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!)

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.

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.

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!

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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.

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.

well maintained

would not stay in casona again-too noisy

everything the location the view the animals the staff everything

can’t find

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

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

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

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.

LOCATION

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.

View

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.

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.

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.

very clean and has everything you need!

Great location for volcano and birds

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

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.

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.

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!

view, restaurant

road to the hotel is bumpy

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.