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From101US$ /night
Check-in
28Dec2025Select date
Check-out
29Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Aguas Zarcas, Quesada (Alajuela), Costa Rica, 1
-
Near the La Marina Wildlife Rescue Center
Very good
7.7
7.2
/10
3.8
3.7
/5

El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa, a 4-star Quesada (Alajuela) hotel, features thermal hot spring pools and a large on-site spa, offering a variety of massage and beauty treatments. The resort provides 87 rooms with free WiFi, cable TV, and a private bathroom, along with several dining options including La Foresta restaurant.

Rooms & Amenities

Rooms at El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa include Standard, Junior Suites, and Master Suites, all designed with colonial-style influences. Each room features attractive décor, a cable TV, a wardrobe, and a private bathroom with free toiletries. Some accommodations provide mountain views and private terraces.

Dining & Bars

Dining options at El Tucano include La Foresta restaurant, which serves international cuisine and caters for events. The property also features two bars that offer cocktails and snacks by the pool. Guests can enjoy a complimentary full breakfast during their stay.

Leisure & Activities

The leisure facilities at El Tucano Resort include six thermal hot spring pools, a natural sauna, and extensive spa services offering massages, body treatments, and holistic therapies. Guests can also explore various outdoor activities such as hiking and mini-golf, or relax in the exclusive spa's private thermal pool.

Services & Transportation

El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa offers a 24-hour reception and a shuttle service for ease of travel. The nearest landmark is Aguas Zarcas, located 6 km away, and the property is approximately 40 km from Aeropuerto de La Fortuna. Guests have access to on-site parking and nearby outdoor exploration.

“The thermal waters are the real draw here, a network of pools and hot springs to explore. I appreciate the range of family-friendly activities, from mini golf to simply wandering the grounds. While some areas show their age, the overall effect is one of relaxed immersion in nature.”
Hotel logo
Sophia TurnerEditorial Director at Spahotels
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Choose your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Junior Suite
2 persons
32 m² 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Air conditioning
Double Room Garden View
2 persons
32 m² 
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Master Suite Balcony
2 persons
70 m² 
1 King-size bed
Balcony
Air conditioning
Family Room
2 persons
2 King Size Beds
Air conditioning
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Price and Room Availability

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Currency exchange
  • Hairdresser
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Hiking
  • Tennis court
  • Mini golf

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Room service
  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Poolside snack bar
  • Snack bar
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Babysitting/Child services
  • Children's buffet

Spa & Leisure

  • Plunge pool
  • Seasonal outdoor pool
  • Seasonal indoor pool
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Turkish bath
  • Steam room
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pedicure
  • Manicure
  • Waxing
  • Body scrub
  • Facial
  • Treatment room
  • Body wraps
  • Massage
  • Hot spring bath
  • Pool with view
  • Shallow end
  • Make up services

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Sitting area
  • Patio
  • Terrace
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock
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Dining Onsite

At El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa, dining is a welcoming experience that merges flavors with settings. Centrally featuring La Foresta, guests enjoy tasteful family-friendly meals in a bright ambience that seamlessly connects indoor comfort with the allure of alfresco dining, making every breakfast a delightful start to the day.
El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa Quesada  Restaurant photo
El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa Quesada  Restaurant photo
El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa Quesada  Restaurant photo

La Foresta

Locally inspired breakfast offerings
Ambiance
A tall, open space with the option for both indoor seating and alfresco dining surrounded by nature's beauty.
Key Offerings
Savor a complimentary full breakfast spread that delights with fresh options, including a special mixture of hot sesame with honey, enhancing the morning routine.
Reservation
No
Breakfast only; hours may vary.

Location

Aguas Zarcas, Quesada (Alajuela), Costa Rica, 1
Map view
Aguas Zarcas, Quesada (Alajuela), Costa Rica, 1
Nearby
Ruta 140
El Tucano Resort
770 m
Explore Quesada (Alajuela)
Local Highlights Near El Tucano
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
La Marina Wildlife Rescue Center
10-minute drive
Wildlife rescue center focusing on rehabilitation and care for local species. Ideal for animal lovers of all ages.
Termales del Bosque
10-minute drive
Natural thermal springs surrounded by lush rainforest. Offers relaxing hot springs and spa treatments for rejuvenation.
Iglesia de San Juan
10-minute drive
Historic church known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. A peaceful spot for reflection.
Parque Nacional Juan Castro Blanco
15-minute drive
Stunning national park featuring diverse wildlife and hiking trails. Great for nature enthusiasts and hiking lovers.
Hiking Trails
10-minute drive
Scenic trails with various levels of difficulty. Great for stunning views, birdwatching, and outdoor fitness.
Aguas Zarcas Waterfall Tour
15-minute drive
Guided tours to beautiful waterfalls in the region. Perfect for thrill-seekers and photographers.
Yoga Retreats
10-minute drive
Relaxing yoga classes held in serene environments. Ideal for wellness enthusiasts seeking inner peace.
Restaurante La Finca
10-minute drive
Cozy eatery serving traditional Costa Rican dishes. Known for fresh ingredients and friendly service.
Pizzeria El Castillo
10-minute drive
Italian pizzeria offering a variety of pizza options. Casual ambiance, perfect for families and groups.
Café de la Plaza
10-minute drive
Charming café known for its artisanal coffee and desserts. Great for a cozy break amidst your adventures.
Cultural Events at Estadio Carlos Ugalde Alvarez
15-minute drive
Hosts a variety of local sporting events and concerts, fostering community spirit and engagement.
Live Music at El Canto del Lobo
10-minute drive
Local bar featuring live music performances. A relaxing spot to enjoy drinks and unwind.

Getting around
City Centre
Quesada (Alajuela)11 min  ·  7.3 km
Airports
La Fortuna (fon)55 min  ·  36.1 km
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)127 min  ·  84.3 km

Reviews and Ratings

Reviews from guests about their experience.
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 5 reviews
7.7
7.7/10 based on 422 reviews
Christopher
United States, February  2025
7.0/10

Overall, my stay at El Tucano had its highlights and low points. The location is stunning, surrounded by nature with beautiful grounds and unique wildlife like toucans and a resident sloth. The room was quite spacious and comfortable, but there were issues with water pressure and amenities. Dining was okay, but left something to be desired in terms of variety and value for money. Despite some excellent service at the spa, the front desk experience was not as pleasant, which impacted my overall impression.

Rooms
7.0
The room was spacious and comfortable, but the amenities could be improved, and the water pressure issues were quite bothersome.
Service
5.0
While the spa staff was friendly and attentive, my experience with the front desk was disappointing; I felt treated poorly during a stressful time.
Location
9.0
The location is absolutely gorgeous, nestled in nature with various opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying hot springs nearby.
Dining
6.0
The dining experience was average; the breakfast buffet was decent, but dinner options lacked variety and were overpriced for the quality.
Facilities
8.0
The facilities include large pools, but I didn't get to use them during my stay. The grounds are lovely and well-maintained.
Joe
United States, October  2024
6.0/10

The hotel has some lovely natural scenery with great thermal pools and an inviting atmosphere. However, my experience was marred by poor customer service that left a sour taste. While the spa services were excellent and the location is convenient for exploring Arenal, I encountered significant communication issues that made things stressful during our stay.

Rooms
6.0
The rooms were okay but felt a bit dated and could use some modern updates like a mini fridge and coffee maker.
Service
5.0
Service at the spa was friendly and helpful, but I faced some frustrating arguments with front desk staff regarding billing, making the experience unpleasant.
Location
8.0
The location is stunning with a natural setting and plenty of wildlife, but it can get crowded with non-guests using the facilities.
Dining
5.0
Dining options were varied, but the quality did not match the prices, which was disappointing.
Facilities
7.0
The thermal pools were enjoyable, although the overall maintenance of common areas seemed lacking.
Charles
United States, October  2024
6.4/10

My stay at the hotel was a mixed bag. The check-in process was quick and the staff was friendly, but the room was quite dated and lacked some expected amenities like air conditioning. The location is great for exploring nature, but the dining options were limited, and the price didn't fully reflect the quality of the experience. Overall, it was a decent stay, but there's plenty of room for improvement.

Rooms
5.0
The room was old and lacked air conditioning, making it uncomfortable at times.
Service
6.0
The staff was friendly at check-in, but some interactions felt off, especially when addressing billing issues.
Location
8.0
The location is perfect for accessing nearby natural attractions, but it can feel crowded at times.
Dining
6.0
Dining options were limited, and while breakfast had some good variety, it could be improved.
Facilities
7.0
The facilities had potential with a hot spring pool, but overall they seemed to be underutilized.
Don
United States, October  2024
6.2/10

We had a great adventure during our stay, especially thanks to the fantastic tour service recommended by the front desk. The hotel itself, however, had some ups and downs. While the location offered beautiful settings and it was comfortable enough, the service left much to be desired, particularly with the front desk staff. Overall, there's potential, but improvements are definitely needed in service and dining quality.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms were comfortable, though they could use more attention to cleanliness in common areas.
Service
5.0
While some staff were friendly and attentive, the front desk was serious and not very welcoming.
Location
9.0
The hotel is set in a gorgeous area, surrounded by beautiful nature, perfect for exploring Costa Rica's wildlife.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was hit or miss; the buffet lacked variety and wasn't very appetizing.
Facilities
6.0
The facilities were decent, featuring large pools, but they seemed to be underutilized or not well maintained.
John
United States, September  2024
6.8/10

I had a wonderful time at this resort, especially enjoying the hot springs and the proximity to nature. The staff was friendly and helpful, and I loved the peaceful atmosphere. However, I did find the food options lacking, and the resort could use some upgrades in certain areas. Overall, it's a decent spot for relaxation but might not be family-friendly due to limited amenities for kids.

Rooms
6.0
The rooms felt a bit outdated and could use some modern updates.
Service
8.0
The staff were very friendly and helpful, always eager to assist.
Location
9.0
The location is perfect, surrounded by lush rainforest, thermal pools, and a small river nearby.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was quite poor; the food options were limited and not very enjoyable.
Facilities
7.0
The facilities included nice pools and a steam bath, but some areas seemed dated.
Great hot springs
Poor food quality
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Choose your spa escape today!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:00
Check-out
from 06:00-12:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
87
Former name
Occidental El Tucano & Spa
FAQs
About El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa
What are the check-in and check-out times at El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 12:00.
Is parking available at El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa?
Private parking is available on-site at no extra charge.
Which popular attractions are near El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa?
Nearby attractions include Aguas Zarcas (6 km), a small zoo (2 km), and La Marina Wildlife Rescue Center (2 km).
What dining options are available at El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa?
Guests can enjoy dining at El Torreon Restaurant, which serves international cuisine, as well as a snack bar and a poolside bar.
Does El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa offer breakfast?
A full breakfast is available for an additional charge of 15 USD.
What pool facilities are available at El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa?
The hotel features thermal hot spring pools, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a seasonal indoor pool.
What spa services can guests access at El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa?
The spa offers a range of services, including massages, body therapies, couple baths, hydrotherapy, and salon services.
What room amenities are provided at El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, a cable TV, air conditioning, a wardrobe, and a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries.
Is there a fitness center at El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa?
Yes, the hotel features a fitness center equipped for guest use.
Does El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa provide airport shuttle service?
Yes, the resort offers a paid airport shuttle service.
What kind of activities are available at El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa?
The hotel provides activities such as hiking, mini golf, and tennis courts.
What languages do the staff at El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa speak?
The staff primarily speak Spanish and English.

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Check-in
28Dec2025Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

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El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa Quesada  Exterior photo

El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa

7.7
Very good422 reviews
7.3 km from center
91 US$
101 US$
per night
Mobile-only price