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.
Reviews
9.69.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Popular amenities
Airport transfer
Bar
Pool
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 $129
$129
$145 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
Room options
Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms
View all photos for House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room
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 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
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
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
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 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 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.
Have a question?
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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
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
Feb 14, 2025
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
Paul, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 6, 2024
Really great stay!
Chistopher
Chistopher, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 13, 2024
Really great place!
Really great place!
Andreas
Andreas, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 10, 2024
Views were amazing and so was food and trails.
Lynnan
Lynnan, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 20, 2024
Tremendous vistas, birding, nature trails fantastic staff and a very cool welcome.
Theresa
Theresa, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 30, 2024
Beautiful Gardens and trails
EDWARD
EDWARD, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 6, 2024
Beautiful grounds, friendly staff, quiet and peaceful!
Verified traveler
2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 24, 2024
Wonderful and peaceful location.
Marie-Josée
Marie-Josée, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 27, 2024
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
Sidney, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 12, 2024
Fabulous!
Exceptional service and comfort.
Amazing birding throught the property.
Gary
Gary, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 4, 2024
Beautiful property with plenty to see both on the ground and in the vicinity. Great breakfast!
Daniel
Daniel, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 22, 2024
Amazing view to Arenal Volcano, literally you have the volcano in front of you. Perfect choice to go relax maybe on a weekend and forget about stress and just connect with nature
Carlos
Carlos, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 18, 2024
Perfect hotel in front of Arenal
Great location, excellent service. It was just perfect. We liked everything about this hotel.
Geneviève
Geneviève, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 21, 2024
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
Jennifer, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 29, 2024
Very nice place
Praveen
Praveen, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 1, 2024
Warmest of recommendations
Truly amazing lodge with many different activities, great atmosphere and facilities, good food and super friendly and welcoming staff. On our five weeks round trip (we stayed at 15 different hotels) this was probably our favorite place.
Lasse
Lasse, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 21, 2024
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
Gary, 3-night trip
8/10 Very good
Apr 20, 2024
Beautiful grounds to walk around and explore the views and wildlife.
Duane
Duane, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 9, 2024
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
Laura, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 4, 2024
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
Katarzyna, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 15, 2024
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
Samuel, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 16, 2024
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
Casey, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 19, 2024
Amazing place.
The white hawk Villa is 5 star quality
Liat
Liat, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 4, 2024
Great for bird watching.
Alison
Alison, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 16, 2024
Great views and amazing service
Amazing place to stay in the park. Awesome tours available. Very hospitable, everyone is very kind and accommodating.