San Rafael Ecolodge combines natural beauty with comfort, offering a peaceful retreat with an outdoor pool and spa treatments for travelers seeking relaxation
Located near Proyecto Asis, San Rafael Ecolodge offers cycling trails, a sun-lounger-lined pool, Colibrí Restaurant, a garden, and an art gallery. Guests can book body wraps, aromatherapy, enjoy free continental breakfasts, and get help from multilingual staff.
Reviews
9.69.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Popular amenities
Pool
Spa
Parking included
Free WiFi
Restaurant
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Located in La Tigra, San Rafael Ecolodge is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Children's Eternal Rainforest and La Fortuna Waterfall, while Arenal Adventure World and Puentes Colgantes del Arenal are popular area attractions. Proyecto Asis and Costa Rica Chocolate Tour are two other places to visit that come recommended. Kayaking and rafting offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and mountain biking nearby. Visit our La Tigra travel guide
La Tigra, San Carlos, La Tigra, Alajuela
What's nearby
Children's Eternal Rainforest
19 min drive - 6.3 km
Proyecto Asis
32 min drive - 11.3 km
Getting around
Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO)
123 min drive
Restaurants
La Pollera
16 min drive
Soda La Negrita
19 min drive
Moon Drop Lounge
15 min drive
Restaurant @ Finca Luna Nueva Lodge
15 min drive
Quincho's Pizza
16 min drive
About this property
San Rafael Ecolodge
Luxury family-friendly hotel near Children's Eternal Rainforest
Located close to Proyecto Asis, San Rafael Ecolodge provides free continental breakfast, a poolside bar, and a terrace. Active travelers can enjoy cycling at this hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the outdoor treatment areas, and indulge in aromatherapy, reflexology, or a hot stone massage. Be sure to enjoy a meal at Colibrí Restaurant, the on-site family restaurant. In addition to an art gallery on site and a garden, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
An outdoor pool along with sun loungers
Free self parking
Bike rentals, a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and massage treatment rooms
Multilingual staff, wedding services, and a front-desk safe
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and have comforts such as private pools and premium bedding, as well as perks like laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning.
Other amenities include:
Reusable coffee/tea filters, recycling, and LED light bulbs
17 bathrooms with rainfall showers and eco-friendly toiletries
32-inch Smart TVs with cable channels
Private yards, wardrobes/closets, and eco-friendly cleaning products
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
Daily housekeeping (for a fee)
Dry cleaning/laundry service
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.
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
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
Property payment types
Important information
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
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
Frequently asked questions
Does San Rafael Ecolodge have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool access is from 9:00 AM–7:00 PM.
Is San Rafael Ecolodge pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at San Rafael Ecolodge?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM. Late check-in is available from 7:30 PM–
10:30 PM for a fee of USD 45.
What time is check-out at San Rafael Ecolodge?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Does San Rafael Ecolodge provide a shuttle to the airport?
Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of USD 170 per vehicle applies.
Where is San Rafael Ecolodge located?
Located on the riverwalk, this family-friendly hotel is 3.9 mi (6.2 km) from Children's Eternal Rainforest and 5.4 mi (8.7 km) from Proyecto Asis. Arenal Adventure World and Costa Rica Chocolate Tour are also within 16 mi (25 km).
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Reviews
San Rafael Ecolodge Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
This is a charming resort. Luis and Giovanni were gracious, welcoming, and helpful! They pointed out several attractions. We very much enjoyed our stay and recommend this location.
This place is worth going to. It was absolutely beautiful and very clean. It deserves a 5 stars! The owners were very friendly and I’m glad I stayed there.
Antony
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Matthew
Jan 4, 2026
Giovanni and Luis were fantastic, warm and welcoming hosts. Their attention to our needs was second to none, and the breakfasts were excellent! I recommend anyone traveling to the Fortuna area, looking to get a bit more into nature, consider their ecolodge the first choice. You won’t be disappointed!
The property was in the forest saw a sloth, frogs, toucan.
Giovani and Louis were just outstanding with everything helping with where to go great breakfast and lunch showing us all the critters at night it was one of the best experiences so far on our trip
Little gem in the forest! The property is very clean and well maintained. Very relaxing. Our room had no space for clothes, but we managed.
We had dinner there and the food was great.
This is the best possible place to stay in Costa Rica! Not only because of the great location in the rainforest, all the sloths on the property, and great facilities, but mostly because the hosts Giovanni and Luis run the best lodge in the country. They will go the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable and treat you like family! They also cook the best food I’ve ever had in Costa Rica. 11/10!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Giovanni and Luis are great hosts, very helpful, welcoming and accomodating throughout my stay. Excellent service, clean rooms and beautiful views all around. Would highly recommend and visit again!
My family & I (husband, 2 boys ages 11 & 15) stayed at the San Rafael Ecolodge for 7 nights in mid February. We had never stayed in such a place before & had an absolutely wonderful time! The dinning & common areas are all open-air yet very cozy. The food is freshly made to order & is so delicious! There is numerous wildlife to see right there at the ecolodge too! We saw a Sloth, Yellow-throated Toucan, Motmot Parrot, Red-eyed Tree Frogs, Plumed Basilisk Lizard & a House Gecko! The 3 people who run the ecolodge (Giovanni the owner, Luis & Elisabeth) are terrific! They are very accommodating & their hospitality is above & beyond! Giovanni had said to me " Tara, this is now your home." And by the end of our stay, we most certainly felt that way! We highly recommend staying at the San Rafael Ecolodge & would definitely go back!
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.
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.
a mi familia y a mi nos gusto mucho el hotel en todos los aspectos, el señor Giovanny es un gran anfitrión.
Juan Manuel
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
6/10 Okay
Michael
Mar 25, 2022
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.
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!