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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

3.0 star property
Colonial lodge with full-service spa and free breakfast

Photo gallery for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine
Outdoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, pool loungers
White Hawk Villa
Poolside bar

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool
The current price is NZ$283
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr

Explore the area

Map
22 km Oeste de la Fortuna de San Carlos, 1.7 km del Volcán Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007
  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Arenal Volcano
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • La Fortuna Waterfall
    ‪38 min drive‬
  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)
    ‪50 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

Highlights

Garden
Balcony or patio
Ceiling fan
5 bedrooms
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
Living room
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 4 Queen Beds

View all photos for Superior Room, Mountain View

Superior Room, Mountain View

Superior Room, Mountain View

Highlights

Garden
Balcony or patio
Free cots/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • Mountain view
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for White Hawk Villa

White Hawk Villa

White Hawk Villa

Highlights

Garden
Balcony or patio
Free cots/infant beds
Ceiling fan
2 bedrooms
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • Mountain view
  • 20 sq m
  • 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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Garden
Balcony or patio
Free cots/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

Phil's Villa

Highlights

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

About the area

La Fortuna

A family-friendly stay in La Fortuna awaits you at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails. You'll be 4.6 km (2.8 mi) from Lake Arenal and 5.4 km (3.4 mi) from Costa Rica Sky Adventures. Highlights at this Colonial lodge include a full-service spa, a restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool. .A day of pampering can include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages and detox wraps along with aromatherapy and reflexology. The family restaurant, El Jilguero, serves international cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For a drink, you can stop by the lodge's own lounge bar. Enjoy the Hot tub, kids' swimming pool and pool loungers as well as access to ecotours. Plus you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas and laundry facilities. Free cooked-to-order breakfast is available daily between 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Places within a 30-minute drive of this 3-property class La Fortuna lodge include Butterfly Conservatory and Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park.
View more Lodges in La FortunaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures - 13 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 17 min drive - 10.2 km
  • Arenal Volcano - 17 min drive - 8.0 km
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 26 min drive - 14.5 km
  • La Fortuna Waterfall - 38 min drive - 24.5 km

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 50 min drive

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

Colonial lodge with full-service spa and free breakfast
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.

  • 48 guestrooms or units
  • Built in 1992
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Games room or arcade
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gift shop
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
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.
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.

Languages

English, Spanish

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includes taxes & fees
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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

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

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

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and cash. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in all accommodation.

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

As of 3 Apr 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails on 6 Apr 2025 start from NZ$282.97, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Yep, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails has a free self car park.

Is there a spa on site at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails. You'll enjoy heaps of services like detox wraps, body wraps and body scrubs, as well as hot stone massages.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails have a pool?

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails has an outdoor pool and a kids' pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger. The pool is open 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

What makes Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails a romantic place to stay?

1 hot tub and couples spa treatments, as well as private balconies in the guestrooms, all help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails.

Is Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a children's pool, a playground and an arcade, it's no surprise that Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is a hit with families.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails serve breakfast?

Sure does, complimentary cooked-to-order brekkie is available daily between 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves international cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Check-in begins at 3 PM. Check-out time is noon.

Are pets allowed at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 651 out of 819 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 134 out of 819 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 27 out of 819 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 819 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 819 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

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

10/10 Excellent

David

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful and rustic, excellent if thats what you like
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

linda

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great birding beautiful gardens and trails
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great staff - always helpful, Exceptional breakfast
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

SANJAY

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place to stay in the middle of the forest. The view of the Volcano is mesmerizing. The Birds around the property are amazing. They put the food for the birds at 6.30 am and 1.30 pm, they forgot to put it in the morning when we were there. The birds still came looking for it as I was there from 5.30 am. Still the place was worth it. Reasonable breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Guinevere

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We truly enjoyed our experience. This was our second time at the Observatory. I would like to suggest handle bars on the showers. We came with our elderly parents and they were nervous to slip in the shower.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nilknarf

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mario

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

john

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

EDWARD

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful Gardens and trails
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sidney

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pankaj M

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Samuel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fabulous!
Exceptional service and comfort. Amazing birding throught the property.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Neil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Subhodeep

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property has an excellent location surrounded by trails and and trails at the base of the volcano. The free guided hike was informative and a good way to learn to spot wildlife if not doing guide tours elsewhere (although be aware that advance reservations are recommended). The only downside of the location is that you are limited to onsite dining even if self-driving, and the food options are not great value for the price.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Theresa

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Tremendous vistas, birding, nature trails fantastic staff and a very cool welcome.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024