San Rafael Ecolodge

Hotels
9.2
/10
Exceptional
23 reviews

What Guests Say About Their Stay

Jon Pierce

10.0
/ 10
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!

Vaibhav

10.0
/ 10
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!

Paul

10.0
/ 10
Everything was excellent, the hostess, room, food and the view. Will definitely come back when visiting San Jose,
In the Area
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La Tigra, San Carlos, La Tigra, San Carlos, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica

Main Facilities

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Swimming Pool
Parking
WiFi
On the riverwalk
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What's around San Rafael Ecolodge

La Tigra, San Carlos, La Tigra, San Carlos, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
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General


On the riverwalk

Location


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 13.6 mi (21.9 km) from Arenal Adventure World and 14.6 mi (23.5 km) from Costa Rica Chocolate Tour.

Attractions


Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.

La Altura Viewpoint - 5.7 km / 3.5 mi
Children's Eternal Rainforest - 6.2 km / 3.9 mi
Proyecto Asis - 8.7 km / 5.4 mi
Canopy San Lorenzo - 16 km / 10 mi
Arenal Adventure World - 21.9 km / 13.6 mi
El Salto Fortuna River - 22.1 km / 13.7 mi
Costa Rica Chocolate Tour - 23.5 km / 14.6 mi
La Fortuna Park - 23.9 km / 14.8 mi
Puentes Colgantes del Arenal - 24.2 km / 15.1 mi
La Fortuna Waterfall - 26.1 km / 16.2 mi
Quesada City Park - 26.3 km / 16.3 mi
Ecoglide Arenal Park - 27.5 km / 17.1 mi
Camara de Ganaderos de San Carlos - 27.9 km / 17.3 mi
Baldi Hot Springs - 28.1 km / 17.5 mi
Kalambu Hot Springs - 28.3 km / 17.6 mi

The nearest airports are:
La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 25.7 km / 16 mi
Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 94.1 km / 58.4 mi

The preferred airport for San Rafael Ecolodge is Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO).

Facilities


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).

Business Facilities


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.

Dining


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.

Rooms


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.

All facilities in San Rafael Ecolodge

Bar, Cafe and Lounge San Rafael Ecolodge
Bar, Cafe and Lounge
Swimming Pool San Rafael Ecolodge
Swimming Pool
Entertainment Facility San Rafael Ecolodge
Entertainment Facility
Common Space San Rafael Ecolodge
Common Space
Lobby San Rafael Ecolodge
Lobby

Things to Do

  • Romantic proposal packages
  • Outdoor pool
  • Garden
  • Wine release events
  • Outdoor facilities
  • TV lounge
  • Picnic area
  • Barbecue
  • Spa
  • Pool sun loungers

Hotel Services

  • Multilingual staff
  • Wedding service
  • Luggage storage
  • Concierge
  • Laundry service

Food and Drinks

  • Poolside bar
  • Continental breakfast
  • Breakfast
  • Snack bar

Business Facilities

  • Business facilities
  • Business facilities
  • Conference rooms
  • Computer station

Transportation

  • Bicycle rental
  • Airport transfer
  • Area shuttle

General

  • Reception hall
  • Terrace
  • Parking

Public Facilities

  • Parking
  • Smoke-free area
  • Safety deposit box

Connectivity

  • LAN Internet
  • Free WiFi

Accessibilty

  • Accessible parking
  • Disabled access friendly

Nearby Facilities

  • Hair salon
  • Gift shop

Sports and Recreations

  • Game room

Accommodation Policy & General Information in San Rafael Ecolodge

Important Note
Planning to check in outside the check-in time (such as early morning or late in the evening)? You can arrange it directly with the property!

Check-in/Check-out Time

Check-in:
14:00 - 21:00
Check-out:
Before 11:00

Pets

Service Animals Not Allowed

Additional Policy

Professional property host/manager, Contactless check-out is available, LGBTQIA+ friendly, No cribs (infant beds) available, No rollaway/extra beds available, Events/parties not allowed, Contactless check-in is available, Essential workers only - NO, No elevators
  • 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.

General Information

Popular Facilities
Swimming Pool, Parking, WiFi
Check-In / Check-Out Time
From 14:00 - 21:00 - to 11:00
Breakfast Availability
Yes, hotel has room that provide breakfast
Available rooms at San Rafael Ecolodge
5
Number of floors in San Rafael Ecolodge
1
Another facilities in San Rafael Ecolodge
Romantic proposal packages, Outdoor pool, Garden, Wine release events, Outdoor facilities

Frequently asked question in San Rafael Ecolodge

What are available facilities at San Rafael Ecolodge?
There are top facilites at San Rafael Ecolodge such as Swimming Pool, Parking, WiFi. (some may require extra charges)
What is normal check-in & check-out time at San Rafael Ecolodge?
The standard check-in time at San Rafael Ecolodge is starting from 14:00 - 21:00 while the latest check-out time is at Before 11:00
Does San Rafael Ecolodge provide breakfast?
Yes, San Rafael Ecolodge provides breakfast. However, you need to choose a room with breakfast or pay extra charge if you book a room without breakfast.
What is the star rating of San Rafael Ecolodge?
San Rafael Ecolodge is a 5.0-star hotel.
How many floors does San Rafael Ecolodge have?
San Rafael Ecolodge has 1 floors.
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More Reviews from Other Guests in San Rafael Ecolodge

9.2
Exceptional
From 23 reviews
Cleanliness

9.8

Room Comfort

9.8

Service and Facilites

9.8

Sort by
Most Relevant
Preferences
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Traveler Reviews San Rafael Ecolodge

Number of reviews per page
20
40
Top reviews
Jon Pierce
icon-with Children
with Children
10.0
/10
Reviewed 13 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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!
Read More
gary
icon-
10.0
/10
Reviewed 14 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

Courteous staff
Vaibhav
icon-Leisure
Leisure
10.0
/10
Reviewed 15 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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!
Paul
10.0
/10
Reviewed 15 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

Everything was excellent, the hostess, room, food and the view. Will definitely come back when visiting San Jose,
Darlene
icon-
10.0
/10
Reviewed 19 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

Giovanni and Luis were most welcoming. Even Tor was wondering. An oasis in the jungle. Even with a family of sloths. Puts Vida
Evan
icon-Leisure
Leisure
10.0
/10
Reviewed 19 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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!
Read More
Karl
icon-Leisure Family
Leisure Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 20 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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
Paola
icon-Leisure Family
Leisure Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 20 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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.
Matthew
10.0
/10
Reviewed 20 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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!
Nisha
icon-with Children
with Children
10.0
/10
Reviewed 20 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Amazing experience
Peter
icon-with Partner
with Partner
10.0
/10
Reviewed 21 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

It was a true pleasure staying at San Rafael Ecolodge. We enjoyed the homemade food, natural environment (where we spotted a baby sloth), pool, and proximity to La Tigra and surrounding sights. Giovanni's hospitality, as well as all the hotel staff, including Luis and the talented chef, was above and beyond what we could have expected. We stayed for two nights as apart of our honeymoon—our only regret was not staying longer.
Read More
Amy
10.0
/10
Reviewed 21 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at San Rafael Ecolodge. The 2 bedroom villa we stayed in was perfect for us and was accessible. We could park right by our door. We saw toucans, lots of birds, blue jeans dart frogs, a baby sloth, and more on the property. We felt comfortable and at home. It is a peaceful place. It was really perfect for us. The sofa on our back porch overlooking the jungle was a highlight of our trip. We sat there each morning looking and listening for birds. The food was good. The location is central to many activities/places. We look forward to returning!
Read More
Shankar
icon-Friends and Family Family
Friends and Family Family
8.0
/10
Reviewed 21 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

Nice quiet offbeat location, away from the hustle bustle of La Fortuna. The downside being, u r 40-45min away from most activities. Rooms we were nice & clean with each cilla/apartment having a nice private outdoor sitting space. The staff was extremely courteous treating you more like family than guest. There us a small strwam running through the property. So the sound of running water amidst the dense green canopy gives the full feel of rainforest.
Read More
Damodar
icon-Friends and Family Family
Friends and Family Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 22 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

We had great time. Giovani and luise are very caring. We were lucky enough to see armadillo from our patio. It is an Ecolodge and is surrounded by woods. It is in La tiagra and is about 30 min drive to get in to La Fortuna. In San Rafael the breakfast area is ery nice with pool and wood view. It itself looks like a bird and animal sanctuary.
Read More
Antony
10.0
/10
Reviewed 23 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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.
Tracey
icon-Leisure with Partner
Leisure with Partner
10.0
/10
Reviewed 25 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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.
Ines
icon-Leisure Family
Leisure Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 59 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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.
rachel
icon-Leisure Family
Leisure Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 70 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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.
Read More
Azalia M
10.0
/10
Reviewed 73 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

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.
Sean
icon-Leisure Family
Leisure Family
8.0
/10
Reviewed 94 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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!
Read More
Number of reviews per page
20
40

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Lobby 4 San Rafael Ecolodge

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: It is the hotel's responsibility to ensure that all photos are accurate. Traveloka will not be held responsible for any photo inaccuracies.
9.2
Exceptional
From 23 reviews
Cleanliness

9.8

Room Comfort

9.8

Service and Facilites

9.8

Sort by
Most Relevant
Preferences
See All

Traveler Reviews San Rafael Ecolodge

Number of reviews per page
20
40
Top reviews
Jon Pierce
icon-with Children
with Children
10.0
/10
Reviewed 13 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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!
Read More
gary
icon-
10.0
/10
Reviewed 14 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

Courteous staff
Vaibhav
icon-Leisure
Leisure
10.0
/10
Reviewed 15 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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!
Paul
10.0
/10
Reviewed 15 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

Everything was excellent, the hostess, room, food and the view. Will definitely come back when visiting San Jose,
Darlene
icon-
10.0
/10
Reviewed 19 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

Giovanni and Luis were most welcoming. Even Tor was wondering. An oasis in the jungle. Even with a family of sloths. Puts Vida
Evan
icon-Leisure
Leisure
10.0
/10
Reviewed 19 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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!
Read More
Karl
icon-Leisure Family
Leisure Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 20 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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
Paola
icon-Leisure Family
Leisure Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 20 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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.
Matthew
10.0
/10
Reviewed 20 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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!
Nisha
icon-with Children
with Children
10.0
/10
Reviewed 20 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Amazing experience
Peter
icon-with Partner
with Partner
10.0
/10
Reviewed 21 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

It was a true pleasure staying at San Rafael Ecolodge. We enjoyed the homemade food, natural environment (where we spotted a baby sloth), pool, and proximity to La Tigra and surrounding sights. Giovanni's hospitality, as well as all the hotel staff, including Luis and the talented chef, was above and beyond what we could have expected. We stayed for two nights as apart of our honeymoon—our only regret was not staying longer.
Read More
Amy
10.0
/10
Reviewed 21 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at San Rafael Ecolodge. The 2 bedroom villa we stayed in was perfect for us and was accessible. We could park right by our door. We saw toucans, lots of birds, blue jeans dart frogs, a baby sloth, and more on the property. We felt comfortable and at home. It is a peaceful place. It was really perfect for us. The sofa on our back porch overlooking the jungle was a highlight of our trip. We sat there each morning looking and listening for birds. The food was good. The location is central to many activities/places. We look forward to returning!
Read More
Shankar
icon-Friends and Family Family
Friends and Family Family
8.0
/10
Reviewed 21 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

Nice quiet offbeat location, away from the hustle bustle of La Fortuna. The downside being, u r 40-45min away from most activities. Rooms we were nice & clean with each cilla/apartment having a nice private outdoor sitting space. The staff was extremely courteous treating you more like family than guest. There us a small strwam running through the property. So the sound of running water amidst the dense green canopy gives the full feel of rainforest.
Read More
Damodar
icon-Friends and Family Family
Friends and Family Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 22 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

We had great time. Giovani and luise are very caring. We were lucky enough to see armadillo from our patio. It is an Ecolodge and is surrounded by woods. It is in La tiagra and is about 30 min drive to get in to La Fortuna. In San Rafael the breakfast area is ery nice with pool and wood view. It itself looks like a bird and animal sanctuary.
Read More
Antony
10.0
/10
Reviewed 23 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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.
Tracey
icon-Leisure with Partner
Leisure with Partner
10.0
/10
Reviewed 25 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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.
Ines
icon-Leisure Family
Leisure Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 59 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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.
rachel
icon-Leisure Family
Leisure Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 70 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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.
Read More
Azalia M
10.0
/10
Reviewed 73 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

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.
Sean
icon-Leisure Family
Leisure Family
8.0
/10
Reviewed 94 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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!
Read More
Number of reviews per page
20
40