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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

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room
Poolside bar
White Hawk Villa
Terrace/patio
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Laundry

Explore the area

Map
22 km Oeste de la Fortuna de San Carlos, 1.7 km del Volcán Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007
  • Arenal Volcano
  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • La Fortuna Waterfall
    ‪43 min drive‬
  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)
    ‪41 min drive‬
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 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
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, Mountain View

Superior Room, Mountain View

Superior Room, Mountain View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(29 reviews)
  • 20 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • 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)
  • 20 sq m
  • 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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(24 reviews)
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen 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
  • Sleeps 10
  • 3 Queen Beds

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About this property

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Colonial lodge with a full-service spa and free breakfast
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 hot stone massages, body wraps, or body treatments at the spa
  • Amenities include a front-desk safe, 2 meeting rooms, and a gift shop
  • Onsite recreation includes hiking/biking trails, a playground, and horse riding/rentals
  • Guests have great things to say about the overall condition of the property and the helpful staff
  • 11 minutes by car from Lake Arenal and 13 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.

Languages

English, Spanish

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
  • 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

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

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, debit 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.

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. 678 out of 849 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 137 out of 849 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 27 out of 849 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 849 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 849 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful property! Extremely well managed and professional, friendly and helpful staff. The best of Costa Rica is well represented here. Pura vida!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Stephen, Shreveport

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The property grounds and hiking trails were amazing. The road to get there was rough.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

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

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
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Douglas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynne

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved being so close to the volcano and waking up to a group of coatis on our deck. Hiking was fabulous and the staff was wonderful.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven, Centerville

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
3 night stay Und of February with 2 adults and 3 boys under 12. This place was a Peacful & Serine Jungle Stay. This property exceededed expectations. From gaming rooms, pool, hot tub, dining. Walk right out to the trails with a short drive to Lafortuna. We Hiked, did horseback riding, ziplines and swam waterfalls. We do recommend rental car. Down side is there is No AC but evening are cool in the jungel and a ceiling fan helps. Also no mini fridge or ice machines we had to get it from the dining facility. This place is well kept with a natural feel. Definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Nancy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
comfortable rooms, clean, walkable trails
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryota

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jayne

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

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

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.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy, Sammamish

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay here but wish we’d had at least two nights. It was raining so we couldnt see the volcano. Instead we took a hike to a waterfall and strolled the grounds which were gorgeous. We enjoyed the night tour and saw multiple species of frogs.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bozena

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

xingyan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The environment is fantastic, offering a variety of scenic trails surrounded by beautiful plants, diverse wildlife, and vibrant birds.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Travelled with partner
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alejandro

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin Lloyd

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Olga

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I liked those windows that could be open partly and when I slept I felt like I’m in the forest
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Josiane

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

Hôtel de rêve pour amateur de nature

C'était parfait! On ne peut pas rever mieux: nous sommes tout près du volcan, en plein coeur de la jungle et prêt a partir faire les randonnees pour tous les niveaux! La nourriture servie est incroyable et le service (mention speciale à Howard) est impeccable! Nous avons adoré!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Matthew, NEW HAVEN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Everything about my stay here was excellent with one exception - the tours. I still rated this an overall 5 stars because the staff in all other areas/aspects were great. My first night I asked for a night tour, asked if possible to do a private tour and that I'd pay extra, was told it's not possible, then the tour was canceled at the last minute because it didn't meet the minimum two-people (despite me telling them I'd pay the extra well in advance). The following night the tour took place but it was led by someone who seemed to really not enjoy his job. It was rushed, minimal descriptions of what we saw and minimal time spent looking for any interesting animals.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sagar

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leah

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property with great walking trails

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This unique location allowed us to see and explore an area that was incredible
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024