Name: Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa
Address: 24 km Oeste de la fortuna de San Carlos, 21007 El Castillo de La Fortuna, Costa Rica, 24 km Oeste de la fortuna de San Carlos, Alajuela, 21007, Costa Rica
Price range: Prices for upcoming dates start at $141 per night (We Price Match)
Rating: 9.1

Room Info & Price
Facilities
House Rules
The Fine Print
Guest Reviews (834)

Lodge Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

Airport shuttle. Airport shuttle available at an additional charge. You can request this in the next step.

24 km Oeste de la fortuna de San Carlos, 21007 El Castillo de La Fortuna, Costa Rica –

Traveler photo of El Castillo de La Fortuna

August 14, 2016

Lock in a great price for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa – rated 9.1 by recent guests!

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Everything! So beautiful! Rooms nice and monkeys in the morning. Lovely gardens and great hot tub and view. Helpful and friendly staff! Excellent food!,

M, United States of America

Location is amazing. Room is huge and very clean. Close to hiking trails. Free breakfast. Friendly staff. The gardens are well manicured and show a diversity of plants and animals. Great view of the mountain.

Dan, United States of America

The trails on property are well maintained and you can spot lots of animals. The volcano views are great on the morning. The food at the restaurant was bit pricey but decent considering the location.

Yitaekhwang, United States of America

Great staff! Free morning walk with naturalist (2 1/2 hours) was excellent. Easy walking and we saw a lot. Recommendations for other activities was right on point.

Ana, United States of America

Love how remote the lodge felt with no road noise, we have stayed in a number of other places that you think is far away enough from the road but in fact it’s not. The views from over looking the volcano are spectacular, make sure to rise early enough to see the sunrise and hear the howler monkeys.

Teri, United States of America

The lodge was ideally located with an amazing view of the volcano. The staff was very nice and the food in the restaurant is fantastic.

Marcus, United States of America

The location is amazing. The view from the restaurant is brilliant, as is the food. Craft beer is available, which is generally pretty rare throughout Costa Rica. The guided walk in the morning is free and a brilliant chance to check out the wildlife, including the howler & spider monkeys.

Phil, United States of America

Beautiful setting with lots of birds and other wildlife to view. The volcano looms above the observatory although it's often cloaked in clouds. The staff are extremely congenial and helpful. I loved sitting on our balcony during the intermittent rainstorms to observe the hummingbirds, toucans, guans, and other species pass through the gardens. We will make it a point to return to Arenal just to stay at the Observatory.

Kendall, United States of America

Beautiful immaculate grounds. So much wildlife to be seen from sitting on balcony and walking trails. We stayed in Smithsonian rooms which had amazing views of Volcano and wildlife. Enjoyed pool and Jacuzzi also with great view of volcano. Great trails. Rooms nice and detail oriented ( clothes line, umbrellas, hairdryer,etc). Environmental friendly. Great breakfast. Resturant on site convenient and good. Staff super friendly and nice!

Gina, United States of America

Huge property with lots to do and great views. Beautiful stunning views, excellent observatory tower, saw many spider monkeys. Rented a double kayak with my partner on the dam near the property and had a great time on the lake. Very close to the main town where there are also many eating options

Christian, Canada

9.5

Excellent location!
Views from the property
Great neighborhood
Great neighborhood
Views from the property
Great neighborhood
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Views from the property
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Room sizes
Views from the property
Views from the property
Great neighborhood
Great neighborhood
Great neighborhood
Great neighborhood
Views from the property

What guests loved the most:
“Everything! So beautiful! Rooms nice and monkeys in the morning. Lovely gardens and great hot tub and view. Helpful and friendly staff! Excellent food!,”

M United States of America
“Location is amazing. Room is huge and very clean. Close to hiking trails. Free breakfast. Friendly staff. The gardens are well manicured and show a diversity of plants and animals. ”

Dan United States of America
“The trails on property are well maintained and you can spot lots of animals. The volcano views are great on the morning. The food at the restaurant was bit pricey but decent considering the location.”

Yitaekhwang United States of America
“Great staff! Free morning walk with naturalist (2 1/2 hours) was excellent. Easy walking and we saw a lot. Recommendations for other activities was right on point.”

Ana United States of America
“Love how remote the lodge felt with no road noise, we have stayed in a number of other places that you think is far away enough from the road but in fact it’s not. ”

Teri United States of America
“The lodge was ideally located with an amazing view of the volcano. The staff was very nice and the food in the restaurant is fantastic.”

Marcus United States of America
“The location is amazing. The view from the restaurant is brilliant, as is the food. Craft beer is available, which is generally pretty rare throughout Costa Rica. ”

Phil United States of America
“Beautiful setting with lots of birds and other wildlife to view. The volcano looms above the observatory although it's often cloaked in clouds. The staff are extremely congenial and helpful. ”

Kendall United States of America
“Beautiful immaculate grounds. So much wildlife to be seen from sitting on balcony and walking trails. We stayed in Smithsonian rooms which had amazing views of Volcano and wildlife. ”

Gina United States of America
“Huge property with lots to do and great views. Beautiful stunning views, excellent observatory tower, saw many spider monkeys. ”

Christian Canada

Surrounded by 860 private acres of tropical rainforest and featuring an on-site lake, a swimming pool, a sun terrace and games room, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa is located within the Arenal Conservation Area, only 1.7 mi from the Arenal Volcano.

The rooms at this lodge feature tropical décor with wood finishes and are equipped with ceiling fan, safety box and a furnished terrace with views of the garden and the Arenal Volcano. The bathrooms are private and have showers.

The on-site restaurant serves international and local food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there is also a bar. A guided morning walk and the breakfast buffet is included for all guests.

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa also features an on-site bird sanctuary that has around 500 different species of birds; other recommended activities include tours of Arenal Volcano's lava flows, exploring the several nearby waterfalls, or climbing the 100 feet. (100 feet.) wildlife observation tower, The Nest. Arenal Lake is an excellent site to practice sports fishing. There are also 6.8 mi of walking trails throughout the property, or guests can just relax in the hot tub or have a massage in the spa.

The property is 5.6 mi from the hot springs at Tabacon River and 14 mi from La Fortuna Village. The Daniel Oduber International Airport is 2 hours and 30 minutes’ drive away.

This property also has one of the top-rated locations in El Castillo de La Fortuna! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.5 for a two-person trip.

This property is also rated for the best value in El Castillo de La Fortuna! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.

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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Apr 11, 2013

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Most Popular Facilities

Swimming pool

Free parking

Free WiFi

Outdoor pool

Spa

Bar

Good for couples – they rated the facilities 9.0 for two-person stays.

Guests love...

“great views”
43 related reviews

“helpful staff”
37 related reviews

“amazing location”
32 related reviews

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.5)

Want a great night's sleep? This property was highly rated for its very comfy beds.

Breakfast Info

Buffet

Free private parking

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Adults

Children

Sleeps	Room Type
+ Max adults: 2 Max children: 1 (up to years of age)	Double Room with Two Double Beds with Mountain View 2 full beds	Show prices
Start of dialog content 댴 Private bathroom This room features a ceiling fan, a safe and a furnished terrace with views of the Arenal Volcano. The bathroom is private and has a shower. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas of the hotel. Room Facilities: • Tea/Coffee maker • Shower • Bathtub • Safe • Hairdryer • Desk • Sitting area • Free toiletries • Fan • Toilet • Private Bathroom • Bathtub or shower • Laptop safe • Tile/Marble floor • View • Wardrobe or closet • Mountain view • Terrace • Towels • Upper floors accessible by stairs only • Clothes rack • Drying rack for clothing • Toilet paper Select everything you want to know more about (Your response helps provide better info for travelers) Beds Bathroom Kitchen Breakfast Room capacity Room view Room facilities Parking Smoking Other What do you want to know about the options you selected? Enter your feedback Submit Cancel Thanks for your time! Your feedback will help us improve so you can book more easily next time. Close Sorry – there was an error submitting your response. Please try again. Retry Missing some information? Yes / No Great! Thanks for your response. Check-in Date / / Check-in Date Check-out Date / / Check-out Date Rooms Adults Children End of dialog content
+ Max adults: 2 Max children: 1 (up to years of age)	Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View 2 queen beds	Show prices
Start of dialog content 댴 Private bathroom This room features a ceiling fan, a safe and a furnished terrace with views of the gardens. The bathroom is private and has a shower. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas of the hotel. Room Facilities: • Tea/Coffee maker • Shower • Bathtub • Safe • Hairdryer • Desk • Sitting area • Free toiletries • Fan • Toilet • Private Bathroom • Bathtub or shower • Interconnecting room(s) available • Laptop safe • Tile/Marble floor • View • Wardrobe or closet • Garden view • Terrace • Towels • Upper floors accessible by stairs only • Clothes rack • Drying rack for clothing • Toilet paper Select everything you want to know more about (Your response helps provide better info for travelers) Beds Bathroom Kitchen Breakfast Room capacity Room view Room facilities Parking Smoking Other What do you want to know about the options you selected? Enter your feedback Submit Cancel Thanks for your time! Your feedback will help us improve so you can book more easily next time. Close Sorry – there was an error submitting your response. Please try again. Retry Missing some information? Yes / No Great! Thanks for your response. Check-in Date / / Check-in Date Check-out Date / / Check-out Date Rooms Adults Children End of dialog content

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa was booked 1 time in the last 12 hours.

An Inside Look at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

The uniqueness of Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa extends beyond our picturesque location perfectly positioned between the majestic Arenal Volcano and beautiful Arenal Lake, giving you the most amazing panoramic views. We are off the beaten path so that you can be immersed in Costa Rica’s incredible nature. Being the only hotel found inside the boundaries of Arenal Volcano National Park means our private reserve is full of wildlife and is especially spectacular for bird watching. Over 500 bird species have been sighted here! You have 870 acres on our property to explore, including natural primary rainforest with rivers and waterfalls. Go hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking on 11 kilometers (7 miles) of well-maintained trails. Want to observe the rainforest from above? Climb up our observation tower. There is also a universal access trail through our gardens and rainforest. Enjoy 48 comfortable hotel rooms, two lovely villa rentals, our relaxing Spa, refreshing swimming pool, and delicious meals in our restaurant with huge windows for enjoying the views. Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa gives you all that you came to Costa Rica to experience in one extraordinary place

Area Info – Guests loved walking around the neighborhood!

Closest Landmarks

Sky Adventures Arenal
2 miles
Arenal 1968 Trail
2.8 miles
La Fortuna Waterfall
3 miles
Arenal Eco Zoo
3 miles
Ecoglide Arenal Park
3.5 miles
Kalambu Hot Springs
3.9 miles
Termalitas del Arenal
3.9 miles
Ecotermales Fortuna
4.1 miles
Arenal Natura Ecological Park
4.7 miles
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
4.7 miles

Natural Beauty

Arenal Volcano Mountain
1.7 miles
Arenal Lake Lake
2.2 miles
Agua Caliente River
0.2 miles

Closest Airports

Juan Santamaría International Airport
45.7 miles
San Carlos Airport
48.6 miles
Tobías Bolaños International Airport
50.9 miles

What Travelers Love About This Location

“Our stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge was more than perfect. We had rooms with views to the volcano, and the views were breathtaking. The rooms were very big and...”

Rocio

Spain

“Very friendly and helpful staff, huge territory, plenty of activities. We enjoyed our morning walk with a guide and a hose-riding experience. The hotel is beaut...”

Inna

United Kingdom

“Very nice place near volcan Arenal, surrounded with jungle. Nice view from balcony, breakfast included is normal - not bad, not wow. Rooms are spacious, even f...”

Aude

Canada

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1 Restaurant On Site

El Jilguero Restaurant

Food: Latin American

Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Cocktail hour

Menu: Buffet & À La Carte

4 reasons to choose Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

Why book with us?

Manage your bookings online

The staff speaks English

Booking is safe

House Rules Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

3:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Check-out

7:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to room type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Children are welcome

0 - 8 years

Can use an existing bed

FREE

The maximum number of children allowed in existing beds depends on the room you pick. Double-check your selected room for the maximum capacity.

No cribs are available

No extra beds are available

Age restriction

The minimum age for check-in is 18

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The Fine Print

Please note that the road to reach this lodge is not in optimal conditions. Guests can rent a 4x4 vehicle to reach the property.

Please inform Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

“Location is amazing. Room is huge and very clean. Close to hiking trails. Free breakfast. Friendly staff. The gardens are well manicured and show a diversity of plants and animals. Great view of the mountain.”

Dan

United States of America

“The trails on property are well maintained and you can spot lots of animals. The volcano views are great on the morning. The food at the restaurant was bit pricey but decent considering the location. ”

Yitaekhwang

“Love how remote the lodge felt with no road noise, we have stayed in a number of other places that you think is far away enough from the road but in fact it’s not. The views from over looking the volcano are spectacular, make sure to rise early enough to see the sunrise and hear the howler monkeys. ”

Teri

“The location is amazing. The view from the restaurant is brilliant, as is the food. Craft beer is available, which is generally pretty rare throughout Costa Rica. The guided walk in the morning is free and a brilliant chance to check out the wildlife, including the howler & spider monkeys.”

Phil

“Beautiful setting with lots of birds and other wildlife to view. The volcano looms above the observatory although it's often cloaked in clouds. The staff are extremely congenial and helpful. I loved sitting on our balcony during the intermittent rainstorms to observe the hummingbirds, toucans, guans, and other species pass through the gardens. We will make it a point to return to Arenal just to stay at the Observatory.”

Kendall

“Beautiful immaculate grounds. So much wildlife to be seen from sitting on balcony and walking trails. We stayed in Smithsonian rooms which had amazing views of Volcano and wildlife. Enjoyed pool and Jacuzzi also with great view of volcano. Great trails. Rooms nice and detail oriented ( clothes line, umbrellas, hairdryer,etc). Environmental friendly. Great breakfast. Resturant on site convenient and good. Staff super friendly and nice!”

Gina

“Huge property with lots to do and great views. Beautiful stunning views, excellent observatory tower, saw many spider monkeys. Rented a double kayak with my partner on the dam near the property and had a great time on the lake. Very close to the main town where there are also many eating options ”

Christian

See all guest reviews for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

Newest Reviews for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

Reviewed: December 15, 2018

Jean-marc
Switzerland
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The fact that there is no facilities to dry clothes.
Everything : big rooms, very good view when not cloudy, nice people, a lot of activities proposed, nice breakfast etc.

Stayed in December 2018
Reviewed: December 12, 2018

Ryan
United States of America

7 helpful votes
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room with Two Double Beds with Mountain View
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Beautiful views

Stayed in December 2018
Reviewed: December 10, 2018

Marja
Finland
10

“We enjoyed a lot!”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room with Two Double Beds with Mountain View
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The bird feeder by the observation deck is great! And the trails are excellent.

Stayed in December 2018
Reviewed: December 9, 2018

Mahia
Australia
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Nothing.
All the walking trails, the free two hour guided morning tour and the beautiful gardens. From the patio of our garden view room we watched various birds flitting from one bush to another. Our garden view also included the lake. The staff were friendly and helpful, Estaban gave us lots of great tips. The whole place was such relaxing experience and great get away with lots of things to do. We stayed three night and ate there every night and found there was plenty of choices, the buffet breakfast was delicious with homemade additions like banana bread or choc chip cookies. Our room was down the hill and we didn’t mind the walk up, though we could call reception for a shuttle pick up if needed. We’d definitely head back here if we ever returned to Costa Rica, it’d be first on our list.

Stayed in December 2018
Reviewed: December 7, 2018

M
United States of America
10

“PURE COSTA RICAN BEAUTY”
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Double Room with Two Double Beds with Mountain View
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Having to leave
Everything! So beautiful! Rooms nice and monkeys in the morning. Lovely gardens and great hot tub and view. Helpful and friendly staff! Excellent food!,

Stayed in December 2018
Reviewed: December 4, 2018

Raphaelle
Spain
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Group of friends
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Sleeping at the foot of the volcano, very attentive staff, free walking tour in the morning, outside pool and jacuzzi that can be used until late at night, yummy breakfast with fresh seasonal fruit, beautiful rooms

Stayed in November 2018
Reviewed: December 2, 2018

Jakub
Czech Republic

5 helpful votes
10

““Wov””
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room with Two Double Beds with Mountain View
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
No minibar in the room.
Staying in the middle of rain forest with a view on the huge volcano was amazing experience.

Stayed in November 2018
Reviewed: December 1, 2018

Tiago
Sweden
Age group: 35 – 44

4 helpful votes
9.6

“Wonderful stay!”
- • Leisure trip
- • Group of friends
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 1 night
The road access is not easy if not driving a 4WD.
Located in the Arenal Park, secluded from everything, this hotel primes for the its quality of facilities. Worth it even for one night.

Stayed in November 2018
Reviewed: November 30, 2018

Dan
United States of America

2 helpful votes
7.9

“Great location but can be pricey. Lots of trails around the hotel.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 2 nights
Couldn't sleep at night as it was warm even with the fan going. Not sure if it was me or the room. Maybe I should have slept with the balcony door open but we were afraid of the insect noise. The dinner was a bit pricey.
Location is amazing. Room is huge and very clean. Close to hiking trails. Free breakfast. Friendly staff. The gardens are well manicured and show a diversity of plants and animals. Great view of the mountain.

Stayed in November 2018
Reviewed: November 28, 2018

Giacomo
Italy
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room with Two Double Beds with Mountain View
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Everything

Stayed in November 2018
Reviewed: November 25, 2018

Wandering Jes
United States of America
Age group: 35 – 44
10

“Great get away in Arenal!”
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Double Room with Two Double Beds with Mountain View
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
I did not like having to leave. Seriously, I can't think of anything I didn't like. I loved it all.
Everything

Stayed in November 2018
Reviewed: November 22, 2018

Elizabeth
Canada
8.8

“Beautiful location, view and rainforest like National Geographic. Don’t drive take a helicopter!”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room with Two Double Beds with Mountain View
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Hotel should make sure to inform anyone who is driving themselves that the hotel itself is very isolated and it is a very difficult drive that requires a 4x4 .
Spectacular view, amazing grounds, facilities and opportunity to experience nature.

Stayed in November 2018
Reviewed: November 18, 2018

Amanda
United Kingdom
9.2

“Beautiful.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
No TV in the room...could have done with a drying room.
Fabulous location, stunning views, howler monkeys, red eyed frogs, an array of bird life. Very comfy, spacious room and great beds.

Stayed in November 2018
Reviewed: November 16, 2018

Matt
United Kingdom
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Despite not being high season, there could have been more shared shuttle services running into La Fortuna. Taxis are expensive and the cost will mount up pretty quickly If you dont have a car.
Beautiful surroundings and attentive staff

Stayed in November 2018
Reviewed: November 15, 2018

Michelle
United Kingdom
Age group: 45 – 54

3 helpful votes
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Earlier breakfast opening . Everyone is up really early to see the wildlife
Everything

Stayed in November 2018

Lodge Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!

Most Popular Facilities

Guests love...

Availability

See availability Area Info – Excellent location – show map Guests loved walking around the neighborhood!

Closest Landmarks

Natural Beauty

Closest Airports

Most Popular Landmarks

What Travelers Love About This Location

El Jilguero Restaurant

4 reasons to choose Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

Why book with us?

See availability Facilities of Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa Great facilities! Review score, 9.1

Most Popular Facilities

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Pets

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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

Area Info – Guests loved walking around the neighborhood!

Facilities of Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa Great facilities! Review score, 9.1

House Rules Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa takes special requests – add in the next step!