Arenal Observatory Lodge is a great choice for nature lovers and volcano enthusiasts who want to stay at a hotel close to the Arenal Volcano, in La Fortuna. Its unique setting in the rainforest on a mountain ridge by the active Arenal Volcano is impressive and the views from its hotel rooms and property are breathtaking. This is a great option for families and also for couples. There are plenty of activities and sights to enjoy in the area and it is a good base for taking all the tours around the Arenal Volcano.
The hotel has 48 comfortable rooms in various buildings throughout its grounds, including two vacation villas. Each room is designed to blend in with the natural surroundings. Many rooms have a view of the active Arenal Volcano and the old lava flow, as well as the surrounding rainforest. All rooms come with free guided morning hikes, a full buffet breakfast, access to the resort’s pool and Jacuzzi, and over 7 miles of trails. There are also five rooms that are specially equipped for disabled travelers, with accessible room features, bathrooms, and hallways.
While there are many things to do at the Arenal Observatory observatory lodge arenal Lodge, the most popular activity is exploring the numerous trails. The trails run throughout the hotel’s property and through the rainforest, over waterfalls, and even across a hanging bridge. These trails are well-marked and are easy to walk on foot. The resort’s resident naturalists lead daily walks of varying lengths.
There is a lot of wildlife to be seen on the trails at the hotel, and visitors can find everything from spider and howler monkeys to exotic birds flitting through the trees. The hotel is also home to a frog pond and Arenal Museum, which provides a fascinating insight into the volcano and the area’s geological history.
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is a 3 STAR lodge, the highest rating possible in Costa Rica, and has been rated as a 4 BAND Eco-lodge by the Costa Rica Tourism Institute. This means that the hotel focuses on sustainability, environmental conservation, and community development. It is a great option for bird watching, with around 500 different species of birds having been spotted on the property (Costa Rica has some 900 in total). The hotel also offers birding tours during the day, although you can easily see plenty of birds without a tour.
There are also other activities to do on the hotel’s property, including hiking and horseback riding. There is a spa and a restaurant, as well as an outdoor terrace with spectacular views. Guests can also take advantage of the resort’s many other amenities, such as a pool table and game room. There is also a tour desk to help you plan excursions to other areas in Costa Rica. There are several tours that depart from the hotel, including zip lines and whitewater rafting. A car rental desk is also available. Guests can also use the free Wi-Fi at the resort.