San Rafael Ecolodge

5.0 star property
Riverwalk hotel with free breakfast and spa services
VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for San Rafael Ecolodge

Villa Oso Perezoso Aire Acondicionado | Balcony
Property video
Villa Tucano Aire Acondicionado | View from room
Villa Tucano Aire Acondicionado | View from room
Exterior

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast included
  • Pool
  • Room service
  • Spa
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
La Tigra, San Carlos, La Tigra, Alajuela
  • Place, La Altura Viewpoint
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Children's Eternal Rainforest
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Proyecto Asis
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Airport, La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)
    ‪38 min drive‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members

Room options

Villa Tucano Aire Acondicionado

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 645 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed, 2 Twin Beds and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

Villa Oso Perezoso Aire Acondicionado

  • 968 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed, 1 Twin Bed, 1 Large Twin Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

Apart. Morpho Aire Acondicionado

  • 269 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Apart. Yigüirro Aire Acondicionado

  • 269 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Apart. Armadillo Aire Acondicionado

  • 269 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Apart. Búho Aire Acondicionado

  • 205 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Apart. Ardilla Aire Acondicionado

  • 205 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard Triple Room, Courtyard View

  • 205 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed OR 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Apart. Oso Hormiguero Aire Acondicionado

  • 205 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds, River View

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Double Room, Mountain View

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Twin Beds

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

La Tigra

San Rafael Ecolodge places you within a 15-minute drive of popular attractions such as Children's Eternal Rainforest and Proyecto Asis. This 5-room, 5-star hotel has private in-room pools along with free breakfast and an outdoor pool.

What's nearby

  • La Altura Viewpoint - 8 min drive - 3.5 miles
  • Children's Eternal Rainforest - 12 min drive - 4.2 miles
  • Proyecto Asis - 16 min drive - 6.4 miles
  • Arenal Adventure World - 32 min drive - 15.0 miles
  • La Fortuna Waterfall - 40 min drive - 17.8 miles

Getting around

  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 98 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪La Pollera - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Moon Drop Lounge - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Restaurant @ Finca Luna Nueva Lodge - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Soda La Negrita - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Katty Restaurante Y Bar - ‬18 min drive

About this property

San Rafael Ecolodge

Riverwalk hotel with free breakfast and spa services
At San Rafael Ecolodge, guests have access to an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and conference space. There's free parking, and an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 170 per vehicle one-way. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with securing valuables, tours or tickets, and dry cleaning/laundry. Other amenities at this luxury hotel include a business center, a computer station, and an arcade/game room.
32-inch Smart TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi and wired Internet. Bathrooms offer rainfall showers, hair dryers, and free toiletries, and pillowtop beds with premium bedding and down comforters ensure a restful night. Private pools, 17 bathrooms, and balconies or patios are also standard. Housekeeping is available on request.
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 onsite 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.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • 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)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 646 square feet of conference space
  • Business center
  • 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 elevator (single-level property)
  • Smooth flooring in room
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (47 inches 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 organized tours and activities
  • Mosquito nets
  • Reception hall
  • Smoking not allowed
  • 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 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 available

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

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Cleaning fee: USD 10 per accommodation, per night

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • 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
  • Housekeeping fee: USD 10.00 per night
  • Towels fee: USD 5 per person, per stay (or guests may bring their own)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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 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-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Onsite 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, 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
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-9:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • 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-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services and spa treatments. Contact the hotel at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • Long-term renters welcome.
  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • Some facilities may be restricted. For more details, contact the property. Contact information can be found on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • 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

Frequently asked questions

What can I see around San Rafael Ecolodge?

This hotel is located in La Tigra, close to La Altura Viewpoint. Children's Eternal Rainforest is also within a driving distance of 3.5 mi.

Is there parking available at San Rafael Ecolodge?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Accessible parking and bicycle parking are also available.

Is there a spa at San Rafael Ecolodge?

Spa services at the hotel include sports massages, hot stone massages, body wraps, and aromatherapy.

Does San Rafael Ecolodge have a casino at the property?

No, San Rafael Ecolodge doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at San Rafael Ecolodge?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. Guests have pool access between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

What amenities will couples enjoy at San Rafael Ecolodge?

At this lakeside hotel, there are many amenities for couples, including a private pool and in-room massages in each guestroom with some featuring lake views.

Are there hot tubs at San Rafael Ecolodge?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does San Rafael Ecolodge have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, San Rafael Ecolodge serves free continental breakfast at Colibrí Restaurant each morning.

Will San Rafael Ecolodge allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at San Rafael Ecolodge.

Does San Rafael Ecolodge have connecting rooms?

Yes, this hotel has connecting guestrooms you can book for your group event or vacation.

How far is the airport from San Rafael Ecolodge?

The closest major airport to San Rafael Ecolodge is La Fortuna (FON-Arenal), which is 15.8 mi away (32 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at San Rafael Ecolodge?

Yes, every guestroom at San Rafael Ecolodge comes with a balcony with some featuring lake or garden views.

Does San Rafael Ecolodge have a wedding venue?

Take advantage of the wedding venue at San Rafael Ecolodge if you plan to say "I do" during your trip.

San Rafael Ecolodge Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 17 out of 23 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 23 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 23 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 23 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 23 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ines

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ines

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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 traveler

Traveled 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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Crickets and cicadas and frogs! The most beautiful jungle symphony every day around happy hour!
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2019

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The villas are located about
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018

10/10 Excellent

Gwendal

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

Excellent place, super services

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Martins

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Juan Manuel

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
a mi familia y a mi nos gusto mucho el hotel en todos los aspectos, el señor Giovanny es un gran anfitrión.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Yaritza

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excelente lugar para pasar en familia un servicio muy limpio y amables recomendado .
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

MANUEL

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Un lindo lugar y muchos sitios que visitar cerca del hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

David, San Jose, Costa Rica

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

Muy relajante

El bosque alrededor de las habitaciones brinda un ambiente muy relajente sin ruidos externos a las naturaleza
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

David Cruz, Herrdia

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

Linda vista al bosque

Linda estadia y muy relajado. Se observan varios animales entre ellos colibri y ranas
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2017