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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

3.0 star property
Unwind by taking in breathtaking views of Lake Arenal or let your hair down at the playground and arcade/game room.

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Photo gallery for Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room | In-room safe, bed sheets
Poolside bar
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine
Outdoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, sun loungers
White Hawk Villa | In-room safe, bed sheets
Nestled near Lake Arenal, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offers a serene retreat with free breakfast, a garden, and an on-site spa. Take in the views from the terrace or enjoy activities like hiking/biking and horseback riding. With high-speed WiFi in public areas, an outdoor pool with sun loungers for relaxing afternoons.
VIP Access

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Bar
  • Pool

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Full-service spa
  • Outdoor pool
  • Children's pool
  • Hot tub
  • 2 meeting rooms
  • Airport shuttle
  • Area shuttle
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Arcade/game room

Feel at home (6)

  • Children stay free
  • Children's pool
  • Playground on site
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
The current price is $136
includes taxes & fees
$120 per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

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

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room | In-room safe, bed sheets

House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Yard
5 bedrooms
Ceiling fan
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Laptop-compatible safe
Living room
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 4 Queen Beds

View all photos for Superior Room, Mountain View

Superior Room, Mountain View | In-room safe, bed sheets

Superior Room, Mountain View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Yard
Free cribs/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Laptop-compatible safe
  • 215 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for White Hawk Villa

White Hawk Villa | In-room safe, bed sheets

White Hawk Villa

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Yard
Free cribs/infant beds
2 bedrooms
Ceiling fan
Eco-friendly toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
Laptop-compatible safe
  • 215 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 8
  • 2 King Beds, 2 Twin Beds and 2 Twin Trundle Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | In-room safe, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Yard
Free cribs/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Laptop-compatible safe
  • 269 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Phil's Villa

Phil's Villa | In-room safe, bed sheets

Phil's Villa

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Yard
3 bedrooms
Ceiling fan
3 bathrooms
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 10
  • 3 Queen Beds

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9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (1006)
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort
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About the neighborhood

Map
22 km Oeste de la Fortuna de San Carlos, 1.7 km del Volcán Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007

What's nearby

  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures - 13 min drive
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 17 min drive
  • Arenal Volcano - 17 min drive
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 26 min drive
  • La Fortuna Waterfall - 38 min drive

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 50 min drive
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 45.7 miles/73.5 km
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Virgita Ristorante - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Río Lounge - ‬39 min drive
  • ‪Agua Ardiente Pool Bar - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Red Frog Coffee Roaster - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪North Fields Café - ‬32 min drive

About this property

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails puts you within a 15-minute drive of Lake Arenal. Guests can visit the spa to indulge in deep-tissue massages, aromatherapy, or reflexology, and international cuisine is served at El Jilguero, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. An outdoor pool, a bar/lounge, and a hot tub are other highlights at this Colonial lodge. The helpful staff and overall property condition get great marks from fellow travelers.

Languages

English, Spanish

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 48 rooms
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is noon
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 10 PM
    • Front desk staffed during limited hours
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • Up to 2 children (8 years old and younger) stay free, per registered adult, when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
    • No cribs (infant beds)
DONE

Pets

    • No pets or service animals allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free onsite self parking
    • Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*
DONE

Offsite

    • Area shuttle*
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast each morning 6:30 AM–8:30 AM
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge

Traveling with children

  • Children stay free (see details)
  • Children's pool
  • Playground
  • Pool gate

What to do

  • Ecotours
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Horse riding/rentals
  • Foosball
  • Table tennis
  • Bicycle rentals nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Ziplining nearby
  • Hot springs nearby
  • Fishing nearby

Working away

  • 2 meeting rooms

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Pool loungers

Facilities

  • Built in 1992
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Library
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Television in common areas
  • An outdoor pool
  • Arcade/game room
  • Full-service spa
  • Hot tub
  • Massage/treatment rooms
  • Colonial architecture

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • No elevator (single level property)
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Pool access ramp on site

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Ceiling fan
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Window screens

Sleep well

  • Bed sheets provided

What to enjoy

  • Balcony or patio
  • Yard

Freshen up

  • Shower only
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe (laptop compatible)
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • LED light bulbs

Special features

Spa

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.

Dining

El Jilguero - This family restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 225 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 7)
  • Area shuttle service is offered for an extra charge

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Policies

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector on site.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover

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

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Is there a pool at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Yes, there's an outdoor pool and a children's pool. Guests have pool access from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Are pets allowed at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Sorry, pets and service animals aren't allowed.

Is parking offered on site at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Yes, there's free self parking.

Is airport shuttle service offered by Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 225 per vehicle one-way.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

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

What is there to do at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails and nearby?

Have fun with onsite activities like horseback riding and hiking. Additional recreation onsite includes ecotours. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and soothe your senses in the hot tub. Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails also has an outdoor pool and an arcade, as well as a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails?

Yes, El Jilguero offers international cuisine.

Does Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails have any outdoor private spaces?

Yes, every room features a balcony or patio and a yard.

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Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful Grounds loved this hotel
Amazing grounds loved our stay. We had to do the shared bathroom room because only room available. It was loud when people got up but the grounds and staff are amazing. Highly recommend this hotel just try to get the normal rooms.
Paul, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Really great stay!
Chistopher, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Really great place!
Really great place!
Andreas, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Views were amazing and so was food and trails.
Lynnan, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Tremendous vistas, birding, nature trails fantastic staff and a very cool welcome.
Theresa, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

We truly enjoyed our experience. This was our second time at the Observatory. I would like to suggest handle bars on the showers. We came with our elderly parents and they were nervous to slip in the shower.
Guinevere, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful Gardens and trails
EDWARD, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful grounds, friendly staff, quiet and peaceful!
2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Wonderful and peaceful location.
Marie-Josée, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful property! They need to advertise more as we would have stayed an additional night. We weren't aware of free guided hikes, spa (with great prices!), etc. Views are amazing!
Sidney, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Fabulous!
Exceptional service and comfort. Amazing birding throught the property.
Gary, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful property with plenty to see both on the ground and in the vicinity. Great breakfast!
Daniel, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing view to Arenal Volcano, literally you have the volcano in front of you. Perfect choice to go relax maybe on a weekend and forget about stress and just connect with nature
Carlos, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Perfect hotel in front of Arenal
Great location, excellent service. It was just perfect. We liked everything about this hotel.
View from the room
Amazing view of Arenal
Geneviève, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Very nice place
Praveen, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

You can not beat the location and beauty of this property. The staff went above and beyond. The restaurant was great. Wildlife all around. Loved this stay.
Jennifer, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Warmest of recommendations
Truly amazing lodge with many different activities, great atmosphere and facilities, good food and super friendly and welcoming staff. On our five weeks round trip (we stayed at 15 different hotels) this was probably our favorite place.
Lasse, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great eco friendly hotel
Wonderful hotel with great views of the volcano. Could use some upgrades for the bed. Great service from the staff
Gary, 3-night trip

8/10 Very good

Beautiful grounds to walk around and explore the views and wildlife.
Duane, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The property is breath taking! So many beautiful plants and trees and we spotted wildlife at every turn and really enjoyed everything the property had to offer!
Laura, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

One of my favorite places in the world. We have been here three times in the last 14 years. Love the lodge, its proximity to raw nature, the thoughtful and kind people that work here, and the views. I would highly recommend staying here.
Katarzyna, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing place. The white hawk Villa is 5 star quality
Liat, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

This was an amazing property. Trails were beautiful. Waterfall was amazing. Breakfast buffet has everything you would want on your plate and dinner was very tasty
Casey, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The place is magical. No A/C but it wasn’t too hot. The restaurant is decent and the views of the volcano are to die for. It’s a bud watcher’s paradise and the trails are beautiful. I would stay at this resort again.
Samuel, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great for bird watching.
Alison, 3-night trip

General property information

Travelers Say
"Also the restaurant was amazing!"
Reasons to Book
Onsite Restaurant & Bar
Check-In Time
3:00 PM
Check-Out Time
12:00 PM