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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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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails near Lake Arenal offers a peaceful retreat with free breakfast, garden access, and spa services. Enjoy terrace views, hiking, biking, or horseback riding nearby. Features high-speed WiFi in public areas and an outdoor pool with sun loungers.
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Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool

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Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(29 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Superior Room, Mountain View

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

Superior Room, Mountain View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(31 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Yard
Free cribs/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Laptop-compatible safe
  • 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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Yard
Free cribs/infant beds
Ceiling fan
2 bedrooms
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Laptop-compatible safe
  • 215 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 8
  • 2 King Beds, 2 Twin Beds and 2 Twin Trundle Beds

View all photos for Phil's Villa + Waterfall

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

Phil's Villa + Waterfall

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

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

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Yard
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
Eco-friendly toiletries
2 bathrooms
Coffee/tea maker
Laptop-compatible safe
  • 1 bedroom
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
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About the neighborhood

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

What's nearby

  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures - 21 min drive - 4.6 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Virgita Ristorante - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Shangri-La Gardens - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Roca di Baldi Sports Bar - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Las Palmas - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Fusión Arenal Mirador. - ‬17 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 hiking/biking, ecotours, and horseback riding at this lodge. Treat yourself to aromatherapy, reflexology, or a 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, along with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), a TV in the lobby, and 2 meeting rooms
  • A gift shop, massage treatment rooms, and luggage storage
  • Guest reviews say great things about 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

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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
  • Smoking not allowed

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

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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

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.

Is Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

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. 733 out of 916 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 146 out of 916 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 30 out of 916 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 916 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 916 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

Alexandra

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our best experience in Costa Rica. Phenomenal birding area. Exceptional restaurant! We stayed in the Casona and were pleasantly surprised with the accommodation and beautiful views of Lake Arenal and the volcano from our room. Thanks especially to Howard and Daniel in the restaurant, and our morning walk with Cristian - you made our stay even more special!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Todd

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

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

Carol

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

Sebastien

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing location!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 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

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

Spilman

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We liked tye beauty of nature,the views,wildlife,food and friendly service of everyone.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome views, friendly staff and excellent breakfast
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Autumn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent in every way.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Morgan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We really enjoyed out time here. It was quiet and felt secluded, yet we could walk to town.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sonja

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous property and very friendly staff! We had access to viewing so many birds and we loved that there were onsite guided walks. The food was amazing as well! We are looking forward to returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence L

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful spot to explore the cloud forest around Arenal volcano. Great trails for nature lovers with lots of birds and monkeys. Great breakfast buffet. However, the dinner options were a little disappointing and pricey.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chadd

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved the views of the lake and volcano, the food was great, the hiking trails were tons of fun, the dante waterfall was beautiful, and the staff were absolutely amazing! We loved Howard and our beautiful waitress with red hair! Also, don't let the shared bathrooms scare you away from the casona. It was an amazing room with the best view and toucans!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

K. Alexandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Arenal Lodge is a great stay and a great way to see the area. Thoroughly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Todd

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

Tony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lots of wildlife and trails on property. Close enough to everything but far enough that it’s quiet. Staff super friendly and having food available with their restaurant was a big plus. I’d stay here again if ever back in La Fortuna.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property and excellent staff
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eran

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing hotel The area is beautiful, lots of activities within the hotel Close to all the activities of Fortuna and Arenal Rooms are nice, great views Food is delicious, every dish we ordered was great The entrance to the hotel area is a bit of terrain and not paved road, easy with a 4x4 but also doable with normal car. We loved everything and enjoyed every moment there, would be more than happy to return.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Great place to stay while visiting Arenal Volcano

We enjoyed the scenery, breakfast, free guided tour, and the trails around the property. The setting was very beautiful. We had a great time there, and will highly recommend it for visiting Arenal Volcano area.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chistopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Really great stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Zoey

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property with great hiking/walking paths and lovely restaurant on site. Shared accommodations totally met our needs and was very comfortable. Very friendly, helpful staff.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angeliki

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing location, with a beautiful view of Arenal Volcano (assuming it's not cloudy and rainy). We only partially saw it since we had cloudy and rainy weather when we were there. Very close to Arenal Volcano National Park, and Arenal 1968 for more trails. Breakfast is included and is really good. We also enjoyed our dinners at the on-site restaurant, as well as the trails on the property. The trail to the waterfall was really nice. We also enjoyed our complimentary nature walk in the morning, and the paid guided night tour. From the deck outside the restaurant, you can enjoy all sorts of birds who come to the birdfeeder and also see the monkeys in the trees. The only minor issue was that the morning before our arrival, I received an email informing me that there would be a deposit of $100 for each night, which is typical and we had no issues. When we arrived, the girl at the reception said it changed and it's now $200 per night. I thought that was weird, but again had no issues since we knew it would be released in a week or so. The staff was friendly. There's a jacuzzi and a pool. Overall we had a very enjoyable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025