Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

–Excellent location - show map
+166 photos
Scored 9.1
Rated superb

Excellent location!

9.5

You might be eligible for a Genius discount at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails. To check if a Genius discount is available for your selected dates sign in.

Genius discounts at this property are subject to book dates, stay dates and other available deals.

About this property

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 & Trails is located within the Arenal Conservation Area, only 2.7 km 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 & Trails 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 28 m. (92 ft.) wildlife observation tower, The Nest. Arenal Lake is an excellent site to practice sports fishing. There are also 11 km 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 9 km from the hot springs at Tabacon River and 22 km from La Fortuna Village. The Daniel Oduber International Airport is 2 hours and 30 minutes’ drive away.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.4 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Most popular facilities

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Spa and wellness centre
  • Airport shuttle
  • Restaurant
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Bar
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms

Property highlights

Perfect for a 3-night stay!

  • 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

Options with:

  • Mountain view

  • Landmark view

  • Terrace

  • Garden view

  • FREE private parking!

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Availability

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Smithsonian Room + Waterfall
  • Non-refundable
  • Pay the property before arrival
Buffet breakfast included
  • 2 large double beds
US$970 for 3 nights
Reserve
  • You won't be charged yet

Error: Please select one or more options you want to book

Select a room type and the number of rooms you want to reserve.
Room type Number of guests Today's price Your choices

To save you time, we’ve selected this property’s typical room type for two people. You can always change room type or quantity below.

Select amount
Smithsonian Room + Waterfall
  • 2 large double beds
215 feet²
Balcony
Garden view
Mountain view
Landmark view
Patio
Ensuite bathroom
Terrace
  • Free toiletries
  • Safety deposit box
  • Toilet
  • Bath or shower
  • Towels
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Desk
  • Seating Area
  • Private entrance
  • Tea/Coffee maker
  • Hairdryer
  • Fan
  • Dressing room
  • Alarm clock
  • Laptop safe
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Clothes rack
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Toilet paper
Max persons: 2
US$323 per night
Original price
US$1,101.78
Last-minute Deal
- US$132.21
You’re getting a reduced rate because this property is offering a discount.
Total before taxes
US$969.57
US$323 is the average price per night. This excludes taxes and charges.
12% off
12% off
You’re getting a reduced rate because this property is offering a Last-minute Deal.
Excluded: 13 % VAT
  • Good breakfast included
  • Non-refundable
  • Pay the property before arrival
  • discount may be available
  • •
    We have 1 left
  • You won't be charged yet
Limited supply in Fortuna for your dates: 1 three-star lodge like this is already unavailable on our site

Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free WiFi

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Guests who stayed here loved

Keith
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Fantastic location, but a little tricky to get to, I recommend using a 4x4. The lodge lived up to its Eco credentials. There are many trail walks to accommodate people of all ages and fitness. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and...”
Balint
Hungary Hungary
“Location is actually in the protected natural reserve. 350 hectare park contains well designed flower park full of colibris, primary forest, water fall. We stayed in a separate building, with direct view to Arenal and the forest: at the morning,...”
Dganit
Israel Israel
“Amazing hotel one of the best in Costa Rica the rooms are big and comfortable , the view of the arenal volcano mountain , breakfast is nicely served , the team was so welcoming , a perfect hotel in a prefect location”
Andrea
Costa Rica Costa Rica
“The property is beautiful. The volcano is so close (if not cloudy/raining), so many birds and nature, is amazing. The trails are well taken care of and the staff is nice and always happy to help if any questions. Free activities to enjoy.”
Chinwe
Ireland Ireland
“Excellent property! The views were stunning. Friendly and welcoming staff”
P
Netherlands Netherlands
“Seeing so many different bird species from our room balcony was a real bonus”
B
Germany Germany
“It really is an amazing place to stay. Staff is super friendly and we even got an upgrate because the WiFi wasn't working for one day. We extended two times because we loved it so much! Especially for birding and all kind of animals (we saw 5...”
Katie
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“The location, surroundings and facilities are all stunning”
Claire
South Africa South Africa
“Wonderful position, lovely food, great trails around the lodge”
Brian
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Our bedroom was a good size, modern decor and high quality build. The terraze was a fabulous place to see the wildlife. Due to its location there's no need to go out of the grounds as plenty to do and see. Lots of trails, guided tours where you...”

Property surroundings

Restaurants

1 restaurant on site
El Jilguero
  • Cuisine
    Local

House rules

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails takes special requests - add in the next step!
Check-in
From 15:00 to 22:00
Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
Check-out
From 07:00 to 12:00
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Curfew
Entry to the property will be closed between the hours of 23:00 and 05:00
Refundable damage deposit
A damage deposit of US$500 is required on arrival. This will be collected by credit card. You should be reimbursed within 7 days of check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full via credit card, subject to an inspection of the property.
Children and beds

Child policies

Children of any age are welcome.

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

Cot and extra bed policies

0 - 3 years
Cot upon request
Free

The number of cots allowed is dependent on the option you choose. Please check your selected option for more information.

There are no extra beds available at this property.

All cots are subject to availability.

Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Accepted payment methods
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The fine print

Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Please note that the road to reach this lodge is not in optimal conditions. Some guests may prefer to rent a 4x4 vehicle to reach the property.

Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

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

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

Food & beverage services at this property may be limited or unavailable due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property is taking steps to help protect the safety of guests and staff. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result.

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property has reduced reception and service operating hours.

In accordance with government guidelines to minimise transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property may request additional documentation from guests to validate identity, travel itinerary and other relevant information, during dates where such guidelines exist.

A damage deposit of US$500 is required on arrival. This will be collected by credit card. You should be reimbursed within 7 days of check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full via credit card, subject to an inspection of the property.