Rooftop terrace
Spa
In-room massages
Accessibility
No elevator
More
Reception hall
Smoking not allowed
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Blackout drapes
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Hair dryer (on request)
Private bathroom
Shower
Towels provided
Entertainment
32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels
Food and drink
Coffee/tea maker
Refrigerator
More
Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
Desk
Iron/ironing board on request
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before noon
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 10 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Important information
Optional extras
Airport shuttle fee: USD 50 per person (one-way)
Airport shuttle fee per child: USD 35 (one-way), (up to 6 years old)
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cribs/infant beds
This property accepts cash
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
Property is also known as
Arenal Xilopalo Hotel La Fortuna
Arenal Xilopalo Hotel
Arenal Xilopalo La Fortuna
Arenal Xilopalo Hotel
Arenal Xilopalo La Fortuna
Arenal Xilopalo Hotel La Fortuna
Frequently asked questions
Is Arenal Xilopalo pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much does it cost to stay at Arenal Xilopalo?
As of Mar 26, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Arenal Xilopalo on Apr 15, 2026 start from ¥8,457, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Arenal Xilopalo?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.
What time is check-out at Arenal Xilopalo?
Check-out is at noon.
Does Arenal Xilopalo provide a shuttle to the airport?
Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs 8:00 AM–3:00 PM on request. A fee of USD 50 per person applies.
Where is Arenal Xilopalo located?
Located in the heart of La Fortuna, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of La Fortuna Park and Puentes Colgantes del Arenal. El Salto Fortuna River and Arenal Adventure World are also within 2 mi (3 km).
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
Arenal Xilopalo Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
Towels changed every day. Staff very knowledgeable about area and tours. Quiet part of town. Close to everything. Liked the check in process-being shown amenities and then the room.
Great option for hotel in la fortuna, especially for the price. Rooms are dated, but nice property and staff. Ee really enjoyed our stay, breakfast was also really good.
Jodi
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Nilesh
Apr 19, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It's right in the middle of the town. The hotel is basic and clean
The suite we had was perfect for our family of 6. It was spacious, with plenty of sleeping space, hot water, air conditioning, quiet atmosphere yet still close to anything we needed in La Fortuna. We saw toucans! The kids played billiards and enjoyed exploring the property.
We loved Xilopalo! It was authentic to the area and felt like a private resort but was close and walkable to town. We enjoyed the pool. The highlight was that breakfast was delicious and had an excellent view of the Arenal volcano. Our suite was spacious. Staff was helpful.
I think the best asset of this hotel is the staff. They are friendly, approachable and with great communication skills. I also like the location because the hotel is beside a forest and lots of animals and birds visit it.
You definitely get the Costa Rica experience staying at this hotel. Great price, within walking distance of the town/ restaurants. Clean pool, rooms and plenty of wildlife within the facility. There are plenty hummingbirds around the bushes by the parking lot.
There is bird watching every morning at the breakfast area which is amazing. We saw variety of birds. The hotel room is very basic, the shower was not great.
I loved this place . This is not a fancy resort nor is it trying to be. This hotel was affordable and perfect for my family of four: spacious rooms, Good breakfast , lots of birds outside our rooms. Nice and helpful staff walking distance to town . We had a car so we did not take advantage of the many tours they were able to provide . I do regret not doing the sloth tour with Armando but we didn’t have enough time in La Fortuna.
Naomi
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Marie-Eve
Jan 20, 2024
Liked: Staff & service
Room was large and comfortable. Food was excellent, bird watching was very interesting. Other services including a cold pool and a pool table were available but we haven't used it. A nice place to stay. Tours at reasonable prices are also available.
My favorite feature was the attached restaurant that overlooked a field. They had trees right nearby with fruit hung up so that all sorts of birds came up close. Good areas to sit and read by the pool. Easy 5-min walk or less into town for shopping, groceries, pharmacy, or more food. Bathrooms were average, but rooms are spacious, with AC and a desk.
Christine
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Verified traveler
Dec 29, 2024
Liked: Staff & service
Ok room
Hard to find good places in La Fortuna during busy season. Everything is either booked or overpriced. The price here was good but the room was old and shower water was not hot. Location was good
Verified traveler
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Sarah
Feb 5, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Arenal Xilopalo was well situated in area providing quiet evenings and beautiful breakfast views of the bird’s local to the area. Rooms were spacious but outdated. If looking for luxury this is not the place. It is affordable, roomy, and meets needs for a group traveling. Loved the rates to book excursions through hotel also. Did many things and staff were amazing. Night tour by guide on property was worth the pictures we will have for a lifetime. Much gratitude for this place.
Good service, friendly staff, good area, a bit noisy from the other rooms and the front office, a litte ugly smell in the room and the water pressure at the shower is a shame
hans
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
Feb 28, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
If you love nature, you'll love this hotel
We loved our stay at this hotel. It had everything we needed as well as being great value for money.
The staff were polite and friendly and showed us around the facilities on arrival. It's not 5* accommodation but it more than makes up for it with the wildlife and views. Our room was spacious with 2 double beds, kitchenette and fridge.
You can pay for breakfast with a decent choice each morning.
Slightly out of the main La Fortuna area, but only a short stroll to restaurants. The main attraction for us was the location and wildlife.
Mount Arenal is the backdrop where you can view it over breakfast, alongside all the wildlife that visit. We saw toucans, hummingbirds, red squirrels and woodpeckers and countless other exotic birds I can't name.
There is a relax/pool area too.
We booked a number of tours through the hotel and they were cheaper than booking through the providers website.
I would highly recommend doing Armandos sloth tour, and he was also on hand just after sunset to take you through the gardens and point out the frogs and lizards which we'd never have found.
All in all we loved our here.
Had a wonderful stay here, the staff were lovely and really helpful. The room was basic but had everything I needed, and I didn't spend much time in it anyway! Housekeeping cleaned the room daily. Lovely little restaurant upstairs serving a choice of breakfast, you can sit and watch the birds from the seating area. They put bananas up in the trees and you can see toucans, plus a variety of other birds eating them. A big shout out to Armando, who made my stay here, he's so knowledgeable and spends ages ensuring you get great photographs when you go on tours with him. I was so lucky and saw a sloth come to the ground right in front of me; I came to Costa Rica to see sloths and I still can't believe how many I saw! He would also knock on my hotel if he saw any cool wildlife (because he knew how much I loved it!), so I could go and get photos.
The hotel is easily walkable to restaurants and shops and if you're feeling up to it, you can walk to La Fortuna Waterfall (I did this, be warned it's very steep! But worth it!)
Thank you for a great start to my holiday in Costa Rica.
Pura vida :)
Spacious rooms. We loved the breakfast area amidst the trees - enjoyed watching the colorful butterflies and birds all around us! Special shout out to Armando who spotted several sloths during the sloth tour and frogs during the night tour