Tifakara by the Waterfall

Hotels
9.6 (679 reviews)
300 metros Oeste de la Catarata de la Fortuna , Fortuna , cr

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
Tour desk
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Exceptional service
Beautiful location
Cons:
Minor issues with insects in the bathroom

Categories

Cleanliness
9.33
The property is beautifully maintained with clean and inviting spaces.
Service
10
Staff showed exceptional kindness and went above and beyond for guests.
Location
9.8
Located in a beautiful forest with scenic views, very tranquil.
Room Quality
9.34
Rooms were quiet, clean and well-kept, with thoughtful details.
Amenities
9.29
Amenities included hot tubs and excellent breakfast options.
Value for Money
9.82
Affordable for the quality of service and experience offered.
Food and Beverage
9.28
Food was praised as great and toothsome, especially at the restaurant.
Overall Experience
9.93
Guests had an amazing and memorable stay, highly recommending this hotel.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-10 14:22

Property Description

Stunning Views of Arenal Volcano
Located just outside Arenal Volcano National Park, Tifakara Boutique Hotel offers breathtaking views of the majestic volcano. Each room features a balcony where you can admire the volcanic landscape while enjoying modern amenities like free WiFi and a coffee machine.

Charming Garden Oasis
Surrounded by lush gardens, the hotel provides a tranquil escape for guests. Relax by the outdoor pool or sip a refreshing drink at the on-site bar. The peaceful ambiance and mountain vistas create a perfect setting for a relaxing vacation.

Convenient Amenities and Services
Start your day with a delicious complimentary breakfast before embarking on adventures arranged by the tour desk. With air conditioning, a seating area, and free toiletries, the rooms ensure a comfortable stay. Plus, the free parking and attentive staff add convenience to your visit.

Experience the beauty of Arenal Volcano at Tifakara Boutique Hotel. Book your stay now for a memorable getaway.

Important information:

Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Airport code: SJO

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.6
Based on 679 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.33
Service: 10
Location: 9.8
Room Quality: 9.34
Amenities: 9.29
Value for Money: 9.82
Food and Beverage: 9.28
Overall Experience: 9.93
B
Benjamin couple fr
9
Une vraie expérience hôtelière inoubliable
Pros:

- havre de paix avec vue unique sur le volcan depuis la jolie piscine
- le personnel incroyable, aidant, attentionné, niveau 5 étoiles
- visite gratuite nocturne du domaine permettant de voir de nombreux animaux (grenouilles, toucans et autres oiseaux)

Cons:

- la literie pourrait être améliorée (matelas mou)
- aboiements de chiens proche de l’hôtel en journée

2026-04-29 via Nuitee
A
Allison couple us
10
Boutique luxury
Pros:

Gorgeous with high-end features. The room was beautiful and luxuriously comfortable. It was honestly honeymoon worthy. We didn’t even want to leave our room during the day, but once we did we didn’t want to leave Tifakara either. The whole staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, and the cocktails were just as good as the James Beard award winning spots that we frequent at home. We couldn’t recommend this place enough. They also had excellent live music two of the nights we were there in the restaurant. The food was phenomenal, and the front desk helped us arrange all of our activities and gave us great recommendations.

2026-04-27 via Nuitee
A
Ana Carolina family_with_children br
10
Pros:

Quarto maravilhoso, funcionários atenciosos, comida muito boa! Tudo perfeito!

2026-04-27 via Nuitee
L
Lisa solo_traveller de
10
Pros:

Viele Möglichkeiten Tiere direkt in der Hotelanlage zu beobachten. Die geführten Walks mit den Guides der Lodge sind absolut lohnenswert. Sehr freundliches Personal.

2026-04-24 via Nuitee
S
Stefanie couple at
9
Best garden ever!
Pros:

The garden is amazing! You can spot frogs, birds and we had a sloth hanging around right in front of our balcony! The complementary night tour was amzing! Big thank you to the concierge/reception - all of them, but especially Esther - who organized sooo much for us!

Cons:

We loved our room, but the reason why we give 9 out of 10 points is the shower. On the pictures it looks stylish, but it doesn‘t work properly. If you want warm water, you have to increase water pressure, therefore warm water is only available with very high pressure. The rest is all fine, clean and still totally recommandable.

2026-04-22 via Nuitee
J
Jon couple ca
10
2026-04-22 via Nuitee
C
C8920JCstefanop Couples
10
Night walk
Pros:

Dilan is a super kind guide. The night walk is simile but lovely at the same time! Good job

2026-04-20 via Tripadvisor
8
873louisas Family
10
Fabulous time at Noah’s Forest!
Pros:

Oskar, Josue, Jeisson, Javier, and Dilan took great care of us at Noah’s Forest. They were so nice, helpful and knowledgeable. Thank you for a wonderful stay!

2026-04-20 via Tripadvisor
M
Magda couple gb
10
2026-04-20 via Nuitee
M
Marlin PATRICIA solo_traveller gt
10
Pros:

La atención de los colaboradores

2026-04-20 via Nuitee
M
Mrunali couple us
10
LOVED LOVED LOVED Everything!
Pros:

Most stunning property. Experience of living inside the rainforest but with comfort of a lux room. We enjoyed the balcony so much, and couldn't get enough of it! The staff is awesome- Esther, always smiling and so helpful, she's a gem, Kevin is so smart and Dylan and restaurant staff and housekeeping service are all fantastic. Cindy and Fernanda too.

Cons:

The restaurant menu can get a bit repetitive if you're staying more than two nights.

2026-04-20 via Nuitee
7
705skyh Family Washington DC, District of Columbia
10
Perfect stay in an intimate rainforest setting with exceptional customer service!
Pros:

It was perfect for our family of four (children ages 8 and 11). The lush setting, amazing food, and incredible staff exceeded expectations. The service was 10/10, and they did the little things to make guests feel welcome. It was an intimate setting, allowing the staff to get to know us and cater to our needs. There was always someone at the front desk with great recommendations. The night walk around the property was memorable and magical. We will absolutely stay again! Shoutout to Charlie (Chichi), Antonio, and Kevin. Thank you!

2026-04-19 via Tripadvisor
S
Sky family_with_children us
10
Perfect stay in an intimate rainforest setting with exceptional customer service!
Pros:

It was perfect for our family of four (children ages 8 and 11). The lush setting, amazing food, and incredible staff exceeded expectations. The service was 10/10, and they did the little things to make guests feel welcome. It was an intimate setting, allowing the staff to get to know us and cater to our needs. There was always someone at the front desk with great recommendations. The night walk around the property was memorable and magical. We will absolutely stay again! Shoutout to Charlie (Chichi), Antonio, and Kevin. Thank you!

Cons:

Everything was incredible!

2026-04-19 via Nuitee
F
Francisca couple es
9
2026-04-19 via Nuitee
S
sandyvC9348FS Couples
10
A touch of Paradise in an amazing Country.
Pros:

The location is incredible and you feel so close to nature. The staff at reception, Cyndy, Esther, Fernanda and Kevin went out of their way to accommodate and inform and were so professional and nice. The food in the restaurant was truly exceptional and I’ve been to a LOT of good places to eat. This was well up there!!! Service in the restaurant from both Antonio and Chi Chi was impeccable and they could not have been nicer and patient with my floundering Spanish.
I loved this place and I’m certain you will too. Oh and we saw Sloths and Monkeys and Toucans plus in just 45 seconds, my Merlin bird sound App identified 15 species I’d never heard before. Incredible place and we’ll be back!!!

2026-04-18 via Tripadvisor
V
Vacation39665761527 Couples London, England
10
Magical place with wonderful staff
Pros:

The hotel itself is lovely, secluded in the rainforest you feel full immersed in nature, incredibly relaxing! All the team including Cyndy, Esther, Fernanda and Kevin were amazing and were so helpful. They really made our trip to La Fortuna so special and unforgettable. Do not hesitate booking this incredible hotel.

2026-04-18 via Tripadvisor
F
Fiona Megaw extended_group gb
9
2026-04-17 via Nuitee
J
James Osborn couple nl
10
Wonderful location, outstanding wildlife opportunities, comfortable, excellent customer service.
Pros:

This is a glorious place to stay.

It is the perfect combination of comfort and being part of nature. The grounds are superb, and you will never be bored. Breakfast is wonderful too.

The staff were all great, but a particular shout out to Kevin, and the nightlife walk he took us on around the hotel. So many frogs, and all sorts of interesting creatures. It always felt safe, but you could still get really close. He took amazing photos, and patiently shared them with everyone after the walk. He took time to answer questions, and for everyone to take their turn to look and take their own photos too.

Also a shout out to Antonio in the restaurant who was always smiling, and gave us so many helpful tips on tours, and Costa Rica in general - an absolute legend.

There is a free ping pong table, and pool table, which, whilst being outside, is protected from the elements (and the wildlife!!)

The outside shower was also a lovely touch.

Toucans were flying around the grounds at all times, and the coati came to visit most days too. Just wish we could have stayed for longer.

Cons:

N/A

2026-04-17 via Nuitee
3
340ozy Family
10
The best hotel I’ve ever stayed in!
Pros:

Thank you Ti-Fakara for the wonderful stay! We stayed for 5 days with our two young kids. It was the most magical experience!

The hotel is located in the rainforest (what better way to experience Costa Rica?) and minutes away from city centre.

The rooms and amenities are luxurious (new, modern, sleek, clean - you have high tech accessories in the room, high quality pillows/furniture and luxuries like an open air shower and jacuzzi on your patio. Theres a modern swimming pool in the common area and fun activities like ping pong and billiards. When you consider all of this, the value of what you get for the price is absolutely worth it).

The grounds are beautiful (you can tell they take care of the plants and animals; you can see frogs, tropical birds, and even monkeys on the grounds. Pro tip: take the night tour! They’ll show you all types frogs that live around the area).

Best of all - the staff. They are so lovely (professional, happy, wonderful and positive vibes- the Costa Rican way!).

The breakfast and dinner were DELICIOUS and they brought in singers to the restaurant for evening entertainment. The singers literally brought me to tears (they were that good).

Overall, Ti-Fakara is a dream!!! It’s better than anything you can imagine. Book this place - you won’t regret it!

Ti-Fakara, thank you for having us. We will never forget you and hope to be back one day!

2026-04-16 via Tripadvisor
C
CleggyBroon Couples Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland
10
Tropical Forest retreat
Pros:

Loved our 3 nights staying in a Forest King Room. Have to say it was a tad snug.
Personally I would stay in a larger room in the future.
The staff couldn't do enough for you.
Antonio looked after us at breakfast & Chi Chi in the evening.
Thanks to Kevin / Esther / Fernando for rearranging our activities, as we arrived one bag less & couldn't go on a trek due to not having walking shoes.
We were updated regularly & our bag was returned on the 3rd day.
WhatsApp messages worked a treat for info before & during our stay.
The 24/7 coffee / hot chocolate dispenser was well used.
The night walk in the grounds of the hotel was a highlight. Cyndy found loads of frogs for us including a Eyelash viper.
She even took a few pics for us & showed me how to adjust the contrast using my phone.
The food at breakfast was faultless & the evening meals delightful.
Happy to recommend.

2026-04-15 via Tripadvisor