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.
VIP Access
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
$113 nightly
The total price is $128
$128 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
Total includes taxes and fees
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 - 11 min drive - 4.6 km
Arenal Volcano National Park - 22 min drive - 12.2 km
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 28 min drive - 15.4 km
Ecotermales Fortuna - 32 min drive - 21.6 km
La Fortuna Waterfall - 43 min drive - 28.2 km
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
DONE
Hotel size
48 rooms
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is noon
DONE
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 10 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
DONE
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
DONE
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)
DONE
Pets
No pets or service animals allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
DONE
Transfers
Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*
DONE
Offsite
Area shuttle*
DONE
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
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.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
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.
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
Popular mentions
View
Service staff
Room
Volcano
Restaurant
Trails
Wildlife
Birds
Food
Location
What guests liked
Breakfast was consistently described as very good, great, excellent, and wonderful with a variety of options to choose from. (17 reviews)
Dining at the property was consistently excellent with delicious meals and friendly staff. (5 reviews)
The spa treatment was fantastic and highly recommended, providing a relaxing experience. (7 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 31, 2025
Beautiful property and excellent staff
Daryl
Daryl, 4-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jun 22, 2025
Everything was good. The dinner menu could use a few more choices. Sandwiches for those not so hungry or not in the mood for the fancier dishes.
Marcus
Marcus, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 21, 2025
nice welcoming , beautiful view
marie
marie, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 29, 2025
isolated quiet and good staff.
brian
brian, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 21, 2025
A very peaceful spot. Nice and well marked trails with an abundance of birds and insects to see.
Mario
Mario, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 19, 2025
It was an amazing experience!
Prema
Prema, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Feb 24, 2025
comfortable rooms, clean, walkable trails
Nancy
Nancy, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 24, 2025
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.
Maureen
Maureen, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 22, 2025
If you love wildlife
This place was amazing! The rum was clean but average. No air conditioning but with the window open, fan, and dehumidifier it was very tolerable. The amazing part. .the staff and wildlife! Everyone was very friendly and went above and beyond to assist. Every morning and afternoon the spider monkeys came by the patio. So many birds and other wildlife to see just walking the grounds. If you love seeing wildlife then this is the place for you!
Tracey
Tracey, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 20, 2025
We were so headed that we decided to stay here. It was fantastic. Location, grounds, amenities. I highly recommend it
Maryann
Maryann, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 6, 2024
Really great stay!
Chistopher
Chistopher, 3-night trip
8/10 Very good
Apr 9, 2025
The proximity with arenal volcano is fa ntastic
Dinner for children is not perfect
jean-marc
jean-marc, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Mar 21, 2025
The property grounds and hiking trails were amazing. The road to get there was rough.
Stephen
Stephen, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 28, 2025
Nice place
Bozena
Bozena, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 15, 2025
Amazing stay - beautiful room and view, many onsite trails and amenities included in stay, tons of wildlife and birds, great staff and breakfast. This is one of the best places we have ever stayed.
Alejandro
Alejandro, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 27, 2025
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.
Richard
Richard, 1-night trip
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
Dec 22, 2024
Beautiful property with great walking trails
Leah
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 9, 2024
Great birding beautiful gardens and trails
linda
linda, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 13, 2024
Really great place!
Really great place!
Andreas
Andreas, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 20, 2024
This unique location allowed us to see and explore an area that was incredible
Kathleen
Kathleen, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 21, 2025
The environment is fantastic, offering a variety of scenic trails surrounded by beautiful plants, diverse wildlife, and vibrant birds.
xingyan
xingyan, 1-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
Dec 19, 2024
Beautiful and rustic, excellent if thats what you like
David
David, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 6, 2024
Beautiful grounds, friendly staff, quiet and peaceful!