24 Km Oeste De La Fortuna De San Carlos, La Fortuna, 13411-1000,
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Near Arenal Volcano National Park
Perfect
9.0
9.7
/10
4.8
4.7
/5
Loved by Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails guests
Amazing views
Free morning tours
Well-kept trails
Delicious breakfast
"We loved our 'Smithsonian room', with its ever-changing view of the Arenal volcano."
Ann V from Canada
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"Once you arrive there, you just notice that you're surrounded by magnificent gardens and you have at your disposal several trails."
Alberto from Portugal
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"Miles of trails, perfect for hiking and birding"
Ian from United States
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4-star Eco-Lodge at the foot of Arenal Volcano
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.
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
25 sq. feet
2 King Size Beds
Balcony
Shower
room details
Smithsonian Room Waterfall
2 persons
20 sq. feet
2 King Size Beds
Balcony
Shower
room details
La Casona Rooms Share Bathroom & Private Room
2 persons
200 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Shower
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.0/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
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.
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, 13411-1000,
Explore La Fortuna
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
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
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
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
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 Fortuna 13 min · 5.0 mi
Airports
Aeropuerto de La Fortuna (fon) 47 min · 19.4 mi
Liberia (LIR) 207 min · 85.8 mi
Interested in Exclusive Early Booking Rates?
Take advantage of special rates!
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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:
47
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 1622 verified reviews
9.4 /10
Perfect
96 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.3/10
Comfort
9.3/10
Facilities
9.0/10
Free WiFi
9.1/10
Location
9.5/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.3/10
Pros
Beautiful views
Delicious breakfast
Friendly staff
Cons
Thin walls
Pricey food
Unexplained happy hour
Guest reviews
based on 1423 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?