Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa offers an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 170.00 per vehicle one way. You can visit the spa to indulge in deep-tissue massages, body wraps, or aromatherapy, and international cuisine is served at Observatory, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There's an outdoor pool and a bar/lounge, and rooms at this Colonial lodge offer balconies or patios and free WiFi.
Beautiful Setting
Pros: We loved having so many hikes/walks to do right on the property and a very good restaurant as well. It was so nice having nature and animals outside our door each day. The staff was warm, welcoming, helpful and friendly. There were plenty of activities to do on the grounds for all ages: pool, foosball/game room, checkers, books, TVs in the main buildings and a hot tub.
Cons: Be aware that the Lodge is a 20-25 minute drive from La Fortuna up a somewhat rough dirt road. If you have your own vehicle it's easy to get to and from, but without a bit more challenging. There are taxis that cost $30 each way or a shuttle 3x/day from the lodge.
Pros: The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The grounds were amazing and we loved that we had access to the National Park trails. The Jacuzzi was a nice treat after a long day of hiking. The views were breath-taking! Access to other activities was relatively easy but the roads are not great. Town was about a 30 minute drive away. Nice breakfast buffet provided free of charge!
Cons: It would be nice to have screens on the front doors as well so you could have both the patio door (which had a screen) and front door open to allow a cross-breeze. The room became a bit stuffy and buggy during the day without this. Also it would be good if t pool was heated to allow swimming year round. The prices for food at the restaurant were expensive. The Happy Hour (2 for 1) would be better if they allowed for 2 different drinks vs. 2 of the same kind of drink. Finally a shuttle to town that ran even just 3 times a day would be a great perk!
Pros: Location, views and surroundings were fabulous. Staff were ultra helpful.
Cons: It would have been helpful to have a small desk and chair in the room for using computer. Morning nature walk was a bit disappointing, as guide only occasionally stopped to point something out. Food was only fair.
Cons: Prices or food were a bit expensive...we had a car so we drove to La Fortuna
Beautiful Setting
Pros: We loved having so many hikes/walks to do right on the property and a very good restaurant as well. It was so nice having nature and animals outside our door each day. The staff was warm, welcoming, helpful and friendly. There were plenty of activities to do on the grounds for all ages: pool, foosball/game room, checkers, books, TVs in the main buildings and a hot tub.
Cons: Be aware that the Lodge is a 20-25 minute drive from La Fortuna up a somewhat rough dirt road. If you have your own vehicle it's easy to get to and from, but without a bit more challenging. There are taxis that cost $30 each way or a shuttle 3x/day from the lodge.
Pros: The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The grounds were amazing and we loved that we had access to the National Park trails. The Jacuzzi was a nice treat after a long day of hiking. The views were breath-taking! Access to other activities was relatively easy but the roads are not great. Town was about a 30 minute drive away. Nice breakfast buffet provided free of charge!
Cons: It would be nice to have screens on the front doors as well so you could have both the patio door (which had a screen) and front door open to allow a cross-breeze. The room became a bit stuffy and buggy during the day without this. Also it would be good if t pool was heated to allow swimming year round. The prices for food at the restaurant were expensive. The Happy Hour (2 for 1) would be better if they allowed for 2 different drinks vs. 2 of the same kind of drink. Finally a shuttle to town that ran even just 3 times a day would be a great perk!
Pros: Location, views and surroundings were fabulous. Staff were ultra helpful.
Cons: It would have been helpful to have a small desk and chair in the room for using computer. Morning nature walk was a bit disappointing, as guide only occasionally stopped to point something out. Food was only fair.
Cons: Prices or food were a bit expensive...we had a car so we drove to La Fortuna
