Arenal Observatory Lodge
Arenal
Arenal Observatory Lodge is a unique eco-lodge located outside La Fortuna and near Lake Arenal. The eco-lodge offers guests a unique location as it is located as close to the Arenal Volcano as you can get. Guests of Arenal Observatory Lodge will enjoy amenities such as swimming pool, internet access, restaurant, bar, tropical gardens, waterfall, wonderful birding, and nature trails.
The La Fortuna area offers plenty of activities such as the Hanging Bridges, Arenal Volcano Natural History and Nature Tour, bird watching tours, Cano Negro riverboat safari, Canopy zipline and the la Fortuna Waterfall. A visit to the Hanging Bridges is a wonderful experience for nature lovers that will enjoy the flora and fauna that the rainforest offers. This is a great tour to bring your camera and binoculars to spot the wild life in the early morning.
While there is plenty to do in the La Fortuna area, you may prefer hiking the trails in search of birds and wildlife at Arenal Observatory Lodge. You might also want to take a dip in the pool and gaze at the immense volcano right in front of you. You will be connected to the rest of the world as the eco-lodge offers internet service.
The rooms at Arenal Observatory Lodge include Standard Rooms, Casona rooms, Smithsonian Rooms, Junior Suites, and the White Hawk Villa.
The Standard room provides coffee maker, 2 queen beds, in-room safety deposit box and balcony with volcano view.
The Casona is ideal for group- or family accommodations and is set 500 meters off the main building. It provides safety deposit box, furnished outside seating area. Its 5 comfortable, value-priced rooms with a large terrace provide an impressive view of the volcano and Arenal Lake. The two large, comfortable bathrooms are shared by all La Casona guests.
The Smithsonian Room provides coffee maker, in-room safety deposit box, private bathroom and picture window with stunning volcano view.
The Junior Suite provides a small living room, coffee maker, private bathroom, mini refrigerator, in-room safety deposit box, and a large picture window and private deck with volcano view.
The White Hawk Villa is located about 800 meters from the main building. It provides a large, well-ventilated living room with Satellite TV, dining room, and fully-equipped kitchen. The lower level can accommodate eight people in its two bedrooms, each with private bathroom and in-room safe.
All accommodations include a guided morning hike along the property trails.
To sum it up, Arenal Observatory Lodge is a very good option for your La Fortuna eco-lodge. It offers one of the best views of Arenal Volcano from any vantage point of the property and is great for those seeking a quiet getaway.
Latitude: N 10° 26' 15.94"
Longitude: W 84° 42' 36.87"
06/04/2022
Sensational location to stay closest to the volcano. Only one restaurant on site
01/19/2022
The food at the restaurant was amazing, the staff was very friendly and helpful and the view from our cottage was stunning!
10/14/2021
Incredible hotel right next to the volcano!!
10/12/2019
Loved this hotel! The views and atmosphere were amazing. I will definitely go back. The beds weren't very comfortable, but overall we were very happy with our stay.
08/03/2019
Wonderful property, secluded, lots of wildlife, fantastic views of Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano. Lots of hiking trails and waterfalls! The only complaint I have is noisy people in the room next to ours and loud talking late at night outside our door. The hotel should emphasize "Quiet Time" and respect for the privacy of other guests.
07/30/2019
not a good choice if you do not have a car
04/30/2019
The most luxurious of all the places we stayed and well worth it. However, it is a little on the large side and, similar to Selva Verde, somewhat too impersonal. Hoping they won't expand as that would take away from the atmosphere.
03/09/2017
What a lovely spot -- on a gravel road, part of which goes further (way further!) to Rancho Margot -- but not nearly as long and bumpy a ride as to Rancho Margot. If your party has 4 or more people (up to 8) and you get a chance to book the White Hawk Villa at the Observatory Lodge, take it! It's only a 15-minute walk from Reception and Restaurant and has a totally unobstructed view of the Arenal Volcano, with no other buildings in sight. We spent lots of time just sitting on the deck looking at the great view of both the volcano and Arenal Lake. We were there for 3 nights and spent a 'free' day on the lodge grounds rather than booking an activity one day -- so two of us went on the free 2-1/2-hour guided nature walk offered by the lodge one morning. There are also many kilometres of rough tracks and trails to enjoy on the grounds.
07/07/2016
Staff worked hard to meet our needs. Great place. Just loved viewing volcano when it emerged! Very nicely appointed, large rooms. Perfect for family of four (once we were moved).
04/03/2016
The hotel location and staff are wonderful. Especially the staff who go out of their way to accomodate a LOT of people. The restaurant was not very good and since this property is a bit far from La Fortuna, it can be hard for meals. The view was spectacular. The rooms were smaller than I thought. We had requested the Smithsonian room, and in the pictures it looks large but it was quite standard.
