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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

3.0 star property
Family-friendly lodge with a full-service spa and free breakfast

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room | In-room safe, bed sheets
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine
White Hawk Villa | In-room safe, bed sheets
Outdoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, sun loungers
Poolside bar

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Hot Tub
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Laundry

Explore the area

Map
22 km Oeste de la Fortuna de San Carlos, 1.7 km del Volcán Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007
  • Chato Volcano
    82 min walk
  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures
    13 min drive
  • La Fortuna Waterfall
    38 min drive
  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)
    50 min drive

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Room options

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

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room | In-room safe, bed sheets

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 4 Queen Beds

View all photos for Superior Room, Mountain View

Superior Room, Mountain View | In-room safe, bed sheets

Superior Room, Mountain View

  • 215 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for White Hawk Villa

White Hawk Villa | In-room safe, bed sheets

White Hawk Villa

  • 215 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 8
  • 2 King Beds, 2 Twin Beds and 2 Twin Trundle Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | In-room safe, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • 269 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Phil's Villa

Phil's Villa | In-room safe, bed sheets

Phil's Villa

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 10
  • 3 Queen Beds

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About the neighborhood

La Fortuna

Located 2.8 mi (4.6 km) from Lake Arenal, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is within a 15-minute drive of other popular attractions like Costa Rica Sky Adventures. This 3-star lodge has 48 guestrooms and offers a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and free self parking.
View more Lodges in La FortunaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures - 13 min drive
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 17 min drive
  • Arenal Volcano - 17 min drive
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 26 min drive
  • La Fortuna Waterfall - 38 min drive

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Virgita Ristorante - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Río Lounge - ‬39 min drive
  • ‪Agua Ardiente Pool Bar - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Red Frog Coffee Roaster - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪North Fields Café - ‬32 min drive

About this property

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Family-friendly lodge with a full-service spa and free breakfast
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails features a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a children's pool. You can take advantage of free parking, along with an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 225 per vehicle one-way. Front-desk staff can assist with luggage storage, tours or tickets, and securing valuables. Other amenities at this hot springs lodge include free WiFi in public areas, a spa tub, and an arcade/game room.
An outdoor pool, a children's pool, and a spa tub are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can pamper themselves with a trip to the onsite 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.

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip 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
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Spa tub
  • 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 elevator (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

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 2 kids 8 years old and younger stay free, per registered adult, when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 225 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 7)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

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
  • Check-in: 3 PM
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and cash.
  • This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • 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

Are free cancellation options available at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers free cancellation on certain room rates. For specific requirements, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

As of Dec 23, 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails on Dec 25, 2024 start from $142.92, excluding 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.

What's there to do around Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

This lodge is located in La Fortuna, close to Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano, and La Fortuna Waterfall. You'll also find Lake Arenal and Costa Rica Sky Adventures within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the lodge. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Is a spa located at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

There is a full-service spa available for guests to enjoy and services include deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages, detox wraps, and couples treatments.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails have a casino at the property?

No, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

No, this lodge doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are an outdoor pool and a spa tub. Guests have pool access between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM.

What do couples enjoy most about Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this lodge, including an outdoor pool, a bar, and a restaurant.

Are there hot tubs at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Yes, this lodge has a spa tub.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails serves free cooked-to-order breakfasts at El Jilguero each morning.

Will Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails have connecting rooms?

No, this lodge doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How close is the airport from Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

The closest major airport to Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is La Fortuna (FON-Arenal), which is 15.4 mi away (50 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Yes, every guestroom at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails comes with a balcony with some featuring lake or garden views.

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 625 out of 788 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 131 out of 788 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 25 out of 788 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 788 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 788 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Pankaj M

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Samuel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The place is magical. No A/C but it wasn’t too hot. The restaurant is decent and the views of the volcano are to die for. It’s a bud watcher’s paradise and the trails are beautiful. I would stay at this resort again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fabulous!
Exceptional service and comfort. Amazing birding throught the property.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Neil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing view to Arenal Volcano, literally you have the volcano in front of you. Perfect choice to go relax maybe on a weekend and forget about stress and just connect with nature
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Subhodeep

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property has an excellent location surrounded by trails and and trails at the base of the volcano. The free guided hike was informative and a good way to learn to spot wildlife if not doing guide tours elsewhere (although be aware that advance reservations are recommended). The only downside of the location is that you are limited to onsite dining even if self-driving, and the food options are not great value for the price.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Theresa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Tremendous vistas, birding, nature trails fantastic staff and a very cool welcome.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

gary

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marghrit, Worcester

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay was very pleasant, the hotel is on beautiful grounds, we arrived late at night , a portion the road leading to the hotel is not paved, breakfast was superb, you can have both the open buffet and a choice to order from their menu. We ended up having dinner 2 nights at the hotel and those were excellent as well. Very helpful staff that go above and beyond, Sergio was very helpful with his recommendations and directions. Lots of hummingbirds and wildlife that you can experience from your room. No AC but the ceiling fan was sufficient to keep up feeling comfortable. Would love to go again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Husong

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Nice Experience of Nature and Birds
Great experience but room key constantly gave me problem. Room key has to be replaced 4 times. Restaurant food and drinks are great!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wildlife galore
Amazing location inside the NP. Road most unpaved getting there. Great balcony where you can see the birds and monkey. Very chilled out vibe with plenty of easy trials around. Shame that the pool wasn’t open and we were not notified, the kids were very disappointed. Also we left very early on the last day and missed out on breakfast as they didn’t tell us we could have a takeaway breakfast box. Overall a stunning place, beaming with wildlife.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Husong

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Great experience but room key constantly gave me problem. Key has to be replaced 4 times Restaurant food and drink are great!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Liang

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My 7 yr old complained about no AC in the room but I am completely fine with it. It is high up in the mountain so felt a little cool even in the summer. View is beautiful because it is super close to the volcano. The lodge staff is very welcome and kind. Of course you’d be expecting bugs and flies in the washroom next day in the morning. But I call this nature, we would also be seeing monkeys within the hotel range. Driving up to the hotel is also fun as some roads are un-paved. My husband joked as we got a free ATV experience.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ivona

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katarzyna

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One of my favorite places in the world. We have been here three times in the last 14 years. Love the lodge, its proximity to raw nature, the thoughtful and kind people that work here, and the views. I would highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Luis

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mandy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great eco friendly hotel
Wonderful hotel with great views of the volcano. Could use some upgrades for the bed. Great service from the staff
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
You can not beat the location and beauty of this property. The staff went above and beyond. The restaurant was great. Wildlife all around. Loved this stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suhanya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suhanya

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic lodge and trails. Amazing staff. Great views of the Arenal Volcano. Peaceful. We saw snakes, frogs, toucans, hummingbirds and tropical birds. Food is good and fairly priced - considering the nearest outside restaurant is > 30 mins away.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Casey

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was an amazing property. Trails were beautiful. Waterfall was amazing. Breakfast buffet has everything you would want on your plate and dinner was very tasty
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yvette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Matthew

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

petar

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024