Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa

Noreste De Centro De la Fortuna De San Carlos 13 Km, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos 181-1007 Costa Rica
Traveller (5349)
Panorama at the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
360
Panoramas (28)
Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Videos (1)
What is Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Learn more

View prices for your travel dates

Contact accommodation for availability.
There are similar hotels available.
View all
Did you already book this hotel?
Avg. R 7,410 /night, 10/13 - 10/14
R 10,820
per night
R 8,715
per night
R 6,610
per night

Oct

Nov

13 Oct
Today

15 Oct

17 Oct

19 Oct

21 Oct

23 Oct

25 Oct

27 Oct

29 Oct

31 Oct

02 Nov

04 Nov

06 Nov

08 Nov

10 Nov

12 Nov
Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher

About

4.5
#2 of 3 resorts in La Fortuna
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.2 of 5 bubbles
Value
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to the top 1% of businesses across select categories.
Nestled in the heart of the tropical rainforest at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano in the northern Region of Costa Rica. This five-star carbon neutral resort offers a unique blend of nature, adventure and relaxation. Tabacon provides luxurious accommodations, services and amenities in a picture-perfect natural setting. The resort's unique healing thermal mineral spring river emerge from the volcanic earth, cascading to form waterfalls, streams, tranquil pools and ponds. Explore Shangri-La Gardens an hotel guests and adults-only hideaway, delight your senses with world- class cuisine inspired by local fares or surprise that special person with a gala dinner in the middle of the rainforest. Inside the gardens is located The Spa, which combines a beautiful location with a singular spa experience, where treatments are rendered in open air bungalows all of them with private jacuzzi.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Free breakfast
Hiking
Free shuttle or taxi services
Business Centre with Internet Access
Parking
Wifi
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Hot bath
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Adult pool
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Swimup bar
Poolside bar
Airport transportation
Taxi service
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Head massage
Hot spring bath
Massage
Salon
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Currency exchange
Gift shop
Shops
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
Butler service
Doorperson
24-hour front desk
Private check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Allergy-free room
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Additional bathroom
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Minibar
Flatscreen TV
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Laptop safe
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Green
Family Resort
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish

Location

Noreste De Centro De la Fortuna De San Carlos 13 Km, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos 181-1007 Costa Rica
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles6,918 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
Powered by AI

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa earns rave reviews for its attentive service and serene, luxurious atmosphere, making it an idyllic choice for romantic getaways. While some travelers have called out issues with room noise and maintenance, the spacious layouts and breathtaking views often compensate. The hot springs and spa treatments are popular highlights, nestled within a beautifully maintained rainforest setting. Guests frequently commend the hotel's cleanliness and convenient location, although the dining and services are sometimes seen as overpriced.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Serene
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
World-class

Was this helpful?
Tripadvisor is not responsible for this summary or the opinions in it. For more information, please read the traveller reviews and learn more about how the site works.
6,918Reviews184Q+A100Room tips
Traveller rating
  • 5,204
  • 1,102
  • 380
  • 132
  • 100
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
  • Filter
  • English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
Traveler8Colorado wrote a review Sept 2023
Denver, Colorado
Hotel's Favourite
5.0 of 5 bubbles
2 people stayed for 4 nights in late August 2023. Weather was clear, we got some afternoon showers but were able to enjoy most of the days with sun and light clouds. Check in was relatively easy and staff seemed friendly. They give wrist bands which are electric - opens the room doors, allows you to pay for things around the resort and gets you into the springs. Best part is you’re able to take them off so it’s not like the annoying wrist band that you can’t remove and catches on everything.

We were in newly built rooms, building 700. The rooms themselves are lovely. The bathroom is large with standalone tub which we didn’t use because had the hot springs next door so didn’t feel the need. The shower had really hot water and good pressure. Only issue was the lights behind the mirrors did flicker a bit but most people probably don’t even notice that. AC worked really well. There were also large screen doors which opened out to the beautiful view. Bed and linens were comfortable and nice. Outdoor furniture was super comfortable. We had nice little sweets treat waiting for us in the room that we loved. Sadly, because the resort is right on the main road, you hear and smell traffic, especially the large diesel trucks - even from the room with or without the windows open. That was the only detractor. The road does thankfully quiet down at night.

The French press coffee at breakfast was our favorite. Breakfast had options that somewhat changed over the time but was mostly consistent. Their omelette station was popular. Staff at breakfast were friendly and helpful. We ordered room service one night via their iPad in the room and the functionality worked - but they called us directly at the room after we put in the online order to also verbally confirm everything. We liked the lobby bar food the best and found we could easily share one meal since the sizes were larger. The tacos and bar staff made it the best place to be for lunch/snack/dinner. Tap water was delicious and safe.

The grounds were well maintained. To get to the thermal river you have to walk down and across the road (not pleasant) or take their shuttle bus (okay but we really didn’t love being dependent upon it). Once you’re in the Thermal river area, the Shangri-La area is for resort only and has the hottest water. If you go from 8-10am, it’s only people staying at the resort so you can explore fully and it’s also really quiet. They don’t have drinks or snacks open till 10 ish, so I brought water with us and that was ideal. While we did not like that road, staying at Tabacon proved to be better for us than doing a day trip and only getting the thermal waters with the full public crowds.

I did use their spa several times and really enjoyed the massages, facial and area. My masseuses were wonderful. Caring and attentive, experienced and able to take years of stress off my shoulders! Thank you!!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Propietario at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Responded 12 Sept 2023
Dear Traveler8Colorado, Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback following your recent 4-night stay with us. We are delighted to hear you had some enjoyable moments and found various aspects of your stay pleasant. We are pleased that you appreciated the convenience of our electronic wristbands and the fact that they can be easily removed. It's essential to us that our guests have a comfortable and hassle-free experience. Your compliments regarding the newly built rooms in building 700, the bathroom amenities, and the overall room comfort are greatly appreciated. We take pride in providing a serene and comfortable environment for our guests to relax in. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the road noise from the main road. While we can't change our location, we do understand how this can be a detractor at times. We are glad to hear that it quieted down at night, allowing for a more peaceful rest. Your positive comments about our breakfast, room service, lobby bar, and delicious tap water are encouraging, and we are glad that you found a variety of dining options to your liking. We appreciate your feedback on accessing the thermal river, and we understand that the road crossing and shuttle service may not have been ideal. We're constantly working to improve our guest experience, and your input is valuable in this regard. Lastly, we are thrilled that you had such a positive experience at our spa. Our team strives to provide exceptional service, and it's heartwarming to hear that you found the massages and facial treatments to be rejuvenating. Thank you once again for choosing Tabacon as your destination in La Fortuna, and for sharing your thoughts. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back in the future. Best regards, Tabacon Management Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gacho wrote a review Mar 2020
Hollywood, Florida
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Here’s why there is no other option in Arenal

I have been to Arenal many times and I have stayed mostly at Tabacon. The main reason is that they have a huge amount of beautiful land and literally RIVERS of hot, mineral water running through it. Out of the 20 or 30 places with so called thermal springs in the Arenal area, only one other spot has a truly natural body of water and it does not compare, neither in flow nor in beauty. All of the other “thermal springs” are either drawn from deep under the surface by pumps… or they are simply fake. Yes, fake… that means that these places artificially heat, recirculate, or chemically treat the water... and at least a couple of these destinations have done all of the above. The worst part is that they do not mention it!

Tabacon is the original Arenal destination that brought people from all over the world… people like me, seeking for thermal perfection, in a very beautiful rainforest setting.

Now, as for the hotel…

It was not always the case, but in my last two visits I was privy to the best gastronomy in Costa Rica. And… this is a country in which — if you know where to go — you’ll generally dine better than in cities like Miami, Atlanta, or even New York. And I have to say that Tabacon’s Tucanes Restaurant is now at the very top of my list. Just prior to writing these words, I read a review which cited high menu prices; I do not agree with this, at all. I’m not sure where the reviewer is from or if they expect prices in CR to be on par with other Latin American Countries… but my experience is that you certainly get what you pay for.

As for service: it is true five-star hospitality, on ANY scale. I have travelled all over… and Tabacon service is beyond anything I’ve experienced elsewhere in Latin America… or Europe… or even Asia, where the effort is generally opaqued by the thick language and culture barriers. That goes for everyone that we had contact with. Housekeeping, bar tenders, front desk… people are always flaunting genuine smiles and keeping things very professional. Even the towel lady by the river is all good vibes.

On this particular visit, we stayed in the rooms right next to the reception. These are larger (and better) that the “orchid rooms”, and it seems that they were renovated very recently. I would splurge for these as it was not a big difference in rate. We were told that there are about 6 categories of rooms and it is important to note that they are all quite different, in size and feel. I would get in touch with the concierge and figure out which one may be best for you.

One final note: if you are an avid hiker, go for the Cero Chato trek; the one that ends at Fortuna Waterfalls, if possible.

Enjoy your travels!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Community M, Gerente at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Responded 16 Mar 2020
Dear valued guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at Tabacon. We are glad to read you had a 5 star visit and that you enjoyed our wonderful location. It's also great to read you indicate that the gastronomy of our restaurant is at the height of prestigious destinations. As a five-star hotel we are, we always focus on bringing the best quality dishes to our menu and living up to the prestige and recognition that represents us worldwide. We appreciate your valuable and detailed comment as it motivates us to continue every day focusing on achieving experiences like this in our visitors. We hope you come back soon! Pura Vida, Marcel Stittner General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
Tamara K wrote a review Feb 2020
Washington DC, United States
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We spent one night at Tabacon for our recent trip to Costa Rica with 2 adults, 10 yo, and 8 yo. I felt guilty cost-wise about staying all 3 nights there (we broke up the trip between 3 nights in La Fortuna Arenal and 3 in Manuel Antonio) so we stayed in a slightly less expensive hotel for the next 2 nights, Hotel Arenal Manoa. We should not have changed hotels and the cost of Tabacon was worth every penny. The staff, rooms, breakfast, amazing pools in addition to the hot springs were all fabulous. The room was gorgeous, immaculate, with an amazing view of the mountains and monkeys/other wildlife visible from our room. The food was spectacular. Just note that the hot springs are about a 7-minute walk (there are frequent shuttles) from the main hotel. If you are staying at the hotel you do not need to pay the very high fee they charge outside visitors for using the springs plus if you stay even one night you get to use the springs the day you check-in and the day you check out. Make sure to pack water shoes because the rocks at the springs can be slippery. This was true paradise. The only one negative thing to share is that our shower had low water pressure likely because many were showering at the same time but not a big deal.
If you are spending money for a trip to Costa Rica staying at the Tabacon is a must and worth every dollar!!!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Community M, Gerente at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Responded 25 Feb 2020
Dear valued guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at Tabacon. We are glad to read you had a great time and that you enjoyed your visit. We are glad to read you had a good time. We appreciate your review and hope to host you again in the near future. Pura Vida, Marcel Stittner General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Suzanne S wrote a review Feb 2020
Phoenix, Arizona
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I'm so glad we picked Tabacon Resort & Spa for our trip to La Fortuna! Not only is the resort fantastic, but admission to the hot springs is free if you're staying at the resort. The best part is hotel guests have access to Shangri-la Gardens, which is the area of the hot springs reserved exclusively for guests of the hotel. You can get away from the crowds of the hot springs, there are plenty of private cabanas to choose from, and they have a bar right there where you can order drinks and food. Absolute heaven! The hot springs are gorgeous; there are lots of little areas to explore and relax. We saw exotic birds, lizards, and sloths. We walked from the hotel to the hot springs (about 10 minutes), but there is a shuttle that goes back and forth between the hotel and the hot springs if you don't want to walk. We didn't try the spa.

The resort itself is lovely. Beautiful grounds and excellent customer service. We were in Costa Rica to celebrate my birthday, so they decorated our door with a sign and left a yummy piece of cake on our table to welcome us. They have a great buffet breakfast which is included. A large variety of breakfast items (hot and cold) including an omelet station. We filled up so much on breakfast that it carried us through until dinner. We stayed in a rainforest king room. It had a view of the surrounding jungle and we could hear/see howler monkeys frequently in the trees. The bathroom was huge with double sinks, a large soaking tub, and a large shower.

They have a tour desk where you can book a variety of tours. We did the hiking lovers tour, which I highly recommend. We didn't have a rental car, so we had to take a taxi to/from town every night for dinner. We chose not eat at the hotel most nights because there are much cheaper options in town with more variety, plus it gives you the opportunity to explore the town a bit. The cost for a taxi to La Fortuna is $40 round trip. The last night we ate at the hotel and had the dinner buffet. It was pretty good.

In my opinion, Tabacon is the THE place to stay in La Fortuna!
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Room Tip: The Rainforest King rooms are very spacious with a huge bathroom and serene views of the rainforest.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Community M, Gerente at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Responded 11 Feb 2020
Dear valued guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at Tabacon. We are glad to read you had a great time and that you enjoyed everything. Thank you for considering Tabacon the best place to stay in La Fortuna. We appreciate your review and hope to host you again in the near future. Pura Vida, Marcel Stittner General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeff L wrote a review Jan 2021
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My wife and I stayed here for her 40th birthday celebration. From the moment we arrived everything was excellent. The staff brought us refreshments while we completed the check in process and received a brief overview of the resort and its amenities. Once we went to our room, we were delighted with a “happy birthday” banner adorning the door.

We each received a massage from the spa. Again, an excellent experience except that we were not told to arrive 30 min early for check in.

The hot springs were a brief two minute shuttle ride from the main resort. We at first were apprehensive about the need for the shuttle but found that it was run very efficiently with less than a five minute wait each time we used it. The hot springs were a very unique experienced with meticulous attention to detail and cleanliness. We spent most of our evenings there. The signage was a little confusing, admittedly we were lost more than once trying to find out way out. The water was crystal clear, very warm, and chemical free. Truly a one of a kind experience.

The breakfast Buffett which was included was very good with special attention to COVID precautions which is always appreciated. The service again was very good as well as the food. All of the food and meals we sampled was above our expectations. We felt the dinner buffet was a bit overpriced at $40 USD/person for what it offered, we did not try this one. All of the other food options were delicious, fresh, and reasonably priced.

We participated in the Tapas/wine tasting one evening. We agree this was one of our favorite experiences of the stay. The somliea was both knowledgeable and entertaining throughout the experience. We were running 15 minutes late, and he waited for us to start which was greatly appreciated!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Community M, Marketing at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Responded 29 Jan 2021
Hello, Thank you for taking the time to share with us your experience at Tabacon. It is a pleasure to know that you enjoyed your visit and birthday celebration at our property. It is wonderful to read that you had the opportunity to visit our spa and receive a pleasant treatment in our open air bungalows surrounded by the nature of the forest. In the same way, it is nice to know that you enjoyed our "Tapas and wine tasting experience". We appreciate your valuable comment and look forward to serving you again in the near future. Pura Vida, Marcel Stittner General manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
smitch1 wrote a review Feb 2020
Ottawa, Canada
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My husband, our daughter, and her boyfriend spent two nights at this gorgeous resort. The service was top notch! The employees are extremely friendly and knowledgeable and cater to your every whim

The food was fabulous and the rooms were great as well. The shuttle that takes you from the lobby down to the hot springs was quick and we never had to wait more than 2 minutes.

The hot springs are gorgeous! The various pools and rivers are amazing and relaxing.

Because we stayed at the resort we had access to an area that other people did not. It was Shanghai La. there were beds and comfortable couches as well as a bar and private hot springs. The drinks are crazy expensive but the setting is so amazing you almost forget how much it costs. You are given a wrist band and has access to your room and is also linked to you room account so you don’t have to carry cash at all.

This is the most beautiful place I have ever seen the Arenal volcano was visible from our room.

We went into La Fortuna for lunch a few times to break up the day a bit which was nice

I would recommend this experience to everyone. Incredible!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Community M, Gerente at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Responded 21 Feb 2020
Dear valued guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at Tabacon. We are glad to read you had a great time and that you enjoyed your visit. It's wonderful to know you had a 5 star visit. We appreciate your review and hope to host you again in the near future. Pura Vida, Marcel Stittner General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stevenson Hates You wrote a review Mar 2020
Duncan, Canada
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Right from the initial booking and during our entire stay the staff were all very friendly and helpful. The river was amazing and though out of our budget it was well worth it to stay one night as something like this is very unique. We're glad we splurged a bit to enjoy it.
They were attentive to our children, too, even supplying robes that were their size in our room upon arrival.
They allow you to arrive before check-in and they store your bags while you enjoy the resort, and they allow you to stay after check-out to enjoy the resort to the fullest, giving the option of putting your luggage in your car and parking in their secure parking area, or they store your bags and you collect your car when you're ready to go - so it's like you've got 2 full days there when staying only 1 night.
The included breakfast was very nice with lots of variety, but the restaurants were quite expensive for dinner. As we were already out of our budget range we opted to eat outside the resort.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Community M, Manager at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Responded 04 Mar 2020
Dear valued guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at Tabacon. We are glad to read your time with us was unforgettable and that you had a fantastic 5 star time. We appreciate your review and hope you are already planning to visit us again soon. Pura Vida, Marcel Stittner General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ryannichols16 wrote a review Jun 2021
5.0 of 5 bubbles
From the moment we booked our reservation the service of the staff was extraordinary. Once we arrived we were greeted by every member of the staff in the lobby and taken to our room via golfcart with a tour of the property so we were easily able to familiarize ourselves. The rooms were spotless and every special request I had requested was taken care of in the exact moment it was requested. The thermal pools are out of this world. You need at least two days to really get the full experience. The only negative comment I could make is that the drink prices were very high. The food was reasonably priced however, soft drinks were even about $5 each. I will absolutely be coming back, I believe staying at Tabacon for your first time in Fortuna is the best property you can stay at!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2021
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Community M, Marketing at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Responded 04 Jun 2021
Dear valued guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at Tabacon. We are glad to read you had a 5 star visit and that you enjoyed all our services and facilties. We appreciate your review and hope to host you again in the future. Pura Vida, Marcel Stittner General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marcella Marshall wrote a review Nov 2020
Atenas, Costa Rica
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My husband and I just spent two nights at Tabacon. We had visited the resort hot springs on day pass before, but staying at the hotel was a really special treat. The hotel just reopened after being closed due to the COVID pandemic. The staff made every effort to maintain the highest standards of cleaning and attention to protocols for safety. We were greeted by highly attentive and professional staff at every turn.
The rooms are extremely nice and everything was top notch. The beds were very comfortable and the hotel provides nice amenities like shampoo, conditioner and body shampoo.
The hot springs are a very short shuttle ride. Guests have access to the Shanghai La gardens, a restricted area for adults only.
Tabacon Hot Springs are truly one of the most beautiful places. The gardens are lush, the springs are refreshing and well kept. The natural river flows through the property and the guests never feel crowded because of the restricted number of people they allow per day. We saw very few people and felt like we had our own slice of paradise on earth.
The food at the Aves and Toucan restaurants were both very good, especially the salads.
If you can afford to visit Tabacon do so....it is a place to disconnect and relax in paradise.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Community M, Marketing at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Responded 24 Nov 2020
Dear valued guest, We appreciate that you have chosen us as a destination to visit in Arenal. It is a pleasure to know you enjoyed your stay and that you loved all our amenities and services. For us it is a pleasure to have the opportunity to have you as a guest. We hope to have the pleasure of serving you again in the near future. Sincerely, Marcel Stittner General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amelia L wrote a review Sept 2021
Stephenville, Texas
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Tabacon absolutely exceeded our expectations! From the moment we walked in, we truly enjoyed every second of our experience. Kevin, the first person we met at Tabacon, had a welcome drink and lemongrass towels brought out to freshen up. He gave us some awesome recommendations for our trip! Kevin truly went above and beyond to make our trip as enjoyable as possible after he heard about our long and difficult travel day to get there. We loved the wristbands that were our room key and also doubled as a way to bill things to our room. It was our honeymoon and Kevin had chocolate covered strawberries and a banner sent to our room before we got there (we didn’t mention anniversary till check in). The springs are AMAZING! In the morning, they are not busy at all and you can get some amazing photos without other people. I recommend water shoes though! I banged my feet up the one time I didn’t wear my chacos. Bring your robes too!!!

Gabriel was one of our bartenders at the bar in the lobby. He made the most amazing drinks with almond foam, carefully picked out edible flowers and other beautiful garnishes, and explained so much about Costa Rican liquors and how Tabacon makes everything on their own. He had made every single infusion, juice, etc that was in our drinks that day! Honestly, both drinks he made were some of the best drinks I’ve ever had. 10/10!!!

Randall, the valet, was often so patient with us needing our car often hahahah
He came with us to help pack our bags, brought them all down from the room while waiting patiently for us to soak up our last minutes at Tabacon. He even got us ice to fill our cooler to take on the road with us! He also helped us hook up the bluetooth in our rental car because we couldn’t figure it out in Spanish.

Rafael, another valet, was kind enough to scoop us up at our room when passing by with an empty golf cart one morning. We asked if there were toucans, because we heard some bird outside of our window. He was so kind to pull over, get out, and give us a whole lesson on toucans while pointing them out in the trees because we couldn’t find them on our own!
The gift shop has beautiful jewelry and knick knacks, small toiletries, and some snacks and drinks.

The food at Tabacon was amazing! We ate ate Ave del Paraíso one night, had the Vuelve ceviche, the beef stew, the shrimp cocktail, and a delicious salad! 10/10

Every morning we ate the breakfast included with the room at Tucanes. The breakfast is amazing! Fresh fruit, made to order omelette bar, coffee, tea, fresh squeezed juice selection (I recommend the green juice) and pretty much anything else you could want! 10/10

Our other meal at Tabacon was at the pool bar at the thermal springs. We had the mango salad and the special ceviche and both were beautiful AND delicious!

There is a quick shuttle from the hotel to the springs or you can walk the pathway, it’s about a 5 minute walk and is beautiful as wel!

15/10 would recommend Tabacon! We definitely will be coming back.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: valet is free, shuttle to springs is free. bring water shoes for the hot springs!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Community M, Promocionar at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Responded 23 Sept 2021
Dear ameliaklee, Congratulations on your wedding and thank you for choosing Tabacon as part of your honeymoon, it was an honor to be part of this special and unforgettable occasion in your life. First, I would like to thank you for visiting our hotel and for taking the time to write such a detailed review of your experience. We are happy that we were able to deliver on your expectations, our goal is to stand out and ensure each guest has a wonderful experience. We are pleased to know you had the opportunity to enjoy our 100% natural hot springs, the delicious dinner from Ave Restaurant, the breakfast at Tucanes, the amazing appetizers from our pool bar, and the unique infusions from Caña Brava Bar. We are also glad to hear you liked our amenities and our staff made your experience more enjoyable. We will share your comments with our team to recognize them for their hard work and we can't wait to have you back again! All the best, Marcel Stittner General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jim wrote a tip 11 Oct
978 contributions15 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"You may want to book Tabacon ahead of time, especially during high season or weekend. Tabacon now is a Hilton SLH hotel. "
Read full review
Linda O wrote a tip 04 Oct
Denver, Colorado10 contributions3 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"FYI - the resort is a 3 hour roadtrip from the Liberia airport So don't drink a lot beforehand."
Read full review
BlondeeCMK wrote a tip Sept 2024
Albuquerque, New Mexico182 contributions55 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Use hotel provided robes for thermal spa"
Read full review
Stacy M wrote a tip Sept 2024
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"We opt for shoulder or low season because too many people is worse than bad weather. We had no complications during rainy season."
Read full review
Kristin wrote a tip Sept 2024
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Come in September. It's beautiful and no crowds!"
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the La Fortuna area.
PRICE RANGE
R 6,227 - R 9,637 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
tabacon grand spa thermal hotel la fortuna de san carlos, tabacon grand hotel thermal, tabacon grand resort thermal, tabacon resort, tabacon hot springs
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of AlajuelaArenal Volcano National ParkLa Fortuna de San CarlosLa Fortuna
NUMBER OF ROOMS
105
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing

TABACON THERMAL RESORT & SPA - Reviews & Price Comparison (La Fortuna, Costa Rica)

Frequently Asked Questions about Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Which popular attractions are close to Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa?
Nearby attractions include Tabacon Hot Springs (0.00 km), Sky Adventures - Arenal Park (7.6 km), and Arenal Oasis Wildlife Refuge (7.5 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a swimup bar, free wifi, and free breakfast.
Which room amenities are available at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa?
Guests can enjoy a swimup bar, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Is parking available at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa?
Conveniently located restaurants include Que Rico Arenal, Restaurante El Coloso Arenal, and Fusion Arenal Mirador Restaurante.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, a fitness centre, and locker rooms available in the fitness centre during their stay.
Does Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa have airport transportation?
Yes, Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
All La Fortuna HotelsLa Fortuna Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in La FortunaHotels near Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Things to DoRestaurantsFlightsHoliday HomesTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire