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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

3.0 star property
Family-friendly lodge with spa, near Arenal Volcano National Park

Choose dates to view prices

Nestled near Lake Arenal, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers a serene retreat with free breakfast, a garden, and an on-site spa. Take in the views from the terrace or enjoy activities like hiking/biking and horseback riding. With high-speed WiFi in public areas, an outdoor pool with sun loungers for relaxing afternoons.
VIP Access

Reviews

9.6 out of 10, Loved by guests
Top-rated by travelers

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Full-service spa
  • Outdoor pool
  • Children's pool
  • Hot tub
  • 2 meeting rooms
  • Airport shuttle
  • Area shuttle
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Arcade/game room

Feel at home (6)

  • Children stay free
  • Children's pool
  • Playground on site
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
$114 nightly
The total price is $129
May 17 - May 18
Total with taxes and fees

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | In-room safe, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(31 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 269 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Superior Room, Mountain View

Superior Room, Mountain View | In-room safe, bed sheets

Superior Room, Mountain View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(33 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for White Hawk Villa

White Hawk Villa | In-room safe, bed sheets

White Hawk Villa

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Mountain view
  • 215 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 8
  • 2 King Beds, 2 Twin Beds and 2 Twin Trundle Beds

View all photos for Phil's Villa + Waterfall

Phil's Villa + Waterfall | In-room safe, bed sheets

Phil's Villa + Waterfall

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Mountain view
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 10
  • 3 Queen Beds

View all photos for House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room | In-room safe, bed sheets

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(6 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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May 29 - May 30
Total with taxes and fees
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About the neighborhood

Map
22 km Oeste de la Fortuna de San Carlos, 1.7 km del Volcán Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007

What's nearby

  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 48 min drive
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 45.9 miles/73.8 km
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Shangri-La Gardens - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Virgita Ristorante - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Lemnos Wetbar - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Las Palmas - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Baldi Premium Bar - ‬29 min drive

About this property

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

  • When you stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Lake Arenal and Costa Rica Sky Adventures. Guests can visit the spa to indulge in deep-tissue massages, aromatherapy, or reflexology, and international cuisine is served at El Jilguero, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. An outdoor pool, a bar/lounge, and a hot tub are other highlights at this Colonial lodge. The helpful staff and overall property condition get great marks from fellow travelers.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 48 rooms
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is noon
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 10 PM
    • Front desk staffed during limited hours
    • Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • Up to 2 children (8 years old and younger) stay free, per registered adult, when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
    • No cribs (infant beds)
DONE

Pets

    • No pets or service animals allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free onsite self parking
    • Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*
DONE

Offsite

    • Area shuttle*
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast each morning 6:30 AM–8:30 AM
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge

Traveling with children

  • Children stay free (see details)
  • Children's pool
  • Playground
  • Pool gate

What to do

  • Ecotours
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Horse riding/rentals
  • Foosball
  • Table tennis
  • Bicycle rentals nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Ziplining nearby
  • Hot springs nearby
  • Fishing nearby

Working away

  • 2 meeting rooms

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Pool loungers

Facilities

  • Built in 1992
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Library
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Television in common areas
  • An outdoor pool
  • Arcade/game room
  • Full-service spa
  • Hot tub
  • Massage/treatment rooms
  • Colonial architecture

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • No elevator (single level property)
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Pool access ramp on site

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Ceiling fan
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Window screens

Sleep well

  • Bed sheets provided

What to enjoy

  • Balcony or patio
  • Yard

Freshen up

  • Shower only
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe (laptop compatible)
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • LED light bulbs

Special features

Spa

Guests can pamper themselves with a trip to the onsite spa, which has 1 treatment room. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, Swedish massages, and facials. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and reflexology. The spa is open daily.

Dining

El Jilguero - This family restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Fees & policies

Refundable deposits

  • Deposit: USD 200 per accommodation, per night

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 225 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 7)
  • Area shuttle service is offered for an extra charge

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Policies

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.

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.

This property does not have elevators.

This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.

Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector on site.

This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

This property accepts credit cards and cash.

Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover

Also known as

Arenal Observatory Lodge La Fortuna

Arenal Observatory Lodge

Arenal Observatory La Fortuna

Arenal Observatory

Arenal Observatory Hotel La Fortuna De San Carlos

Arenal Observatory & Trails

Arenal Observatory Lodge Spa

Arenal Observatory Lodge Trails

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Lodge

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails La Fortuna

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Lodge La Fortuna

Frequently asked questions

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Is there a pool at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Yes, there's an outdoor pool and a children's pool. Guests have pool access from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Are pets allowed at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Sorry, pets and service animals aren't allowed.

Is parking offered on site at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Yes, there's free self parking.

Is airport shuttle service offered by Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 225 per vehicle one-way.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM. Check-out time is noon.

What is there to do at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails and nearby?

Have fun with onsite activities like horseback riding and hiking. Additional recreation onsite includes ecotours. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and soothe your senses in the hot tub. Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails also has an outdoor pool and an arcade, as well as a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Yes, El Jilguero offers international cuisine.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails have any outdoor private spaces?

Yes, every room features a balcony or patio and a yard.

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Reviews

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

9.4

Location

9.6

Staff & service

9.6

Property conditions & facilities

Guest review summary

What guests liked

  • The free breakfast was a nice touch each morning, with a great selection of options and delicious food. (23 reviews)
  • The spa treatment was fantastic and highly recommended by multiple guests. (9 reviews)
  • The hot tub was relaxing and enjoyable, providing a great experience for guests. (4 reviews)
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From real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Popular mentions

View
Service staff
Room
Volcano
Restaurant
Trails
Wildlife
Birds
Food
Location

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Exceptional

It was a wonderful stay. Clean, great bed, attentive and helpful staff, food was excellent, massage was great too!
Todd, 4-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

Amazing room and view
ARUNKUMAR, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Fantastic rooms and great location with multiple daily feedings of the local bird population. Beautiful property and walking trails. Easy check in and helpful staff.
Nils, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Clean rooms and excellent service from all.
gary, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Yes the staff was great!
Gregory, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

First class experiences. The staff were wonderful.
ron, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

The place is very well laid out, with many accessible trails. However, the meals are expensive compared to other lodges we've visited. The location is excellent for birdwatching; there's a bird feeder installed, which is a real plus. However, the feeder is made of metal rods, which isn't very aesthetically pleasing for photography. It would be beneficial to redesign the feeder to incorporate natural branches, as other lodges do, which would allow for much better bird photos.
Frédérick, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

The rooms were very clean and spacious. The food was great. The trails around the resort let you be a part of nature.
Kurt, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

The hotel property is beautiful and the hotel service was amazing. There is so much to do at this hotel!
Todd, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Great place to stay. The trails were amazing.
CHRISTINE, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

The first thing you notice at Arenal Observatory Lodge is the spectacular grounds! There are many opportunities for gentle walks and hikes on the property. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The rooms had everything we needed but were basic, not luxurious.
Austin, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful property with stunning views and scenic trails. The restaurant is convenient, though the food quality could be improved.
Liza, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Everything is amazing! Wildlife, facilities, hiking, staff. Second time staying here. Love it.
Alejandro, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

We really enjoyed our stay, even though it rained the whole time we were there. I had a birding tour booked with a private guide for 6 AM and saw 35 different varieties of birds in a two hour Period, Even in the rain. We then took the complementary guided walk offered by the lodge which we enjoyed immensely! Our room was spacious and had the weather been nicer, we really would’ve enjoyed the balcony. The bathroom was clean and spacious and well appointed. We enjoyed the complementary breakfast. We also ate dinner the night before and lunch after checkout at the restaurant on site. Every meal was delicious! All in all a fabulous experience! We would definitely stay there again.
Our (non-alcoholic) welcome drink; delicious!
Complementary nature and property walk
Coati
My private guide Luis showing me different birds
Barbara, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Spectacular View. Nice staff. Decent restaurant. The only complaint is lack of sound proofing.
Lili, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

The room was nice, big enough, excellent view, great shower. You feel like you are in the jungle. Saw birds, monkeys, and much more. Great hiking trails. Enchanting place.
Janice, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Clean facility with beautiful view, hiking trails, and and other entertaining contents. The food in the restaurant is just average but well overpriced.
Miroslav, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing location, excellent staff and delicious food. A little expensive but well worth it.
Jean-luc, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Awesome views, friendly staff and excellent breakfast
Heather, 4-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

I loved this property. The free guided walks are amazing. I saw sleeping frogs and humming birds and learned so much about the plant life and also the history of the lodge. Edward was a great guide! The breakfast was tasty and the room was immaculate. My kids appreciated the pool. I just loved walking the grounds and the view from the restaurant. Fantastic place and would recommend a stay here.
Walking to the game room
Arenal volcano
Suzanne, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

I doubt you can find a better view of the Arenal Volcano than at Arenal Observatory Lodge, plus the property is gorgeous and filled with wildlife (so many birds and a troop of monkeys swung by one evening). This isn't a fancy place — more old school — but if you're looking for a peaceful space to reset and experience nature, it's perfect. We'd stay here again.
Darci, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Best place to stay in La Fortuna! This lodge was truly special, and has so much to offer we barely needed to leave the grounds. Booking nature walks and guided tours on the premises was super easy and convenient. Eduardo is the main guide and he is so knowledgeable! Facilities were clean and beautiful. We saw so many birds just from our window into the garden. Mario in the restaurant was very personable and made us feel welcome each time we dined. Could not recommend this place anymore!
Erin, 4-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful lodge with outstanding staff who went the extra mile at all times. Miles of trails, perfect for hiking and birding
Ian, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

helpful staff. clean room. lovely location. plenty of interesting forest walks, and the odd volcano nearby
David, 4-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Our best experience in Costa Rica. Phenomenal birding area. Exceptional restaurant! We stayed in the Casona and were pleasantly surprised with the accommodation and beautiful views of Lake Arenal and the volcano from our room. Thanks especially to Howard and Daniel in the restaurant, and our morning walk with Cristian - you made our stay even more special!
Alexandra, 2-night trip