San Rafael Ecolodge

5.0 star property
VIP Access

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Restaurant

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

View in a map
La Tigra, San Carlos, La Tigra, Alajuela
  • Place, La Fortuna Waterfall
  • Place, Arenal Volcano National Park
  • Place, Children's Eternal Rainforest
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Airport, La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for BONUS+ members

Room options

Villa Tucano Aire Acondicionado

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 60 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed, 2 Single Beds and 1 Single Sofa Bed

Villa Oso Perezoso Aire Acondicionado

  • 90 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed, 1 Single Bed, 1 Large Single Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

Apart. Morpho Aire Acondicionado

  • Garden view
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Apart. Yigüirro Aire Acondicionado

  • Mountain view
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Apart. Armadillo Aire Acondicionado

  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Apart. Búho Aire Acondicionado

  • Garden view
  • 19 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Apart. Ardilla Aire Acondicionado

  • Mountain view
  • 19 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard Triple Room, Courtyard View

  • 19 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Single Bed OR 1 Single Bunk Bed

Apart. Oso Hormiguero Aire Acondicionado

  • River view
  • 19 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds, River View

  • Mountain view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Double Room, Mountain View

  • Mountain view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Single Beds

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

Similar properties

About this property

San Rafael Ecolodge

An outdoor pool, a restaurant and a bar/lounge are available at this smoke-free hotel. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a poolside bar, a snack bar/deli and massage/treatment rooms. Housekeeping is available on request.
San Rafael Ecolodge offers 5 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors, and features private pools and coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Pillowtop beds feature down duvets and premium bedding. 32-inch Smart televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include a shower with a rainfall showerhead, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and printers. In-room massages, hypo-allergenic bedding and an iron/ironing board can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services. There are massage/treatment rooms, couples treatment room(s), and outdoor treatment areas. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, sports massages and facials. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and reflexology.
During your stay at San Rafael Ecolodge, you'll be close to Proyecto Asis. Features include free breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self-parking.
  • Free continental breakfast served daily
  • Free WiFi and wired Internet
  • Free self-parking
  • Drinking and dining options include a restaurant, a poolside bar and a bar/lounge
  • Take a swim in the outdoor pool
  • Services include dry cleaning/laundry, a concierge and tour or ticket assistance
  • On-site recreation includes bicycles to rent
  • 11 minutes by car from Children's Eternal Rainforest and 14 minutes from Proyecto Asis
  • Airport and local-area shuttle service available for a fee
There's a restaurant on site, as well as a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Free breakfast is available daily. A computer station is on site, and both WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces.

A business centre and a meeting room are available. Event space at this hotel measures 646 square feet (60 square metres) and includes conference space. An outdoor pool, spa services, and a terrace are also featured at the luxury San Rafael Ecolodge. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) and an area shuttle are available for a fee. Self parking is free.

This 5-star La Tigra hotel is smoke free.

Guests are served a free continental breakfast daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
Colibrí Restaurant – On-site family restaurant.
Late-night fare is available from room service (during limited hours).

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Couples/private dining
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Colibrí Restaurant

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Art gallery
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Bingo
  • Books
  • Farming classes
  • Games
  • Outdoor pool
  • TV in common areas
  • Winery release events

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool
  • Separate bedroom
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily) (for a fee)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 646 square feet of conference space
  • Business centre
  • Computer station
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • In the mountains
  • On a lake
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace
  • Vegetable garden

Spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • In-room massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Outdoor treatment areas
  • Reflexology
  • Sports massages
  • Treatment room

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 2 accessible parking spaces
  • Front entrance ramp
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Smooth flooring in room
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business centre
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (120 centimetre high)
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa

More

  • 1 floor
  • 100% renewable energy
  • 7 buildings
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Built in 100
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • Mosquito nets
  • Reception hall
  • Smoke-free property
  • Traditional architecture
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • 17 private bathrooms
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)

Entertainment

  • 32-inch smart TV with cable channels
  • Private pool

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Late-night room service

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Ceiling fan
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Fan
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • LED lighting
  • Printer
  • Recycling
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Late check-in subject to availability
Late check-in fee: USD 45 for check-in between 7:30 PM and 10:30 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

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 8:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 8:30 AM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact this property in advance to arrange check-in.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at San Rafael Ecolodge

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 170 per vehicle (one-way)
  • Late check-in fee: USD 45 for check-in between 7:30 PM and 10:30 PM
  • Cleaning/housekeeping/linen fee: USD 10.00 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or 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 access to the hot springs
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
San Rafael Ecolodge offers transfers from the airport (fees may apply). Please contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation with your arrival details prior to travel. The front desk at this property is open daily from 8:30 AM - 10:30 PM.
Guests arriving after 8:30 AM must make advance arrangements by contacting the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • Certain facilities might have restricted access. For details, you can contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Villas San Rafael Natural Paradise Resort La Tigra
Villas San Rafael Natural Paradise Resort
Villas San Rafael Natural Paradise La Tigra
Rafael Natural Paradise Tigra
San Rafael Boutique
San Rafael Ecolodge Hotel
San Rafael Ecolodge La Tigra
San Rafael Ecolodge Hotel La Tigra
Villas San Rafael Natural Paradise Resort

San Rafael Ecolodge Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 37 out of 44 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 44 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 44 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 44 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Evan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is the best possible place to stay in Costa Rica! Not only because of the great location in the rainforest, all the sloths on the property, and great facilities, but mostly because the hosts Giovanni and Luis run the best lodge in the country. They will go the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable and treat you like family! They also cook the best food I’ve ever had in Costa Rica. 11/10!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Karl

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was in the forest saw a sloth, frogs, toucan. Giovani and Louis were just outstanding with everything helping with where to go great breakfast and lunch showing us all the critters at night it was one of the best experiences so far on our trip
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Paola, Arlington

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Little gem in the forest! The property is very clean and well maintained. Very relaxing. Our room had no space for clothes, but we managed. We had dinner there and the food was great.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Giovanni and Luis were fantastic, warm and welcoming hosts. Their attention to our needs was second to none, and the breakfasts were excellent! I recommend anyone traveling to the Fortuna area, looking to get a bit more into nature, consider their ecolodge the first choice. You won’t be disappointed!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nisha

Travelled with family and small children
Amazing experience
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
It was a true pleasure staying at San Rafael Ecolodge. We enjoyed the homemade food, natural environment (where we spotted a baby sloth), pool, and proximity to La Tigra and surrounding sights. Giovanni's hospitality, as well as all the hotel staff, including Luis and the talented chef, was above and beyond what we could have expected. We stayed for two nights as apart of our honeymoon—our only regret was not staying longer.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at San Rafael Ecolodge. The 2 bedroom villa we stayed in was perfect for us and was accessible. We could park right by our door. We saw toucans, lots of birds, blue jeans dart frogs, a baby sloth, and more on the property. We felt comfortable and at home. It is a peaceful place. It was really perfect for us. The sofa on our back porch overlooking the jungle was a highlight of our trip. We sat there each morning looking and listening for birds. The food was good. The location is central to many activities/places. We look forward to returning!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Shankar

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Nice quiet offbeat location, away from the hustle bustle of La Fortuna. The downside being, u r 40-45min away from most activities. Rooms we were nice & clean with each cilla/apartment having a nice private outdoor sitting space. The staff was extremely courteous treating you more like family than guest. There us a small strwam running through the property. So the sound of running water amidst the dense green canopy gives the full feel of rainforest.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Damodar

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We had great time. Giovani and luise are very caring. We were lucky enough to see armadillo from our patio. It is an Ecolodge and is surrounded by woods. It is in La tiagra and is about 30 min drive to get in to La Fortuna. In San Rafael the breakfast area is ery nice with pool and wood view. It itself looks like a bird and animal sanctuary.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Antony

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
This place is worth going to. It was absolutely beautiful and very clean. It deserves a 5 stars! The owners were very friendly and I’m glad I stayed there.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracey

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is a charming resort. Luis and Giovanni were gracious, welcoming, and helpful! They pointed out several attractions. We very much enjoyed our stay and recommend this location.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ines

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ines

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

rachel

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Azalia M

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lindo hotel, buena gente

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Sean

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Kerry

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Giovanni and his staff were terrific.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Victor

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Michael

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019