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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

3.0 star property
Family-friendly 3-star lodge near Butterfly Conservatory

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Terrace/patio
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine
White Hawk Villa
Front of property
Poolside bar

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

View in a map
22 km Oeste de la Fortuna de San Carlos, 1.7 km del Volcán Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007
  • Place, Arenal Volcano National Park
    ‪1 min walk‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(31 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Superior Room, Mountain View

Superior Room, Mountain View

Superior Room, Mountain View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(33 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for White Hawk Villa

White Hawk Villa

White Hawk Villa

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Mountain view
  • 20 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 8
  • 2 King Beds, 2 Twin Beds and 2 Twin Trundle Beds

View all photos for Phil's Villa + Waterfall

Phil's Villa + Waterfall

Phil's Villa + Waterfall

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Mountain view
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 10
  • 3 Queen Beds

View all photos for House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(6 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the area

La Fortuna

In La Fortuna .You'll be within 3 miles (5 km) of Lake Arenal and 6 miles (10 km) of Costa Rica Sky Adventures with a stay here. Butterfly Conservatory is within 6 miles (10 km) and Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is within 9 miles (15 km).
View more Lodges in La FortunaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shangri-La Gardens - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Virgita Ristorante - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Lemnos Wetbar - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Las Palmas - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Baldi Premium Bar - ‬29 min drive

About this property

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Family-friendly 3-star lodge near Butterfly Conservatory
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers its guests a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. WiFi is free in public spaces.

There are 2 meeting rooms available. A children's pool, a library, and a terrace are also featured at the family-friendly Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) and an area shuttle are available for a fee. Self parking is free.

This Colonial La Fortuna lodge is smoke free.

  • 48 guestrooms or units
  • Built in 1992
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Game room or arcade
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gift shop
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers 48 accommodations with laptop-compatible safes and coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping is provided daily.
Guests can pamper themselves with a trip to the onsite 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.

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  • Breakfast included
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includes taxes & fees
May 29 - May 30
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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Pool gate

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's pool
  • Ecotours
  • Foosball table
  • Full-service spa
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Horseback riding/rentals
  • Hot tub
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Table tennis
  • TV in common areas

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Pool access ramp on site
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • LED lighting
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 10 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 8 years old and younger stay free, per registered adult, when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 200 per accommodation, per night

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 225 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 7)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit or credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and cash. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Up to 2 children 8 years old and younger stay free, per registered adult, in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is 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

How close is Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails to the airport?

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is 15.3 mi (48-min drive) away from the La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

As of May 13, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails on May 17, 2026 start from CA $156, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails have an airport shuttle?

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers an airport shuttle 24 hours a day, on request, for a charge of USD 225 per vehicle, one-way.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offer free breakfast?

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers free cooked-to-order breakfast every day from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM.

Is there a casino at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

No, there is no casino at this lodge.

What time is check-in at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM.

Is there free parking at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

This lodge offers free self parking.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails have a pool?

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails features an outdoor pool and a children's pool. Guests can enjoy pool access from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails have a restaurant?

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is home to El Jilguero, which features international cuisine.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails have a spa?

This lodge has a spa, which features detox wraps, body treatments, and prenatal massages.

How close is Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails to downtown La Fortuna?

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is 4.9 mi away from La Fortuna.

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 794 out of 985 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 147 out of 985 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 34 out of 985 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 985 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 985 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

ron

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
First class experiences. The staff were wonderful.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Nils

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic rooms and great location with multiple daily feedings of the local bird population. Beautiful property and walking trails. Easy check in and helpful staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Todd, Montrose

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a wonderful stay. Clean, great bed, attentive and helpful staff, food was excellent, massage was great too!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Raja

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth Del, Hialeah

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Erin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best place to stay in La Fortuna! This lodge was truly special, and has so much to offer we barely needed to leave the grounds. Booking nature walks and guided tours on the premises was super easy and convenient. Eduardo is the main guide and he is so knowledgeable! Facilities were clean and beautiful. We saw so many birds just from our window into the garden. Mario in the restaurant was very personable and made us feel welcome each time we dined. Could not recommend this place anymore!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean rooms and excellent service from all.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Austin

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The first thing you notice at Arenal Observatory Lodge is the spectacular grounds! There are many opportunities for gentle walks and hikes on the property. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The rooms had everything we needed but were basic, not luxurious.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

Liked: Cleanliness
Yes the staff was great!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Vincent, Kent

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Incredible grounds excellent service birding was top 10, however due to the significant rain and fog, we were unable to see the volcano
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

kevin, Salem

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
2nd time we have stay there , staff is outstanding, accommodation is outstanding, the guide was fantastic Edward, he was fun, great place even with a lot of rain
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Janice

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was nice, big enough, excellent view, great shower. You feel like you are in the jungle. Saw birds, monkeys, and much more. Great hiking trails. Enchanting place.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kurt

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were very clean and spacious. The food was great. The trails around the resort let you be a part of nature.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kelsi

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was perfect with a beautiful view! The staff was friendly and the property was amazing!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Liza

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property with stunning views and scenic trails. The restaurant is convenient, though the food quality could be improved.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

SAURABH

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Road which leads to the observatory lodge was horrible. I was driving at night around 9 pm and it was pitch dark, the last 4 km was a pstch with gravel road and god forbid anything goes wrong you are on your own.. no resque wiil be available
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved this property. The free guided walks are amazing. I saw sleeping frogs and humming birds and learned so much about the plant life and also the history of the lodge. Edward was a great guide! The breakfast was tasty and the room was immaculate. My kids appreciated the pool. I just loved walking the grounds and the view from the restaurant. Fantastic place and would recommend a stay here.
Walking to the game room
Arenal volcano
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alejandro

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything is amazing! Wildlife, facilities, hiking, staff. Second time staying here. Love it.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yvette

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location, it's absolutely breathtaking. Nothing compares. Sitting on the deck, watching the bird feeder and seeing all the different birds swooping in, the coatis running around. The food is pretty good too but keep in mind, you'll end up having dinner here. Can't recommend driving at night if you want to eat dinner in La Fortuna. The grounds are well-kept and the trails are good. You can easily walk the whole day. Don't forget to go to the Nest for a good view.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Miroslav, San Diego

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean facility with beautiful view, hiking trails, and and other entertaining contents. The food in the restaurant is just average but well overpriced.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

EWEI

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
接近大自然的环境，暖心的服务，满带笑容的工作人员，安全的保护。谢谢
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra, Edmonton

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our best experience in Costa Rica. Phenomenal birding area. Exceptional restaurant! We stayed in the Casona and were pleasantly surprised with the accommodation and beautiful views of Lake Arenal and the volcano from our room. Thanks especially to Howard and Daniel in the restaurant, and our morning walk with Cristian - you made our stay even more special!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angeliki

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing location, with a beautiful view of Arenal Volcano (assuming it's not cloudy and rainy). We only partially saw it since we had cloudy and rainy weather when we were there. Very close to Arenal Volcano National Park, and Arenal 1968 for more trails. Breakfast is included and is really good. We also enjoyed our dinners at the on-site restaurant, as well as the trails on the property. The trail to the waterfall was really nice. We also enjoyed our complimentary nature walk in the morning, and the paid guided night tour. From the deck outside the restaurant, you can enjoy all sorts of birds who come to the birdfeeder and also see the monkeys in the trees. The only minor issue was that the morning before our arrival, I received an email informing me that there would be a deposit of $100 for each night, which is typical and we had no issues. When we arrived, the girl at the reception said it changed and it's now $200 per night. I thought that was weird, but again had no issues since we knew it would be released in a week or so. The staff was friendly. There's a jacuzzi and a pool. Overall we had a very enjoyable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025