Ara Ambigua Lodge

3.0 star property

Photo gallery for Ara Ambigua Lodge

Property grounds
Interior detail
Classic Quadruple Room
2 outdoor pools
Meeting facility

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
The current price is NZ$209
includes taxes & fees
16 June - 17 June

Explore the area

View map
400m North of the Church in La Guaria, Puerto Viejo, Heredia
  • Place, San Agustin Church
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Costa Rica Best Chocolate
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, La Selva Biological Station
    ‪9 min drive‬

Room options

Classic Quadruple Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Classic Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Classic Room

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Family Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Single Bed and 2 Double Beds OR 3 Double Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

About the area

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

At Ara Ambigua Lodge you'll be 2.9 km (1.8 mi) from San Agustin Church and 4.5 km (2.8 mi) from Costa Rica Best Chocolate. Highlights at this hotel include 2 outdoor swimming pools, a full-service spa and a restaurant. .A day of pampering can include hot stone massages, Swedish massages, body wraps and body scrubs along with access to the sauna. The restaurant, La Casona, serves Regional cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the hotel's own lounge bar, you can stop for a drink. Enjoy the steam room and kids' swimming pool as well as access to a playground. Plus you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a free manager's reception and laundry facilities. Free continental breakfast is available daily between 7 AM and 9:00 AM. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Attractions in proximity to this 3-property class Puerto Viejo hotel include Braulio Carrillo National Park and Poás Volcano National Park.

What's nearby

  • San Agustin Church - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Costa Rica Best Chocolate - 6 min drive - 4.6 km
  • La Selva Biological Station - 9 min drive - 6.3 km
  • Costa Rica Nature Pavilion - 20 min drive - 16.8 km
  • Tirimbina Rainforest Center - 22 min drive - 13.7 km

Getting around

  • San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) - 132 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Epic Coffee & Grill - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Típico La Carreta - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Rusti Ticos - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Comedor de la Estación Biológica La Selva - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Soda Doña Julia - ‬10 min drive

About this property

Ara Ambigua Lodge

Ara Ambigua Lodge offers its guests a full-service spa, 2 outdoor swimming pools, a steam room, and a children's pool. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily, and guests can also enjoy a free nightly manager's reception. Public spaces have free WiFi.

A terrace, barbecue grills, and gift shops/newsstands are also featured at Ara Ambigua Lodge. Free self parking is available.

This 3-star Puerto Viejo hotel is smoke free.

  • 50 guestrooms or units
  • Conference rooms
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Manager's reception (free)
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Wedding services available
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Gift shop
  • No smoking on site
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Ara Ambigua Lodge offers 50 air-conditioned accommodations with a safe and coffee/tea makers. This Puerto Viejo hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include a shower and hairdryers. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and hairdryers can be requested.
Guests can pamper themselves with a trip to the on-site spa, which has 1 treatment room. Services include hot stone massages, sports massages, Swedish massages and facials. The spa is equipped with a sauna. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and reflexology. The spa is open daily.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7 AM to 9:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Free daily manager's reception

Restaurants on site

  • La Casona

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Children's pool
  • Full-service spa
  • Playground
  • Steam room

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Children's pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Playground

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Prenatal massages
  • Reflexology
  • Sauna
  • Spa open daily
  • Sports massages
  • 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.
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

More

  • Ballroom
  • Banquet hall
  • Mosquito nets
  • Reception hall
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 6:00 AM - 10:00 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

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

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
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Ara Ambigua Lodge Sarapiqui
Ara Ambigua Lodge
Ara Ambigua Sarapiqui
Ara Ambigua
Ara Ambigua Lodge Costa Rica/Sarapiqui
Ara Ambigua Lodge Hotel
Ara Ambigua Lodge Puerto Viejo
Ara Ambigua Lodge Hotel Puerto Viejo
Ara Ambigua Lodge Hotel
Ara Ambigua Lodge Puerto Viejo
Ara Ambigua Lodge Hotel Puerto Viejo

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Ara Ambigua Lodge?

Ara Ambigua Lodge offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Ara Ambigua Lodge?

As of 15 Jun 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ara Ambigua Lodge on 16 Jun 2026 start from NZ$209, 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 Ara Ambigua Lodge?

Yep, Ara Ambigua Lodge has a free self car park.

Is there a spa on site at Ara Ambigua Lodge?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at Ara Ambigua Lodge. You'll enjoy heaps of services like body wraps, body scrubs and facials, as well as hot stone massages.

Does Ara Ambigua Lodge have a pool?

Ara Ambigua Lodge has 2 outdoor swimming pools and a kids' pool.

Does Ara Ambigua Lodge serve breakfast?

Yep, free continental breakfast is on offer daily between 7 AM and 9:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Ara Ambigua Lodge?

No, but there's an airport shuttle for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Ara Ambigua Lodge?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves Regional cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Ara Ambigua Lodge?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is noon.

Are pets allowed at Ara Ambigua Lodge?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Ara Ambigua Lodge Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 76 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 36 out of 76 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 76 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 76 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 76 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Chandler

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was comfortable and the pools were tranquil and surrounded by beautiful scenery. The walls of the room were a bit thin (we could hear our neighbours very clearly) but the property itself was great. Breakfast was yummy and there were a lot of exotic creatures throughout the hotel!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All great
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Juan Carlos

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was in middle of jungle, did night and bird watching around lodge and we saw many animals. Very happy we found this gem. Rooms are basic and breakfast wss great.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Evie

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

Great stay and great value for money

Really enjoyed our stay here, wish we could have stayed longer! Saw so many tropical frogs too.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Hank

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The food at this resort is quite bad.. The rooms are great, the staff was great, the pool is great but the food (most all of it) is really pretty bad. The pizza is awful, the pasta overcooked and bland, The specials were fine, but the food overall was very bad.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Brad

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Was there for work so all I did was sleep, but beds were fine and ac worked ok.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Becky

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved this place. Clean, comfy and friendly
Verified

8/10 Good

L

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good for birding!
Verified

8/10 Good

Greg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
All good except some rooms are a long walk uphill when carrying a bunch of luggage. Staff is great. Bed and shower great. Cool birds and frogs around Would stsy again
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were really surprised when we arrived to this Lodge. There are lovely walking trails around the property and lots of wildlife all around. Our room was large and clean. Staff was very friendly and helpful. We look forward to going back in the future.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Todd

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel was an unexpected joy. Absolutely stunning landscaping that invites many different types of birds to hang out near the restaurant. I could have watched for hours. Staff went above and beyond in every aspect of our visit. If I could give it better than 10/10 I would. Should we visit Costa Rica again, we will come back to this hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No shampoo or conditioner. There is a coffee maker in the room not no coffee to make. There is no refrigerator or microwave.. beds are very hard.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Adely

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
This property is a little bit out dated but is equipped with all basic amenities. The lodges are surrounded by nature. This hotel has international cable TV, which is not available everywhere in Costa Rica. The hotel has a gift shop and a restaurant with good food. The restaurant also serves fresh pizza and room service is available. This hotel also offers you different tours. The night walk tour on the property was worth it for only $20 p.p.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Amazing wildlife - but lacking some comforts

It was very hot and humid when we arrived. The rooms are quite small with cramped bathrooms but quite clean. Unfortunately our AC was barely adequate. It was on but not cooling well - they had 2 people check it, but it made basically no difference - by nighttime it was tolerable (running at max capacity for several hours) but not great.The staff seemed mildly annoyed that we wanted it cooler and there was no fridge in the room (although they did allow us to keep items in the restaurant fridge), so it was hard to keep comfortable. That said, there is wildlife everywhere and amazing trails (although also a lot of mosquitoes!). We saw howler monkeys, green macaws, sloths, white collared manakins, trogons, red eyed tree frogs, Jesus Christ lizards and more. The pools were good for wildlife viewing but not very clean. Great place for birding. Breakfast was nice, good selection of hot and cold items. Overall the restaurant has perfectly decent food, nothing great, ok prices. I would come back for the trails, but not sure if I would stay the night again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Alexandra

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Ein schönes Hotel mit der Möglichkeit Vögel und Frösche zu beobachten. Unser Zimmer hatte eine wundervolle Terrasse. Es war sauber und auch das Frühstücksbuffet war okay. Es hat uns gut gefallen
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Kirsten

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Mitten in der Natur, leckeres Essen und Happy hour. Freundliches Personal.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Suzanne

Liked: Staff & service

Très très vieillot!

Très très vieillot, cet hôtel aurait besoin d une rénovation complète et de plus d éclairage dans les chambres comme à l extérieur! Les prises sont toutes branlantes et une sur 2 fonctionnent… bonne idée la machine à café, mais sans dosettes! Le restaurant n est vraiment pas terrible! La salle de bain rudimentaire, rue pour poser vos affaires, la seule chose positive c est la pression dans la douche… J allais oublié devant la terrasse du restaurant, la nuit vous pourrez voir de nombreuses rainettes aux yeux rouges! Par contre, tout une partie de l hôtel est complètement désaffecté, ça fait peur! Nous avons testé les massages qui sont très bien, mais ont vous fait descendre dans une pièce qui sent l humidité, c est vraiment dommage!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

laurent

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

Super sejour

Super sejour Personnels agréables, peuvent faire les réservations de visites pour vous . Restaurant de lhotel tres bon
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Sonja

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nicht sein Geld wert.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

sylvain

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Beau séjour

Hôtel au milieu de la végétation, très bel endroit avec deux piscines. Très propre. Il manque juste le wifi dans les chambres et une salle de bain un peu plus confortable sinon c'était parfait!
Piscine d'en haut
Vue de la terrasse de la chambre
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

bertrand

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Très bon établissement a l'ecart de la route calme beau parc avec piscine Bon restaurant très bon petit déjeuner A recommander
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Daniele

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly place
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very peaceful, beautiful location in the rain forest. Rows of cabins nestled in the thick vegetation. Sounds of midnight rain and falling almond fruit clanking on the tin roof added to the atmosphere. Rooms are a little tired but super clean. There is no wi-fi internet in the cabins but cell phone reception is good. Wi-fi is free in main building. Open air restaurant with tables on the edge of the forest. Friendly staff and first-rate food especially buffet breakfast that’s included with room price. There’s a magical self-guided frog walk in the dark on a paved trail around the small pond below the restaurant. Amazing red-eyed frogs with blue, green and yellow markings. In the morning, staff put out fruit on a tree in front of the restaurant and guests are treated to a large variety of very colourful tropical birds feeding just metres away. We’ll be back.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Aurelie

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

Bon hôtel

Hébergement sympa, proche de Tirimbina. Attention contrairement à ce qui est indiqué, pas de Wifi dans les chambres, seulement dans les espaces communs. Bonne nourriture.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely grounds, nice rooms.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021