Facilities

Free breakfast
Front entrance ramp
Proposal/romance packages available
Area shuttle (surcharge)
Arcade/game room
Hot springs nearby
Comprehensive recycling policy
Books
Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
Farming classes
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Clean rooms
Friendly staff
Great location
Comfortable beds
Cons:
Limited parking
Expensive breakfast
No spa services

Categories

Cleanliness
7.5
Guests consistently mentioned cleanliness as a positive aspect.
Service
8.3
Service was generally appreciated, although a few guests had complaints about wait times.
Location
8.1
The hotel is located in close proximity to many key landmarks and public transport.
Room Quality
7.8
Rooms were spacious and comfortable, although some guests mentioned minor maintenance issues.
Amenities
7.2
The amenities provided were satisfactory, with some guests highlighting the gym and pool, while others mentioned the lack of spa services.
Value for Money
6.9
Some guests felt that the price was a bit high for the services offered, while others thought it was reasonable given the location.
Food and Beverage
7.3
Breakfast and restaurant services were generally well-received, although a few guests thought there could be more variety.
Overall Experience
8
Most guests had a positive overall experience and would recommend the hotel to others.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-08-03 16:09

Property Description

Luxurious Spa and Recreational Amenities - Indulge yourself with massages and body treatments, and enjoy the outdoor pool and bicycles for rent.

Dining and Entertainment Options - Experience delicious meals at Colibrí Restaurant, unwind with a drink at the bar/lounge, or enjoy a cocktail by the poolside bar.

Exquisite Rooms and Relaxation - Stay in uniquely decorated guestrooms with private pools, premium bedding, and balconies/patios, offering the perfect blend of comfort and luxury.

To book your stay at San Rafael Ecolodge and experience a perfect blend of luxury and nature by the riverwalk, click here.

Important information:

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
  • Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
  • The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
  • Some facilities may have restricted access. Guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property.
  • Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: SJO

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets not allowed

  • Children and extra beds

    No rollaway/extra beds available

  • Pets

    Service animals not allowed

  • Check-in & Check-out

    Contactless check-out is available

  • General

    Events/parties not allowed

See all policies

Location

Guest Reviews

9.2
Based on 20 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.5
Service: 8.3
Location: 8.1
Room Quality: 7.8
Amenities: 7.2
Value for Money: 6.9
Food and Beverage: 7.3
Overall Experience: 8
I
Ines • family
10
Pros:

Such a quiet place where you can really enjoy nature. Staff was wonderful, all of them were very friendly and kind. Delicious food. With no doubt I recommend this place.

2025-04-10 • via Nuitee
R
rachel • family
10
Pros:

Peaceful retreat in La Tigra. Giovanni and Luis are the nicest people you are likely to meet. Even when we had a middle of the night emergency, they handled it with such grace and care. Their lodge is clean, quiet and the restaurant serves fresh delicious local food. Each morning staff would take the time to show us where the local sloth was hanging out in the property trees. La Tigra is small and quiet, and a bit of a drive from La Fortuna, but the roads are good and we felt it worth it to stay in such a peaceful area. There are also several local sights very close by that are also worth visiting. We had a well appointed suite with twin beds for the children, double for us and a kitchen/lounge area. Very comfortable stay. We'd love to visit again.

2025-01-21 • via Nuitee
A
Azalia M
10
Lindo hotel, buena gente
Pros:

Tuve un buen tiempo con el hotel. Giovanni me ayudo escoger los mejores que visitar, y Elisabeth fue bien amable con lo que necesitaba. Fue un placer quedarme aqui.

2024-12-30 • via Nuitee
S
Sean • family
8
Pros:

Hosts were super nice and helpful, the area was beautiful and very clean. They have the cutest dog who is super friendly well trained and loves to play. The pool was very clean. House was nice, but the bathroom door in the house we stayed at was very hard to close. There was also a hole where a lizard crawled through. Didn’t both us much though because besides that the place and hosts were lovely and we had a great stay!

2024-08-06 • via Nuitee
G
Gwendal
10
Excellent place, super services
Pros:

Giovanni and Luis are super welcoming, helpful and flexible. Their place is really unique in the region, quiet and confortable. We truly enjoyed our stay at San Rafael.

2024-04-16 • via Nuitee
K
Kerry • family
8
Pros:

Wonderful staff, extremely hospitable and helpful. Great food; we ate breakfast and dinner there. So nice to hear the river and the wildlife at night, just outside the hotel. A little far removed from the main town of La Fortuna (took about half an hour to get there) but that suited us fine.

2024-02-21 • via Nuitee
M
Martin
10
Pros:

Giovanni and his staff were terrific.

2024-02-19 • via Nuitee
V
Victor • partner
10
Pros:

Great stay about 30 min drive from busy and touristy La Fortuna town. The hosts were phenomenal: accommodating, friendly, everything was taken care of. Great homemade food! What a wonderful stay, will return in the future for sure.

2023-11-16 • via Nuitee
D
Daniel • family
10
Pros:

Hospitality is a top priority here. All our wishes were immediately fulfilled by Giovanni and his staff, whether it was about eating or laundry. The apartment had everything it needed, everything was very clean and the beds were comfortable. The location is quiet, the garden beautiful and supermarkets are nearby. Me and my daughters would come back any time.

2023-08-21 • via Nuitee
M
Martins • family
8
Pros:

Un petit détour en allant vers la Fortuna…
Un endroit paisible et reposant avec un accueil très attentionné et chaleureux de la part de Giovanni et Luiz.

2023-03-14 • via Nuitee
J
Juan Manuel
10
Pros:

a mi familia y a mi nos gusto mucho el hotel en todos los aspectos, el señor Giovanny es un gran anfitrión.

2022-07-27 • via Nuitee
M
Michael • family_with_children
6
Pros:

Just be aware it is not air conditioned, which is not needed but some Americans might feel they need that. It was comfortable, people were so kind and the place was super clean. it is in the rain forest area, the beauty is beyond belief. Great food was served. Overall I would give a high score but with how most rate it would be a 3 because of everything they want. If you want to get away, and relax and not deal, well come here, lay back and let go.

2022-03-25 • via Nuitee
G
Gary • partner
10
Pros:

I'm not one to overpraise and, frankly, I'm wary of overly-positive reviews. But SR Ecolodge exceeded all expectations. Splendid location, superb family-type service, away from the crowd. Couldn't be happier. Thank you Giovani and Louis!

2022-03-07 • via Nuitee
Y
Yaritza • friends
10
Pros:

Excelente lugar para pasar en familia un servicio muy limpio y amables recomendado .

2022-02-21 • via Nuitee
M
MANUEL
10
Pros:

Un lindo lugar y muchos sitios que visitar cerca del hotel

2022-02-15 • via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler • family
10
Pros:

What a delightful experience and stay at Villas San Rafael. The love of being a host exudes from Giovanni. Both he and Luis are so hospitable and are on site 24/7 to make sure you have the most pleasant experience possible. Giovanni loves cooking and his meals are prepared with joy. No need to worry about eating, they can do it all here. Our family loved staying there and enjoying the pool, nature & warm showers....yes, they have hot showers! This place is perfect for families and groups, and designed so well that you can stay outdoors & still enjoy nature while it’s raining. Villas San Rafael is also close enough to enjoy all the activities around Arenal. Luis can book excursions for you. My nine year-old gives them 5 Stars!

2019-12-29 • via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler
10
Pros:

Crickets and cicadas and frogs! The most beautiful jungle symphony every day around happy hour!

2019-04-13 • via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler
4
Pros:

The villas are located about

2018-06-01 • via Nuitee
D
David
8
Muy relajante
Pros:

El bosque alrededor de las habitaciones brinda un ambiente muy relajente sin ruidos externos a las naturaleza

2018-02-11 • via Nuitee
D
David Cruz
10
Linda vista al bosque
Pros:

Linda estadia y muy relajado. Se observan varios animales entre ellos colibri y ranas

2017-07-03 • via Nuitee