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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

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

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Photo gallery for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

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

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool

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Room options

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Showing 5 of 5 rooms

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House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room | Living area

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

Highlights

Yard
Balcony or patio
Ceiling fan
5 bedrooms
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
Living room
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 4 Queen Beds

View all photos for Superior Room, Mountain View

Superior Room, Mountain View

Superior Room, Mountain View

Highlights

Yard
Balcony or patio
Free cribs/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • 215 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for White Hawk Villa

White Hawk Villa

White Hawk Villa

Highlights

Yard
Balcony or patio
Free cribs/infant beds
Ceiling fan
2 bedrooms
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • 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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Yard
Balcony or patio
Free cribs/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • 269 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Phil's Villa

Phil's Villa

Phil's Villa

Highlights

Yard
Balcony or patio
Ceiling fan
3 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
3 bathrooms
Coffee/tea maker
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 10
  • 3 Queen Beds
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About the area

Map
22 km Oeste de la Fortuna de San Carlos, 1.7 km del Volcán Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007

What's nearby

  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures - 13 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 17 min drive - 10.2 km
  • Arenal Volcano - 17 min drive - 8.0 km
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 26 min drive - 14.5 km
  • La Fortuna Waterfall - 38 min drive - 24.5 km

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 near Lake Arenal
Located close to Costa Rica Sky Adventures and La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails provides free cooked-to-order breakfast, a terrace, and a garden. Active travelers can enjoy ecotours, horseback riding, and hiking/biking at this lodge. Treat yourself to a facial, aromatherapy, or a hot stone massage at the onsite spa. The on-site international cuisine family restaurant, El Jilguero, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Stay connected with free WiFi in public areas, and guests can find other amenities such as a playground and an arcade/game room.
Other perks at this lodge include:
  • An outdoor pool and a children's pool, with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), smoke-free premises, and a TV in the lobby
  • Massage treatment rooms, a front-desk safe, and a gift shop
  • Guest reviews say great things the helpful staff, first-rate property condition, and location
Room features
All guestrooms at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails include comforts such as laptop-compatible safes.
More amenities include:
  • Eco-friendly toiletries and showers
  • Private yards, LED light bulbs, and coffee/tea makers

Languages

English, Spanish

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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
  • 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 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

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
2 children, per adult, up to the age of 8 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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 and a smoke detector

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property
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

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool and a children's pool. Pool access is from 9:00 AM–10:00 PM.

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

As of Apr 14, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails on Apr 25, 2025 start from CA $187.87, 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.

Is Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM.

What time is check-out at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Check-out is at noon.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of USD 225 per vehicle applies.

Where is Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails located?

This family-friendly La Fortuna lodge is located in a national park, 2.8 mi (4.6 km) from Lake Arenal, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Costa Rica Sky Adventures and Butterfly Conservatory. Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park and Ecotermales Fortuna are also within 12 mi (20 km).

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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 654 out of 824 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 136 out of 824 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 27 out of 824 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 824 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 824 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

Daryl

Beautiful property and excellent staff
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

brian

isolated quiet and good staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

jean-marc

The proximity with arenal volcano is fa ntastic Dinner for children is not perfect
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Nancy

comfortable rooms, clean, walkable trails
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Stephen

The property grounds and hiking trails were amazing. The road to get there was rough.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Wonderful property! Extremely well managed and professional, friendly and helpful staff. The best of Costa Rica is well represented here. Pura vida!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynne

We loved being so close to the volcano and waking up to a group of coatis on our deck. Hiking was fabulous and the staff was wonderful.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bozena

Nice place
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alejandro

Amazing stay - beautiful room and view, many onsite trails and amenities included in stay, tons of wildlife and birds, great staff and breakfast. This is one of the best places we have ever stayed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn

Great staff - always helpful, Exceptional breakfast
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chistopher

Really great stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn

Wonderful place, up close to volcano, beautiful grounds, flowers and birds everywhere. Pictures don't do it justice. Staff all extremely helpful, we had a flat tire the last day of our trip and had a flight to catch - one staff member took us to an air pump on site, but then we discovered the nail in the tire, so another staff member helped us put on the spare and we managed to make our flight! So very grateful! Food delicious at the restaurant as well. Hope to come back here some day.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

xingyan

The environment is fantastic, offering a variety of scenic trails surrounded by beautiful plants, diverse wildlife, and vibrant birds.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leah

Beautiful property with great walking trails

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

This unique location allowed us to see and explore an area that was incredible
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

linda

Great birding beautiful gardens and trails
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

Beautiful and rustic, excellent if thats what you like
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Olga

I liked those windows that could be open partly and when I slept I felt like I’m in the forest
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy

We loved our stay here but wish we’d had at least two nights. It was raining so we couldnt see the volcano. Instead we took a hike to a waterfall and strolled the grounds which were gorgeous. We enjoyed the night tour and saw multiple species of frogs.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andreas

Really great place!
Really great place!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

We had the most amazing stay, the whole place is absolutely stunning, you can do a much or as little as you like, the walking trails are full of wildlife, the huge hot tub is fab as is the pool, our room was immaculate and huge and the dining area was really good also, but for me it was the staff, they we're all fantastic, nothing was to much trouble (especially the restaurant staff 👌)..this truly is a stunning property so relaxing to sit and watch the humming birds from our terrace, thank you AOL we will be back!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Wonderful stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge. Our only disappointment was not being able to see the volcano in its entirety due to stubborn low hanging clouds. It’s a beautiful property with lots to see for nature lovers and bird watchers. Bring rain gear even if it is supposed to he the dry season. Don't miss The Nest tower.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven

3 night stay Und of February with 2 adults and 3 boys under 12. This place was a Peacful & Serine Jungle Stay. This property exceededed expectations. From gaming rooms, pool, hot tub, dining. Walk right out to the trails with a short drive to Lafortuna. We Hiked, did horseback riding, ziplines and swam waterfalls. We do recommend rental car. Down side is there is No AC but evening are cool in the jungel and a ceiling fan helps. Also no mini fridge or ice machines we had to get it from the dining facility. This place is well kept with a natural feel. Definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynnan

Views were amazing and so was food and trails.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Theresa

Tremendous vistas, birding, nature trails fantastic staff and a very cool welcome.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024