House Economy - Shared Bathroom - Private Room
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Reviews of Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

3 out of 5
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails
22 km Oeste de la Fortuna de San Carlos, 1.7 km del Volcán Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 563 out of 715 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 124 out of 715 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 21 out of 715 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 715 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 715 reviews" "

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 Excellent

Olga

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The view on Arenal volcano and the lake is magnificent. There are so many trails to explore. The territory is green with blooming flowers and and hundreds birds species
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marie-Josée

Travelled with family
Liked: Amenities
Wonderful and peaceful location.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Martha

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is an amazing property. Paradise. Without exception, the staff was kind, helpful, generous and accomodating with great recommendations on activities. We had a truly wonderful vacation.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

John

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely stunning property nestled in the National park. Views and hikes superb. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable. The waiters at restaurant were fantastic! Can't imagine a better resort!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
You're surrounded by stunning views and beautiful animals. The trails on the grounds provide a variety of difficulty and experiences. The rooms are huge, though lack of AC and bugs getting through screens can be a minor issue. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Bring a good camera and binoculars because you'll be enjoying the views a great deal. Also, the pool and jet tub were relaxing and enjoyable. The spa was wonderful and affordable.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very beautiful & serene
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
My wife and I stayed 4 nights at AOLT and it was delightful! The hotel is right next to the volcano and the sights were mesmerizing. Also the nightly sunsets from the elevated deck overlooking Arenal lake were amazing. And all the birds and even monkeys were a great treat to see. And the trails were much fun and we did them all, with one on horseback. Lastly, the staff and the dining was 5 star, every meal was delicious. We hope to come back I. The future and bring family/friends! Pure vida!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

carla

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Arenal observatory lodge have many things to offer! The hiking trails, the views, the accommodation itself. I stayed in the Casona bungalow. Though it has a shared bathroom, it didn’t bother me at all. I actually think it has the best location within the property. It is facing the arenal lake and just on the left side is the volcano. Perfect to watch the sunset from the viewpoint. The restaurant onsite also serves excellent food! The fruit juices are delicious (mango, soursop and Cas). The free breakfast is also great! My fave was the rancheros, so good! I did take an uber to get here and paid around 10,000 crc but booked a shuttle from there to Guanacaste. I also stayed in La Fortuna town and RIU in Guanacaste and Coco beach, but this was the highlight of my trip! I would definitely go back! Thank you Arenal Observatory!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Michelle, Pflugerville

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I loved this place. All the trails and nature! Very nice rooms, very kind staff. Only drawback is the lack of AC. However, at night with the patio doors open and the fan running, it was bearable. Be sure to take advantage of the free morning walking tour. I learned so much an about the flora and fauna.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aijing

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best spot for bird watching in the area. Sunset view from the restaurant is unbeatable. The volcano view room is amazing. We felt very lucky to be able to stay there.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is absolutely one of the best properties I’ve stayed near La Fortuna. From the time I arrived, front desk was helpful and informative. My room was not ready yet, but I occupied myself with a brief visit to their museum, sat/stood on the viewing deck observing birds feed on fruit, coatimundi roaming the garden, and listening to Yellow Throated Toucans chattering in the forest. View of Arenal Lake was wonderful! I stayed only 1 night, and wished I had stayed longer. I will plan on a longer stay in the near future. To truly enjoy Arenal Observatory Lodge and Trails, recommended stay is 2 or 3 nights to get the most of everything this property offers. I enjoyed my morning bird watching tour. My guide, Raul, and I found 43 species of birds in two hours. I walked a couple of trails alone after that. The wildlife is spectacular here as well as fantastic views of Arenal Volcano! My room was very comfortable and quiet, located across from the restaurant. Breakfast was very good with several selections to choose from. I did wait more than 30 minutes to be served my breakfast. Apparently, I was forgotten as I sat there observing other guests who arrived after me being served in a timely manner. That was the only flaw in service. Otherwise, everything else was satisfactory!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Praveen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice place
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Marlene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The place was great. 4/5 stars only because the food at the restaurant wasn’t good and overpriced. Other than that, everything was great.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

angela

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shawn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hongwei

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
great
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Duane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful grounds to walk around and explore the views and wildlife.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicente, Providence

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Closest hotel to Arenal Volcano with perfect unobstructed views from the rooms balconies. If you’re like birding this is the place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing location so closer to nature, lots of well signed walks, great guides and very good facilities. Staff were very helpful
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The 330 acre grounds were a highlight, with miles of walks through hummingbird gardens, tropical forest, hanging bridge, a swimmable waterfall etc. Too many species of birds to count. Restaurant and deck were terrific with unbelievable mountain, lake and bird views. Rooms are interspersed through the grounds; ours had an amazing mountain and garden view through enormous windows. Staff couldn't have been more helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

MARIANELA, HUNTINGTON PARK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric, Rochester

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It has a spectacular view. The grounds are gorgeous. The staff very friendly. Food very good. And the view!! Lovely walking trails and activities. We will be back! The only problem is that it is remote on a mountain. If you have a car, no problem. If you need transportation to La Fortuna it gets pricey.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Peiqing, Austin

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Because view. Nice breakfast and morning free tour.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

joseph

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The lodge and trails were beautiful. So much to see. The staff were so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We had a morning and evening walk with Christian #2 and saw so many things. He was wonderful. We can’t wait to come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

kelley

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Outstanding place to stay! Beautiful grounds, great accommodations and excellent staff! We saw so many wonderful birds thanks to their feeding station. We did their night walk tour and it was fascinating! I’d highly recommend staying here. You won’t be disappointed if your looking for beautiful grounds, great service and bird watching.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Graham

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Birds

10/10 Excellent

Douglas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

sushanta

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location of this property and the trails and overall maintenance and view of the Arenal Volcano. However the last 5-6 km from main road to this lodge needs to be paved. Its difficult to drive and specially in the night.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adetoun

Liked: Amenities

10/10 Excellent

Amol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gentry

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel was great and the views of the Volcano from your room was amazing. A lot of hiking trails…my only regret is not staying longer.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Irina

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful grounds with walking/hiking trails. Our room had a balcony with the lake view and it was amazing. Property offered a free guided nature tour in the morning for the guests. Full breakfast was included.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stunning location and view of the volcano. Great restaurant abd amenities!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Amenities
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pengzhi

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Denis, Manotick

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The trail system, the pool, the dining menu and the prime location all contributed to a positive experience at this lodge. This is our second visit at Arenal Observatory Lodge and we continue to appreciate the well maintained gardens and trails, as well as the variety of birds in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Becky

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My family and I loved the grounds- specifically picked this hotel for its natural surroundings. Beautiful property and large, so great for hiking. It is a bit more remote though and there is only one hotel restaurant but it was very good- it was just a bit pricey. We did not leave the hotel after it got dark (6pm) because the road conditions are not that great so our only real choice for dinner was at the hotel. Overall still an excellent stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael, Aspen

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Kristina

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Masarrat

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a great stay and we had a great time. Best views of the volcano. Bird viewing deck was a treat. The only thing the rooms were missing was a curtain/blinds for the bathroom sink area window. Lot of light was coming from outside so couldn't sleep well.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Derek

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best place in La Fortuna area…views and walking trails make the place very special. One of the kind not spoiled by mass tourism.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

6/10 Okay

Mark

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Although a bit above my usual hotel budget this property was excellent value. Beautiful location and huge grounds to explore. Helpful professional staff. Excellent breakfast and reasonably priced dinner menu.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

David

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Magical location. Beautiful property. Large, clean rooms.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

David

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The surrounding area is unbeatable.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jorge

Liked: Amenities
Tuvimos una experiencia muy bonita la vista es increíble la atención excelente gracias por todo
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023