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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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Photo gallery for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room | In-room safe, bed sheets
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine
White Hawk Villa | In-room safe, bed sheets
Terrace/patio
Superior Room, Mountain View | In-room safe, bed sheets
VIP Access

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
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.

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Bar
  • 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
The current price is $116
includes taxes & fees
$103 per night
May 1 - May 2

Room options

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 | In-room safe, bed sheets

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

Highlights

Yard
Balcony or patio
Ceiling fan
5 bedrooms
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
Living 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

Highlights

Yard
Balcony or patio
Free cribs/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • 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

Highlights

Yard
Balcony or patio
Free cribs/infant beds
Ceiling fan
2 bedrooms
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • Mountain view
  • 215 sq ft
  • 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

Highlights

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

View all photos for Phil's Villa + Waterfall

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

Phil's Villa + Waterfall

Highlights

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

Similar properties

2 outdoor pools

Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort

  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Spa
  • Airport transfer
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, 1,002 reviews
The price is $213
includes taxes & fees
$188 per night
May 15 - May 16
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort
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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 - 13 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 17 min drive - 10.2 km
  • Arenal Volcano - 17 min drive - 8.0 km
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 26 min drive - 14.5 km
  • La Fortuna Waterfall - 38 min drive - 24.5 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
  • ‪Restaurante Río Lounge - ‬39 min drive
  • ‪Agua Ardiente Pool Bar - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Red Frog Coffee Roaster - ‬31 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.

Languages

English, Spanish

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

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 great with various selections to choose from. (12 reviews)
  • The spa treatment was fantastic and highly recommended, providing a relaxing experience. (7 reviews)
  • The hot tub was relaxing and enjoyable, offering stunning views and a wonderful experience. (3 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Reviews

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

10/10 Exceptional

Arenal Observatory adventure

We absolutely loved our stay at the Observatory Lodge. Such a beautiful location, lovely room, helpful staff especially Christien our guide on the first morning - we learned so much about the flora and fauna. The setting was stunning, view of the volcano myriad birds and animals - difficult to express more how wonderful our stay was. Steve and Sally
Stephen, 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

10/10 Exceptional

Great staff - always helpful, Exceptional breakfast
Carolyn, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful Grounds loved this hotel

Amazing grounds loved our stay. We had to do the shared bathroom room because only room available. It was loud when people got up but the grounds and staff are amazing. Highly recommend this hotel just try to get the normal rooms.
Paul, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Really great stay!
Chistopher, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful property with great walking trails

10/10 Exceptional

This unique location allowed us to see and explore an area that was incredible
Kathleen, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful and rustic, excellent if thats what you like
David, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Really great place!

Really great place!
Andreas, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

I liked those windows that could be open partly and when I slept I felt like I’m in the forest
Olga, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

We had the most amazing stay, the whole place is absolutely stunning, you can do a much or as little as you like, the walking trails are full of wildlife, the huge hot tub is fab as is the pool, our room was immaculate and huge and the dining area was really good also, but for me it was the staff, they we're all fantastic, nothing was to much trouble (especially the restaurant staff 👌)..this truly is a stunning property so relaxing to sit and watch the humming birds from our terrace, thank you AOL we will be back!!!
Amanda, 5-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Wonderful stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge. Our only disappointment was not being able to see the volcano in its entirety due to stubborn low hanging clouds. It’s a beautiful property with lots to see for nature lovers and bird watchers. Bring rain gear even if it is supposed to he the dry season. Don't miss The Nest tower.
Michelle, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Views were amazing and so was food and trails.
Lynnan, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Tremendous vistas, birding, nature trails fantastic staff and a very cool welcome.
Theresa, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful grounds, friendly staff, quiet and peaceful!
2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful Gardens and trails
EDWARD, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Wonderful and peaceful location.
Marie-Josée, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

We truly enjoyed our experience. This was our second time at the Observatory. I would like to suggest handle bars on the showers. We came with our elderly parents and they were nervous to slip in the shower.
Guinevere, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful property with plenty to see both on the ground and in the vicinity. Great breakfast!
Daniel, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful property! They need to advertise more as we would have stayed an additional night. We weren't aware of free guided hikes, spa (with great prices!), etc. Views are amazing!
Sidney, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Very nice place
Praveen, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Perfect hotel in front of Arenal

Great location, excellent service. It was just perfect. We liked everything about this hotel.
View from the room
Amazing view of Arenal
Geneviève, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Fabulous!

Exceptional service and comfort. Amazing birding throught the property.
Gary, 3-night trip