The Observatory Lodge is a great place to stay if you are looking for nature at it's best, very peaceful and remote (it's a $30 cab ride to La Fortuna each way). Plan to have all your meals at the lodge, very good by the way and breakfast is included! A ton of nature and hiking trails with the hike... More

We got one of the cheaper rooms, but still had a view of the volcano from our balcony. The room was roomy, the water hot, the views unbelievable. The lodge has a restaurant with pretty good food but high prices... maybe not so high when you consider you are looking at a volcano while eating! The pool was a little... More

Situated on its own 9km up a stone track the complex is small and a very nice surprise on arrival. Rooms were great, probably the best we had in Costa; clean and great views of the volcano and forest. The food was refreshingly good and restaurant staff excellent. Good birding to be had around the grounds with hummers, guans and... More

We stayed there as it was going to be our first visit to an active volcano, google describes it as one of the top ten active ones. Well, it was conical and very close but unfortunately not rumbling or erupting. We had a great time here. Not only do the birds put on a great show every day but there... More

I'm hesitated between 3 1/2 or 4 as far as rating and here is why. We only stay here for one night in April 2012. Location is awesome because it used to be observatory research. They still store all historical information in Museum there which is great. This location is a great place to view Arenal. I think you can... More

This is probably as close as one would want to get to an active volcano. It is very popular and busy but the rooms are excellent and the food good. It is many kilometres along a dirt road but there are lots of opportunities to spot birds and mammals en route. The birds in the lodge garden were spectacular. More

This was my second time in Costa Rica but first time staying at this hotel. The hotel was fine for the value but a little dirty. The location is literally at the foothill of the volcano - so the views are breathtaking and animals wander the premises. Staff is friendly and there are lots of activities you can book directly... More

This is a great place to be quiet and respectful of nature. The place reflects these values and sets up a lovely hotel to accomodate wildlife and humans. The Smithsonian room was where we stayed, for $172/night for four of us. The walls are paper thin, so don't plan on napping while they clean the rooms, and just know that... More

Gorgeous, quiet, safe property. Extremely clean rooms. Lots of different trails for exploring. Restaurant very good; breakfast (included) has lots of options. Great bird-watching and meticulous grounds-keeping. More