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San Rafael Ecolodge

5.0 star property

Photo gallery for San Rafael Ecolodge

Villa Oso Perezoso Aire Acondicionado | Balcony
Food court
Villa Tucano Aire Acondicionado | View from room
Exterior
Villa Tucano Aire Acondicionado | View from room

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View map
La Tigra, San Carlos, La Tigra, Alajuela
  • Place, Costa Rica Chocolate Tour
    ‪35 min drive‬
  • Place, La Fortuna Waterfall
    ‪41 min drive‬
  • Place, Arenal Volcano National Park
    ‪49 min drive‬
  • Airport, La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)
    ‪38 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Villa Tucano Aire Acondicionado

Villa Tucano Aire Acondicionado

Villa Tucano Aire Acondicionado

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

View all photos for Villa Oso Perezoso Aire Acondicionado

Villa Oso Perezoso Aire Acondicionado

Villa Oso Perezoso Aire Acondicionado

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

View all photos for Apart. Morpho Aire Acondicionado

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds

Apart. Morpho Aire Acondicionado

  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Apart. Yigüirro Aire Acondicionado

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds

Apart. Yigüirro Aire Acondicionado

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

View all photos for Apart. Armadillo Aire Acondicionado

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds

Apart. Armadillo Aire Acondicionado

  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Apart. Búho Aire Acondicionado

Apart. Búho Aire Acondicionado

Apart. Búho Aire Acondicionado

  • 19 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Apart. Ardilla Aire Acondicionado

Apart. Ardilla Aire Acondicionado

Apart. Ardilla Aire Acondicionado

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

View all photos for Standard Triple Room, Courtyard View

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds

Standard Triple Room, Courtyard View

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

View all photos for Apart. Oso Hormiguero Aire Acondicionado

Apart. Oso Hormiguero Aire Acondicionado

Apart. Oso Hormiguero Aire Acondicionado

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

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, River View

Room, 2 Queen Beds, River View

Room, 2 Queen Beds, River View

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Double Room, Mountain View

Double Room, Mountain View

Double Room, Mountain View

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Single Beds

Standard Room, 2 Single Beds

Standard Room, 2 Single Beds

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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About the area

La Tigra

Located in La Tigra, San Rafael Ecolodge is on the riverwalk, within a 15-minute drive of Children's Eternal Rainforest and Proyecto Asis. .This family-friendly hotel is 13.3 mi (21.4 km) from Arenal Adventure World and 14.3 mi (22.9 km) from Costa Rica Chocolate Tour.

What's nearby

  • Children's Eternal Rainforest - 12 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Costa Rica Chocolate Tour - 35 min drive - 26.2 km
  • Baldi Hot Springs - 40 min drive - 31.7 km
  • La Fortuna Waterfall - 41 min drive - 29.0 km
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 49 min drive - 40.4 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪La Pollera - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Restaurant @ Finca Luna Nueva Lodge - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Moon Drop Lounge - ‬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
San Rafael Ecolodge offers 5 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature private pools and coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Pillowtop beds feature down comforters and premium bedding. 32-inch Smart televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include showers with rainfall showerheads, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

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

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.
Treat yourself to a stay in one of the 5 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring private pools and Smart televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Rooms have private balconies or patios. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment.
Pamper yourself with onsite massages, body treatments, and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, including an outdoor pool and bicycles to rent. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and an arcade/game room. Getting to nearby attractions is a breeze with the area shuttle (surcharge).
Enjoy a meal at Colibrí Restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the hotel's room service (during limited hours). Relax with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge or the poolside bar. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
Featured amenities include complimentary wired internet access, a business center, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in La Tigra? This hotel has 646 square feet (60 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self parking is available onsite.
A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
Colibrí Restaurant - Onsite 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
  • 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 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 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
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

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Cleaning fee: USD 10 per accommodation, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • 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)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation
Some facilities may have restricted access; guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property
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

Reviews

San Rafael Ecolodge Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness
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

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Business traveller
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 traveller

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

10/10 Excellent

Gwendal

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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