22 km Oeste de la Fortuna de San Carlos, 1.7 km del Volcán Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007
What's nearby
Costa Rica Sky Adventures - 13 min drive
Arenal Volcano National Park - 17 min drive
Arenal Volcano - 17 min drive
Ecotermales Fortuna - 29 min drive
La Fortuna Waterfall - 38 min drive
Getting around
La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 50 min drive
San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) - 45.7 miles/73.5 km
Airport shuttle (surcharge)
Area shuttle (surcharge)
Restaurants
Virgita Ristorante - 28 min drive
Restaurante Río Lounge - 39 min drive
Agua Ardiente Pool Bar - 21 min drive
Red Frog Coffee Roaster - 31 min drive
North Fields Café - 32 min drive
About this property
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is a great choice for a stay in La Fortuna. Guests can visit the spa to indulge in deep-tissue massages, aromatherapy or reflexology, and international cuisine is served at El Jilguero, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. An outdoor pool, a bar/lounge and a hot tub are other highlights at this Colonial lodge. The helpful staff and overall property condition get great marks from fellow travellers.
Languages
English, Spanish
At a glance
Hotel size
48 rooms
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: 10 PM
Minimum check-in age – 18
Check-out time is noon
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 10 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
Up to 2 children (aged 8 years old and younger) stay free per registered adult when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
No cots (infant beds)
Pets
No pets or service animals allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Parking
Free on-site self-parking
Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
Transfers
Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours a day)*
Off-site
Area shuttle*
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free cooked-to-order breakfast each morning 6:30 AM–8:30 AM
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Travelling with children
Children stay for free (see details)
Children's pool
Playground
Pool gate
What to do
Ecotours
Hiking/biking trails
Horse riding/hire
Table football
Ping pong
Bike rentals nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horse riding nearby
Kayaking nearby
Zip-lining nearby
Hot springs nearby
Fishing nearby
Working away
2 meeting rooms
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Tour/ticket assistance
Laundry facilities
Luggage storage
Pool loungers
Facilities
Built in 1992
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Terrace
Library
Fireplace in reception
Television in common areas
An outdoor pool
Arcade/games room
Full-service spa
Hot tub
Massage/treatment rooms
Colonial architecture
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
Wheelchair-accessible pool
Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
Wheelchair-accessible lounge
Accessible airport shuttle
No lift (single-level property)
Well-lit path to entrance
Pool access ramp on site
Room amenities
Home comfort
Ceiling fan
Coffee/tea maker
Window screens
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Balcony or patio
Garden
Freshen up
Shower only
Eco-friendly toiletries
Towels
Toilet paper
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe (laptop compatible)
Eco-friendly toiletries
LED light bulbs
Special features
Spa
Guests can pamper themselves with a trip to the on-site 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.
Dining
El Jilguero – This family restaurant specialises in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 225 per vehicle (one-way. Maximum occupancy 7)
Local area shuttle service is offered for an extra charge
Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)
Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Policies
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have lifts.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a fire extinguisher on-site.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
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 offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool and a children's pool. Guests have pool access from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Are pets allowed at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
Sorry, neither pets nor service animals are allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
Yes, there's free self parking.
Is an airport shuttle service offered by Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 225 per vehicle one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: 10 PM. Check-out time is noon.
What is there to do at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails and nearby?
Have fun with on-site activities such as horse riding and hiking. Additional recreation on-site includes ecotours. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and soothe your senses in the hot tub. Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails also has an outdoor pool and an arcade, as well as a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
Yes, El Jilguero offers international cuisine.
Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a balcony or patio and a garden.
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
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 Exceptional
26 December 2024
Sagar
Sagar, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
27 September 2024
Beautiful property! They need to advertise more as we would have stayed an additional night. We weren't aware of free guided hikes, spa (with great prices!), etc. Views are amazing!
Sidney
Sidney, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
18 September 2024
Pankaj M
Pankaj M, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
15 September 2024
The place is magical. No A/C but it wasn’t too hot. The restaurant is decent and the views of the volcano are to die for. It’s a bud watcher’s paradise and the trails are beautiful. I would stay at this resort again.
Samuel
Samuel, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
12 September 2024
Fabulous!
Exceptional service and comfort.
Amazing birding throught the property.
Gary
Gary, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
26 August 2024
Neil
Neil, 6-night trip
Verified Travelocity guest review
10/10 Exceptional
22 August 2024
Amazing view to Arenal Volcano, literally you have the volcano in front of you. Perfect choice to go relax maybe on a weekend and forget about stress and just connect with nature
Carlos
Carlos, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
21 August 2024
The property has an excellent location surrounded by trails and and trails at the base of the volcano. The free guided hike was informative and a good way to learn to spot wildlife if not doing guide tours elsewhere (although be aware that advance reservations are recommended). The only downside of the location is that you are limited to onsite dining even if self-driving, and the food options are not great value for the price.
Subhodeep
Subhodeep, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
20 August 2024
Tremendous vistas, birding, nature trails fantastic staff and a very cool welcome.
Theresa
Theresa, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
17 August 2024
gary
gary, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
15 August 2024
Our stay was very pleasant, the hotel is on beautiful grounds, we arrived late at night , a portion the road leading to the hotel is not paved, breakfast was superb, you can have both the open buffet and a choice to order from their menu. We ended up having dinner 2 nights at the hotel and those were excellent as well. Very helpful staff that go above and beyond, Sergio was very helpful with his recommendations and directions. Lots of hummingbirds and wildlife that you can experience from your room. No AC but the ceiling fan was sufficient to keep up feeling comfortable. Would love to go again.
Marghrit
Marghrit, 3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
13 August 2024
Nice Experience of Nature and Birds
Great experience but room key constantly gave me problem. Room key has to be replaced 4 times.
Restaurant food and drinks are great!
Husong
Husong, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
13 August 2024
Wildlife galore
Amazing location inside the NP. Road most unpaved getting there. Great balcony where you can see the birds and monkey. Very chilled out vibe with plenty of easy trials around. Shame that the pool wasn’t open and we were not notified, the kids were very disappointed. Also we left very early on the last day and missed out on breakfast as they didn’t tell us we could have a takeaway breakfast box. Overall a stunning place, beaming with wildlife.
Alexander
Alexander, 3-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
6/10 Good
12 August 2024
Great experience but room key constantly gave me problem. Key has to be replaced 4 times
Restaurant food and drink are great!
Husong
Husong, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
8 August 2024
My 7 yr old complained about no AC in the room but I am completely fine with it. It is high up in the mountain so felt a little cool even in the summer. View is beautiful because it is super close to the volcano.
The lodge staff is very welcome and kind.
Of course you’d be expecting bugs and flies in the washroom next day in the morning. But I call this nature, we would also be seeing monkeys within the hotel range. Driving up to the hotel is also fun as some roads are un-paved. My husband joked as we got a free ATV experience.
Liang
Liang, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
6 August 2024
Ivona
Ivona, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
4 August 2024
One of my favorite places in the world. We have been here three times in the last 14 years. Love the lodge, its proximity to raw nature, the thoughtful and kind people that work here, and the views. I would highly recommend staying here.
Katarzyna
Katarzyna, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
3 August 2024
Luis
Luis, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
28 July 2024
Mandy
Mandy, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
21 July 2024
Great eco friendly hotel
Wonderful hotel with great views of the volcano. Could use some upgrades for the bed. Great service from the staff
Gary
Gary, 3-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
21 July 2024
You can not beat the location and beauty of this property. The staff went above and beyond. The restaurant was great. Wildlife all around. Loved this stay.
Jennifer
Jennifer, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
20 July 2024
Suhanya
Suhanya, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
20 July 2024
Fantastic lodge and trails.
Amazing staff.
Great views of the Arenal Volcano.
Peaceful.
We saw snakes, frogs, toucans, hummingbirds and tropical birds.
Food is good and fairly priced - considering the nearest outside restaurant is > 30 mins away.
Suhanya
Suhanya, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
16 July 2024
This was an amazing property. Trails were beautiful. Waterfall was amazing. Breakfast buffet has everything you would want on your plate and dinner was very tasty