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Ara Ambigua Lodge

3.0 star property
Enjoy 2 outdoor pools at this 3-star Puerto Viejo hotel

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Ara Ambigua Lodge

2 outdoor pools
Classic Quadruple Room | In-room safe, free WiFi
Interior detail
Superior Quadruple Room, 2 Double Beds | In-room safe, free WiFi
Property grounds

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly

Explore the area

Map
400m North of the Church in La Guaria, Puerto Viejo, Heredia
  • La Selva Biological Station
  • Costa Rican Bird Route
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Mixto Maquenque
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

Family Room

  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Twin Bed and 2 Double Beds OR 3 Double Beds

View all photos for Classic Quadruple Room

Classic Quadruple Room | In-room safe, free WiFi

Classic Quadruple Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Double Bed

Classic Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Double Beds

About the neighborhood

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

In Puerto Viejo .You'll find San Agustin Church and La Selva Biological Station within 3 miles (5 km) of this hotel. Costa Rican Bird Route and Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Mixto Maquenque are also within 3 miles (5 km).

What's nearby

  • Costa Rican Bird Route - 7 min drive - 3.3 miles
  • Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Mixto Maquenque - 7 min drive - 3.3 miles
  • San Juan–La Selva Biological Corridor - 7 min drive - 3.3 miles
  • Tirimbina Rainforest Center - 15 min drive - 8.1 miles
  • Costa Rica Nature Pavilion - 18 min drive - 10.0 miles

Getting around

  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 118 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Rusti Ticos - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Soda Lucrecia - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Pizzaria La Terraza - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Típico La Carreta - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Soda La Casita Típica - ‬2 min drive

About this property

Ara Ambigua Lodge

Enjoy 2 outdoor pools at this 3-star Puerto Viejo hotel
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
  • Meeting 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 safes and coffee/tea makers. This Puerto Viejo hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include showers and hair dryers. Housekeeping is offered daily and hair dryers can be requested.
Guests can pamper themselves with a trip to the onsite 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.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Property grounds

Selva Verde Lodge

  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Kids pool
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 160 reviews
$136 nightly
The price is $154
May 29 - May 30
Total includes taxes and fees
Selva Verde Lodge

Property amenities

Family friendly

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

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

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

Food and drink

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

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Children's pool
  • Full-service spa
  • Playground
  • Steam 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 elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

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 available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets are welcome and stay free
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 1 (weight limit: 22 lbs per pet)
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

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

Property 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
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 accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and cash. 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.
  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your 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

How close is Ara Ambigua Lodge to the airport?

Ara Ambigua Lodge is 49.6 mi (118-min drive) away from the Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of May 28, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ara Ambigua Lodge on Jun 7, 2025 start from $120.0, 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.

Does Ara Ambigua Lodge have an airport shuttle?

Ara Ambigua Lodge offers an airport shuttle.

Does Ara Ambigua Lodge offer free breakfast?

Ara Ambigua Lodge offers free continental breakfast every day from 7 AM to 9:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Ara Ambigua Lodge?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Ara Ambigua Lodge?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at Ara Ambigua Lodge?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Ara Ambigua Lodge have a pool?

Ara Ambigua Lodge features 2 outdoor pools and a children's pool.

Does Ara Ambigua Lodge have a restaurant?

Ara Ambigua Lodge is home to La Casona, which features Regional cuisine, happy hour, and light fare.

Does Ara Ambigua Lodge have a spa?

This hotel has a spa, which features sports massages, body scrubs, and facials.

How close is Ara Ambigua Lodge to downtown Puerto Viejo?

Ara Ambigua Lodge is 0.5 mi away from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui.

Ara Ambigua Lodge Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 64 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 30 out of 64 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 64 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 64 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 64 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

8/10 Good

Priscilla

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Becky, Murray

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

6/10 Okay

Adely

Traveled with family
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

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Jan

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Todd

Traveled with partner
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

8/10 Good

L

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good for birding!

10/10 Excellent

Edwin

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

8/10 Good

Daniele, Riverside

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

8/10 Good

John

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place. Quiet. Nice dinner. Service good. The area good
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice services. Good food. Nice birding. Nice people.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

4/10 Poor

Arthur

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

Not clean enough but good breakfast and friendly s

Do not check in to room10, it is horrible. We were given that room, which isn't what we requested on hotelscom. We were moved due to problems (bees by the front door and hot water went off) . The butterfly and frog area needed attention, as well as the trails. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The breakfast was good too.

8/10 Good

Sebastien, Montreal

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

Great resort-style hotel

Ara Ambigua is more of a resort than a hotel. There's a VERY good (but expensive) restaurant on site, 2 pools, frog pond, butterfly enclosure, trails with howler monkeys and caymans... You could spend a whole there without having to leave. The room was comfortable and large with a nice balcony, everything was clean. About the only minus point is that you only get wifi close to the reception/restaurant area, but they set up plenty of sitting room there and wifi was fast enough for most uses so no big deal.

10/10 Excellent

carla, canada

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

Excellent accoms for $80/night including breakfast

exceeded expectations. Property and grounds are lovely. very clean, very quiet. Complimentary night tour - saw numerous reptiles including red eyed tree frogs. Full breakfast. Very pleased and will stay again

10/10 Excellent

stephen, tacoma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
was very nice, nice trails, lot of birds ,would stay again

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Old hotel need to Be renovated

Disappointed because I had to pay extra fee for my teen-ager while my reservation was for 2 adults,1 teenager and 1 child

8/10 Good

Luz Adriana, Guadalajara, Mexico

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

Clean room, helpful staff.

We stayed two nights, and the staff was nice and helpful. Clean Room. Good food.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

No Brach near

Nery nice nature place and very quite. Food is deliciosa.

6/10 Okay

Suzanne

Traveled with family
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