Name: Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa
Address: 24 km Oeste de la fortuna de San Carlos, 21007 Fortuna, Costa Rica, 24 km Oeste de la fortuna de San Carlos, Alajuela, 21007, Costa Rica
Price range: Prices for upcoming dates start at $120 per night (We Price Match)
Rating: 9.1

Info & prices
Facilities
House Rules
The Fine Print
Guest Reviews (820)

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 Fortuna, Costa Rica –

A general mountain view or a mountain view taken from the lodge

Drinks at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

The lounge or bar area at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

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Our guide Christian was amazing. We did 2 trips with him. The view of the volcano and the animals was amazing.

Matthew

United States of America

- Large, spacious and clean rooms - Beautiful view from room - Awesome sunset view over lake from the restaurant deck and bar - Excellent birding opportunities - Great breakfast - Lots of nature trails - Colorful frogs at the frog pond - Highly recommend for nature lovers

Pubali

Costa Rica

The staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful. They helped us organize tours and transportation. One staff member went above and beyond to make sure we were able to join our tour after a miscommunication. The grounds are beautiful! There are trails on the property that make for an amazing independent hike. I really enjoyed my stay here!

Tatiana

United States of America

The food was excellent the service was excellent The view was magical we loved the property.

Lori

United States of America

The view was fantastic and the monkeys were fun to watch.

Lillie

United States of America

Black beans and rice. Plantains and plenty of fruit. Every sever was enthusiastic about there job.

Peter

United States of America

The free breakfast was perfect to fuel us for our daily hikes and excursions. It usually consisted of eggs, sausage, fruit, cheese, plantains, cereals, yogurt, and different types of pastry/bread items. Coffee, juices, water, and hot tea were also available. The observation deck located right outside of the restaurant offers amazing views of the volcano and many different types of birds. We were able to observe both spider and Capuchin monkeys swinging in the trees right from our patio which faced the forest. The free morning hike to the waterfall is a must-do! A visit to the frog pond at night is incredible, though you must bring a flashlight and watch for snakes. All of the staff members are helpful and pleasant, and the souveniers are 1/2 what you'd pay for in La Fortuna,

Laura

United States of America

The trails in the hotel are good! They allowed us to explore, to be adventures and to see different wild animals. The spa was also very good. Margiri made us to feel relaxed. Happy hour was priceless! It was a very good hotel indeed.

Rocio

Colombia

The breakfast was good with a nice selection. The carrot cake was excellent. My view of the overall facility was favorable for the areas I visited.

Michael

United States of America

the breakfast was great, the coffee excellent, assorted fruits and fruit drinks, fresh rolls, yogurt-great assortment of food

James

United States of America

9.5

Excellent location!
Highly rated for:
Views from the property
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Great neighborhood
Highly rated for:
Views from the property
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Great neighborhood
Highly rated for:
Great neighborhood
Highly rated for:
Great neighborhood
Highly rated for:
Great neighborhood
Highly rated for:
Views from the property
Highly rated for:
Views from the property
Highly rated for:
Views from the property
Highly rated for:
Views from the property
Highly rated for:
Views from the property
Highly rated for:
Great neighborhood
Highly rated for:
Great neighborhood
Highly rated for:
Great neighborhood

What guests loved the most:
“Our guide Christian was amazing. We did 2 trips with him. The view of the volcano and the animals was amazing.”

Matthew United States of America
“- Large, spacious and clean rooms - Beautiful view from room - Awesome sunset view over lake from the restaurant deck and bar - Excellent birding opportunities - Great breakfast - Lots of nature...”

Pubali Costa Rica
“The staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful. They helped us organize tours and transportation.”

Tatiana United States of America
“The food was excellent the service was excellent The view was magical we loved the property.”

Lori United States of America
“The view was fantastic and the monkeys were fun to watch.”

Lillie United States of America
“Black beans and rice. Plantains and plenty of fruit. Every sever was enthusiastic about there job.”

Peter United States of America
“The free breakfast was perfect to fuel us for our daily hikes and excursions.”

Laura United States of America
“The trails in the hotel are good! They allowed us to explore, to be adventures and to see different wild animals. The spa was also very good. Margiri made us to feel relaxed. Happy hour was priceless!...”

Rocio Colombia
“The breakfast was good with a nice selection. The carrot cake was excellent. My view of the overall facility was favorable for the areas I visited.”

Michael United States of America
“the breakfast was great, the coffee excellent, assorted fruits and fruit drinks, fresh rolls, yogurt-great assortment of food”

James 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.

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

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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

Airport shuttle

Bar

Good for couples – they rated the facilities 9.1 for two-person stays.

Bookers love...

“great view”
57 related reviews

“friendly staff”
35 related reviews

“amazing location”
27 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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Rooms

Adults

Children

Sleeps	Room Type
+ Max adults: 2 Max children: 2 (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 Free parking 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 • Safe • Hairdryer • Desk • Sitting area • Free toiletries • Fan • Toilet • Private Bathroom • Bathtub or shower • Laptop safe • Tile/Marble floor • View • Alarm clock • Wardrobe or closet • Mountain view • Terrace • Towels • Entire unit located on ground floor • Upper floors accessible by stairs only • Clothes rack • Drying rack for clothing • Toilet paper Parking: Free! Free private parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed). 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: 2 (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 Free parking 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 • Safe • Hairdryer • Desk • Sitting area • Free toiletries • Fan • Toilet • Private Bathroom • Bathtub or shower • Interconnecting room(s) available • Laptop safe • Tile/Marble floor • View • Alarm clock • Wardrobe or closet • Garden view • Terrace • Towels • Entire unit located on ground floor • Upper floors accessible by stairs only • Clothes rack • Drying rack for clothing • Toilet paper Parking: Free! Free private parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed). 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
	Double Room with Mountain View 2 full beds	Show prices
Start of dialog content Free parking Parking: Free! Free private parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed). 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
	Double Room with Garden View 2 queen beds	Show prices
Start of dialog content Free parking Parking: Free! Free private parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed). 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

Booked once in the last 1 hour

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

–

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 Spa
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

“Peaceful location with a great biodiversity around. How fascinating to wake up by the cries of the jungle :-) A real experience.”

Nadine

Luxembourg

8.7

“The hotel is well maintained. Rooms have AC. Really good size rooms and shower. Pool is awesome even though it was cold. Awesome walking trails which are perfec...”

Daniel

Canada

9.1

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

Christopher

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

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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.

Curfew

The entrance to the property is closed between 10:00 PM and 4:30 AM

Children & Beds

Children of all ages are welcome.

Children 9 and above are considered adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

This property doesn't offer cribs.

This property doesn't offer extra beds.

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.

“- Large, spacious and clean rooms - Beautiful view from room - Awesome sunset view over lake from the restaurant deck and bar - Excellent birding opportunities - Great breakfast - Lots of nature trails - Colorful frogs at the frog pond - Highly recommend for nature lovers”

“The staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful. They helped us organize tours and transportation. One staff member went above and beyond to make sure we were able to join our tour after a miscommunication. The grounds are beautiful! There are trails on the property that make for an amazing independent hike. I really enjoyed my stay here!”

“The free breakfast was perfect to fuel us for our daily hikes and excursions. It usually consisted of eggs, sausage, fruit, cheese, plantains, cereals, yogurt, and different types of pastry/bread items. Coffee, juices, water, and hot tea were also available. The observation deck located right outside of the restaurant offers amazing views of the volcano and many different types of birds. We were able to observe both spider and Capuchin monkeys swinging in the trees right from our patio which faced the forest. The free morning hike to the waterfall is a must-do! A visit to the frog pond at night is incredible, though you must bring a flashlight and watch for snakes. All of the staff members are helpful and pleasant, and the souveniers are 1/2 what you'd pay for in La Fortuna,”

“The trails in the hotel are good! They allowed us to explore, to be adventures and to see different wild animals. The spa was also very good. Margiri made us to feel relaxed. Happy hour was priceless! It was a very good hotel indeed.”

See all guest reviews for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

Newest Reviews for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

Reviewed: September 3, 2019

Matthew
United States of America
10

“Volcano Adventure”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Our guide Christian was amazing. We did 2 trips with him. The view of the volcano and the animals was amazing.

Stayed in August 2019
Reviewed: August 30, 2019

Pubali
Costa Rica

2 helpful votes
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
- Large, spacious and clean rooms - Beautiful view from room - Awesome sunset view over lake from the restaurant deck and bar - Excellent birding opportunities - Great breakfast - Lots of nature trails - Colorful frogs at the frog pond - Highly recommend for nature lovers

Stayed in August 2019
Reviewed: August 29, 2019

Pernille
Norway
8.8

“Autentic Costa Rica Experience :)”
- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Stayed 3 nights
The breakfast could have included more green vegetables.
Epic view from the restaurant to see the volcano!

Stayed in August 2019
Reviewed: August 24, 2019

Tatiana
United States of America
10

“The hotel offers great views of the volcano and the staff was remarkable.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Our stay was great!
The staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful. They helped us organize tours and transportation. One staff member went above and beyond to make sure we were able to join our tour after a miscommunication. The grounds are beautiful! There are trails on the property that make for an amazing independent hike. I really enjoyed my stay here!

Stayed in August 2019
Reviewed: August 22, 2019

Kam
United States of America
10

“What a wonderful stay. Definitely will be back.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Perhaps another restaurant to choose from.
Location

Stayed in August 2019
Reviewed: August 9, 2019

Anonymous
Ireland
10

“Amazing views”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Breakfast was an ok buffet but could have been better for cost.
Amazing views of the volcano, lovely bar for sunset views. Comfortable rooms and fantastic early morning walk which we saw plenty of wildlife

Stayed in July 2019
Reviewed: August 8, 2019

Lori
United States of America

1 helpful vote
9.6

“It felt like a magical place to be we loved it”
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The bed was not very comfortable but everything else was great
The food was excellent the service was excellent The view was magical we loved the property.

Stayed in July 2019
Reviewed: August 4, 2019

Anonymous
United States of America
9.6

“A nature lover’s playground”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Food in lodge was expensive for poor quality. I think people wouldn’t mind the high cost of the meals if the food was good, but it was average at best. The lodge is isolated so many people take all their meals there. Dinner averaged around $30 without a beverage..
The Guides, free nature walk, grounds and trails, pool, wildlife, private patio

Stayed in July 2019
Reviewed: July 28, 2019

Kathy
United Kingdom

1 helpful vote
10

“One of our favourite stays in Costa Rica”
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Stayed 1 night
It is set in an amazing location, with amazing trails, beautiful grounds, stunning views, lots of wildlife. The swimming pool and jacuzzi are an added bonus. The frog pond and the Nest are must visits. The food is great and there is a well stocked bar. The service is excellent with friendly and happy to help out staff.

Stayed in July 2019
Reviewed: July 28, 2019

Anonymous
United States of America
10

“Already planning the next stay”
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Great staff and food. The view from our room and the restaurant was second to none! The nature trails are full of wonderful surprises. We can’t wait to return.

Stayed in July 2019
Reviewed: July 26, 2019

Lillie
United States of America
10

“We had a great time.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 3 nights
The view was fantastic and the monkeys were fun to watch.

Stayed in July 2019
Reviewed: July 26, 2019

Peter
United States of America

1 helpful vote
9.6

“Great walks. Great views great location. Good food and great service.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
No refrigerator no ice in room. Would also like a small microwave.
Black beans and rice. Plantains and plenty of fruit. Every sever was enthusiastic about there job.

Stayed in July 2019
Reviewed: July 23, 2019

Laura
United States of America

3 helpful votes
10

“Did not disappoint & worth every penny”
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Stayed 4 nights
Nothing--this was my 3rd summer in a row staying at AOL, and I continue to visit for the reasons mentioned above.
The free breakfast was perfect to fuel us for our daily hikes and excursions. It usually consisted of eggs, sausage, fruit, cheese, plantains, cereals, yogurt, and different types of pastry/bread items. Coffee, juices, water, and hot tea were also available. The observation deck located right outside of the restaurant offers amazing views of the volcano and many different types of birds. We were able to observe both spider and Capuchin monkeys swinging in the trees right from our patio which faced the forest. The free morning hike to the waterfall is a must-do! A visit to the frog pond at night is incredible, though you must bring a flashlight and watch for snakes. All of the staff members are helpful and pleasant, and the souveniers are 1/2 what you'd pay for in La Fortuna,

Stayed in July 2019
Reviewed: July 5, 2019

David
United States of America
7.5

“Awesome”
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Bugs
It is a beautiful setting

Stayed in July 2019
Reviewed: June 28, 2019

Rocio
Colombia

1 helpful vote
10

“Hiking and adventurer trip”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
We missed the TV but it was ok to take a break from the outside world.
The trails in the hotel are good! They allowed us to explore, to be adventures and to see different wild animals. The spa was also very good. Margiri made us to feel relaxed. Happy hour was priceless! It was a very good hotel indeed.

Stayed in June 2019

Lodge Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

Most Popular Facilities

Bookers love...

Availability

Room Facilities:

Parking:

Room Facilities:

Parking:

Parking:

Parking:

Area Info

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

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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!