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

Info & prices
Facilities
House Rules
The Fine Print
Guest Reviews (840)

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 –

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

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Great location. Nice trails. Friendly staff. Well-maintained facilities. Beautiful.

David, United States of America

The staff was super friendly. The shower was very nice and the view was great.

Stephanie, United States of America

Well maintained property in the jungle next to the volcano. We stayed in room 36 (standard room) with a great view looking down onto Lake Arenal. We preferred this to volcano view. Restaurant with great food and craft beer. Lots of amazing hiking trails. We saw monkeys, toucans, coatis and an ant eater

Roger, Canada

Great location with gorgeous views, very kind and helpful staff that can help you with planning and reservation of your trips around, nice whirlpool, pool and hiking trails around the facility, own parking in front of the reception, lots of fauna a flora to see, room clean and comfy.

Martin, Czech Republic

The lodge itself and its location were fantastic. We took advantage of the hiking right from the lodge. Our room was very clean and its view of Arenal was incredible. If we may it back to the area, we'll definitely stay here again.

Ian, United States of America

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

9.5

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

What guests loved the most:
“Great location. Nice trails. Friendly staff. Well-maintained facilities. Beautiful.”

David United States of America
“The staff was super friendly. The shower was very nice and the view was great.”

Stephanie United States of America
“Well maintained property in the jungle next to the volcano. We stayed in room 36 (standard room) with a great view looking down onto Lake Arenal. We preferred this to volcano view. ”

Roger Canada
“Great location with gorgeous views, very kind and helpful staff that can help you with planning and reservation of your trips around, nice whirlpool, pool and hiking trails around the facility, own...”

Martin Czech Republic
“The lodge itself and its location were fantastic. We took advantage of the hiking right from the lodge. Our room was very clean and its view of Arenal was incredible. ”

Ian United States of America
“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

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 view”
54 related reviews

“helpful staff”
38 related reviews

“amazing location”
30 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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Checkout day

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Rooms

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

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

“The views, the well lit walkways at night, the espresso at the restaurant was fantastic.”

Christopher

Canada

“Everywhing was great! The area around the hotel was amazing! Many animals and birds to see”

Stephanie

Cyprus

9.5

“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

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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 accommodations 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.

“Well maintained property in the jungle next to the volcano. We stayed in room 36 (standard room) with a great view looking down onto Lake Arenal. We preferred this to volcano view. Restaurant with great food and craft beer. Lots of amazing hiking trails. We saw monkeys, toucans, coatis and an ant eater ”

Roger

“Great location with gorgeous views, very kind and helpful staff that can help you with planning and reservation of your trips around, nice whirlpool, pool and hiking trails around the facility, own parking in front of the reception, lots of fauna a flora to see, room clean and comfy.”

Martin

Czech Republic

“The lodge itself and its location were fantastic. We took advantage of the hiking right from the lodge. Our room was very clean and its view of Arenal was incredible. If we may it back to the area, we'll definitely stay here again.”

Ian

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

“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

See all guest reviews for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

Newest Reviews for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

Reviewed: January 18, 2019

David
United States of America

2 helpful votes
9.2

“Very satisfied ”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Restaurant was pricey.
Great location. Nice trails. Friendly staff. Well-maintained facilities. Beautiful.

Stayed in January 2019
Reviewed: January 17, 2019

Václav
Czech Republic
9.6

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room with Two Double Beds with Mountain View
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Nothing
Everything...view, garden, athmosphere, wildlife

Stayed in January 2019
Reviewed: January 15, 2019

Karla
Canada
9.2

Awesome
- • Leisure trip
- • Group of friends
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The view of Arenal Volcano is amazing! Just a bit of a drive from the town for obvious reasons. We hiked the well pathed trails seen some frogs, snakes birds, missed out on monkeys. But the guided tour will help you find them. Breakfast was the only meal we ate there and it was tasty. Alot of variety to eat. We rented a car and it was easy to find. Only got lost once cause we made a wrong turn in the dark.Could have been easily avoided if we stopped to read the sign and not acted like we knew. Beautiful scenery, trail paths. A must!

Stayed in January 2019
Reviewed: January 12, 2019

Stephanie
United States of America
7.1

“Could’ve been better...too many rules.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room with Two Double Beds with Mountain View
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Breakfast didn’t start until 7 am. The to go breakfast was supposed to be pb&j but barely had any peanut butter or jelly. No mini fridge in the room. No ice maker. Strict rules for everything! No access to Cerro Chato.
The staff was super friendly. The shower was very nice and the view was great.

Stayed in January 2019
Reviewed: January 10, 2019

Roger
Canada
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
It is in the jungle 35 minutes from town. Half of that on a good gravel road. Maybe too isolated for some, however just what we were looking for.
Well maintained property in the jungle next to the volcano. We stayed in room 36 (standard room) with a great view looking down onto Lake Arenal. We preferred this to volcano view. Restaurant with great food and craft beer. Lots of amazing hiking trails. We saw monkeys, toucans, coatis and an ant eater

Stayed in January 2019
Reviewed: January 10, 2019

Christopher
Canada

1 helpful vote
10

“Wonderful and peaceful!”
- • Leisure trip
- • Group of friends
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
We had the roast chicken and potatoes at lunch but found it to be only average and basic. It seemed as though it had been cooked so long before. I guess we had just expected the food would be spectacular like everything else so were disappointed.
The views, the well lit walkways at night, the espresso at the restaurant was fantastic.

Stayed in January 2019
Reviewed: January 9, 2019

Kathleen
United States of America
10

“Beautiful grounds, nice hot tube and friendly staff. I would recommend this property.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 1 night
Setting was amazing.

Stayed in January 2019
Reviewed: January 6, 2019

Stephen
United Kingdom
7.9

“Lovely room in a superb location, spoilt a little by high prices and not so good restaurant.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room with Two Double Beds with Mountain View
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Restaurant only average. Expensive and only place to eat. No cafe or separate bar to get food or drink when you want. Restaurant had set times for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Large comfortable room with excellent view. Superb grounds with well marked trails. Saw tree frogs both night and day.

Stayed in January 2019
Reviewed: January 5, 2019

Gary
Canada
9.6

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Group of friends
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Rained a lot during our stay and volcano was not visible thru clouds
Breakfast was great and so we're hiking trails

Stayed in January 2019
Reviewed: January 3, 2019

Stephanie
Cyprus
9.6

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Everywhing was great! The area around the hotel was amazing! Many animals and birds to see

Stayed in December 2018
Reviewed: January 1, 2019

Martin
Czech Republic

1 helpful vote
9.2

Awesome
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 2 nights
Our room (Nr. 1) was just next to the reception and common room/lounge which was a bit noisy in the evening and in the morning, also there was very limited space where to put our wet clothes.
Great location with gorgeous views, very kind and helpful staff that can help you with planning and reservation of your trips around, nice whirlpool, pool and hiking trails around the facility, own parking in front of the reception, lots of fauna a flora to see, room clean and comfy.

Stayed in December 2018
Reviewed: December 29, 2018

Izak
United States of America

1 helpful vote
10

“Great place will definitely go again”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Walking up amd down to the main building is a bit if a hike....
Nice large rooms with great nature views.

Stayed in December 2018
Reviewed: December 26, 2018

Yves
Switzerland

12 helpful votes
9.2

Awesome
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Very nice facility! They have their own trails to hike and offer a free morning tour with a guide. Room was clean and food was ok.

Stayed in December 2018
Reviewed: December 24, 2018

Aida
United Kingdom
9.6

“very peaceful”
- • Leisure trip
- • Group of friends
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 3 nights
the food and the service was good. the massage was ok, the lady left the door open.

Stayed in December 2018
Reviewed: December 23, 2018

Joel
United States of America
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Garden View
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
All good
Location, staff, facilities, breakfast

Stayed in December 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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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!