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Costa Rica Hotel
See Costa Rica through the eyes of Costa Ricans
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Arenal Observatory Lodge
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. You can enjoy the sound and fury of Arenal Volcano's constant eruptions from the comfort of your room, or from one of the many volcano viewing sites around 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 43 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. Arenal Observatory Lodge sits on 870 acres of land adjacent to the Arenal Volcano National Park. The site contains 270 acres of primary rain forest with well-marked trails, 400 acres of reforestation projects (parts with non-native pine & eucalyptus), and 200 acres of working farm lands.
Fodor's.com Review:
You're as close as anyone should be to an active volcano at the end of the winding road leading to the lodge -- a mere 1¾ km (1 mi) away. The isolated lodge was founded by Smithsonian researchers in 1987. It's fairly rustic, emphasizing that outdoor activities are what it's all about. Rooms are comfortable and simply furnished (comforters on beds are a cozy touch), and most have stellar views. After a hike, take a dip in the infinity-edge pool or 12-person hot tub, which face tall pines on one side and the volcano on the other. The dining room, which serves tasty and hearty food, has great views of the volcano and lake.
- Hotel Details: 40 rooms, 35 with bath; 2 suites
- In-room: no a/c, no phone, no TV.
- In-hotel: restaurant, bar, pool, laundry service.
- Rate includes: Full breakfast
- Credit Cards: AE, MC, V
This large spread started out as a small collection of cabins with a great view and great prices. As its popularity has grown, the prices and a whole host of new rooms have quickly gone up. Inside, the individual cabins are all varnished wood, with sparse appointments. Still, there's no denying that the rooms here have amazing volcano views from their spacious glass-enclosed porches. The deluxe rooms all have minifridges, and some even have back balconies overlooking a forested ravine, in addition to the volcano-facing front porch. The newest suites are large units set over a small artificial lake. Behind the hotel are some rolling hills that lead down to a small river surrounded by patches of gallery forest, where they conduct an adventurous horseback, hiking, and rappel loop tour.
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