Arenal Observatory Lodge
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Set high on a ridge facing Costa Rica's most
active and spectacular volcano, the
Arenal Observatory Lodge offers the adventurous traveler
a unique experience. |
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The 3 lights on the right side of the volcano are from Observatory Lodge. Photo Feb. 3, '06 |
Recent photo taken from the Lodge |
| The Lodge was actually born out
the very humble buildings originally erected on a farm
to house scientists and researchers from the Smithsonian
Institute and Earthwatch.
It's one of the good place to experience the thrill and beauty of the Arenal Volcano because of its location, its history as a research center and the knowledge and the experience of its staff and guides. The Arenal Observatory Lodge offers 37 rooms in four separate buildings spread on the property. All are comfortable and most have volcano views from the privacy of your bedroom. Five rooms are fully equipped for disabled travelers, with rooms, bathrooms, hallways, parking areas and even the new swimming pool designed accordingly. |
| The lodge is located just 1.8 kilometers from the active crater of Arenal Volcano, and is separated from it by a deep river valley. The location was specifically chosen in the 1970's by scientists from the Smithsonian Institute, who needed a close but safe vantage point from which to study the volcano. |
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| Arenal Observatory Lodge is situated on a ridge 120 meters above Lake Arenal (360 feet). The ridge rises between the Agua Caliente and Quebrada Danta rivers. This topographical feature is important, so as any possible lava flow will not affect the Lodge. The lodge is within ZONE "D" Low Danger Area, near the volcano. Moreover, as prevailing winds are from the East, the lodge would seldom be affected by ash or other fallout from a major eruption, as the lodge is located to the southeast of the volcano. |
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Arenal Observatory Lodge is a 3 STAR mountain lodge, according to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), the highest rating a mountain lodge can receive. It is also categorized as a 4 BAND Ecolodge (out of a maximum of 5) in a program sponsored by the ICT to rate sustainability. |
The Arenal Observatory Lodge has
several different room types to fit most traveler's needs and
budgets.
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Ten Smithsonian rooms have a picture window and a terrace that allows you to contemplate the magnitude of the volcano while enjoying the comfort of your bed or one of the strategically placed chairs. They have two queen size beds, private bathroom and a safety box . Photos of the Smithsonian rooms
Five of the Smithsonian rooms are fully equipped for guests in wheelchairs; the halls, bathrooms, corridors, parking area, swimming pool and 2 kms of paths have all been designed for the handicapped.
Near the main lodge you can find our two Junior
Suites. These rooms have a large picture
window that frames the
majestic volcano; while the beauty of the Arenal Lake can
be enjoyed
from the comfort of your private terrace. The flora and
fauna of the
area is illustrated in the original ceramic paintings that
decorate
the walls. For your comfort these suites are furnished
with two king
size beds, a small living room, a coffeemaker, mini refrigerator
and a
safety box.
Our nine Standard
rooms are another comfortable
option where the
impressive Arenal volcano and /or the beauty of the lake
can be
admired. These rooms have two queen size beds, private
bathroom,
coffeemaker and safety box.Photos
of the Standard Room
La Casona
Budget travelers will find four comfortable rooms in La
Casona, ideally for groups, is located
500 meters away from the
main building. Here one finds, for a better value, 5 comfortable
rooms
with a large terrace for viewing the volcano or the Arenal
Lake. Four
of the rooms are furnished with a queen size bed and offer
a beautiful
view of the volcano; the fifth room has 3 bunk beds with
a view of the
rainforest, all have safety boxes. The two large and comfortable
bathrooms are shared by all guests of La Casona. photos
of Arenal Observatory's La Casona
| White Hawk Villa: Trogon and Toucan Rooms |
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The White Hawk Villa with its peaceful surroundings and spectacular view of the volcano and lake is about 800 meters from the hotel. It is recommended for families or groups travelling with their own transportation or those that enjoy the exercise of walking. One enters on the main level to find a large and well ventilated living room, a dining room, satellite television and fully equipped kitchen. The lower level can accommodate 8 people in the two bedrooms, "Trogon" and "Toucan"; each with a queen size bed, two twin beds, private bathroom and a safety box. See some photos of Arenal Observatory's White Hawk Villa |
| Rates includes: | |
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| Green Season 2008 May 1, 2008 through Nov 30, 2008 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult(s) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| La Casona | $45.54 | $56.71 | $72.17 | $89.35 | $100.52 | ||||
| Standard (no volcano view) | $68.73 | $79.9 | $93.65 | $103.96 | |||||
| Smithsonian | $91.07 | $103.1 | $120.29 | $130.6 | |||||
| Junior Suite | $109.12 | $114.27 | $130.6 | $137.47 | |||||
| White Hawk Villa | $365.15 | $365.15 | $365.15 | $365.15 | $365.15 | $365.15 | $365.15 | $365.15 | |
| Whole Casona Building | $279.23 | $279.23 | $279.23 | $279.23 | $279.23 | $279.23 | $279.23 | $279.23 | $279.23 |
| High Season 2008-2009 Dec 1, 2008 through Apr 30, 2009 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult(s) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| La Casona | $61 | $73.03 | $85.92 | $98.8 | $98.8 |
| Standard (no volcano view) | $85.92 | $97.95 | $104.82 | $122.86 | |
| Smithsonian | $115.99 | $128.02 | $136.61 | $146.06 | |
| Junior Suite | $140.91 | $147.78 | $155.51 | $164.1 | |
| Green Season 2009 May 1, 2009 through Nov 30, 2009 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult(s) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| La Casona | $48.11 | $59.28 | $75.61 | $93.65 | $93.65 |
| Standard (no volcano view) | $71.31 | $83.34 | $97.95 | $108.26 | |
| Smithsonian | $96.23 | $108.26 | $126.3 | $136.61 | |
| Junior Suite | $115.13 | $120.29 | $137.47 | $144.34 | |
Check In time: 15:00:00, Check Out time: 12:00:00 local time.
Adult rate applies to ages 11 and up, child rate applies to ages 10 - 10, children under age 10 sleep free.
Link to Online Reservations - or e-mail observatory@arenal.net with questions.
Room rates below exclude taxes, click here for rates including the 16.39% tax.
| Rates & Taxes For Meals ($) | |
| Lunch: | 13 + 23% TAX = 15.99 |
| Dinner: | 15.50 + 23% TAX = 19.07 |
| Box Lunch: | 7.50 + 13% TAX = 8.48 |
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