Great trails, a lot of wild nature right in front of the Hotel :)

Stayed in November 2023

Everything

Stayed in November 2023

Farmland next to/on the property which is strongly influenced by anthropogenic activities (boring), friendliness of the staff behind the counter,

insane view on the volcano arenal and lake arenal, trails through jungle, waterfall within property

Stayed in November 2023

Loved staying in the Park so close to nature

Stayed in November 2023

The property needs better maintenance. The drive to the property was quite challenging. The road needs to be organized.

Amazing view, amazing ambiance

Stayed in November 2023

I wish the restaurant had more variety and more authentic Costa Rican food.

Many things to do on property. A lot of wildlife. Insanely gorgeous scenery.

Stayed in October 2023

Food quality and location - bit far from main activities an the road to get there is a bit of a rough ride.

This place was fantastic - we throughly enjoyed our stay outside of it being further from the activities (thermal spas/zip lining/ restaurant options. The food quality was just ok too. The night hikes and property is fantastic - really amazing views of nature.

Stayed in November 2023

The only complaint we had during our time was the lack of hot water availability in our room (sink and shower) after about 9pm. We assume it was because everyone was showering at the end of the day, but we did have two cold showers after hiking all day which wasn't ideal but manageable.

We loved the location within the National Park! The view from our room was fantastic. The easy access to multiple trails, the view of the lake and volcano from the restaurant's deck, and all of the plants and wildlife on the property truly made the experience! The restaurant staff were nice and accommodating. The complimentary guided tour with Christian was a highlight! We had a spectacular sunset one evening which was the cherry on top. Smoothies at the coffee shop above the museum were delicious. The breakfast included in our package was great- several menu options as well as a buffet of fruit and bread plus coffee and fresh juice. The accommodations weren't fancy, but everything was consistent with what was advertised and you have everything you need. Only thing we wished we had was a refrigerator. It was the perfect 2nd stop during our Costa Rican adventure. I would highly recommend this hotel to nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, or those who simply enjoy the outdoors. Note- the road getting to the property is bumpy and uneven at times but well worth it for the spectacular views and sights around the property.

Stayed in November 2023

Can't think of a thing.

The phenomenal bird watching was matched by the quality of the facilities and the wonderful people who work there.

Stayed in November 2023

The room was small but I knew that beforehand. It would have been nice to have a bar fridge.

View was wonderful, grounds were amazing, staff were helpful.

Stayed in November 2023

Bird guide arranged by hotel was a big disappointment. Not professional and not very knowledgeable.

Beautiful grounds and splendid views (though marred for the most part by clouds!).

Stayed in November 2023

All the meals we enjoyed were delicious. The views from the restaurant were wonderful. We were able to watch birds and monkeys while enjoying our breakfast. We requested a room with a view of the volcano and the view did not disappoint. The deck off the room was a great place to sit in the evenings and take in all the sounds. The property is well cared for and the paths are paved. We had a wonderful time exploring the property and watching the birds and wildlife.

Stayed in November 2023

Absolutely nothing!

Amazing location! The whole place is one big amazing view! The restaurant is excellent and the breakfast starts your day off just right. You can relax, hike, be adventurous…all in one beautiful location!

Stayed in November 2023

Food in restaurants not very good

Views, location, trails

Stayed in November 2023

The staff were very accommodating and the property was absolutely gorgeous! We had an amazing view of the volcano and there was so much on the property to experience. The was one hike we took on our first day there that took us down to the river and on our way we saw a group of monkeys swinging in the trees over our head. The restaurant was great as well, the staff were very friendly and the food was delicious.

Stayed in November 2023

The room was clean and spacious. It has balcony to see the volcano. The lodge has hiking trails. I enjoyed two day solo walk. Well maintained and easy to walk, except river trail. I met only few people on the trail and i was able to enjoy the solitude. I appreciate Greivin at reception helping me to arrange transportation to Mistico to La Fortuna town.

Stayed in November 2023

This complex is very impressive. It is surrounded by nature and we've seen many animals on the property: coatis, monkeys, snakes, frogs and lost of big birds. There is a pool and jacuzzi. We had breakfast admiring the volcano and watching "National Geografic" unfolding live in front of our eyes. I think this is the closest you can get to "living in paradise".

Stayed in October 2023

Nothing to mention here

Visit - trails etc

Stayed in November 2023

Expensive taxis to go anywhere outside of resort

Stunning location, gigantic room

Stayed in October 2023

This lodge exceeded my expectations. I knew we would have a wonderful view of the rainforest but it was so much more than that. We had direct view of Arenal Volcano. There was tons of wildlife around which was amazing to see. I’ve always been scared of when people say “o there’s monkeys” because usually that means the monkeys have become accustomed to humans and get too close and even take your things. However, being an observatory, the hotel and guests are very responsible and do not condone interaction with the wild life. The monkeys stay in the trees and the many many birds fly on by. The Coatis do get close but that’s because they’re naturally mischievous and are scavenging around. They never bothered us even when crossing them on the hiking trials. The trials were mostly paved and easy. So we had no problem with trial markings or getting around. Our room felt very private staggered along the side. When looking out our patio door, all we could see were trees (with monkeys!) and the volcano. Breakfast was included and had a small but good selection. Lunch and dinner menu was decent. My husband and I drove there, so it was nice to have the freedom to drive into the busier part of La Fortuna to explore other restaurants. The road itself up to the hotel was paved with the last bit being gravel. Nothing too extreme. It sounded a lot worst in other reviews but we had to no problems going up and down the road multiple times. We did the free morning guided walk as well as the paid night walk. It was fun to watch our guide point out animals we probably would have never noticed on our own! And after knowing what to look out for, it made our self guided walks more fun. There was so much to enjoy whether it was walking around the observatory’s trails, sitting on our private patio, or bird watching with others on the observation deck. I would highly recommended coming here to sit back, relax, and take a slow stroll around to see what animals you can find.

Stayed in October 2023

Road there not paved

Stunning views at restaurant and cabins, super clean, shared bathroom but excellent design for shared use, great trail with various vegetation. Free morning tour and wonderful breakfast included.

Stayed in October 2023

Nothing!

Arenal Observatory Lodge was perfect for my husband and me. We wanted an eco-friendly experience with class. Arenal completely met that desire and exceeded it! The food was delicious, the staff was excellent, and the location was perfect.

Stayed in November 2023

Everything was great.

Everything. The staff were so friendly. Amazing location, trails, facilities, nature everywhere. A unique place.

Stayed in October 2023

Nothing

Our stay was about as perfect as one could dream. I can’t say enough good things about this lodge. I had discovered this hotel during my prior vacation in Costa Rica about 12 years ago while staying at a different hotel. I had always hoped to return and stay here. The lodge exceeded my expectations and we had an absolutely wonderful time. The entire property is impeccably maintained. In fact I started trying to find some something that was in need of repair or painting and found nothing. We had a fantastic view of Arenal from our room greeting us out the picture window each morning. Breakfast was delicious each day. The staff exceptionally welcoming and friendly. The grounds are beautiful and wildlife could be found everywhere. We loved discovering the birds, butterflies, frogs, monkeys and coatis. Our tour guide was so passionate and informative. Definitely recommend taking advantage of the free walking tour the lodge provides. We will look forward to returning again someday.

Stayed in October 2023

Exceptional Location Employees very kind The food was delicious perfect breakfasts

Stayed in October 2023