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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

3.0 star property

Photo gallery for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Terrace/patio
Poolside bar
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
White Hawk Villa
Front of property

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Restaurant
The current price is NZ$242
includes taxes & fees
3 June - 4 June

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 National Park
    ‪1 min walk‬

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
(31 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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
(34 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 20 sq m
  • 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)
  • Mountain view
  • 20 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 8
  • 2 King Beds, 2 Single Beds and 2 Single 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)
  • Mountain view
  • 3 bedrooms
  • 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
(6 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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 4.4 km (2.7 mi) from Lake Arenal and 5.2 km (3.3 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

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

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shangri-La Gardens - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Virgita Ristorante - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Lemnos Wetbar - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Las Palmas - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Baldi Premium Bar - ‬29 min drive

About this property

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers its guests a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a 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
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • 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

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

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

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 200 per accommodation, per night

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

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 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
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 or credit 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. 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 1 Jun 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails on 3 Jun 2026 start from NZ$242, 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 prenatal 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. 804 out of 996 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 148 out of 996 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 34 out of 996 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 996 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 996 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Matthew

Travelled with family and small children
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Charged us for the room, $1400 and would not let us stay due to them not understanding Costa Rica law.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

2/10 Terrible

Matthew

Travelled with family and small children
Disliked: Amenities
This hotel made up Laws stating a photocopy or scan our passport is legally required to check in. it is not, the name and passport number need to be recorded yes, but not a photocopy. The dury manager further lied stating the actual manager was not available for a week; and then she arrived 30 mins later. Do not trust this hotel; just day visit the garden.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Birding is spectacular. The grounds and trails are amazing. So many plants and animals. Beautiful views. Rooms are basic but clean. Food at the restaurant for dinner is average but service was consistently great. Breakfast was better. Overall service was excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

jessica

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, friendly & helpful staff. Wonderful gardens, hiking trails & plethora of animals.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

bhadresh

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location for spotting a rich variety of birds and a great view of arenal volcano from our balcony. Very friendly and accommodating restaurant staff, especially David, Howard and Alexa. Nice room, better than I was expecting, albeit on the small side for a family of 4. If you’re looking for wildlife on your doorstep and a great view of the volcano, it a great pick. We even had a lovely hot but comfortable large jacuzzi for a rainy day. The on-site cafe was poor for vegan options, but the main restaurant made every effort to accommodate our needs
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

ron

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
First class experiences. The staff were wonderful.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Nils

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Todd, Montrose

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a wonderful stay. Clean, great bed, attentive and helpful staff, food was excellent, massage was great too!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Raja

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth Del, Hialeah

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Erin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best place to stay in La Fortuna! This lodge was truly special, and has so much to offer we barely needed to leave the grounds. Booking nature walks and guided tours on the premises was super easy and convenient. Eduardo is the main guide and he is so knowledgeable! Facilities were clean and beautiful. We saw so many birds just from our window into the garden. Mario in the restaurant was very personable and made us feel welcome each time we dined. Could not recommend this place anymore!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean rooms and excellent service from all.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Austin

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The first thing you notice at Arenal Observatory Lodge is the spectacular grounds! There are many opportunities for gentle walks and hikes on the property. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The rooms had everything we needed but were basic, not luxurious.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

Liked: Cleanliness
Yes the staff was great!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Vincent, Kent

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Incredible grounds excellent service birding was top 10, however due to the significant rain and fog, we were unable to see the volcano
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

kevin, Salem

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
2nd time we have stay there , staff is outstanding, accommodation is outstanding, the guide was fantastic Edward, he was fun, great place even with a lot of rain
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Janice

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was nice, big enough, excellent view, great shower. You feel like you are in the jungle. Saw birds, monkeys, and much more. Great hiking trails. Enchanting place.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kurt

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were very clean and spacious. The food was great. The trails around the resort let you be a part of nature.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kelsi

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was perfect with a beautiful view! The staff was friendly and the property was amazing!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Liza

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property with stunning views and scenic trails. The restaurant is convenient, though the food quality could be improved.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

SAURABH

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Road which leads to the observatory lodge was horrible. I was driving at night around 9 pm and it was pitch dark, the last 4 km was a pstch with gravel road and god forbid anything goes wrong you are on your own.. no resque wiil be available
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved this property. The free guided walks are amazing. I saw sleeping frogs and humming birds and learned so much about the plant life and also the history of the lodge. Edward was a great guide! The breakfast was tasty and the room was immaculate. My kids appreciated the pool. I just loved walking the grounds and the view from the restaurant. Fantastic place and would recommend a stay here.
Walking to the game room
Arenal volcano
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alejandro

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything is amazing! Wildlife, facilities, hiking, staff. Second time staying here. Love it.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025