Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Property class: 3
Family-friendly lodge with spa, near Costa Rica Sky Adventures

Choose dates to view prices

When you stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Lake Arenal and Costa Rica Sky Adventures. 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.
VIP Access

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi

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's pool
  • Playground on site
  • Private bathroom
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
The current price is CNY767
CNY867 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 28 - Sep 29

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

A hotel room with two beds, a balcony with a table and chairs, and a view of greenery outside.

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

View all photos for Superior Room, Mountain View

A covered outdoor seating area with two people seated, overlooking a lush landscape with a mountain in the background.

Superior Room, Mountain View

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

View all photos for White Hawk Villa

A room with a large window offering a view of a mountain.

White Hawk Villa

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

View all photos for Phil's Villa + Waterfall

A hotel room with a bed, a lamp, a window with a mountain view, and a towel on the bed.

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

A lodge with a covered porch, a wooden deck, and a stone pathway leading to the entrance.

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

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

View all photos for Family Villa

A building with a covered entrance, a stone wall, and a gravel driveway.

Family Villa

  • Mountain view
  • 20 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed

HOUSE ECONOMY WITH SHARED BATHROOM

  • Sleeps 8

DOUBLE TWO QUEEN BEDS

  • Sleeps 4

QUADRUPLE SUPERIOR MOUNTAIN VIEW

  • Sleeps 6

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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

  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 48 min drive
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 45.9 miles/73.8 km
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Shangri-La Gardens - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Baldi Premium Bar - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪Soda Tita Rosa - ‬33 min drive
  • ‪Lemnos Wetbar - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Soda La Palma - ‬22 min drive

About this property

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

  • When you stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Lake Arenal and Costa Rica Sky Adventures. 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.

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
    • Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Required at check-in

    • Credit 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
  • Window screens

Sleep well

  • Bed sheets provided

What to enjoy

  • Balcony or patio
  • Yard

Freshen up

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Shower only
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe (laptop compatible)
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Uses some LED lighting

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. Open daily.

Fees & policies

Refundable deposits

  • Deposit: USD 200 per accommodation, per night

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

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
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.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector on site.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover

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.

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Reviews

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

9.6

Staff & service

9.6

Property conditions & facilities

Guest review summary

What guests liked

  • The restaurant offered delicious food, excellent service, and a wonderful atmosphere with great views. (81 reviews)
  • The complimentary breakfast was delicious and offered a variety of options including fruits, bread, and protein. (37 reviews)
  • The spa treatments were fantastic and highly recommended by guests. (13 reviews)
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Popular mentions

View
Service staff
Volcano
Room
Restaurant
Trails
Wildlife
Birds
Location
Food

Reviews

Verified review

6/10 Good

The breakfast had a good variety of food selection. The staff was very friendly and professional.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature, clean rooms , delicious food and friendly staff.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

The hotel was fantastic. Spotlessly clean. The free wildlife tour was excellent and we were lucky to see Armadillos. The pool and jacuzzi were lovely too. Would definitely recommend.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Between the amount of wildlife I saw while there, the short hike to a beautiful waterfall, and the just simply stunning views, and the friendly staff.. There really isn't much not to like here.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

This is an AMAZING place to stay. I highly would recommend it and pray that I can return. The staff is great, the location is wonderful, and the grounds are beautiful. There is a restaurant that is fantastic and everything you need is on site. 20 out of 10 is my score.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Unbelievable gardens, very good food. Very nice and helpful employees.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Great food, amazing staff, gorgeous view of the volcano! Highly recommend!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing place to relax and enjoy any celebration. The stuff are nice,friendly and super helpful. I loved the place. 💯 recommend
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

The animal and bird sightings are wonderful here. As a solo female traveler, I felt safe and comfortable. The well-marked hiking trails and daily planned events to enrich your experience are top notch. I will be pleased to stay here again.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

The entire staff were great. The facility was well maintained and terrific. Highly recommend.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

The room was amazing. The staff friendly and attentive. The grounds were beautiful with monkeys and birds, especially hummingbirds, happy in the trees and flowers.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

This place was exactly what we were looking for - it was right in the heart of the National Park and tucked away from the flashy touristy part of La Fortuna. The property and staff were lovely. 10/10 recommend this for your next vacation.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

It was a wonderful stay. Clean, great bed, attentive and helpful staff, food was excellent, massage was great too!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

The Hotel Arenal Observatory is a privilege location at the bottom of the Arenal Volcano.Not other hotel in the area can beat this. Besides the trails are for everyone and the views are gorgeous. All the staff are so helpful,polite and with the intention and great desire for us to know their country.We will come back, hopefully in the near future with other members of our family. I will highly recommend this hotel if you want to reconnect with nature, feel peace, breath clean air and just feel peace surrounded by the multi diversity of fauna and flora of this magical place..
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Friendly staff at check-in. Great view from our room. Nice tours.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Everyone was helpful
Verified review

6/10 Good

Overall a great place to stay. We enjoyed the hiking trails and pool (though really could only use the hot tub as the pools were too cold/not heated). However, we were extremely turned off by the gate where they questioned where we were going every time we left which felt intrusive and completely inappropriate. They also seemed to try to charge us twice (knowingly) for a tour which was very dishonest and unfortunately similar to other places we visited in the touristy area of Arenal.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Property and staff were fantastic - probably the cleanest property we’ve ever stayed. The trails and hikes you could go on were amazing. Breakfast was delicious but the dinner was good. It would have been nice to know prior that there was no air conditioning in the rooms and the tile floors outside the rooms and inside the rooms were very slippery
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

It was such a wonderful experience. Everyone is so nice and friendly! Great view !
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Clean rooms and excellent service from all.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Fantastic rooms and great location with multiple daily feedings of the local bird population. Beautiful property and walking trails. Easy check in and helpful staff.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Amazing room and view
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Yes the staff was great!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Very clean, friendly & helpful staff. Wonderful gardens, hiking trails & plethora of animals.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Great place to stay. The trails were amazing.