Our extended family of 15 adults spent two days and nights here during a period of unseasonal torrential non-stop downpours at New Years. Birdwatching and natural history hikes were cancelled because of the rains, so we spent much of the time relaxing in the hot springs. The rains made no difference once you were submerged in the steaming waters. The hot springs are just a five minute walk from the hotel, so it was easy to go back and forth. The included breakfasts were incredible - lots of choices, tropical fruits and great Costa Rican coffee. I would recommend skipping the buffet dinner at the hot springs - meager offerings of poorly presented, unappetizing items, and for $45/person, not worth it. Pleanty of decent restaurants in town...

This hotel is exquisite on every level. The hotel accommodation options include a Honeymoon Suite overlooking Arenal - the volcano - with gardens outside that invite local coati (racoon type creatures) to stroll in front of the rooms. There is also a Rainforest Suite with a private balcony that makes you feel like you are in the middle of the jungle - which you are! And a Tabacon Suite with the most gorgeously designed indonesian-inspired bathroom I have ever seen. I just loved my stay here (in the honeymoon suite solo which I recommend). Next time I will try the Rainforest Suite. The restaurants have delicious food including a buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch and dinner menu including the best angus steak I have ever had (and I only eat meat once a month). There is a dinner buffet option at the hot springs. Which brings me to the main point - the hot springs resort and spa is a must for any bucket list! A once-in-a-lifetime magical experience. Breathtaking. Renewing. Stunning. Beauty and mystery surround you everywhere. I luxuriated in a volcano signature massage where hot volcano mud is rubbed over your body as part of the massage in an outdoor bungalow. You rinse off in a warm lava flowing heated shower. The hot springs include 20 different pools of varying temperature water. Make sure to go all the way up to the Shangri La section (for over 18) which is more secluded. And especially to stand behind the waterfall in the first pool. Not to be missed. You can go to the resort's hot springs even if you do not stay at the hotel. But the hotel is worth it! Ready to go back asap!

In Feb 2013 we stayed at a suite at the Tabacon spa in Costa Rica. Our room was spectacular suite overlooking the jungle and with an enormous bath tub. The resort is clean and very well located. Limited areas for dinner and bit expensive. If you want to go to town (la fortuna) is a $10 taxi ride.
The hot springs are just amazing and a must do in Costa Rica.
Service in the hotel is not up to par with the $600 per night rate. We got misinformed on several aspects and the check in was very cumbersome. There are several other good hotels in the area but nothing as close to the springs.

This was truly a magical day for my boyfriend and I - we opted for a full day pass, including lunch and dinner, and were certainly able to fill our time from 11am to 9pm. The review below is therefore based on being a day pass guest and not staying at the hotel.

My biggest tip would be to bring water shoes with you! Several of the pools have quite rocky bottoms that may cause your feet to be sore, or make you explore them very tentatively. I wish someone had told me to bring mine! You've been warned!

Highlights:

1. It was a bit rainy earlier in the day, so the hot springs were quite empty. it was perfect to have several of the pools empty to ourselves. i recommend spending as much time in the pools around meal times, while other visitors are at the restaurant.

2. Definitely find your way to the adults only area towards the back of the property. The "shangri la gardens". There are plenty of towels that are easily available (a nice change from the strict towel rules they communicate at the entrance), a bar, lovely 'sultan like' tents, and modern lighting that changes colors at night. It was magical, and perfect for a mid afternoon nap.

3. The drinks at the pool bar are quite expensive relative to other hotels/options. $10-12 each for daiquiris, mojitios etc, $7-8 for beer. Since there is no mention of outside food or drink policies in the rules posted at the resort, I'm sure that if you were discrete about bringing in snacks and even your own beer you could.

4. The spa looked AMAZING! There are private treatment rooms/cabanas in one area, and although I didn't have a treatment, peaking into the rooms was impressive. I would however note though that prices reflect the surrounding. Costs were at least 20-30% higher than the other spa resort I stayed at. 1 hour massage would be cheaper at 5 star hotel in Toronto or New York instead of Tabacon.

5. The meals were GREAT! Lunch in the full day package is plated - options from quite a few local as well as "north american" options. The risotto looked amazing, I had the crusted Tuna and was blown away. Dinner is a buffet style, which I believe changes themes daily - we had Moroccan, which was fairly good - but not as impressive as lunch. Free freshly squeezed fruit juice/smoothie of your choice is included at both meals - a nice touch. Wine menu is pricey, but there are some affordable options instead of $11 - $12/glass, try $22/bottle rose, or $39/bottle options.

While we had a great time, and have TONS of lovely photos, a few considerations for them to improve upon:

- Hotel guests come to the hot springs with their robes. I wish they would offer this for day guests.
- There is only 1 central bathroom location (main change rooms), so you have to walk a long way around winding paths to reach them. I'd think more easily accessible bathrooms would prevent people from being lazy and possibly using the hot springs as a bathroom (I got the feeling some people stayed in the pools way too long to not have to pee).
- change rooms are nicely appointed but can really get packed when large tour groups come and go. you then feel incredibly cramped.