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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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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room | In-room safe, bed sheets
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine
Outdoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, sun loungers
Hiking
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | In-room safe, bed sheets

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
    Airport transfer
  • Bar
    Bar
  • Spa
    Spa
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Free breakfast
    Free breakfast
  • Laundry facilities
    Laundry facilities
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
The price is $121
$137 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25

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
Laptop-compatible safe
  • 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
  • 20 sq m
  • 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

Highlights

Yard
Balcony or patio
Free cribs/infant beds
Ceiling fan
2 bedrooms
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • 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 | 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
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Phil's Villa

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

Phil's Villa

Highlights

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

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9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1008)
The price is $136
$154 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 21 - Nov 22
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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
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 17 min drive
  • Arenal Volcano - 17 min drive
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 26 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
  • 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 spa 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

Hotel size

  • 48 rooms

Arriving/Leaving

  • Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 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 staffed during limited hours

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 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
  • Spa 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 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.
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 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.

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

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

The place is magical. No A/C but it wasn’t too hot. The restaurant is decent and the views of the volcano are to die for. It’s a bud watcher’s paradise and the trails are beautiful. I would stay at this resort again.
Samuel, 4-night trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Fabulous!
Exceptional service and comfort. Amazing birding throught the property.
Gary, 3-night trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Tremendous vistas, birding, nature trails fantastic staff and a very cool welcome.
Theresa, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

gary, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Hoteles.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Our stay was very pleasant, the hotel is on beautiful grounds, we arrived late at night , a portion the road leading to the hotel is not paved, breakfast was superb, you can have both the open buffet and a choice to order from their menu. We ended up having dinner 2 nights at the hotel and those were excellent as well. Very helpful staff that go above and beyond, Sergio was very helpful with his recommendations and directions. Lots of hummingbirds and wildlife that you can experience from your room. No AC but the ceiling fan was sufficient to keep up feeling comfortable. Would love to go again.
Marghrit, 3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

6/10 Good

Nice Experience of Nature and Birds
Great experience but room key constantly gave me problem. Room key has to be replaced 4 times. Restaurant food and drinks are great!
Husong, 2-night trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Wildlife galore
Amazing location inside the NP. Road most unpaved getting there. Great balcony where you can see the birds and monkey. Very chilled out vibe with plenty of easy trials around. Shame that the pool wasn’t open and we were not notified, the kids were very disappointed. Also we left very early on the last day and missed out on breakfast as they didn’t tell us we could have a takeaway breakfast box. Overall a stunning place, beaming with wildlife.
Alexander, 3-night family trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review

6/10 Good

Great experience but room key constantly gave me problem. Key has to be replaced 4 times Restaurant food and drink are great!
Husong, 2-night trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

My 7 yr old complained about no AC in the room but I am completely fine with it. It is high up in the mountain so felt a little cool even in the summer. View is beautiful because it is super close to the volcano. The lodge staff is very welcome and kind. Of course you’d be expecting bugs and flies in the washroom next day in the morning. But I call this nature, we would also be seeing monkeys within the hotel range. Driving up to the hotel is also fun as some roads are un-paved. My husband joked as we got a free ATV experience.
Liang, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Ivona, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

One of my favorite places in the world. We have been here three times in the last 14 years. Love the lodge, its proximity to raw nature, the thoughtful and kind people that work here, and the views. I would highly recommend staying here.
Katarzyna, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Luis, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Mandy, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great eco friendly hotel
Wonderful hotel with great views of the volcano. Could use some upgrades for the bed. Great service from the staff
Gary, 3-night family trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

You can not beat the location and beauty of this property. The staff went above and beyond. The restaurant was great. Wildlife all around. Loved this stay.
Jennifer, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Suhanya, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Fantastic lodge and trails. Amazing staff. Great views of the Arenal Volcano. Peaceful. We saw snakes, frogs, toucans, hummingbirds and tropical birds. Food is good and fairly priced - considering the nearest outside restaurant is > 30 mins away.
Suhanya, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

This was an amazing property. Trails were beautiful. Waterfall was amazing. Breakfast buffet has everything you would want on your plate and dinner was very tasty
Casey, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Yvette, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very Good

Matthew, 2-night family trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

petar, 2-night family trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review

6/10 Good

Xinia, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Views were amazing and so was food and trails.
Lynnan, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The property is breath taking! So many beautiful plants and trees and we spotted wildlife at every turn and really enjoyed everything the property had to offer!
Laura, 3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very Good

stacy, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review