Save

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

3.0 star property
Comfortable lodge with full-service spa and free breakfast
your current months are May, 2024 and June, 2024.
May 2024
June 2024

Photo gallery for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room
Superior Room, Mountain View
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine
Exterior
Reviews
9.6

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Spa
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking includedParking includedParking included

Explore the area

Map
22 km Oeste de la Fortuna de San Carlos, 1.7 km del Volcán Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007
  • Popular LocationArenal Volcano National Park17 min drive
  • Popular LocationArenal Volcano17 min drive
  • Popular LocationLa Fortuna Waterfall38 min drive
Mod logo
Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!

Room options

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

Highlights

Garden
Balcony or patio
Ceiling fan
5 bedrooms
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
Living room
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 4 Queen Beds

Superior Room, Mountain View

Highlights

Garden
Balcony or patio
Free cots/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • 20 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

White Hawk Villa

Highlights

Garden
Balcony or patio
Free cots/infant beds
Ceiling fan
2 bedrooms
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • 20 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 8
  • 2 King Beds, 2 Single Beds and 2 Single Trundle Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Garden
Balcony or patio
Free cots/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Phil's Villa

Highlights

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

Similar properties

About the area

La Fortuna

Located in La Fortuna, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is in the mountains and in a national park. Costa Rica Sky Adventures and Ecotermales Fortuna are worth visiting if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Arenal and Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Travelling with kids? Don't miss Butterfly Conservatory. Kayaking and rafting offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and ziplining nearby.

What's nearby

  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures - 13 min drive
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 17 min drive
  • Arenal Volcano - 17 min drive
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 26 min drive
  • La Fortuna Waterfall - 38 min drive

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • La Cava Pizza a la Leña - 31 min drive
  • Virgita Ristorante - 28 min drive
  • Restaurante Río Lounge - 39 min drive
  • Agua Ardiente Pool Bar - 21 min drive
  • Chante Verde - 36 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 travellers can enjoy ecotours, horse riding and hiking/biking trails at this lodge. Treat yourself to a facial, aromatherapy or a hot stone massage at the on-site 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/games room.
Other perks at this lodge include:
  • An outdoor pool and a children's pool, with sunloungers
  • Free self-parking
  • A round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge), smoke-free property and a TV in reception
  • Massage treatment rooms, a front desk safe and a gift shop
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff and first-rate property condition
Room features
All guest rooms at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails boast comforts, such as laptop-compatible safes. Guest reviews highly rate the cleanliness rooms at the property.
More amenities include:
  • Eco-friendly toiletries and showers
  • Private gardens, LED light bulbs and coffee/tea makers

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return 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 7 AM to 9 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
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Spa tub
  • 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

  • Daily housekeeping
  • 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.
  • No lift (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
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker

Outdoor space

  • Balcony/patio
  • Yard

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 staff will greet guests on arrival

Access methods

Staffed front desk

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.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 170.00 per vehicle (one way)

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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
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 starts at 9:00 AM.

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

As of 13 May 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails on 24 May 2024 start from NZ$181.49, 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.

Is Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

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?

Checkout 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 170.00 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).

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 554 out of 706 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 124 out of 706 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 21 out of 706 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 706 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 706 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

Aijing

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best spot for bird watching in the area. Sunset view from the restaurant is unbeatable. The volcano view room is amazing. We felt very lucky to be able to stay there.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is absolutely one of the best properties I’ve stayed near La Fortuna. From the time I arrived, front desk was helpful and informative. My room was not ready yet, but I occupied myself with a brief visit to their museum, sat/stood on the viewing deck observing birds feed on fruit, coatimundi roaming the garden, and listening to Yellow Throated Toucans chattering in the forest. View of Arenal Lake was wonderful! I stayed only 1 night, and wished I had stayed longer. I will plan on a longer stay in the near future. To truly enjoy Arenal Observatory Lodge and Trails, recommended stay is 2 or 3 nights to get the most of everything this property offers. I enjoyed my morning bird watching tour. My guide, Raul, and I found 43 species of birds in two hours. I walked a couple of trails alone after that. The wildlife is spectacular here as well as fantastic views of Arenal Volcano! My room was very comfortable and quiet, located across from the restaurant. Breakfast was very good with several selections to choose from. I did wait more than 30 minutes to be served my breakfast. Apparently, I was forgotten as I sat there observing other guests who arrived after me being served in a timely manner. That was the only flaw in service. Otherwise, everything else was satisfactory!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Praveen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice place
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Marlene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The place was great. 4/5 stars only because the food at the restaurant wasn’t good and overpriced. Other than that, everything was great.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shawn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hongwei

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
great
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Duane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful grounds to walk around and explore the views and wildlife.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicente, Providence

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Closest hotel to Arenal Volcano with perfect unobstructed views from the rooms balconies. If you’re like birding this is the place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing location so closer to nature, lots of well signed walks, great guides and very good facilities. Staff were very helpful
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The 330 acre grounds were a highlight, with miles of walks through hummingbird gardens, tropical forest, hanging bridge, a swimmable waterfall etc. Too many species of birds to count. Restaurant and deck were terrific with unbelievable mountain, lake and bird views. Rooms are interspersed through the grounds; ours had an amazing mountain and garden view through enormous windows. Staff couldn't have been more helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024