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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Property class: 3

Photo gallery for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

A hotel with a mountain view, a reflective pond, and lush greenery.
A resort with a pool, lush greenery, and a mountain view.
A wooden deck with a restaurant, overlooking a scenic landscape with a sunset view.
A hotel room with a bed, a desk, and a view of a natural landscape.
A spacious living area with a wooden ceiling, large windows, a sofa, and a coffee table.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
The current price is NZ$230
includes taxes & fees
22 Oct - 23 Oct

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

A hotel room with two beds, a balcony with a table and chairs, and a view of greenery outside.

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(35 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Superior Room, Mountain View

A covered outdoor seating area with two people seated, overlooking a lush landscape with a mountain in the background.

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

A room with a large window offering a view of a mountain.

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

A hotel room with a bed, a lamp, a window with a mountain view, and a towel on the bed.

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

A lodge with a covered porch, a wooden deck, and a stone pathway leading to the entrance.

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(6 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Family Villa

A building with a covered entrance, a stone wall, and a gravel driveway.

Family Villa

  • Mountain view
  • 20 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed

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About the area

La Fortuna

A family-friendly stay in La Fortuna awaits you at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails. You'll be 3.8 km (2.4 mi) from Lake Arenal and 5 km (3.1 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
  • ‪Soda Tita Rosa - ‬33 min drive
  • ‪Lemnos Wetbar - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Baldi Premium Bar - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪Soda Fortuna - ‬36 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 a ceiling fan. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Bathrooms include a shower, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers. 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
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 private bathrooms
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • 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

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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 16 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails on 22 Oct 2026 start from NZ$230, 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 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.

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 812 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 138 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 37 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 1000 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Incredible place with views of the volcano and Lake Arenal, good hiking trails, nice restaurant with excellent service and food, and great amenities and services.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature, clean rooms , delicious food and friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Unbelievable gardens, very good food. Very nice and helpful employees.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great food, amazing staff, gorgeous view of the volcano! Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing place to relax and enjoy any celebration. The stuff are nice,friendly and super helpful. I loved the place. 💯 recommend
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was nice.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The animal and bird sightings are wonderful here. As a solo female traveler, I felt safe and comfortable. The well-marked hiking trails and daily planned events to enrich your experience are top notch. I will be pleased to stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rustic lodging with incredible trails, views, dynamic landscapes, and SOOO many animals!! If you are an animal lover, staying here is a must in La Fortuna!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Far from everything and only 1 restaurant with mediocre food that was ridiculously expensive
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Terrific location with view of volcano and deck for bird watching as well as many onsite free nature activities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful place, views and gardens!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Uniquely beautiful location and world class birding
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Access to birds, monkeys, and other wildlife was amazing - did not even need to leave the property to see most of them. Rooms do not have ac, so keep this in mind. Food at restaurant was great and staff was very helpful booking daily excursions.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The entire staff were great. The facility was well maintained and terrific. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place was incredible in every way
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was amazing. The staff friendly and attentive. The grounds were beautiful with monkeys and birds, especially hummingbirds, happy in the trees and flowers.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Highly recommend the villa
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Arenal observatory and lodge is a biodiversity and conservation gem! We saw so many animals and plants while on the property! The accommodations were great and in line with ecotourism. Highly recommend for nature lovers!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place was exactly what we were looking for - it was right in the heart of the National Park and tucked away from the flashy touristy part of La Fortuna. The property and staff were lovely. 10/10 recommend this for your next vacation.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved everything. Wish they had refrigerator in the room.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The property is very beautiful. It is not located close to anything.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff at check-in. Great view from our room. Nice tours.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Hotel Arenal Observatory is a privilege location at the bottom of the Arenal Volcano.Not other hotel in the area can beat this. Besides the trails are for everyone and the views are gorgeous. All the staff are so helpful,polite and with the intention and great desire for us to know their country.We will come back, hopefully in the near future with other members of our family. I will highly recommend this hotel if you want to reconnect with nature, feel peace, breath clean air and just feel peace surrounded by the multi diversity of fauna and flora of this magical place..
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everyone was helpful
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026