Arenal Observatory Lodge

Absolutely amazing stay! The lodge has beautiful on-site trails and multiple stunning views of the Arenal Volcano. You really don’t need to go elsewhere for a long hike to enjoy incredible volcano views if you’re staying here. The birdlife and wildlife were fantastic, making the experience even more special. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and the breakfast was very nice. We stayed in the Smithsonian room with a volcano view, and it was a truly beautiful setting—you can literally see the volcano right from your bed! 🌋✨

This place is very special. It is an old cattle ranch that was reforested. The owners then built a research lodge and then grew their occupation to proper mountain resort. The main attraction is the wildlife, especially the amazing bird species found on the grounds. It is all very well done and such a special place. The free breakfast was great as was the food at lunch and dinner (pricey, but worth it). There is also a lovely deck overlooking the reservoir and Arenal volcano where you can have a happy drink while watching the sunset. It felt like were in heaven!

A truly beautiful location (seems easy to do around here!) in a very special rainforest. The service was incredible from every employee, particularly in the restaurant where we interacted with staff the most. The trails around the hotel are a delight and must-see, but you will see so many birds and monkeys just from the restaurant and observation deck! We were lucky our first day to see Arenal clear up and get some sunshine; the rest of the 3 night stay was very rainy but worth it 100%. It is a rainforest so expect some rain and wear clothes that are quick-drying! You may need layers of it gets slightly cooler. But the rooms are very comfortable and the staff are all incredibly accommodating! Thank you all for making the visit so special, it is a rare thing to get to go to places like this but it will stay with me forever. ¡pura vida! 💚

Over-priced and over-hyped. We walked all of the trails - they were very dull compared to others in the area as they are mostly farm tracks and we saw very little wildlife. We had lunch at the restaurant with friends who were staying at the hotel (they were unimpressed by the lack of AC and the tired room) and the food was ok but the service was poor given the high price. The observation deck was cool but there are lots of other places that have an equally good view of the Arenal volcano and much better wildlife. I’m genuinely bemused by some of the gushing 5 star reviews - perhaps folks who haven’t travelled much outside the US or seen what else is available in the area ….🤷‍♂️

Great spot in middle of park! Views of arenal were incredible. The entire staff was super friendly - Genesis, Grace, Howard, Daniel, Junior, Maria and everyone else. The restaurant serves reliable food (with breakfast included) though a little pricey but leaving the premises with this view is hard to do. In the morning you can see all types of birds including toucans! You can set up tours through the hotel too. There are several trails across the property with a few waterfalls. Highly recommend Observatory Lodge.

I’m a wedding photographer in Costa Rica, and Arenal Observatory Lodge is truly one of my favorite places for engagement sessions, family photos, elopements, and intimate weddings. What makes this lodge so special is that every trail offers a breathtaking view. The property is filled with incredible scenery: direct views of the Arenal Volcano, lush forest, a small pond perfect for reflections, mountains, charming hanging bridges, beautiful gardens, and even a waterfall. Every corner feels unique. It’s good to keep in mind that, depending on the area, some paths require only a short walk while others involve more hiking, but every step is absolutely worth it. And if the volcano happens to be covered in clouds, don’t worry — there’s always so much more to see and enjoy. If you’re dreaming of a photo session surrounded by nature and stunning landscapes, this lodge should be at the top of your list. Pura vida, Joice Dahianna

After a long, bumpy uphill road, you reach a beautifully maintained entrance with a super friendly guard who sets the tone for the rest of the visit. From there, you’re directed to a car park surrounded by lush forest and mountain views, and it already feels like you’ve stepped into a nature reserve. The network of trails is brilliant — all colour coded, well-marked, and easy to follow. There’s a great mix of short walks and longer hikes, so you can easily spend half a day or more exploring. What really stood out to us was how peaceful it was. Unlike the busy hanging bridge parks, there was hardly anyone around, which meant we saw loads of wildlife — toucans, howler monkeys, coatis, butterflies, and even a few frogs. It felt much more natural and authentic than the more commercial attractions nearby. Lunch at the lodge was decent. The portions are huge (very American-style) and the food is fine, but what makes it special is the view — you’re looking straight out at Arenal Volcano and the lake while you eat. It’s a great spot to take a break before heading back onto the trails. The hanging bridges and waterfalls inside the grounds are stunning — you get the same experience as the paid “hanging bridge parks” but without the crowds, noise, or tour groups. Everything is really well maintained, and you can explore at your own pace. Definitely worth visiting, whether you’re staying nearby or just driving in for the day. Bring good walking shoes, plenty of water, and your camera — it’s easy to get carried away exploring. This is one of those places that makes you feel completely immersed in Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

Our stay has been incredible. Our room is clean and has a fantastic view of the Arenal volcano. We visited in November when the rain is on and off and the volcano comes out for little bits of time but we’ve been able to see the full thing at times. Our kids are having an amazing time with the pool and seeing all of the animals. The restaurant is great and the servers are all so friendly and great with kids. It is a little more expensive than I expected but I’m glad breakfast is included. It includes continental and a full dish. Great time for the famiky