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Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort: Traveler Reviews

4.5 of 5
Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
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1,261 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    663
    330
    145
    71
    52
See reviews for
Families
230
 
Couples
648
 
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
Manhasset, New York
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
7 hotel reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“Disappointed”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

We had heard wonderful things about the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort and booked a four night stay there last August. The rooms were damp and smelled of mildew. The hotel needs a complete overhaul and rooms haven't been updated in a while. The springs were nice, but because they bus in tour groups, they were packed. I felt like i was in an amusement park filled with tourists. There was no relaxing quiet spot at the springs, and the hotel was a disappointment. The restaurant at the hotel was the only nice part of our stay at the Tabacon. I would recommend staying at a newer hotel.

  • Stayed August 2012, traveled with family
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 2 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 2 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Lovetotravelmhsny about Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TabaconGuestService, Gerente at Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, responded to this review
March 18, 2013
Dear Lovetotravelmhsny
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and tell us why our service failed to meet your expectations. We have addressed your concerns to management immediately. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you had during your stay. We would really appreciate if you contact us back to customerservice@tabacon.com, and let us know your room number, in order to follow up your personal concern.

With kindest Regards
Yendry Espinoza
Resort Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bethesda, Maryland
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
8 hotel reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
“These hot springs must be experienced!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

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...

  • Stayed January 2013, traveled with family
    • 3 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
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask greenthumb about Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TabaconGuestService, Gerente at Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, responded to this review
March 18, 2013
Dear Greenthumb
Thank you for your review, we are extremely happy that you spend your family vacation at Costa Rica and decided to visit Tabacon. Being at the thermal springs meanwhile is raining is the most enjoyable and relaxing experience we are glad you got to experience that. We are glad you enjoyed our buffet breakfast where lots of choices including traditional Costa Rican dishes are included. We appreciate your comment about the buffet dinner at the hot springs and we already informed our food and beverage director to improve this service.

We are sincerely grateful for your visit and hope you will come back soon.

Cordially,
Yendry Espinoza
Resort Manager
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New York City
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“Tabacon is heaven on earth”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

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!

Room Tip: Rainforest Suite and Honeymoon Suite are worth the splurge! Includes a jacuzzi bathtub for 2.
See more room tips
  • Stayed March 2013, traveled solo
    • 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
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Ask Jodi K about Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TabaconGuestService, Gerente at Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, responded to this review
March 18, 2013
Dear Jodi K
Thank you for your valuable comments and for choosing Tabacon as your hotel during your visit to Arenal. It was an honor to have you as our guest and we are really glad to know you enjoyed a memorable experience. As you mentioned all our rooms are surrounded by nature, we do offer 7 guest rooms and suites categories all of them with different designs so our guests are able to decide which room they prefer depending on their preferences. Tabacon is also a culinary experience, our aim is always to provide a world class service including National and International dishes, we are glad to know you enjoyed your angus steak. At the resort the beauty of nature is part of the relaxation, we were blessed with a completely natural thermal spring river where you can find secluded areas as Shangri-La Gardens, and the great complement of a Tabacon massage with volcanic mud at The Grand Spa is part of the magical experience.

We would love to receive you at the hotel soon!

Cordially
Yendry Espinoza
Resort Manager
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Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
8 hotel reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Awesome location and great rooms”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 12, 2013 via mobile

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.

  • Stayed February 2013
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Gemsinvestments about Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TabaconGuestService, Gerente at Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, responded to this review
March 22, 2013
Dear Gemsinvestments
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, we are glad that you had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica and stayed with us. Our aim is to offer a memorable experience. We were blessed with a completely natural setting and the natural hot spring river makes Tabacon really unique. We are glad you enjoyed your suite and the rainforest view. Our aim is to improve every day and we would appreciate if you contact us directly at customerservice@tabacon.com to provide more details about your check in experience.

Cordially
Yendry Espinoza
Resort Manager
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Toronto
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
7 hotel reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
“Pure bliss in this garden of eden - just avoid the tour bus groups”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 10, 2013

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.

  • Stayed March 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask vacation_girl_canada about Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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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 
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