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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

3.0 star property
VIP Access

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Photo gallery for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Terrace/patio
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine
Front of property
White Hawk Villa | In-room safe, bed sheets
Poolside bar

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
22 km Oeste de la Fortuna de San Carlos, 1.7 km del Volcán Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007
  • Place, Arenal Volcano National Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, La Fortuna Waterfall
  • Place, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
  • Airport, La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)
VIP Access
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  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members
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Room options

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
(31 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 269 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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
(33 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 215 sq ft
  • 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)
  • Mountain view
  • 215 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • 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)
  • Mountain view
  • 3 bedrooms
  • 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)
  • Lake view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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About the neighborhood

La Fortuna

Located 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from Lake Arenal, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is within a 15-minute drive of other popular attractions like Costa Rica Sky Adventures. This 3-star lodge has 48 guestrooms and offers a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and free self parking.
View more Lodges in La FortunaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shangri-La Gardens - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Virgita Ristorante - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Lemnos Wetbar - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Ave Restaurant - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Las Palmas - ‬27 min drive

About this property

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails features a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a children's pool. You can take advantage of free parking, along with an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 225 per vehicle one-way. Front-desk staff can assist with securing valuables, luggage storage, and tours or tickets. Other amenities at this hot springs lodge include free WiFi in public areas, a hot tub, and an arcade/game room.
An outdoor pool, a children's pool, and a hot tub are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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.

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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

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 2 kids 8 years old and younger stay free, per registered adult, when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 200 per accommodation, per night

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

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

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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 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
  • Check-in: 3 PM
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit or credit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and cash.
  • This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • 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

Are free cancellation options available at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers free cancellation on certain room rates. For specific requirements, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

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

As of Mar 29, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails on Apr 10, 2026 start from $153, including 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.

What's there to do around Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

This lodge is located in La Fortuna, close to Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano, and La Fortuna Waterfall. You'll also find Lake Arenal and Costa Rica Sky Adventures within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the lodge. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Is a spa located at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

There is a full-service spa available for guests to enjoy and services include hot stone massages, Swedish massages, couples treatments, and body wraps.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails have a casino at the property?

No, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

No, this lodge doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are an outdoor pool and a hot tub. Guests have pool access between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM.

Is Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails good for couples?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this lodge, including an outdoor pool, a bar, and a restaurant.

Are there hot tubs at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Yes, guests can enjoy a spa tub at this lodge.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails serves free cooked-to-order breakfasts at El Jilguero each morning.

Will Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this lodge.

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

The closest major airport to Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is La Fortuna (FON-Arenal), which is 15.3 mi away (48 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Yes, every guestroom at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails comes with a balcony with some featuring lake or garden views.

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 770 out of 957 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 147 out of 957 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 31 out of 957 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 957 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 957 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Miroslav, San Diego

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean facility with beautiful view, hiking trails, and and other entertaining contents. The food in the restaurant is just average but well overpriced.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

EWEI

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
接近大自然的环境，暖心的服务，满带笑容的工作人员，安全的保护。谢谢
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra, Edmonton

Traveled with partner
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

Angeliki

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Todd

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The hotel property is beautiful and the hotel service was amazing. There is so much to do at this hotel!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Danelle

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Oliver

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
This is a very luxurious eco-lodge. Amazing care taken of the property and grounds. The trails were really beautiful and we saw great wildlife consistently at dawn. Note, it has 11km of trails, but at least half of the trails are in open farm land, so don't go thinking its all jungle forest! That said we enjoyed it all. We felt very well looked after, and the rooms were in perfect condition. This really is a place that knows how to cater to travelers hoping to immerse themselves in nature and see birds!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sonda

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Beautiful grounds!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
helpful staff. clean room. lovely location. plenty of interesting forest walks, and the odd volcano nearby
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 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

8/10 Good

Nicola

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location is great in the heart of the forest with trails all around. We booked a Standard Room which was located a short but steep walk away from the main building. The room was clean and a good size. The large terrace had a view of the lake but far better was the hummingbird that lived in the bush right in front and the coati roaming around the garden. Wildlife is everywhere here. We enjoyed a free guided day tour and a guided night tour. We saw an anteater, howler monkeys, bespectacled owls, frogs, snakes and all sorts of birds. The only thing that let this hotel down was the food. The staff in the restaurant but the food itself was not great and dinner options were very limited.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Xin Feng

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darci, Chicago

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I doubt you can find a better view of the Arenal Volcano than at Arenal Observatory Lodge, plus the property is gorgeous and filled with wildlife (so many birds and a troop of monkeys swung by one evening). This isn't a fancy place — more old school — but if you're looking for a peaceful space to reset and experience nature, it's perfect. We'd stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Blaine

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room good , but lacked chairs , no heating which would have been handy to dry cloth as it rained all the time , quiet , fantastic views ,
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Traveled with partner
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

Todd

Traveled with family
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

Larry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Staff were very knowledgeable about flora and fauna in park. Hotel policies were Eco-friendly. Decor in room and hotel was pleasant; blends well with forest. Many improved walking trails on grounds. Museum provided natural history of area and people. High diversity of birds, great for bird-watchers. Highly recommend and would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Teresa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fabulous resort and location. Lots to do on property. Excellent food and service. Amazing value in the off season. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

craig, Kailua

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The AOL was spectacular! the mountain, the grounds the staff, the food the birds....al of it great! We will be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful lodge with outstanding staff who went the extra mile at all times. Miles of trails, perfect for hiking and birding
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Sheila

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Arlene

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing views of the now inactive volcano, with plenty of easy hiking routes around your room, since the hotel is situated within the national park. A birder’s paradise, with a small museum about the volcano and the history of the area. We had a birding tour booked through the hotel with Raúl Obregón, whom we highly, highly recommend! Raúl is passionate about birds, knows their habits, and will share his passion with you. The room is comfortable, though not luxurious. WiFi is only available on/next to the balcony and in common areas. Be aware that to maximize ventilation the area near the ceiling is only screened, so you can hear everyone in the rooms around you. But the trade off of being immersed in nature is worth it. The onsite restaurant serves pretty good food, although for variety you may want to leave a few times during your stay. Be aware that the road up to the hotel does wash out, so you may be in for a rough (but short) ride up from the main road until you reach the entrance gate.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 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

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