Arenal Observatory Lodge

Frommer's Review

This place is incredibly close to the volcano and is built on a high ridge, with a spectacular view of the cone. Lying in bed at night listening to the eruptions, it's easy to think you're in imminent danger (don't worry -- you're not). The best rooms here are the junior suites built below the restaurant and main lodge, as well as the four rooms in the Observatory Block, and the White Hawk villa. The "Smithsonian" rooms feature massive picture windows, with a direct view of the volcano. The lodge offers a number of guided and unguided hiking options, including a free morning guided hike through their trails and gardens, as well as a wide range of other tours. Meals are served in a dining room with a full wall of glass facing the volcano. This is one of the better nature lodges for travelers with disabilities: five rooms are truly equipped for wheelchair access, and a paved path extends almost 1km (1/2 mile) into the rainforest. When you're not hiking or touring the region, you can hang by the volcano-view swimming pool and Jacuzzi.

To get here, head to the national park entrance, stay on the dirt road past the entrance, and follow the signs to the Observatory Lodge. A four-wheel-drive vehicle used to be required for the 9km (5 1/2-mile) dirt road up to the lodge, but two bridges now eliminate the need to ford any major rivers, and a traditional sedan will usually make it even in the rainy season -- although you'll always be better off with the clearance afforded by a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Facilities:
Restaurant; bar; pool; Jacuzzi; tour desk; laundry service

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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