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Check-in
22Mar2026Select date
Check-out
23Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

24 Km Oeste De La Fortuna De San Carlos, La Fortuna, Costa Rica, 13411-1000
-
Near Arenal Volcano National Park
Perfect
9.0
9.7
/10
4.8
4.7
/5

Location

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails sits within a private nature reserve in Arenal Volcano National Park, boasting 870 acres of diverse ecosystems. It is the closest hotel to Arenal Volcano, Cerro Chato, and Lake Arenal, providing unparalleled access to panoramic views and outdoor activities. The lodge is strategically located just 16 kilometers from the town of La Fortuna, a perfect starting point for exploring the Arenal area.

Rooms

The lodge offers 48 comfortable rooms spread across various buildings, each featuring natural ventilation and spectacular views. Smithsonian and Junior Suite rooms include private balconies directly overlooking Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. La Casona and the two family-sized villas, Phil's Villa and White Hawk Villa, provide additional spacious accommodations for larger groups and families.

Dining

Dining at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails takes place at the 'El Jilguero' restaurant, which offers large windows for captivating views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. Guests can enjoy a substantial breakfast selection including fresh juices and Costa Rica's traditional 'gallo pinto.' The restaurant also serves exquisite a la carte lunches and dinners featuring local and international cuisine.

Wellness

The Observatory Spa provides a range of personalized treatments, including relaxing and deep tissue massages, set within a tranquil rainforest environment. Guests can unwind in the jacuzzi after a day of hiking or exploring the lodge's trails. The spa treatments draw inspiration from the natural surroundings, focusing on restoration and rejuvenation.

Activities

Guests have access to more than 11 kilometers (7 miles) of trails for hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking throughout the extensive property. The lodge is well-known for its birdwatching opportunities, with over 500 bird species identified in the area. Guided tours are available to enrich the experience, including night tours to discover the wildlife that inhabits the jungle.

Highlights

Location: Closest hotel to Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal

Rooms: Smithsonian and Junior Suite rooms with volcano views

Dining: 'El Jilguero' restaurant with breathtaking views

Wellness: Personalized treatments at Observatory Spa

Activities: More than 11 kilometers of well-maintained trails

Family-Friendly: Children aged 8 and under stay free

Must-do experiences

  • Visit La Fortuna Waterfall for a refreshing swim and views.
  • Try Casados at Soda La Hormiga for an authentic local meal.
  • Explore the ancient petroglyphs at the Cabanga Indigenous site.
  • Take a night tour at the Arenal Observatory for incredible wildlife.
  • Stroll through La Fortuna's artisan market for unique souvenirs.
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Select your room type

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Standard Room Waterfall
2 persons
270 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Balcony
Smithsonian Room Waterfall
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Balcony
La Casona Rooms Share Bathroom & Private Room
2 persons
2155 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
White Hawk Villa Waterfall
2 persons
1615 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Shower
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Facilities

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.1/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Free parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Cycling
  • Table tennis
  • Fishing

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Housekeeping
  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink
  • Happy hour

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches

Children

  • Cots
  • Board games
  • Children's menu
  • Children's pool
  • Children's play area
  • Game room

Spa & Leisure

  • Infinity pool
  • Sun loungers
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Jacuzzi
  • Body scrub
  • Facial
  • Treatment room
  • Body wraps
  • Full body massage
  • Pool with view
  • Shallow end

Room features

  • Sitting area
  • Dressing area
  • Patio
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
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Dining Onsite

Dining at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails centers around El Jilguero, a cozy venue that serves delightful local cuisine amidst the beauty of the Costa Rican landscape. Guests can indulge in hearty breakfasts and flavorful dishes while soaking in the natural surroundings, making every meal a tranquil experience.
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails La Fortuna Restaurant photo

El Jilguero

Local
Ambiance
Set in a warm and inviting space, El Jilguero offers a rustic yet comfortable atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Key Offerings
Savor an ample breakfast selection featuring hot coffee, fresh juices, and traditional dishes such as Costa Rica's famous 'gallo pinto' made with rice and black beans, complemented by homemade breakfast bread.
Reservation
Not needed.
Open daily from 07:00 to 20:30.

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Location

24 Km Oeste De La Fortuna De San Carlos, La Fortuna, Costa Rica, 13411-1000
Map view
24 Km Oeste De La Fortuna De San Carlos, La Fortuna, Costa Rica, 13411-1000
Nearby
Park
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa
1100 ft
Restaurants
El Jilguero restaurant
1200 ft
Arenal Observatory Lodge
Explore La Fortuna
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park
25 minutes' walk
Home to spectacular views and diverse wildlife, this park features trails through lush forest and volcanic landscapes.
La Fortuna Arenal Volcano Rain Forest Reserve
La Fortuna Arenal Volcano Rain Forest Reserve
30 minutes walking
Rich in biodiversity, this reserve includes hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views of the area's flora and fauna.
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa
4 minutes' walk
An informative site offering exhibits on the area's natural history along with proximity to the stunning Arenal Volcano.
Hiking Trails
25 minutes walking
Venture into Arenal Volcano National Park for exhilarating hikes with stunning views and unique wildlife encounters.
Relaxing Hot Springs
10 minutes' drive
Get rejuvenated at nearby hot springs like Tabacon, where natural thermal waters provide a perfect relaxation experience.
Sky Trek Sky Tram
Sky Trek Sky Tram
35 minutes walking
Experience thrilling zip-lining and breathtaking tram rides that offer stunning aerial views of the Arenal landscape.
El Jilguero Restaurant
5 minutes' walk
A cozy spot featuring traditional Costa Rican dishes with a local flair; try their famous Casado for a full meal.
Don Rufino
10 minutes' drive
A sophisticated dining experience offering a mix of Costa Rican and international cuisine with a stylish atmosphere.
Arenal Natura Ecological Park
10 minutes' drive
Engage with local wildlife in an interactive environment; family-friendly with guided tours to enhance the experience.
Regular Live Music Events
10 minutes' drive
Various local bars host live music across genres, offering great atmosphere for relaxed evenings or lively nights out.
Getting around
City Centre
La Fortuna13 min  ·  5.0 mi
Airports
La Fortuna (fon)47 min  ·  19.4 mi
Liberia Airport (LIR)207 min  ·  85.8 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-12:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible at a location nearby for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails serves a full breakfast for free. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
42

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 835 verified reviews
9.2/10
Perfect
96%
Recommend
Breakfast
7.6/10
Cleanliness
9.3/10
Comfort
9.3/10
Facilities
9.1/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.9/10
Location
9.4/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.3/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.4/10
Pros
Beautiful views
Delicious breakfast
Friendly staff
Cons
Thin walls
Pricey food
Unexplained happy hour
Guest reviews
based on 1445 reviews
9.0/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails
How far is Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails from La Fortuna?
The hotel is located 22 km from La Fortuna.
What is the closest airport to Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
Aeropuerto de La Fortuna is 35 km away from the hotel.
What main facilities are available at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, spa, games room, and a bird sanctuary.
What room amenities can I expect at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
Rooms feature ceiling fans, safety boxes, private bathrooms, and furnished terraces.
What dining options are available at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
The hotel has an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers a bar for drinks.
Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offer any wellness services?
Yes, the hotel features a spa that offers body treatments, facials, and a hot tub.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 12:00.
Is parking available at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
Complimentary private parking is available on-site without a reservation.
How can guests travel to and from the airports when staying at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
The hotel offers paid transportation services to and from San José and Liberia airports.
Is there an opportunity for outdoor activities at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
Guests can enjoy hiking, cycling, and wildlife observation on the property's extensive trail system.
What breakfast options are available at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
Breakfast includes options like gallo pinto, fresh juices, cereals, eggs, and homemade bread.
What types of rooms are available at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
Room types include Smithsonian Rooms with panoramic views and Standard Rooms with private balconies.
What activities are included during a stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?
All guests receive a guided morning walk and access to the hotel's breakfast buffet.

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