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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
Poolside bar
White Hawk Villa
Terrace/patio
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool

Explore the area

View map
22 km Oeste de la Fortuna de San Carlos, 1.7 km del Volcán Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007
  • Place, Arenal Volcano
  • Place, Costa Rica Sky Adventures
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, La Fortuna Waterfall
    ‪43 min drive‬
  • Airport, La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(27 reviews)

Highlights

Garden
Balcony or patio
Free cots/infant beds
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Superior Room, Mountain View

Superior Room, Mountain View

Superior Room, Mountain View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(30 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for White Hawk Villa

White Hawk Villa

White Hawk Villa

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Garden
Balcony or patio
Free cots/infant beds
2 bedrooms
Ceiling fan
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Living room
  • 20 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 8
  • 2 King Beds, 2 Twin Beds and 2 Twin Trundle Beds

View all photos for Phil's Villa + Waterfall

Phil's Villa + Waterfall

Phil's Villa + Waterfall

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

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

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

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Garden
Balcony or patio
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
2 bathrooms
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Living room
  • 1 bedroom
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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 - 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

Restaurants

  • ‪Virgita Ristorante - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Shangri-La Gardens - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Roca di Baldi Sports Bar - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪Red Frog Coffee Roaster - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante El Jilguero - ‬5 min walk

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.

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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

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

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
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
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 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. 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.

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 deep-tissue 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.

Reviews

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 719 out of 900 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 144 out of 900 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 30 out of 900 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 900 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 900 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

ileana

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was stunning. Gorgeous views of lake, mountains and volcano. Beautifully kept grounds . The room itself as very cool design . Simple but had an entire glass wall overlooking the most stunning view . There were a few things that we didn’t like . No refrigerator and the door didn’t properly close and bugs got in several times mainly spiders .
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

stephanie

Travelled with family
Disliked: Staff & service
We came to Costa Rica with our two kids , ages 4 and 6. Perhaps I did not read anything about it- but for those who don’t know it- the rooms only have fans, no ac’s. It was extremely hot and humid in the room.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tony

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lots of wildlife and trails on property. Close enough to everything but far enough that it’s quiet. Staff super friendly and having food available with their restaurant was a big plus. I’d stay here again if ever back in La Fortuna.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sonja

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous property and very friendly staff! We had access to viewing so many birds and we loved that there were onsite guided walks. The food was amazing as well! We are looking forward to returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eran, Merida

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing hotel The area is beautiful, lots of activities within the hotel Close to all the activities of Fortuna and Arenal Rooms are nice, great views Food is delicious, every dish we ordered was great The entrance to the hotel area is a bit of terrain and not paved road, easy with a 4x4 but also doable with normal car. We loved everything and enjoyed every moment there, would be more than happy to return.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carrie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The lodge was fabulous. It’s definitely more secluded but that’s exactly what I as hoping for. The weather came through for us and we had stunning views of the volcano out our window/patio area. I enjoyed walking the trails and birdwatching. We found about 40 different species with a guide in 2 hours. The rooms were comfy and clean. The restaurant had a free breakfast which was much more than a buffet. Dining at night was pretty good. I wish there were a few more options at the restaurant. Oh also saw spider monkeys on the grounds. Great place. Wish I had more time there
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Leah

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
So the trails and park are beautiful and really well maintained and walkable. The place is worth it for that but do not eat there. The food was truly awful. The desk service was also not great, we had a broken window the whole stay and the staff never did anything about it and did not appear to care at all when we told them. Said they would fix it next day but never did anything, we mentioned it again next day still nothing. We stayed in the casonas which are rooms with shared bathrooms, they were not bad but be warned there is no A/C and no mini fridge so dont bring stuff that can melt (sad for those doing chocolate tours) and they give you one bath mat for each bathroom each day so if its been used it kind of bummer. Otherwise they were clean and comfortable. Wish they had better rooms for the price but again trails and views of wildlife are incredible and unparalleled. Perhaps just get the day pass and skip the hotel if you wanna visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jolie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property. Friendly service. Need transportation since it is away from other hotels, restaurants, etc. plenty to do on the property with hikes, waterfall, wildlife, etc
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Travis

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great overall experience. I would recommit to everyone.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

stephen

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A little dated but for us the grounds made up for it. Recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Morgan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We really enjoyed out time here. It was quiet and felt secluded, yet we could walk to town.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Norma

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
This hotel is beautiful and the location makes you feel like you are living in a rainforest. The free breakfast was a nice touch each morning. The dining room was large and the dining staff was very friendly. We booked a room with a balcony and that was so relaxing!!! The rooms were very nice and the bathrooms were very clean. The only drawback was the back roads getting to this hotel. The potholes were a nightmare!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ligia

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
General experience
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

K. Alexandra

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Arenal Lodge is a great stay and a great way to see the area. Thoroughly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracey

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

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the Arenal Volcano Lodge! Feels similar to staying in the National Park lodges in Yellowstone or Glacier. Although it is a bit of a drive, it is much less touristy than La Fortuna hotels. Extensive grounds with lots of wildlife and birds, observation tower, nature walks with knowledgeable guide etc. Rooms were very nice with balcony. Dining was quite good which was important give the distance to other restaurants. Staff was very professional and friendly. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Marcus

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Priscilla

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely beautiful property with tons to do within the property. Well maintained trails perfect for beginners. The staff was very professional and pleasant. Free activities in the lodge were great, especially the guided hike with their very knowledgeable guide. Beautiful surrounding towns. The free breakfast at the restaurant on site was very good. Lunch and dinner on site were expensive so we drove about 10-15 minutes off property and there were tons of options. We booked an economy room in the casona with a shared restroom and it was lovely. Will definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Jay

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ivette

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely beautiful property. We stood in the Smithsonian room. Absolutely gorgeous view of the volcano. Room as described. Our only regret was not reserving a room with mini fridge. No AC as described but it was not needed. Everyone was absolutely attentive and always ready to answer questions. We ate most of our meals in the restaurant preferring to stay nearby to relax. Yes the road is rough for the first mile entering the property but well worth the ride! We didn’t want to leave! We hope to return to spend more than the 3 nights we booked.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Magical! The hiking trails, wildlife, breakfasts, and staff made this lodge extraordinary. Waking up to volcano views and amazing birds was so special. While it is a little off the beaten path, it is well worth the extra few minutes.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

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