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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

3.0 star property
VIP Access

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Photo gallery for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Terrace/patio
Front of property
Poolside bar
White Hawk Villa
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View in a map
22 km Oeste de la Fortuna de San Carlos, 1.7 km del Volcán Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007
  • Place, Arenal Volcano National Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, La Fortuna Waterfall
  • Place, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
  • Airport, La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for BONUS+ members
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Room options

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(29 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Superior Room, Mountain View

Superior Room, Mountain View

Superior Room, Mountain View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(32 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for White Hawk Villa

White Hawk Villa

White Hawk Villa

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Mountain view
  • 20 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 8
  • 2 King Beds, 2 Single Beds and 2 Single Trundle Beds

View all photos for Phil's Villa + Waterfall

Phil's Villa + Waterfall

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

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

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

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About this property

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Family-friendly lodge with a full-service spa, in the vicinity of Lake Arenal
Along with a full-service spa, this smoke-free lodge has an outdoor pool and a restaurant. Free cooked-to-order breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a bar/lounge, a hot tub, and massage/treatment rooms.
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers 48 accommodations with laptop-compatible safes and coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping is provided daily.
An outdoor pool, a children's pool, and a hot tub are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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.
Our customers tell us they can't get enough of Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails's great location. During your stay, you'll be close to Costa Rica Sky Adventures. You'll find features like free breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking.
  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast served daily
  • Free WiFi in some public areas
  • Free self parking
  • Enjoy a bite to eat at El Jilguero, a family restaurant that serves international cuisine
  • Take a swim in the outdoor pool or soak in the hot tub
  • Treat yourself to deep-tissue massages, body scrubs, or reflexology at the spa
  • Amenities include a front-desk safe, 2 meeting rooms, and a gift shop
  • Onsite recreation includes horse riding/rentals, a playground, and hiking/biking trails
  • Guests have great things to say about the location and the helpful staff
  • 11 minutes by car from Lake Arenal and 12 minutes from Costa Rica Sky Adventures
  • Airport and local-area shuttle service available for a fee
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers its guests a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. WiFi is free in public spaces.

There are 2 meeting rooms available. A children's pool, a library, and a terrace are also featured at the family-friendly Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) and an area shuttle are available for a fee. Self parking is free.

This Colonial La Fortuna lodge is smoke free.

Guests are served free cooked-to-order breakfast daily from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM.
El Jilguero - This family restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • El Jilguero

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's pool
  • Ecotours
  • Foosball table
  • Full-service spa
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Horseback riding/rentals
  • Hot tub
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Table tennis
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Pool gate

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 2 meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • In the mountains
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Detox wraps
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Prenatal massages
  • Reflexology
  • Spa open daily
  • Swedish massages
  • Treatment room

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Pool access ramp on site
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • Built in 1992
  • Colonial architecture
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • LED lighting
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 8 years old and younger stay free, per registered adult, when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 200 per accommodation, per night

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 225 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 7)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
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
The front desk at this property is open daily from 7 AM - 10 PM.
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Up to 2 children 8 years old and younger stay free, per registered adult, in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is 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

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 756 out of 940 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 146 out of 940 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 31 out of 940 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 940 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 940 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Todd

Travelled with family
Liked: Amenities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Larry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Teresa

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fabulous resort and location. Lots to do on property. Excellent food and service. Amazing value in the off season. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

craig, Kailua

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The AOL was spectacular! the mountain, the grounds the staff, the food the birds....al of it great! We will be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful lodge with outstanding staff who went the extra mile at all times. Miles of trails, perfect for hiking and birding
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Sheila

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Arlene

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing views of the now inactive volcano, with plenty of easy hiking routes around your room, since the hotel is situated within the national park. A birder’s paradise, with a small museum about the volcano and the history of the area. We had a birding tour booked through the hotel with Raúl Obregón, whom we highly, highly recommend! Raúl is passionate about birds, knows their habits, and will share his passion with you. The room is comfortable, though not luxurious. WiFi is only available on/next to the balcony and in common areas. Be aware that to maximize ventilation the area near the ceiling is only screened, so you can hear everyone in the rooms around you. But the trade off of being immersed in nature is worth it. The onsite restaurant serves pretty good food, although for variety you may want to leave a few times during your stay. Be aware that the road up to the hotel does wash out, so you may be in for a rough (but short) ride up from the main road until you reach the entrance gate.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Alexander

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful property. Beautiful walks. Pulled down by the staff in the restaurant and the quality of the food.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Todd

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is amazing. Lots to see. Staff was amazing. Not a place to watch tv. It's all nature. Not really friendly for people with walking issues. Lots of stairs and large inclines. That being said i loved it!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Derek

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Almost want to leave a one star review so that no one else finds out about this wonderful place
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great view of the volcano and the monkeys were amazing in the trees
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a great time. Very beautiful
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jean-luc

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Amazing location, excellent staff and delicious food. A little expensive but well worth it.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

CHRISTINE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place to stay. The trails were amazing.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Conor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Loved it. Such a beautiful unique place.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chadd

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved the views of the lake and volcano, the food was great, the hiking trails were tons of fun, the dante waterfall was beautiful, and the staff were absolutely amazing! We loved Howard and our beautiful waitress with red hair! Also, don't let the shared bathrooms scare you away from the casona. It was an amazing room with the best view and toucans!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Autumn

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent in every way.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Lezley

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location is amazing. We saw so much wildlife and lots of great hiking trails including waterfalls. We loved the frog pond. We went at night and heard all the croaking and saw lots of frogs including a few red eye tree frogs. The free tour they provide guests in the mornings was awesome. The only thing my family didn’t like was no AC in the rooms. The restaurant provided great free breakfast. We ate at the same place for dinner and found it was way overpriced and not great quality. Overall the stay was great and we would recommend it.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Surrounded with nature

Beautiful surroundings, peace and quiet, nature at it’s best
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Spilman

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We liked tye beauty of nature,the views,wildlife,food and friendly service of everyone.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacek

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025