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.
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 - 11 min drive - 4.6 km
Arenal Volcano National Park - 22 min drive - 12.2 km
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 28 min drive - 15.4 km
Ecotermales Fortuna - 32 min drive - 21.6 km
La Fortuna Waterfall - 43 min drive - 28.2 km
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
Shangri-La Gardens - 21 min drive
Roca di Baldi Sports Bar - 29 min drive
Red Frog Coffee Roaster - 31 min drive
Restaurante El Jilguero - 5 min walk
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.
At a glance
Hotel size
48 rooms
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is noon
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 10 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
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
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)
Pets
No pets or service animals allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
Transfers
Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*
Offsite
Area shuttle*
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
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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