Arenal Observatory Lodge
Accommodation in a dignified manner
You live in the former research station - in an unbeatable location near the volcano
The Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa offers access to the rainforest, 2 volcanoes and endless nature. There are 350 hectares to explore on the property, including 110 hectares of natural primary rainforest with rivers and waterfalls, 160 hectares of afforested land and tropical gardens, and 80 hectares of pastureland.
The hotel is the only hotel located in the Arenal Volcano National Park. No other hotel is so close to the Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato and most tours to the volcanoes start here.
The Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa was originally built in 1987 as a scientific research station for the Smithsonian Institution. After the dramatic eruption of Arenal Volcano in 1968, scientists from the Smithsonian Institution began visiting the area and ended up here because of its strategic location.
The historic Arenal Observatory Lodge offers 48 comfortable hotel rooms in various buildings as well as two complete holiday homes. The restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, as well as a huge observation deck. In the spa you can relax with massages and other therapies.
What can you do here?
Staying at the Arenal Observatory Lodge gives you constant access to the gardens and rainforest, which you can explore on 11 kilometers of maintained hiking trails. Hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking (you can get a hiking map). The circular routes can be easily combined. Rivers, small waterfalls and suspension bridges make the route varied and interesting. You pass through primary forests, plateaus and regularly have a view of the 2 volcanoes. The Arenal Observatory Lodge is very well known among ornithologists; more than 500 species of birds have been recorded here.
- Arenal Observatory Restaurant & Bar
- Large viewing sundeck for viewing Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal and the rainforest
- spa
- Swimming pool & whirlpool
- Eleven kilometers of maintained trails for hiking, bird watching, horseback riding and mountain biking
- Access to the observation tower
- Hanging bridges and waterfalls
- Beautiful gardens and viewpoints of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal
- A list of birds in the area
- In the museum you can find information and photos about the history of the Arenal Volcano. The original seismograph is exhibited here
