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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

3.0 star property
Travelers can take in spectacular views of Lake Arenal while relaxing or enjoy family fun at the playground and arcade - perfect for all ages

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Photo gallery for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

A hotel with a mountain view, a reflective pond, and lush greenery. - Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails (La Fortuna)
A resort with a pool, lush greenery, and a mountain view. - Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails (La Fortuna)
A spacious living area with a wooden ceiling, large windows, a sofa, and a coffee table. - Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails (La Fortuna)
A wooden deck with a restaurant, overlooking a scenic landscape with a sunset view. - Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails (La Fortuna)
A hotel room with a bed, a desk, and a view of a natural landscape. - Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails (La Fortuna)
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails near Lake Arenal offers a peaceful retreat with free breakfast, garden access, and spa services. Enjoy terrace views, hiking, biking, or horseback riding nearby. Features high-speed WiFi in public areas and an outdoor pool with sun loungers.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

A hotel room with two beds, a balcony with a table and chairs, and a view of greenery outside.

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(33 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Superior Room, Mountain View

A covered outdoor seating area with two people seated, overlooking a lush landscape with a mountain in the background.

Superior Room, Mountain View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(34 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for White Hawk Villa

A room with a large window offering a view of a mountain.

White Hawk Villa

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Mountain view
  • 20 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 8
  • 2 King Beds, 2 Twin Beds and 2 Twin Trundle Beds

View all photos for Phil's Villa + Waterfall

A hotel room with a bed, a lamp, a window with a mountain view, and a towel on the bed.

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

A lodge with a covered porch, a wooden deck, and a stone pathway leading to the entrance.

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

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

View all photos for Family Villa

Family Villa | Terrace/patio

Family Villa

  • Mountain view
  • 20 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed

HOUSE ECONOMY WITH SHARED BATHROOM

  • Sleeps 8

DOUBLE TWO QUEEN BEDS

  • Sleeps 4

QUADRUPLE SUPERIOR MOUNTAIN VIEW

  • Sleeps 6

About the neighborhood

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 checking out 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. Traveling 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 cave exploring nearby. Visit our La Fortuna travel guide
View more Lodges in La Fortuna
Map
22 km Oeste de la Fortuna de San Carlos, 1.7 km del Volcán Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007

What's nearby

  • A lush green landscape with a prominent mountain and a small white building with a red roof.
    Arenal Volcano National Park
    1 min walk - 0.0 miles

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)
    48 min drive

Restaurants

  • Virgita Ristorante
    28 min drive
  • Shangri-La Gardens
    20 min drive
  • Baldi Premium Bar
    29 min drive
  • Soda La Palma
    22 min drive
  • Restaurante Las Palmas
    27 min drive

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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

  • 2 private bathrooms
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

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

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
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 200 per accommodation, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

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 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
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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
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)

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 is from 9:00 AM–10:00 PM.

Is Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

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?

Check-out 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 225 per vehicle applies.

Where is Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails located?

This family-friendly La Fortuna lodge is located in a national park, 2.4 mi (3.8 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).

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

9.6

Staff & service

9.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 818 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 141 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 34 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 1005 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Incredible place with views of the volcano and Lake Arenal, good hiking trails, nice restaurant with excellent service and food, and great amenities and services.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Raquel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature, clean rooms , delicious food and friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Carolina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing place to relax and enjoy any celebration. The stuff are nice,friendly and super helpful. I loved the place. 💯 recommend
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gloria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Unbelievable gardens, very good food. Very nice and helpful employees.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sabrina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great food, amazing staff, gorgeous view of the volcano! Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ivy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The animal and bird sightings are wonderful here. As a solo female traveler, I felt safe and comfortable. The well-marked hiking trails and daily planned events to enrich your experience are top notch. I will be pleased to stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The entire staff were great. The facility was well maintained and terrific. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sherri

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was amazing. The staff friendly and attentive. The grounds were beautiful with monkeys and birds, especially hummingbirds, happy in the trees and flowers.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kennan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place was exactly what we were looking for - it was right in the heart of the National Park and tucked away from the flashy touristy part of La Fortuna. The property and staff were lovely. 10/10 recommend this for your next vacation.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kammie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everyone was helpful
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Christy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our family of four had an amazing time at the observatory despite not being able to view the volcano. The dinner at the restaurant was amazing and the complimentary breakfast was outstanding. Edward, our guide for the nature tour was excellent. It was raining very hard during our tour but he took his time attempting to find monkeys for us and was successful! We saw both howler and spider monkeys on the walk. My family had a lake view room. We were further away from the restaurant and reception. My only suggestion would be to have umbrellas for the guests or a shuttle available when it is raining heavily.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

xiang

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff at check-in. Great view from our room. Nice tours.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property and staff were fantastic - probably the cleanest property we’ve ever stayed. The trails and hikes you could go on were amazing. Breakfast was delicious but the dinner was good. It would have been nice to know prior that there was no air conditioning in the rooms and the tile floors outside the rooms and inside the rooms were very slippery
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Todd

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a wonderful stay. Clean, great bed, attentive and helpful staff, food was excellent, massage was great too!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

sebnem

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was such a wonderful experience. Everyone is so nice and friendly! Great view !
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

ARUNKUMAR

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing room and view
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely loved our stay here. A once in a lifetime place to visit. My kids were amazed as it literally looks like you are driving into Jurassic park. Our room was beautiful with a full open view of the volcano and just gle. We woke up to monkeys in the trees, saw probably 100 species of different rainforest moths. Clean and comfortable room. My only issue was that we had several venomous wandering spiders in our hotel room which was quite scary with 2 young children with us. I understand the lodge is very deep in the jungle, but perhaps the lodge could inspect the cabins for good sealing. There are many venomous snakes near the walkways as well. Incredible experience, I would hesitate to go with young children due to the amount of venomous critters. But with older kids and adults it's a once in a lifetime experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nils

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic rooms and great location with multiple daily feedings of the local bird population. Beautiful property and walking trails. Easy check in and helpful staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean rooms and excellent service from all.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Claudia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's better to have an all terrain vehicle to get to this hotel, Not all the roads are paved, and when driving in rural areas in CR you will encounter a lot of dirt roads. The property has a unparalleled views of the volcano , lake and jungle. The breakfast has a variety of fruits, bread, and protein. They also offer activities and excursion. There are wild animals roaming the gardens , and people visit this place just to catch a glimpse of all the birds, It is truly a beautiful and unique experience to stay here.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, friendly & helpful staff. Wonderful gardens, hiking trails & plethora of animals.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

Liked: Cleanliness
Yes the staff was great!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

CHRISTINE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place to stay. The trails were amazing.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

puneet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Views, wild life and trails. Loved this place. No air conditioning, but you don’t need it unless you are very particular about temperature. It is very property. The road for 3 km is very bumpy.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kurt

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were very clean and spacious. The food was great. The trails around the resort let you be a part of nature.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026