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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

3.0 star property

Photo gallery for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

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

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi

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
  • Place, La Fortuna Waterfall
  • Place, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
  • Airport, La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)
    ‪146 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
(30 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
(32 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
(5 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
  • ‪Ave Restaurant - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Las Palmas - ‬27 min drive

About this property

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

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
  • 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
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 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. 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 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. 763 out of 949 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 146 out of 949 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 31 out of 949 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 949 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 949 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sonda

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Beautiful grounds!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
helpful staff. clean room. lovely location. plenty of interesting forest walks, and the odd volcano nearby
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The biggest asset to this property is its location within Arenal National Park. The lodge is truly at the foot of Arenal volcano. There was lots of wildlife to be seen on the AOL property including birds, some mammals and frogs. Complimentary breakfast met everyone’s needs. Lunch and dinner at the lodge are expensive. The property is pretty far from La Fortuna (20 min?) and the road is rough for part of the drive, so you won’t want to zip in and out. We planned to be gone for the day when we left. Front desk staff was great and happy to help arrange tours or outings at no cost.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Nicola

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location is great in the heart of the forest with trails all around. We booked a Standard Room which was located a short but steep walk away from the main building. The room was clean and a good size. The large terrace had a view of the lake but far better was the hummingbird that lived in the bush right in front and the coati roaming around the garden. Wildlife is everywhere here. We enjoyed a free guided day tour and a guided night tour. We saw an anteater, howler monkeys, bespectacled owls, frogs, snakes and all sorts of birds. The only thing that let this hotel down was the food. The staff in the restaurant but the food itself was not great and dinner options were very limited.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Xin Feng

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darci, Chicago

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I doubt you can find a better view of the Arenal Volcano than at Arenal Observatory Lodge, plus the property is gorgeous and filled with wildlife (so many birds and a troop of monkeys swung by one evening). This isn't a fancy place — more old school — but if you're looking for a peaceful space to reset and experience nature, it's perfect. We'd stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Blaine

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room good , but lacked chairs , no heating which would have been handy to dry cloth as it rained all the time , quiet , fantastic views ,
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Yes, Volcano park entrance is nearby. But there is no need for a national park as you have a front stage view of the volcano, 11 km of trails, access to guides, a waterfall, hanging bridges, and wildlife! We only needed to leave to access the hot springs. Otherwise this is paradise! tours
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Todd

Travelled with family
Liked: Amenities
Was last at this resort 22 years ago. This time returned with kids and did not disappoint! Stayed in Phil Villa and besides a slight bug issue was amazing and 5 stars.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Larry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Staff were very knowledgeable about flora and fauna in park. Hotel policies were Eco-friendly. Decor in room and hotel was pleasant; blends well with forest. Many improved walking trails on grounds. Museum provided natural history of area and people. High diversity of birds, great for bird-watchers. Highly recommend and would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Teresa

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fabulous resort and location. Lots to do on property. Excellent food and service. Amazing value in the off season. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

craig, Kailua

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The AOL was spectacular! the mountain, the grounds the staff, the food the birds....al of it great! We will be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful lodge with outstanding staff who went the extra mile at all times. Miles of trails, perfect for hiking and birding
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Sheila

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Arlene

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing views of the now inactive volcano, with plenty of easy hiking routes around your room, since the hotel is situated within the national park. A birder’s paradise, with a small museum about the volcano and the history of the area. We had a birding tour booked through the hotel with Raúl Obregón, whom we highly, highly recommend! Raúl is passionate about birds, knows their habits, and will share his passion with you. The room is comfortable, though not luxurious. WiFi is only available on/next to the balcony and in common areas. Be aware that to maximize ventilation the area near the ceiling is only screened, so you can hear everyone in the rooms around you. But the trade off of being immersed in nature is worth it. The onsite restaurant serves pretty good food, although for variety you may want to leave a few times during your stay. Be aware that the road up to the hotel does wash out, so you may be in for a rough (but short) ride up from the main road until you reach the entrance gate.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Alexander

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful property. Beautiful walks. Pulled down by the staff in the restaurant and the quality of the food.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Todd

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is amazing. Lots to see. Staff was amazing. Not a place to watch tv. It's all nature. Not really friendly for people with walking issues. Lots of stairs and large inclines. That being said i loved it!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Derek

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Almost want to leave a one star review so that no one else finds out about this wonderful place
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great view of the volcano and the monkeys were amazing in the trees
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a great time. Very beautiful
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jean-luc

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Amazing location, excellent staff and delicious food. A little expensive but well worth it.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

CHRISTINE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place to stay. The trails were amazing.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025