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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

3.0 star property
Family-friendly 3-star lodge near Butterfly Conservatory

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Photo gallery for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets
Terrace/patio
White Hawk Villa | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets
Poolside bar
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool

Explore the area

Map
22 km Oeste de la Fortuna de San Carlos, 1.7 km del Volcán Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007
  • Arenal Volcano
  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • La Fortuna Waterfall
    ‪43 min drive‬
  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Room options

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

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

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

View all photos for Superior Room, Mountain View

Superior Room, Mountain View | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets

Superior Room, Mountain View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(29 reviews)
  • 215 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for White Hawk Villa

White Hawk Villa | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets

White Hawk Villa

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 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 | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(25 reviews)
  • 269 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Phil's Villa + Waterfall

Phil's Villa + Waterfall | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, bed sheets

Phil's Villa + Waterfall

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 10
  • 3 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

La Fortuna

In La Fortuna .You'll be within 3 miles (5 km) of Lake Arenal and 6 miles (10 km) of Costa Rica Sky Adventures with a stay here. Butterfly Conservatory is within 6 miles (10 km) and Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is within 9 miles (15 km).
View more Lodges in La FortunaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures - 11 min drive - 2.9 miles
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 22 min drive - 7.6 miles
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 28 min drive - 9.6 miles
  • Ecotermales Fortuna - 32 min drive - 13.4 miles
  • La Fortuna Waterfall - 43 min drive - 17.5 miles

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 3-star lodge near Butterfly Conservatory
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
  • Game 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 coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping is provided daily.
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

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Pool gate

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

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

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

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

  • 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 8 years old and younger stay free, per registered adult, when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

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, 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
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, 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. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and cash. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Up to 2 children 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

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

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is 15.4 mi (50-min drive) away from the La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails have an airport shuttle?

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers an airport shuttle 24 hours a day, on request, for a charge of USD 225 per vehicle, one-way.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offer free breakfast?

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers free cooked-to-order breakfast every day from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM.

Is there a casino at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

No, there is no casino at this lodge.

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

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

Is there free parking at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

This lodge offers free self parking.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails have a pool?

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails features an outdoor pool and a children's pool. Guests can enjoy pool access from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails have a restaurant?

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is home to El Jilguero, which features international cuisine.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails have a spa?

This lodge has a spa, which features body wraps, reflexology, and detox wraps.

How close is Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails to downtown La Fortuna?

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is 4.9 mi away from La Fortuna.

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 686 out of 860 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 140 out of 860 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 27 out of 860 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 860 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 860 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

Mike

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shreyaben

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daryl

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

10/10 Excellent

brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
isolated quiet and good staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mathew

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

8/10 Good

Stephen, Shreveport

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The property grounds and hiking trails were amazing. The road to get there was rough.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

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

Arenal Observatory adventure

We absolutely loved our stay at the Observatory Lodge. Such a beautiful location, lovely room, helpful staff especially Christien our guide on the first morning - we learned so much about the flora and fauna. The setting was stunning, view of the volcano myriad birds and animals - difficult to express more how wonderful our stay was. Steve and Sally
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Douglas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynne

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

Steven, Centerville

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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

8/10 Good

Nancy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
comfortable rooms, clean, walkable trails
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryota

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jayne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

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

Beautiful Grounds loved this hotel

Amazing grounds loved our stay. We had to do the shared bathroom room because only room available. It was loud when people got up but the grounds and staff are amazing. Highly recommend this hotel just try to get the normal rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy, Sammamish

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

Bozena

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

xingyan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

Michelle

Traveled with partner
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
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

Alejandro

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

Kevin Lloyd

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Olga

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