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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

3.0 star property
VIP Access

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House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine
Terrace/patio
White Hawk Villa | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets
Poolside bar

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Laundry

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
  • Arenal Volcano
  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • La Fortuna Waterfall
    ‪43 min drive‬
  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)
    ‪41 min drive‬
VIP Access
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  • 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 | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

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

View all photos for Superior Room, Mountain View

Superior Room, Mountain View | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets

Superior Room, Mountain View

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

View all photos for White Hawk Villa

White Hawk Villa | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets

White Hawk Villa

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

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

View all photos for Phil's Villa + Waterfall

Phil's Villa + Waterfall | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets

Phil's Villa + Waterfall

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 10
  • 3 Queen Beds

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About this property

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Colonial lodge with 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, Access to 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 a shower and complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.
An outdoor pool, a children's pool and Access to 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 on-site 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 such as free breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self-parking.
  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast served daily
  • Free Wi-Fi 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 massages, body wraps or body treatments at the spa
  • Amenities include a front desk safe, 2 meeting rooms and a gift shop
  • On-site 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 Access to 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 a free cooked-to-order breakfast daily from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM.
El Jilguero – This family restaurant specialises 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
  • 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 aged 8 years old and younger stay free per registered adult when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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 aged 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. 698 out of 878 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 143 out of 878 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 30 out of 878 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 878 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 878 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

Heather

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome views, friendly staff and excellent breakfast
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vinod

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location with amazing views of the arenal volcano. We spotted some unique birds. The breakfast included was great and service was very good. Only complaint is they did not include water bottles in the room and would charge for that.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

praveen kumar

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great place to stay while visiting Arenal Volcano

We enjoyed the scenery, breakfast, free guided tour, and the trails around the property. The setting was very beautiful. We had a great time there, and will highly recommend it for visiting Arenal Volcano area.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zoey

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property with great hiking/walking paths and lovely restaurant on site. Shared accommodations totally met our needs and was very comfortable. Very friendly, helpful staff.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan d.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

June

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful scenery. Comfortable room with a view to observe wildlife! Food at restaurant was ok not that great seeing that it’s the only place to eat . Ground were beautiful and staff very friendly and informative . Guided nature hikes were great!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I stayed at this facility primarily for access to birding opportunities. The trails are in excellent condition and easy to walk if you’re in decent shape. I did get some of my target birds, and did not run into many people at all on the trails. There is lots of good birding opportunities within a few short drives of this location too. Food was excellent and room very comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Philip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful room, great property for viewing wildlife
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very good.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan, Cohasset

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely wonderful place to stay in the Arenal Volcano area. We were there for five nights and enjoyed seeing many species of birds both from their large observation deck and on the birding walk with Nestor and the Nature walks with Christian. The view of the volcano and lovely Arenal Lake is magnificent! Also saw several cute and friendly coatis and a spider monkey mama cuddling her baby up in the trees. The staff, though, is the BEST part of staying here! They are all friendly, attentive and accommodating to your wishes or needs. Can't say enough good things about this aspect of the hotel! Muchas gracias por la Pura Vida!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property has an excellent location. The restaurant is also really good. Our first room a short drive away had a very nice balcony. We upgraded to the volcano view room on the 2nd night but the room we were given was different from the photos, very small and not large enough for 3 people. The front desk agreed to move us and after some discussion it was resolved.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alison

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our two-day retreat at Arenal Observatory Lodge was nothing short of magical. Nestled amidst the lush rainforest, the lodge offers an unparalleled connection to nature. Waking up to a symphony of birds and the breathtaking view of the volcano was a rejuvenating experience for the soul. The abundance of birdlife and plant species made every moment a discovery. The well-maintained trails and observation decks provided serene spots to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty surrounding us. On our final evening, we dined at the lodge’s restaurant, El Jilguero. The meal was exquisite! From starters to desserts, compliments to the chef. What truly set our experience apart was the warmth and friendliness of the staff. Their genuine hospitality made us feel welcomed and cared for throughout our visit. Arenal Observatory Lodge isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a sanctuary that nourishes the spirit and reconnects you with nature. We left feeling refreshed, inspired, and eager to return.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maureen

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

Well recomended

Wonderful area, good bird watching with feeders. The trails are challenging and very steep. Breakfast was great, and room was excellent with a terrace.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

marie

Liked: Amenities
nice welcoming , beautiful view
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mario

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A very peaceful spot. Nice and well marked trails with an abundance of birds and insects to see.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maryann

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We were so headed that we decided to stay here. It was fantastic. Location, grounds, amenities. I highly recommend it
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Prema

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was an amazing experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Cathy

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A friend and I stayed here for a week on a birding trip to Costa Rica. We found most aspects of AOL to be good, but we really disliked our restaurant experience. I have food allergies and gave the staff a translated card explaining what I can and cannot eat. This approach worked well in every other place we stayed, but not at AOL. I was provided with a meal that I was told the next night was not appropriate for my diet. So why did they give me that meal the first night? The exact same thing happened another night. On yet another day I ordered hummus with gluten free bread, only to find that the bread was still frozen. And yet again on another day, I ordered hummus with gluten free bread, only to discover that the bread on my plate was not gluten free. For an establishment that advertises their high quality restaurant and high prices, this is just not acceptable. As you can imagine, by the time I left after a week, I was quite ill.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mike

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

10/10 Excellent

Shreyaben

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

10/10 Excellent

Daryl

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property and excellent staff
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
isolated quiet and good staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mathew

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025