We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort: Traveler Reviews

4.5 of 5
Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Hotel website
Hotel amenities
Special Offer
Package Deal
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
Enter dates & see best prices*
Show Prices
*from our partners
Write a Review

1,259 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    661
    330
    145
    71
    52
See reviews for
Families
229
 
Couples
647
 
Solo
19
 
Business
13
 
Rating summary
  • Sleep Quality
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    4 of 5 stars
  • Service
    4 of 5 stars
  • Value
    3.5 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    4.5 of 5 stars
Date Rating
San Jose, Costa Rica
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“visit to tabacon in costa rica with my grandchildren”
1 of 5 stars Reviewed November 22, 2012

I spent the weekend previous to last at Tabacon. I live in Costa and I like tabacon very much.
to my positive surprise, I was upgraded and given a room,in a part of the hotel that was redone,that was incredible. A huge room,with a high ceiling,it is more, the size of a small apartment.
service was excelent and the termal waters as well. they have also redone the gardens and created,small semi private areas,to enjoy the termal waters,fits about eight people, each.

I reccomed tabacon very highly.

mario

Room Tip: the rating is excelent for all questions. to choose a good room,they can contact the reservation ser...
See more room tips
  • Stayed November 2012, traveled with family
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 1 of 5 stars Location
    • 1 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 1 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 1 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 1 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask maridor10 about Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Antioch, Illinois
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
13 hotel reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
“Amazing place. Very nice. Hot springs were the best”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 21, 2012

Really unique place. The volcanic hot springs are, of course, hot. Very relaxing. We walked around on a sunday but didn't take in the springs till Monday. It was a lot less crowded on Monday. Wife had an amazing expereince in the spa -- a bit pricey but worth it. The breakfast was outstanding. The buffet down at the springs, while very good, was a bit pricey. So was the breakfast, but it was included in our rate so no complaints. Stuff is more expensive here, but that is not unlike other resorts around the world (i.e. 4 or 5$ for a diet coke at the bar).

But, you are here to see the volcano (not much going on with it now, which was a shame, but still impressive) and to go to the springs. So nice and relaxing. Unlike anything I've seen. Go do it.

Had our 5 y/o with us and he enjoyed too. Turndown service and attention to detail good too.

  • Stayed November 2012, traveled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by indycoltsfan for La Fortuna de San Carlos
Ask indycoltsfan about Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Pensacola, Florida
Top Contributor
101 reviews 101 reviews
24 hotel reviews
Reviews in 39 cities Reviews in 39 cities
92 helpful votes 92 helpful votes
“Nice Hotel, With Free Access To The Hot Springs.”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 21, 2012

My wife and I decided to stay here again on our 40th anniversary trip, as we had stayed here several years ago and had enjoyed the experience then. Not much has changed over the years, except the price. The rooms are comfortable and clean with very nice furnishings. The price for the breakfast is robbery, and we chose to eat in town instead. Of course the entry into the hot springs is free with your stay. Even though the price of the room is somewhat on the high side, my only real suggestion, would be to lower the cost of the breakfast. $28 a person for breakfast is totally unreasonable and much higher than any other place that we stayed.

  • Stayed October 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 8 more reviews by newjade for La Fortuna de San Carlos
Ask newjade about Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Miami
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Paradise on Earth”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 20, 2012

Just returned from a couples trip with my sister and her husband and El Tabacon was recommended to us as the best. The best falls way short! El Tabacon is like nothing you will ever experience! We landed at San Jose and requested the hotel transportation, was a bit pricey but the hotel is 3 hours from the resort. Our driver Manuel was excellent. Made us feel very comfortable, had pillows and reclining seats in van (very comfortable). Midway he stopped in order for us to grab abite, we were starving, and we ate at a local restaurant called El Ranchito. Order the casada which is thier typical meal of rice, beans, picadillo (vegetable), patacones (plantains) and meat of coice and salad. DELICIOUS!!! After that we napped for an hour and when we woke we have the most AMAZING view of the Arenal Volcano. I have never seen anything so beautiful! We were lucky and the day was clear so we had a beautiful view of the complate volcano with a cloud like of mist at the very top. About 45 minutes later we were at the hotel. The reception is pretty and the staff was very informative and friendly. Tropicl drink served at welcome. Once arrived at the room we were blown away. Had a King Superior Suite and it was huge. Bathroom was extremely comfortable with 2 sinks, shower and jacuzzi with seperate toilet and bidei. View was looking out to the rain forest. Had 2 sofa beds in the living room area as well as dining room table with a large king bed. We changed and took a 8 seater golf cart to the thermal springs. What can I say, I was speechless with the beauty surrounding me. It was the most romantic, amazing, inspiring , breath taking view of all of those thermal water springs within the most BEAUTIFUL rain forest!!!!! The Shangri La is the adults only area which, at night, gives for privacy and romance!! There is a bar and ultiple areas to sit and relax with tables and cabanas which are first come first serve. On the last day we did the couples Idyllic Massage at the Grand Spa. It has been by far the most romantic spa we have EVER had. I won't spoil it by giving details but trust me, the price is WORTH it..do NOT think twice! Overall the experience is a MUST!! For dinner, you can go to La Fortuna which is a $15 cab ride (15-20min) and you can eat at Lava Lounge. Greta food and lively but the area is truly for RELAXATION!! In all El Tabacom is well worth the money and trip! Costa Rica was absolutely a country we will be returning to...Thanks to all the staff for a wonderful trip!

  • Stayed November 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by ecosta16 for La Fortuna de San Carlos
Ask ecosta16 about Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jupiter, Florida
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
“Beautiful but expensive”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed November 18, 2012

First off a friend of mine from Costa Rica told me not to stay at this hotel. However Im very stubborn and didn't listen to her. After seeing the pictures and the reviews I just had to stay here. Please dont get me wrong if you are looking for a 5 star experience look no further but it will cost you. Right away they upgraded my husband and I to the honeymoon suite which was gorgeous! I was hoping for veiws of the volcano but we didn't have any. We went to dinner that night at the hotel since we arrived late. Just 2 meals and a $32 bottle of cheap wine and we were signing a $148.00 dinner tab. The food was delicious but we didn't even have any apps or dessert. I can go to Capital Grill back home for that price and we are in Costa Rica. The next night we asked where the locals go and were able to have plenty of drinks and appitizer and dinner for less than $40.00 and it was amazing! The Tabacon Hot Springs were to die for! What a spectacular place. Although you dont have to stay in the hotel to enjoy them. The location was ok. Its about half way between La Fortuna and the Volcano. 15 minutes to both. I probably would have rather stayed closer to the town.
So was it a great trip and a wonderful place tp stay? Yes.
Would I stay there again or recommend it? Unfortunatly not.

Room Tip: Honeymoon suites were gorgeous. We stayed in room 501
See more room tips
  • Stayed November 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask TravelChels about Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Arenal Springs Resort and Spa
Great value on a similar hotel
La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park
4.5 of 5 stars 814 Reviews
Show Prices
Still looking for a hotel?
Highly rated hotels in or near La Fortuna de San Carlos
Romantic
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica a... 4.5 of 5 stars 787 reviews
Luxury
Arenal Kioro
Arenal Kioro 4.5 of 5 stars 357 reviews
Good for business
The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal
The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Pl... 4.5 of 5 stars 1,218 reviews
Near the beach
Issimo Suites Boutique Hotel and Spa
Issimo Suites Boutique Hotel and... 4.5 of 5 stars 441 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d301231?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d585323?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d2095544?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d559198?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Travelers also viewed these La Fortuna de San Carlos hotels
The Springs Resort and Spa at Ar... 4.5 of 5 stars 834 reviews Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens 5.0 of 5 stars 1,408 reviews Arenal Springs Resort and Spa 4.5 of 5 stars 814 reviews Hotel El Silencio del Campo 4.5 of 5 stars 923 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1198441?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d866587?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d591334?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d626270?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
View all 62 hotels in La Fortuna de San Carlos, ranked by popularity

Been to Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Additional Information about Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

Also Known As:
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Hotel
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Hotel La Fortuna De San Carlos
Tabacon Grand Hotel Thermal
Tabacon Grand Resort Thermal
Tabacon Resort
Tabacon Hot Springs
Tabacon
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort Costa Rica/Arenal Volcano National Park
Address: Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Phone Number:
Region: Costa Rica > Province of Alajuela > Arenal Volcano National Park > La Fortuna de San Carlos
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Fitness Center Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Restaurant Room Service Shuttle Bus service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#5 Luxury Hotels in La Fortuna de San Carlos
#6 Romantic Hotels in La Fortuna de San Carlos
#20 Family Hotels in La Fortuna de San Carlos
Price Range: $$$
Hotel Class:4.5 star (4.5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is a five stars hotel located in Costa Rica's northern region, at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano in the heart of the tropical rainforest. Tabacón provides luxurious accommodations, services and amenities in a picture-perfect natural setting. The unique thermal springs emerge from the volcanic earth, cascading to form waterfalls, streams, tranquil pools and ponds surrounded by lush tropical gardens which create an oasis of peace. The hotel, member of The Leading Hotels of The World, offers 7 different categories of rooms: Ambassador Suite, Senator Suite Tabacon Suite, Honeymoon Suite, Rainforest Suite, Superior Premium and Superior, each room with amenities that will offer all the comfort for an unforgettable stay.As a perfect complement of a relaxing experience, inside the gardens you can find The Grand Spa, member of Leading Spas of the World. The Grand Spa taps one of the world´s beautiful locations to offer an incomparable spa experience. Treatments are given in 11 open-air bungalows, all with Jacuzzi. ... more   less 
Reservation Options:
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Hotels.com, Orbitz, Venere, Expedia, BookIt.com and LHW so you can book your Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
Enter dates & see best prices* (from our partners)
Show Prices