Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Situated only 1.7 Miles from the majestic Arenal Volcano and with a spectacular view of Lake Arenal, the Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa (AOL) offers guests the opportunity to DISCOVER, EXPLORE and RELAX. AOL sits on an 870 acres property and offers 48 comfortable rooms surrounded by gardens, the majority with a direct view of the volcano and/or the forest. The 7 miles of well-maintained trails for walking, horseback riding or biking running through the property provide good opportunities to observe a variety of flora and fauna. Approximately 500 species of birds live in the area making AOL a preferred destination for bird watchers. Activities at the hotel include hikes to the waterfall, horseback riding, enjoying a refreshing swim in our pool, or simply relaxing with a massage in our spa. Arenal Observatory Lodge is the perfect place for adventure lovers, families, and honeymooners. With its spectacular location, great service, and friendly personnel you won't be disappointed.
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Nestled amidst pristine nature, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is lauded for its top-notch amenities, including well-kept trails for wildlife enthusiasts and a spa for relaxation, all set against the backdrop of a stunning volcano. Guests commend the attentive and friendly service that enhances their stay, and the hotel's cleanliness is repeatedly acknowledged. While the location's seclusion adds to its charm, some guests recommend planning for the drive from La Fortuna.
Although the tranquil rooms offer breathtaking views, the absence of A/C is noted, and booking ahead is advised. The hotel's atmosphere is universally praised, with the Smithsonian Rooms being a highlight. Dining prices may be on the higher side, but many find the overall experience provides good value.
Location
Secluded
Atmosphere
Welcoming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Pricey
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Relaxing
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The Arenal Observatory Lodge is a haven for nature lovers! There are beautiful gardens with native plants and fruit trees. There are several miles of hiking trails through the forest where a waterfall, frog pond, ferns, flowering plants, birds, and occasional animals such as monkeys and coatimundis can be seen. The observation deck is a great place to watch for birds that come to the feeder to feast on fruit. Hummingbirds visit flowers in the gardens near the lodge rooms. Guided birdwatching tours can be arranged through the front desk. The room rates include a delicious buffet breakfast each morning with fresh fruit, wonderful Costa Rican coffee. The breakfast menu also offers french toast, omelets, pancakes, and gallo pinto. We enjoyed the lunch and dinner meals too! The restaurant staff was very friendly and helpful. Each room has a view of the volcano. We were there during the rainy season, so we saw the mountain clearly only one day. The rooms are spacious and clean. The housekeeping staff decorated the towels and the bathroom each day. During the rainy season, the weather can change from one minute to the next, so it is advisable to have rain gear handy at all times.
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Be sure to bring rain gear during the rainy season. Binoculars and a bird field guide are great...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We decided to stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge by the photos, reviews and mainly by its location away from the roads and closer to the Arenal volcano and, after staying there, we now realized that we’ve made the perfect choice. Once you arrive there, you just notice that you’re surrounded by magnificent gardens and you have at your disposal several trails through those gardens and across the rain forest. The swimming pool and jacuzzi it’s a very pleasant addition to the property. The team was very professional and friendly; the restaurant was really good and the food was nice with plenty of options in the menu; all the space and surroundings is well kept and clean. We’ve made the guided night tour and we loved it. Besides that, we’ve made some of the trails and enjoyed it a lot. Our room was one of those facing the Arenal volcano with a wide window directly to a balcony from where we can enjoy the peaceful forest and the view of the volcano. The room was large and the bathroom had a lot of space. The rooms doesn’t have TV set and no AC is available, but they have a ceiling fan that is more than enough for you to get refreshed by its breeze. It was the perfect room. The breakfast had plenty of buffet options besides the menu choice and everything was really good. A can say, definitely, that, if I’ll travel again to the Arenal region, I’ll stay in the Arenal Observatory Lodge again!
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Date of stay: September 2023
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of Costa Rica, our family's stay at the Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails felt like stepping into a scene from classic films such as "Shining" and "Dirty Dancing". The lodge's ambiance, with its well-paved trails, evoked the charm of Argentinian pampas and Swiss pastures, making every stroll a delight.
The environment around the lodge is truly captivating, and the meticulous care with which the lodge is maintained is evident in every corner. Every aspect, from the pristine condition of the property to the impressive attention to detail, speaks of the staff's dedication. The culinary offerings, spanning from breakfast to dinner, catered beautifully to our palates. Moreover, waking up to the mesmerizing views outside our room added a touch of magic to our mornings. For those who find solace in nature, the trails, well-maintained and thoughtfully designed, are a true delight.
However, no stay is without its quirks. We did miss the comfort of an air-conditioned room, especially during the warmer times. The room's ventilator, though perhaps effective, was loud enough at its highest setting to disturb our sleep and gave a sense that the room might just take off! The requirement of reserving our meals beforehand added a layer of planning that some might find inconvenient. Prospective visitors should also note the absence of a supermarket on the premises and be prepared. The lodge's remote setting, with a rugged terrain suitable mostly for 4WD vehicles, does make accessibility a bit of a challenge. Lastly, a word of caution for those venturing out: our experience at a nearby cafe was marred when our sandwiches arrived with mold; the lack of an apology when they were replaced left a bit to be desired.
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Date of stay: August 2023
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Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â A word of caution for those venturing out: our experience at a nearby cafe was marred when our...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We enjoyed our stay at the Lodge. The grounds are beautiful and you can have a full experience without ever leaving the property. Lots of bonus amenities like a game room, bird watching decks, and on-site museum with a great, modern cafe. Our room was very comfortable with two king beds and a great view of the volcano. The room was large and clean. We had many meals at the restaurant; breakfast was included and good, but dinner was very expensive while the food was average. The location is secluded, about a 30-minute drive to La Fortuna, so you are quite captive unless you want to drive an hour round trip just to get food. It also adds more travel time in and out to the airport. The tradeoff is the beautiful property with great volcano views and bird watching.
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Date of stay: October 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is an excellent place for birding but it is very expensive to stay there. If you’re younger you might opt for the cheapest option which has two bathrooms shared among five rooms. There is an unmarked step down from the bathroom to the hand basin station that in the night is dangerous. Also the shower floor is very slippery. Be warned! We upgraded for our remaining nights at a huge cost. But the new room was very nice with our own balcony facing the volcano and beautiful forest. Enough hooks to hang your toiletries. The only problem is the magnetic key system. I spoke to some other guests who had the same problem we had: not being able to get into your room even though the key showed green light. We told the staff. The restaurant has a large terrace facing the feeder. Staff and food was good although service would slow when large groups - there were two groups of about 30 - had their lunch or dinner. The paths around the hotel offer excellent birding as long as you stay away from the larger groups. Staying in Fortuna is cheaper but you have to get up much earlier.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed in La Casona for three nights, the most budget-friendly option at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails, which requires sharing a bathroom. The room was beautiful, offering the most amazing view of the Arenal Volcano right in front of us and Arenal Lake to our left. This view alone makes it highly recommendable! Even with shared bathrooms, the housekeepers did a fantastic job keeping everything clean, ensuring a comfortable stay.
The property is excellently maintained, featuring its own trails and numerous daily activities. Though we were too busy exploring La Fortuna to partake, we were impressed by the variety available.
Breakfast was amazing, with lots of options to choose from. While the restaurant's food felt a bit westernized for our taste, it still offered a great variety, and we understand this could be a plus for many travelers. The staff were always friendly and helpful, adding to the overall positive experience.
Located outside of La Fortuna, on the other side of the volcano, the lodge provides a peaceful retreat, making you feel far from the touristy center despite being only a half-hour drive away. Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is a great place to spend your entire stay, though exploring the La Fortuna area is a must for its fantastic activities. While perhaps just a bit too tourist-friendly for our liking, it didn't detract from the overall wonderful experience.
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Date of stay: May 2024
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed in the Smithsonian Rooms-very comfy and beautiful views from our private deck of the volcano, hummingbirds and monkeys. Highly recommend for their superb attention to your needs, quality of food and the staffs warmth and genuine concern that your stay with them is memorable. I also commend their staff's honesty and integrity as I had left one of my rings in the room and after we checked out our driver was alerted with a picture of my ring that it was found by housekeeping. As we were on the way to the airport we did not go back to retrieve it even though the driver was willing. We were fearful we would miss our flight to Osa as we were already 15 minutes from the resort. After numerous emails back and forth with the Arenal receptionist, Asdrubal Zuniga Cedeno mailing it was not an option so luckily a friend was traveling to Costa Rica after Thanksgiving and miraculously the Arenal staff had kept my ring safe until my friends picked it up for me just 2 weeks ago. My ring was not expensive but had personal sentiment and I am so deeply appreciative of those at Arenal Lodge who cared enough to help me get it back. I regret not knowing the name of the housekeeper as she is a treasure and a real asset to Arenal for her trustworthiness and high ethics and morals-something to be admired and held in high esteem. This is a reflection of the type of people in Costa Rica and in the Lodge's employ. All throughout out 9 day trip every Costa Rican we encountered were beautiful and warm human beings. I know they will be rewarded for their kind hearts. S. Ryan NJ USA
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Date of stay: March 2023
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Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Bring good all-weather shoes.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a high end lodge in a tourist area with a spa. Rooms are large, well equipped with a fan, hairdryer, large shower room with plenty of hot water. Good wifi in room. Restaurant was good with friendly, efficient staff, higher end cuisine, expensive drinks but they do have a happy hour! Breakfast was excellent. Could have stayed longer!
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
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Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The hotel is very peaceful, the rooms are spreaded, but the hotel offers free bus to and from reception. No TV in guest rooms. There is a nice cosy room beside the reception with a fireplace that has fire on all the time which is cosy to spend some time in. The hotel feeds the birds so that you can see birds all the time. The trails are better than Arenal National park. The food at the restaurant is generally good. But the location is a bit far out, it is costy to go to attractions from there, and the tour agents do not have free pick up from this location.
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Date of stay: January 2023
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Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Â visit other attractions from Fortuna and stay at this hotel only for the trails
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Although we didn't stay here as overnight guests, we purchased a day pass ($15/per person) to access the trails and have lunch at the lodge. It was one of our best experiences in the Arenal area! The view of the volcano from here is absolutely spectacular. The grounds and trails are very well maintained and we had the trails largely to ourselves, even though it was high season. We walked a little over three miles of easy trails and saw a variety of birds and wildlife (including parakeets and a coatimundi), passed a waterfall and crossed a hanging bridge, before having a great lunch at the lodge. The food and drink prices were more reasonable than other places we had been in the La Fortuna area. After lunch, we spent some time enjoying the bird feeding stations off the observation deck, where we saw some of the most colorful birds of our trip. It was an excellent daytime adventure and a highlight of our trip to Costa Rica!
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the La Fortuna de San Carlos area.
PRICE RANGE
C$204 - C$537 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
arenal observatory hotel la fortuna de san carlos
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of AlajuelaArenal Volcano National ParkLa Fortuna de San Carlos
NUMBER OF ROOMS
50
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Yes, it offers wheelchair access, reduced mobility rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
