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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

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

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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Photo gallery for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine
Mountain view
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | In-room safe, bed sheets
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine
Phil's Villa | Bathroom | Shower, eco-friendly toiletries, towels, soap

Overview of Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

9.4 out of 10 Exceptional
9.4/10 Exceptional

Property highlights

  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Spa
  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
The price is $87
Price available on 9/22/2023
Map
22 km Oeste de la Fortuna de San Carlos, 1.7 km del Volcán Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007
Main amenities
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Full-service spa
  • Outdoor pool
  • Children's pool
  • Spa tub
  • 2 meeting rooms
  • Airport shuttle
  • Area shuttle
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Arcade/game room
Feel at home
  • Children stay free
  • Children's pool
  • Playground on site
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping

Room options

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

  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 4 Queen Beds

View all photos for Superior Room, Mountain View

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

Superior Room, Mountain View

  • 215 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for White Hawk Villa

White Hawk Villa | In-room safe, bed sheets

White Hawk Villa

  • 215 sq ft
  • 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 | In-room safe, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • 269 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Phil's Villa

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

Phil's Villa

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 10
  • 3 Queen Beds

About this area

What's nearby

  • In a national park
  • Lake Arenal - 11 min drive
  • Arenal Volcano - 17 min drive
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 17 min drive
  • Tabacon Hot Springs - 21 min drive
  • Los Lagos Hot Springs - 27 min drive
  • Baldi Hot Springs - 28 min drive
  • La Fortuna Waterfall - 38 min drive

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 50 min drive
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 45.7 miles/73.5 km
  • San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.) - 50.9 miles/81.9 km
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • Virgita Ristorante - 28 min drive
  • La Cava Pizza a la Leña - 31 min drive
  • Restaurante Río Lounge - 39 min drive
  • Agua Ardiente Pool - 21 min drive
  • Restaurante Las Palmas - 28 min drive
Map

About this property

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 170.00 per vehicle one way. You can visit the spa to indulge in deep-tissue massages, body wraps, or aromatherapy, and international cuisine is served at El Jilguero, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Other features of this Colonial lodge include an outdoor pool, a bar/lounge, and a spa tub.

Languages

English, Spanish

Cleaning and safety practices

Enhanced cleanliness measures

Disinfectant is used to clean the property
High-touch surfaces are cleaned and disinfected
Sheets and towels are washed at 60°C/140°F or hotter
Follows industry cleaning and disinfection practices of Safe Travels (WTTC - Global)

Social distancing

Protective shields in place at main contact areas
Guest rooms kept vacant for 24 hours between stays
Social distancing measures in place

Safety measures

Personal protective equipment worn by staff
Temperature checks given to staff
Temperature checks available for guests
Masks are required at the property
Hand sanitizer provided
Enhanced food service safety measures are in place
This information is provided by our partners.

At a glance

Hotel size

  • 48 rooms

Arriving/Leaving

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

Restrictions related to your trip

  • Check COVID-19 restrictions.

Special check-in instructions

  • The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 10 PM
  • Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival

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

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 7 AM–9 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
  • 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
  • Spa tub
  • Massage/treatment rooms

Accessibility

  • Accessible bathroom (select rooms)
  • In-room accessibility (select rooms)
  • Roll-in shower (select rooms)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • 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 170.00 per vehicle (one way)
  • 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

Hygiene & cleanliness

This property advises that enhanced cleaning and guest safety measures are currently in place.

Disinfectant is used to clean the property; commonly-touched surfaces are cleaned with disinfectant between stays; bed sheets and towels are laundered at a temperature of at least 60°C/140°F.

Social distancing measures are in place; staff at the property wear personal protective equipment; a shield is in place between staff and guests in main contact areas; periodic temperature checks are conducted on staff; temperature checks are available to guests; guests are provided with hand sanitizer; masks are required in public areas.

Enhanced food service safety measures are in place.

Each guestroom is kept vacant for a minimum of 24 hours between bookings.

This property affirms that it adheres to the cleaning and disinfection practices of Safe Travels (WTTC - Global).

Policies

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.

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.
How much does it cost to stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
As of Sep 21, 2023, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails on Sep 22, 2023 start from $87, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What are the cleanliness and hygiene measures currently in place at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
This property confirms that disinfectant is used to clean the property. Furthermore, guests are provided with hand sanitizer, social distancing measures are in place, and staff are given personal protective equipment. Please note that this information has been provided by our partners.
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 170.00 per vehicle one way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
You can check in from 3 PM - 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 spa 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.
What's the area around Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails like?
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is located a short 15-minute walk from Chato Volcano.

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Very Good

aylin, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing stay
I loved this hotel! Beautiful , clean and outstanding service !
Gelana, 3-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

First international family trip
I picked the Arenal Observatory and Lodge for our first international family trip and it didn’t disappoint. My kids are three and five, but there was plenty to do for them. The playground saw a lot of action, as did the chess/checker tables. The hotel assisted in booking transportation to and from the San Jose airport, and made sure the proper car seats were provided for my kids. We aLeo asked the hotel to book a driver to take us into Fortuna for the morning and we ended up asking him to come back the next day for another guided adventure. By the end of the trip, my daughter was on a first name basis with Pablo, one of the gentlemen working in the hotel restaurant and would ask for him each meal. We had a fantastic experience and would recommend this property to anyone looking for a family friendly hotel in Costa Rica.
Rachel, 4-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very Good

Myriam, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The property was beautiful and the views of the volcano amazing. Large, clean and spacious room, attentive and friendly staff, tasty food and plenty of options for trails to hike. So many birds and animals to view. A perfect stay.
Sandra, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The Place is Amazing! Staff was great. Thank you Pablo for your help and great service. Pura Vida !!!
Marco A., 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

We went there in the beginning of December. The staff in the restaurant are so sweet and accommodating. Our room was huge and had great views. I love that there are waterfalls and hiking trails on the grounds.
Verified Travelocity guest review

8/10 Very Good

Yahaira, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

This is such a wonderful place. Stayed with my two college-age daughters and can't say enough about how spectacular this location is. I am in love with that volcano. Highly recommend having a car rental for the freedom it provides getting around but it's not critical. The road up to the property is in rough shape, but it's honestly all part of the charm. Truly can't say enough - it's a special place.
Nancy, 3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

AOL is highly underrated. We stayed in the White Hawk Villa, which was incredibly amazing. Falling asleep to the sounds of the surrounding rainforest and fireflies, and waking up to soaring views of the volcano and lake. We loved it. And, we could walk through the rainforest to Danta Waterfall or over to the farm, then down to the restaurant for a Costa Rican breakfast and coffee. The staff, specifically, Harold and Beto were so friendly and helpful throughout our stay
Galen, 3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review