Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Restaurant/places to eat, Garden, Balcony/Terrace, Lobby or reception, Lounge or bar

4.6 / 5.0

Outstanding(1,520 Ratings)

Nature lodge in Alajuela Province

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating

Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind

High-end valuePrice for this property is higher than average in the area

About this nature lodge rental

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.

Amenities

Pool

Internet / Wifi

Smoking allowed

Parking

Laundry

Balcony or Patio

Hot tub or spa

Garden

Family friendly

Map of Alajuela Province

Nearby attractions

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park

65.2 mi

Sky Adventures Arenal Park

3.1 mi

100% Aventura

16.6 mi

Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto

71.5 mi

Available Rooms

2 Double • 215 ft²

Sleeps 4

You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing

2 Queen • 269 ft²

Sleeps 4

You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing

2 King • 1 King • 2 King • 1614 ft²

Sleeps 10

You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing

1 Queen • 1 Queen • 1614 ft²

Sleeps 8

You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing

1 Queen • 2152 ft²

Sleeps 2

You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing

££££

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

££££

4.6 / 5.0

Outstanding(1,520 Ratings)

Nature lodge in Alajuela Province

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating

Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind

High-end valuePrice for this property is higher than average in the area

About this nature lodge rental

Amenities

Pool

Internet / Wifi

Smoking allowed

Parking

Laundry

Balcony or Patio

Hot tub or spa

Garden

Family friendly

Map of Alajuela Province

Nearby attractions

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park

65.2 mi

Sky Adventures Arenal Park

3.1 mi

100% Aventura

16.6 mi

Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto

71.5 mi

Available Rooms

2 Double • 215 ft²

Sleeps 4

You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing

2 Queen • 269 ft²

Sleeps 4

You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing

2 King • 1 King • 2 King • 1614 ft²

Sleeps 10

You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing

1 Queen • 1 Queen • 1614 ft²

Sleeps 8

You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing

1 Queen • 2152 ft²

Sleeps 2

You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing

Ratings and reviews

4.6 / 5.0

Outstanding(1,520 Ratings)

100% verified reviews

5.0 / 5.0

Jul 2024

Unforgettable Place in Comfortable Distance to La Fortuna

Absolutely fantastic place. Best breakfast of all our places, eye-to-eye with the volcano. Plan on spending a whole day just to explore and enjoy the lush gardens, the view tower, the hanging bridges, … Swim in the waterfall on the property, hike miles of paths.

Nothing! Be aware that the rooms vary in view.

5.0 / 5.0

May 2024

Stunning views, beautiful grounds, and attentive staff all within short distance to adventurous activities.

For the price we paid, our expectations were well exceeded. The rooms were comfortable and we were very excited to see coati and other wildlife nearby. We could have spent even more time exploring the grounds. Special shout out to the staff who clearly went above and beyond to make us comfortable and did a great job.

4.5 / 5.0

May 2024

Memorable, nous recommandons vivement

Les lodges avec la vue sur la volcans sont magnifiques. La terrase du restaurant nous offre un coucher de soleil sur le lac memorable. Tout est fait pour passer un moment magique.

Les chambres près de la reception sont un peu bruyantes mais nous avons presque vécu avec des singes!

4.5 / 5.0

May 2024

So beautiful and peaceful. Would love to go back.

Stunning location. Beautiful walk out room that overlooks the amazing garden and forest. Breakfast was really good and not just buffet - but menu options too. Tons of fresh fruit and good coffee!

Rooms are bit dated. No mini fridge in rooms.

5.0 / 5.0

May 2024

Beautiful historic and well maintained property.

Beautiful property. Lots of flowers and birds.

We could only stay one night. We could easily have spent several days exploring.

5.0 / 5.0

May 2024

Amamos este lugar y fue impresionante la vista que posee, y la cercanía a la naturaleza.

La ubicación del hotel y la posición de la habitación que nos dieron, estar en contacto con la naturaleza y la torre de avistamiento, el trato del personal.

La cama me hubiese gustado que fuera más confortable

5.0 / 5.0

Apr 2024

Experiencia inolvidable

El detalle para la pareja de recién casados, quedaron super felices por el lugar

5.0 / 5.0

Mar 2024

Totalement incroyable et fantastique.

La vue incroyable sur le volcan Arenal. La disposition des fenêtres permet un prolongement du dehors. La villa est tout simplement incroyable. Nous avons mangé au restaurant et nous avons utilisé le shuttle et le personnel est aux petits soins. Incroyables service. Mille mercis!

Rien

5.0 / 5.0

Mar 2024

Birders paradise

Amazing property with lots of trails and wildlife. Great for birders. Great food at the restaurant.

No fridge or any way to cook your own food so be prepared to eat at the restaurant for every meal (the meals are delicious though and breakfast is free!)

5.0 / 5.0

Jul 2023

Exceptional

The location and view were spectacular. This is the best hotel we stayed at during our two weeks travelling in Costa Rica. The pool, hot-tub have an amazing view of Arenal and the grounds are gorgeous and meticulously kept. The included breakfast was delicious and had a view of Arenal and the lake.

4.5 / 5.0

Jul 2023

Superb

We loved the room with its terrace overlooking the lake. The room was really comfortable. Great ceiling fan and lovely to wake up to birdsong. The trails were easy to walk and the grounds closest to the buildings are immaculately maintained. The staff were very helpful. The free nature walk was a useful starting point but keen naturalists would certainly want to arrange more than this. Lots to see from the restaurant balcony and the lakeside rooms. Lots of monkeys easy to spot.

The food was our biggest disappointment. We knew it would be expensive and were happy to pay for that rather than travel into La Fortuna. However we found the choices very lacklustre and often quite tasteless. It seems a shame bearing in mind the ethos of the property that there wasn't a focus on healthier, fresher, more contemporary cuisine. We assumed that the menu was geared towards tour groups. Too many dishes included cream and limited fresh vegetables. The coffee shop made a great coffee but the snacks there were uninspiring too. You can't keep food in your room as there is no fridge so you need to accept what the restaurant prepares.

5.0 / 5.0

Jul 2023

Amazing Accommodation!

We had an AMAZING stay - the staff went above and beyond (including having a birthday surprise waiting in the room)! The food was delicious, the views were gorgeous and the amentities were incredible! Highly recommend!

N/A

5.0 / 5.0

Jun 2023

Exceptional

Incredible location with an unbeatable view of the volanco. All the staff were amazing, so friendly and helpful and the surrounding rainforest and wildlife were stunning.

5.0 / 5.0

Jun 2023

Breathtaking views and ultimate relaxation!

Arenal Observatory Lodge was highlight of our trip to Costa Rica. Location and facilities are simply amazing. We didn’t expect to lay on our beds and watch volcano and toucans perched on the trees right by our windows! Staff is wonderful. Luis was our driver who picked us up in San Jose and told us a lot about area, tours and facilities during our ride. He was attentive and caring. He also delivered sunglasses we forgot in the shop in La Fortuna, was very kind of him. Carlos from reception helped us to receive our luggage which was delayed by airline. He informed us when luggage finally arrived. Trails are in very good conditions and have protection from rain every km or so. Trails were easy or moderate, so even my mum who is 64 coped with them and truly enjoyed it. Food in the restaurant is very tasty and well presented. Thanks to everyone in the Lodge who made our stay unforgettable!

Nothing really to report. Only one small thing was that there were workers with some devices blowing the leaves from the roads which was a bit noisy. But it was very short time, so we can’t really complain.

4.5 / 5.0

Jun 2023

beautiful location!

well maintained

would not stay in casona again-too noisy

4.5 / 5.0

May 2023

legendary

everything the location the view the animals the staff everything

can’t find

5.0 / 5.0

May 2023

Exceptional

The staff, the food, and the walking tours were all amazing!! Plus, the view!!! Can’t ask for a better view.

4.5 / 5.0

Apr 2023

amazing! breathtaking! memorable!

the location, staff and accommodations are unbeatable! we had a wonderful time and are looking forward to coming back next spring.

the villa needs some updating

5.0 / 5.0

Apr 2023

Incredible place that avoids the mayhem of fortuna

stunning location views and walks perfect The free guided walk in am was brilliant

They were unclear about payment at check out. we had already paid a large proportion and they reswipped my card for the full amount and more. Created a great deal of anxiety at check out. All resolved with in a week post departure but all issues could have been avoided with better management

4.5 / 5.0

Apr 2023

We had a superb stay - trails with wildlife were excellent . The vipers and tree frogs were awesome.

The grounds were excellent for wildlife - it was very biodiverse. The staff at reception were also super helpful. LOVED the happy hour pina coladas!!

The food - very expensive for the poor quality.

4.5 / 5.0

Mar 2023

Superb

LOCATION

4.5 / 5.0

Mar 2023

This hotel is a gem. Beautiful surroundings and knowledgable guides

the staff were friendly and helpful. We went on the free early morning guided walk which helped us to get our bearings and see some of the wildlife and gardens. There are lots of trails and walks. The food was good and our room had beautiful views of the volcano when the weather was clear.

We had to reserve and book times to eat our meals which was slightly inconvenient.

4.5 / 5.0

Mar 2023

Wonderful views of lake and volcano. Great variety of birdlife, with viewing areas, good breakfast

View

5.0 / 5.0

Mar 2023

Wonderful experience for the whole family.

it’s absolutely gorgeous!!! wonderful walks to explore in the day and evening.

one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve stayed at in the world. don’t even think of going elsewhere.

4.5 / 5.0

Mar 2023

Superb

Stunning landscapes and hiking trails, wonderful peaceful spot in nature. Nice sized rooms and the staff was helpful and friendly.

The restaurant is extremely overpriced, relatively disappointing and there's nowhere else to eat.

5.0 / 5.0

Feb 2023

Beautiful getaway in the rainforest.

Everything about this stay was amazing. Right in the rainforest next to the volcano. Unreal place with many cool birds. The grounds were stunning with many trails to explore. The pool and warm pool were very clean and relaxing. Chill vibes. The frog pond was super cool, saw a bunch of red eyed tree frogs at night. Staff were very hospitable. Restaurant has delicious food for a great price. Would have stayed longer! Also had great free breakfast. Don’t forget your raincoat!

There was no kitchen so eating at the restaurant every day for more than two days could get a little old and expensive but definitely worth it for the location.

5.0 / 5.0

Jan 2023

very nice to have a home base as we did things throughout the day

very clean and has everything you need!

3.5 / 5.0

Jan 2023

Good hotel but resting on its laurels

Great location for volcano and birds

No shuttle service to town despite it being advertised on their website

5.0 / 5.0

Jan 2023

Exceptional

Wow if we could give more than a 10 we would. Arenal Lodge was absolutely fantastic - we had incredible view of the volcano and a lovely room. Staff were very friendly, food was delicious from the restaurant and we'd definitely recommend doing the free guided nature walk.

4.0 / 5.0

Oct 2022

Privileged view of the Arenal volcano

Undoubtedly with an incredible landscape in front of the Arenal volcano. Comfort room. Beautiful trails inside the hotel.

Overall, I liked it a lot, but I found it far from the center of La Fortuna. You have to have a car, there is a piece of dirt road with many holes. I think the furniture is old and the breakfast was very limited.

4.5 / 5.0

Oct 2022

I would of liked to have stayed for longer.

This is my third visit to the Observatory Lodge I was not disappointed I love the new museum and cafe building everywhere is maintained to a very high standard and the staff are very helpful.

there’s nothing I didn’t like. if you love wildlife this is the hotel for you!

5.0 / 5.0

Oct 2022

Exceptional

view, restaurant

road to the hotel is bumpy

4.5 / 5.0

Oct 2022

A good place for a few days of comfort with some interesting wildlife to hand.

Top class location and service - though it obviously comes at a price. No nearby restaurants other than the hotel's own (which is relatively expensive). Rooms spacious, very comfortable. Superb gardens full of good flowering bushes for feeding hummingbirds.

Only some rooms come equipped with fridges (useful as the hotel bar charges top prices for beer). The trails through good forest were more limited than I expected - most go through/around cleared farmland. The gate only opened at 05:30 in the morning, so too late for any spotlighting along the access road, although you can park at the gate and walk down the road before dawn.

FAQs

How much does this nature lodge cost compared to others in Alajuela Province?

The average price for a rental in Alajuela Province is £72 per night. This rental is £45 above the average.

Is parking included with this nature lodge?

Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this nature lodge?

Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails. Enjoy the water!

Is Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails pet friendly?

Unfortunately, this nature lodge is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"

What amenities are available at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, internet / wifi, smoking allowed, parking, and laundry.

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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Nature lodge in Alajuela Province

Reasons to book

About this nature lodge rental

Amenities

Map of Alajuela Province

Nearby attractions

Available Rooms

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Nature lodge in Alajuela Province

Reasons to book

About this nature lodge rental

Amenities

Map of Alajuela Province

Nearby attractions

Available Rooms

Ratings and reviews

FAQs

How much does this nature lodge cost compared to others in Alajuela Province?

Is parking included with this nature lodge?

Is there a pool at this nature lodge?

Is Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails pet friendly?

What amenities are available at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

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