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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

3.0 star property
Mountain lodge with spa, near Arenal Volcano National Park

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House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets
Terrace/patio
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine
Poolside bar
White Hawk Villa | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets
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
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Non-smoking

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

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Sep 7 - Sep 8
Check availability for tonight Sep 7 - Sep 8

Tomorrow

Sep 8 - Sep 9
Check availability for tomorrow Sep 8 - Sep 9
Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

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

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Yard
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
2 bathrooms
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • 1 bedroom
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, Mountain View

Superior Room, Mountain View | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets

Superior Room, Mountain View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(30 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Yard
Free cribs/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
  • 215 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for White Hawk Villa

White Hawk Villa | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets

White Hawk Villa

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Yard
Free cribs/infant beds
Ceiling fan
2 bedrooms
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • 215 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 8
  • 2 King Beds, 2 Twin Beds and 2 Twin Trundle Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(27 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Yard
Free cribs/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
  • 269 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Phil's Villa + Waterfall

Phil's Villa + Waterfall | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets

Phil's Villa + Waterfall

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Yard
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
3 bathrooms
Coffee/tea maker
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 10
  • 3 Queen Beds

Similar properties

Terrace/patio

Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience

  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, 1,001 reviews
$133 nightly
The price is $150
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Total with taxes and fees
Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience
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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

  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures - 11 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 22 min drive - 12.2 km
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 28 min drive - 15.4 km
  • Ecotermales Fortuna - 32 min drive - 21.6 km
  • La Fortuna Waterfall - 43 min drive - 28.2 km

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 50 min drive
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 45.7 miles/73.5 km
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Virgita Ristorante - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Shangri-La Gardens - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Red Frog Coffee Roaster - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Las Palmas - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪North Fields Café - ‬32 min drive

About this property

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails puts you within a 15-minute drive of Lake Arenal. 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
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit 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

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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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Popular mentions

View
Service staff
Room
Volcano
Restaurant
Trails
Wildlife
Birds
Food
Location

What guests liked

  • Breakfast was consistently described as great, wonderful, excellent, and very good with a variety of options to choose from. (18 reviews)
AI Sparkle IconFrom real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful property and excellent staff
Daryl, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful property with great hiking/walking paths and lovely restaurant on site. Shared accommodations totally met our needs and was very comfortable. Very friendly, helpful staff.
Zoey, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Wonderful room, great property for viewing wildlife
Philip, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great location with amazing views of the arenal volcano. We spotted some unique birds. The breakfast included was great and service was very good. Only complaint is they did not include water bottles in the room and would charge for that.
Vinod, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

nice welcoming , beautiful view
marie, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

isolated quiet and good staff.
brian, 2-night trip

6/10 Good

We came to Costa Rica with our two kids , ages 4 and 6. Perhaps I did not read anything about it- but for those who don’t know it- the rooms only have fans, no ac’s. It was extremely hot and humid in the room.
stephanie, 3-night trip

8/10 Very good

Everything was good. The dinner menu could use a few more choices. Sandwiches for those not so hungry or not in the mood for the fancier dishes.
Marcus, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

A very peaceful spot. Nice and well marked trails with an abundance of birds and insects to see.
Mario, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Really great stay!
Chistopher, 3-night trip

8/10 Very good

comfortable rooms, clean, walkable trails
Nancy, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful scenery. Comfortable room with a view to observe wildlife! Food at restaurant was ok not that great seeing that it’s the only place to eat . Ground were beautiful and staff very friendly and informative . Guided nature hikes were great!
June, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

It was an amazing experience!
Prema, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Well recomended

Wonderful area, good bird watching with feeders. The trails are challenging and very steep. Breakfast was great, and room was excellent with a terrace.
Maureen, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

We were so headed that we decided to stay here. It was fantastic. Location, grounds, amenities. I highly recommend it
Maryann, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

The proximity with arenal volcano is fa ntastic Dinner for children is not perfect
jean-marc, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing stay - beautiful room and view, many onsite trails and amenities included in stay, tons of wildlife and birds, great staff and breakfast. This is one of the best places we have ever stayed.
Alejandro, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

The property grounds and hiking trails were amazing. The road to get there was rough.
Stephen, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

If you love wildlife

This place was amazing! The rum was clean but average. No air conditioning but with the window open, fan, and dehumidifier it was very tolerable. The amazing part. .the staff and wildlife! Everyone was very friendly and went above and beyond to assist. Every morning and afternoon the spider monkeys came by the patio. So many birds and other wildlife to see just walking the grounds. If you love seeing wildlife then this is the place for you!
Tracey, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Nice place
Bozena, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

I stayed at this facility primarily for access to birding opportunities. The trails are in excellent condition and easy to walk if you’re in decent shape. I did get some of my target birds, and did not run into many people at all on the trails. There is lots of good birding opportunities within a few short drives of this location too. Food was excellent and room very comfortable
Andrew, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Very good.
Richard, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Really great place!

Really great place!
Andreas, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The property has an excellent location. The restaurant is also really good. Our first room a short drive away had a very nice balcony. We upgraded to the volcano view room on the 2nd night but the room we were given was different from the photos, very small and not large enough for 3 people. The front desk agreed to move us and after some discussion it was resolved.
Richard, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great birding beautiful gardens and trails
linda, 2-night trip