You might be eligible for a Genius discount at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails. To check if a Genius discount is available for your selected dates sign in.

Genius discounts at this property are subject to book dates, stay dates and other available deals.

Surrounded by 860 private acres of tropical rainforest and featuring an on-site lake, a swimming pool, a sun terrace and games room, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is located within the Arenal Conservation Area, only 2.7 km from the Arenal Volcano. The rooms at this lodge feature tropical décor with wood finishes and are equipped with ceiling fan, safety box and a furnished terrace with views of the garden and the Arenal Volcano. The bathrooms are private and have showers. The on-site restaurant serves international and local food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there is also a bar. A guided morning walk and the breakfast buffet is included for all guests. Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails also features an on-site bird sanctuary that has around 500 different species of birds; other recommended activities include tours of Arenal Volcano's lava flows, exploring the several nearby waterfalls, or climbing the 28 m. (92 ft.) wildlife observation tower, The Nest. Arenal Lake is an excellent site to practice sports fishing. There are also 11 km of walking trails throughout the property, or guests can just relax in the hot tub or have a massage in the spa. The property is 9 km from the hot springs at Tabacon River and 22 km from La Fortuna Village. The Daniel Oduber International Airport is 2 hours and 30 minutes’ drive away.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.7 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.6)

Want a great night's sleep? This property was highly rated for its very comfy beds.

Breakfast info

Buffet

FREE private parking!


Sign in, save money

To see if you can save 10% or more at this property, sign in
Sign in, save money

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room type
Number of guests
 
2 double beds
2 large double beds
Bedroom 1
2 extra-large double beds
Bedroom 2
2 extra-large double beds
Bedroom 3
1 extra-large double bed
Bedroom 1
2 single beds
and
1 large double bed
Bedroom 2
2 single beds
and
1 large double bed
1 large double bed
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.4
Facilities
9.3
Cleanliness
9.5
Comfort
9.5
Value for money
8.9
Location
9.6
Free WiFi
8.9
High score for Fortuna

Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • Fredrik
    Sweden Sweden
    If you enjoy nature, this is the place to stay in the area.
  • Claire
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    There is so much history attached to the Observation Lodge that it makes for a fascinating place to stay. It's the first and only hotel located within the national park due to it being an observation location for volcanologists, so the trails,...
  • Josefina
    Finland Finland
    Beautiful location in the national park, nice little hikes on the property. The buildings were charming, old-school but in prime condition, awesome retro feel. Very flexible service, everything could be arranged.
  • Jessica
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    We loved Arenal. We saw so much just walking around at the hotel. We’d stay here again in a shot.
  • Marisa
    United States United States
    great view, amazing property and well maintained trails.
  • David
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Location, wildlife, bird feeding area, walks and lookout tower.
  • Nick
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Great view of the volcano from the terrace. Food good and reasonably priced.
  • Jenny
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    I loved the night walk with Cristian! He is so knowledgeable and managed to spot so many cool mammals and little creatures!
  • Malekin
    Romania Romania
    This place is just amazing! The volcano view is breathtaking, so many birds and animals to watch, beautiful trails right there, the pool was really nice and the restaurant and food was so good. It was the best place for us in Costa Rica and we...
  • Matteo
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Probably the best location you can get, it’s stunning right in the jungle super peaceful, my room was lake and volcano view, There is hike trails from the property, and plenty activities you can chose from. they offer two free tours included in...

Property surroundings

Restaurants
1 restaurant on site

  • El Jilguero
    • Cuisine
      Local

Facilities of Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails
Great facilities! Review score, 9.3

Most popular facilities

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Spa and wellness centre
  • Airport shuttle
  • Restaurant
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Bar

Bathroom

  • Towels
  • Free toiletries

View

  • Mountain view

Outdoors

  • Outdoor furniture
  • Sun terrace
  • Patio
  • Terrace
  • Garden

Activities

  • Happy hour
    Additional charge
  • Walking tours
    Additional charge
  • Horse riding
    Additional charge
  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Canoeing
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Table tennis
  • Children's playground
  • Games room
  • Fishing
    Additional chargeOff-site

Food & Drink

  • Fruits
    Additional charge
  • Wine/champagne
    Additional charge
  • Kid meals
    Additional charge
  • Bar

Internet
WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Parking
Free private parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed).

  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Accessible parking

Reception services

  • Invoice provided
  • Luggage storage
  • Tour desk

Entertainment and family services

  • Board games/puzzles

Cleaning services

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry
    Additional charge

Safety & security

  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm
  • Key card access
  • 24-hour security
  • Safety deposit box

General

  • Shuttle service
    Additional charge
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Designated smoking area
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Car hire
  • Packed lunches
  • Fan
  • Airport shuttle
    Additional charge
  • Non-smoking rooms

Outdoor swimming pool
Free!

  • Open all year
  • All ages welcome
  • Infinity pool
  • Pool with view
  • Shallow end
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Fence around pool

Wellness

  • Kids' pool
  • Full body massage
  • Spa/wellness packages
  • Spa facilities
  • Body wrap
  • Body scrub
  • Body treatments
  • Facial treatments
  • Beauty Services
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Hot tub/Jacuzzi
  • Massage
    Additional charge
  • Spa and wellness centre
    Additional charge

Languages spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

House rules
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails takes special requests - add in the next step!

Check-in
From 15:00 to 22:00
Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
Check-out
From 07:00 to 12:00
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Curfew
Entry to the property will be closed between the hours of 23:00 and 05:00
Children and beds

Child policies

Children of any age are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Accepted payment methods
American ExpressVisaMastercardDiscoverCash

The fine print
Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Please note that the road to reach this lodge is not in optimal conditions. Some guests may prefer to rent a 4x4 vehicle to reach the property.

Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

Food & beverage services at this property may be limited or unavailable due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property is taking steps to help protect the safety of guests and staff. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result.

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property has reduced reception and service operating hours.

In accordance with government guidelines to minimise transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property may request additional documentation from guests to validate identity, travel itinerary and other relevant information, during dates where such guidelines exist.

FAQs about Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

  • Guests staying at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 8.4).

    Breakfast option(s) include:

    • Buffet
    • À la carte

  • Check-in at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is from 15:00, and check-out is until 12:00.

  • Room options at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails include:

    • Double
    • Villa

  • Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

    • Spa and wellness centre
    • Hot tub/Jacuzzi
    • Massage
    • Cycling
    • Hiking
    • Children's playground
    • Games room
    • Table tennis
    • Fishing
    • Canoeing
    • Body wrap
    • Swimming Pool
    • Body treatments
    • Walking tours
    • Spa/wellness packages
    • Happy hour
    • Beauty Services
    • Spa facilities
    • Body scrub
    • Full body massage
    • Horse riding
    • Facial treatments

  • Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is 5 miles from the centre of Fortuna. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

  • The prices at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

  • Yes, there is a hot tub. You can find out more about this and the other facilities at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails on this page.

  • Yes, this hotel has a pool. Find out the details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

  • Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails has 1 restaurant:

    • El Jilguero