Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

Pros: This is based on my previous hotel experiences. Staying at the arenal observatory is unlike staying at a conventional hotel, and for the better. Situated as close as possible to the Arenal Volcano and...

Cons: Nothing, it was an excellent place to stay if you want to be comfortable but also right within nature itself.

Pros: Great view of the volcano(and lake), huge property with trails and wildlife, I loved the hummingbirds that you can see, hear and take pictures right in front of the rooms in the garden.

Cons: AirCon in the room would be usefull.

Pros: Amazing location, good trails, lovely lodge feel to restaurant

Cons: Could have offered bottled water in the rooms

Pros: Staff was great, all of them. They were very helpful with making changes due to a personal issue. Fantastic place, we look forward to returning on a later trip.

Cons: Roads getting to 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!

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.