Arenal Observatory Lodge "In the shadows of Arenal Volcano"

View of Arenal Volcano

Reception

Introduction: Set amidst a beautiful protected rainforest in the Caribbean foothills and with an overlooking active volcano, a visit to Arenal Observatory Lodge is highly recommended for many reasons. The lodge has lovely gardens complete with bird feeding tables, a very relaxing pool and Jacuzzi, an extensive trail system, a fine restaurant, a choice of 4 different standards of rooms to accommodate your budget, and an atmosphere that few other lodges can claim. I also believe it to be the best possible base for birding the Arenal area. Arenal Volcano is a perfect cinder cone, see photo, and it is quite active. Eruptions of ash and gasses into the air are not uncommon and on a clear night you may even see lava oozing out of the top. If you stay in a Jr. Suites, Smithsonian room, or rooms 7 and 9 of the Standard rooms, you can witness this while lying in bed!!! The spectacle of the volcano is worth a visit alone but when combined with the rainforest and abundance of birds and other wildlife, you can see why this area is so special. Whether you are looking for great birding, a romantic getaway, or just to commune with nature on a higher level, you will find that this area and specifically this lodge can provide all of that and much more.

Location: Arenal Observatory Lodge is located NW of San Jose at the base of Arenal Volcano. It is approximately 25 minutes west of the town of La Fortuna and a total of 3½ hours by car from the San Jose International Airport. Its location serves as an excellent stopover between the La Selva de Sarapiqui region and the Monteverde area.

Jr. Suite Room

Swimming pool and Jacuzzi

Accommodations: Arenal Observatory Lodge has 4 separate types of accommodations: Casona, Standard, Smithsonian, and Jr. Suite, (rates are posted below). The 5 Casona rooms are the least expensive and are very basic with bunk beds and 2 shared bathrooms between the 5 rooms. They are located just off the entrance road to reception and do not have views of the volcano. There are 9 Standard rooms which are located very near reception and the dining hall, two of these rooms have views of the volcano, all have private bathrooms. The 21 Smithsonian rooms are located across the swinging bridge from reception. They are a definite upgrade from the Standard rooms and more spacious as well. All of these rooms have views of the volcano and a private bathroom. The 2 Jr. Suite rooms located near the dining room are nicest of the rooms available. They are very spacious and have huge windows for viewing the volcano. The lodge has a lovely pool and Jacuzzi located across the swinging bridge from reception, a very nice dining room, beautiful gardens, and an extensive trail system through their private forest.

Climate: Located in the Caribbean foothills at 2,400 feet in elevation, you can expect mild temperatures with occasional warm temperatures in the middle of the day and very comfortable sleeping conditions at night. This area typically has a very unpredictable rain pattern and tropical down pours and drizzles can occur at anytime of year, even lasting for days. Clouds are a common sight in the area and can obscure the view of the volcano. However, with patience and luck, you should get good to spectacular views eventually.

Rates: Good through Nov of 2008, rates based on per person double occupancy. For a single room rate just add the single supplement to the price per person. For example, a Standard room for 1 person in the low season is: $59.50, ($46.50 + $13.00).

Low Season: May through Nov High Season: Dec through April Casona: basic with shared bathroom. Low Season: $33.00 per person double occupancy Single Supplement: $13.00/night High Season: $40.50 per person double occupancy Single Supplement: $13.00/night Standard: with private bathroom, 2 rooms have view of volcano. Low Season: $46.50 per person double occupancy Single Supplement: $13.00/night High Season: $54.00 per person double occupancy Single Supplement: $13.00/night Smithsonian: Nicer and more spacious than above, each with a private bathroom and view of volcano. Low Season: $60.00 per person double occupancy Single Supplement: $14.00/night High Season: $71.00 per person double occupancy Single Supplement: $14.00/night Jr. Suite: Very nice, spacious, private bathroom, view of volcano. Low Season: $66.50 per person double occupancy Single Supplement: $6.00/night High Season: $81.50 per person double occupancy Single Supplement: $8.00/night Please call or email us for the triple and quadruple room rates. Price Includes: Lodging A nice buffet breakfast Coffee, tea, and fruit juice at breakfast and during lunch and dinner if dining at the restaurant. Guided AM lava flow walk into Arenal NP, these guides often know their birds and a carry spotting scope. Park entrance fee of $7/person is not included. Maid Service Other activities or services at an additional cost: Variety of day trips to surrounding areas. Lunch and dinner while staying at the lodge. Laundry Service.

View of gardens     Smithsonian room     View of Arenal Lake     Volcano letting off steam

Reservations and Transportation options: Reservations for Arenal Observatory Lodge can be made directly through Costa Rica Gateway at no extra charge. We can also arrange private ground transportation. If you do not have a rental car and are transferring to or from Monteverde while in the Arenal area then we highly recommend the Jeep/Boat/Jeep Adventure which we can gladly arrange for you. Not only is the Jeep/Boat/Jeep a good value but great fun as well. If renting a car, CRG will provide you with logistical information for this area.

Birding and Wildlife Attractions/Specialty Birds of Arenal Observatory Lodge