Location: Arenal Volcano 
Lodging Type: Hotel 
From: $123 / night 
Welcome to Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa is one of Costa Rica's most famous and well-established hotels. It sits on land bought by the Aspinall family in 1972 for the original purpose of farming. However, scientists from the Smithsonian Institute were using the Aspinall land to study and observe the Arenal Volcano, which had erupted a few years earlier in 1968.
To cater to the scientists, the Aspinalls built some cabins to house them while studying the volcano, and the Aspinalls planted the seeds of a future hotel.
Throughout the 70s and 80s, the lodge was, in effect, a research station for scientists, students, and the occasional tourist. Then, in 1991, the Arenal National Park was founded around the Aspinall property, and the tourists began coming thick and fast. To this day, the Arenal Volcano Lodge is the only hotel located inside the national park.
Following the national park's creation, tourism development prompted the Aspinall family to improve its facilities and become a true eco-lodge. The lodge now has 48 comfortable rooms and suites spread around its property, plus two vacation villas. It's a hotel for nature lovers who want to uniquely experience the volcano and surrounding rainforest.
To Be Surrounded by Nature
But it's the unparalleled access to nature draws guests to Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa rather than other hotels in the area.
The lodge sits on acres of virgin rainforest, surrounded by the Arenal Volcano National Park. There are miles of trails throughout the property, perfect for hiking, exploring, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
This hotel is a bird watcher's paradise - indeed, if birdwatching is your thing, you'll want to stay here while in Arenal. Over 500 birds (Costa Rica has some 900 species in total) have been observed on the hotel's property, with guided birding tours available throughout the day. But, of course, you'll still see something without a guide, maybe a toucan, parrot, or hawk.
Travelers interested in geology will also love the Observatory Lodge & Spa, with its museum and visitor center dedicated to the volcano itself and the history of the surrounding land.
Rooms & Amenities to Enjoy
The rooms and suites come with the best volcano views in Arenal, plus amenities including coffee makers, safes, and terraces. Some come with king-size beds, others queens or doubles. The rooms at Arenal Observatory Lodge are not ultra-luxurious, but they are super-comfortable.
Common areas around the hotel include a pool and jacuzzi area with a sun deck surrounded by lush rainforest. The El Jilguero restaurant is complete with floor-to-ceiling windows to admire the looming volcano directly outside. Breakfast is included at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa, while the à la carte lunch and dinner menus consist of local Costa Rican and international flavors.
Chato's Bar at the lodge is open until 10:00 PM and is the perfect place to enjoy a drink, peruse the library, and connect with fellow guests.
Activities Galore in Arenal
Outside of the hotel, guests can also enjoy the general area, known as the adventure capital of Costa Rica. Zip lining, rafting, caving, hiking, tubing, hot springs, and more are also within easy access.
For those seeking something more relaxing, there's also a spa available. The Observatory Spa offers a range of treatments and massages in a tranquil part of the property surrounded by tropical gardens and nature.
Contact Us for More Information
If you're interested in learning more about Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa and how a stay here could enhance your Costa Rican Vacation, then don't hesitate to contact us. Our expert travel advisors will be happy to chat with you and answer any questions you might have.
