The lodge is beautiful with an absolute focus on environmental preservation and volcano watching. What is not said by the hotels touting volcano views (including this one) is that seeing the volcano is not a guarantee. One local told us the volcano is only visible about 25% of the time. Your chances of seeing red lava are about 5% or... more

We stayed at the Observatory Lodge for our last night in Costa Rica. From what we could see the location was ideal and the views would be fantastic, unfortunately, the volcano was not visible due to the clouds. Obviously, this was not the hotel's fault, but was a bummer nontheless. The room was spacious and clean, while a bit rustic.... more

We had a great stay at AOL. It is a spectacular property and, as all have noted, the views are magnificent. During our stay in early November, we saw the volcano very clearly but, unfortunately, no lava flows at night or rumbles any time. Not a big deal. The morning walk is a must do! Tour guides are very good... more

We stayed at AOL for 4 nights and had the rare opportunity to see a live volcano and lava for 3 out of our 4 nights there. We stayed in a Smithsonian room and had a full view 24/7. Sometimes in the middle of the night we were awakened by the rumbling and merely had to open our eyes to... more

We got a 6:30 wake up call from Mr. Arenal. Fortunately we had left the curtains open and could see everything. There are a couple rooms on the second floor that are the best! more

This place was great. Very friendly employees who were always helpful and kind. We stayed in the Smithsonian room. It is a large room that has a huge window that is set perfectly to view the volcano from bed. It was a very clean room. It is down a long gravel road, so it makes you want to eat at... more

Without a doubt the best views of Arenal volcano, expecially from the Smithosian rooms. Had only planned to spend 2 nights here but extended it to 3 as there is so much to do around La Fortuna. Yes the trip up the dirt track to the lodge is a bit tedious, but not really a problem even in a standard... more

Of the four properties my wife and I stayed at on our Costa Rica vacation, this was our favorite. We booked a Smithsonian Room which had a view of the volcano from the room. The rumbling of the volcano would awake us during the night and we would anxiously look toward the volcano to see if lava would be visible... more

Warning: this is located 10km on a very bumpy, gravel, pot-holed 'road'. quite difficult to get in and out of once you are at the hotel. i would strongly advise to stock up on any groceries in town, about 45 mins away, BEFORE checking in!! (water, wine, snacks). The breakfast at restaurant is pretty ok. the prices are high (for... more