Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

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

Choose dates to view prices

Sun, Apr 12
Mon, Apr 13
April 2026
May 2026
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
Exceptional

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
$135 nightly
$153 total
Apr 10 - Apr 11
Total with taxes and fees

Room options

Showing 5 of 5 rooms
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | Lake view
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | In-room safe, bed sheets
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | In-room safe, bed sheets
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | In-room safe, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Exceptional
  • Garden view
  • 269 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
Shower, eco-friendly toiletries, towels, soap
Superior Room, Mountain View | In-room safe, bed sheets
Superior Room, Mountain View | In-room safe, bed sheets
Superior Room, Mountain View | In-room safe, bed sheets

Superior Room, Mountain View

Exceptional
  • Mountain view
  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
White Hawk Villa | Mountain view
White Hawk Villa | In-room safe, bed sheets
White Hawk Villa | In-room safe, bed sheets
White Hawk Villa | In-room safe, bed sheets

White Hawk Villa

Exceptional
  • Mountain view
  • 215 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 8
  • 2 King Beds, 2 Twin Beds and 2 Twin Trundle Beds
Phil's Villa + Waterfall | Bathroom | Shower, eco-friendly toiletries, towels, soap
Phil's Villa + Waterfall | In-room safe, bed sheets
Phil's Villa + Waterfall | In-room safe, bed sheets
Phil's Villa + Waterfall | In-room safe, bed sheets

Phil's Villa + Waterfall

Exceptional
  • Mountain view
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 10
  • 3 Queen Beds
House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room | Bathroom | Shower, eco-friendly toiletries, towels, soap
House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room | In-room safe, bed sheets
House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room | In-room safe, bed sheets
House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room | In-room safe, bed sheets

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

Excellent
  • Lake view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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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
  • ‪Ave Restaurant - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Las Palmas - ‬27 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

Hotel size

    • 48 rooms

Arriving/Leaving

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

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

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

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)

Pets

    • No pets or service animals allowed

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas

Parking

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

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*

Offsite

    • Area shuttle*

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.

Have a question?

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

9.4

Location

9.6

Staff & service

9.6

Property conditions & facilities

What guests liked

  • Breakfast was great with several selections to choose from and was a nice touch each morning. (22 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)
AI Sparkle IconFrom real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Popular mentions

ViewService staffVolcanoRoomTrailsRestaurantWildlifeBirdsFoodLocation
Verified

8/10 Very good

Amazing room and view
ARUNKUMAR, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Clean rooms and excellent service from all.
gary, 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

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 grounds!
Sonda, 4-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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

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
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

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

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing location!
Sebastien, 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

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

Great view of the volcano and the monkeys were amazing in the trees
Adam, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Fabulous resort and location. Lots to do on property. Excellent food and service. Amazing value in the off season. Highly recommend.
Teresa, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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

10/10 Exceptional

We liked tye beauty of nature,the views,wildlife,food and friendly service of everyone.
Spilman, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Was last at this resort 22 years ago. This time returned with kids and did not disappoint! Stayed in Phil Villa and besides a slight bug issue was amazing and 5 stars.
Todd, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Almost want to leave a one star review so that no one else finds out about this wonderful place
Derek, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Room good , but lacked chairs , no heating which would have been handy to dry cloth as it rained all the time , quiet , fantastic views ,
Blaine, 2-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

Wonderful property. Beautiful walks. Pulled down by the staff in the restaurant and the quality of the food.
Alexander, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Had a great time. Very beautiful
Thomas, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Staff were very knowledgeable about flora and fauna in park. Hotel policies were Eco-friendly. Decor in room and hotel was pleasant; blends well with forest. Many improved walking trails on grounds. Museum provided natural history of area and people. High diversity of birds, great for bird-watchers. Highly recommend and would stay again.
Larry, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

We really enjoyed out time here. It was quiet and felt secluded, yet we could walk to town.
Morgan, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Loved it. Such a beautiful unique place.
Conor, 5-night trip