Hotel Arenal Lodge

Hotel Arenal Lodge, on the hill above the Lake Arenal dam

Arenal Lodge sits high on a hillside above Lake Arenal, close to the dam, with the volcano straight ahead and its own rainforest around it. Fine wood, a big fireplace and a dining room with a glass wall give it the feel of a mountain lodge. It suits families, nature lovers and travellers with limited mobility.

Why we choose it

• Rainforest trails on its own land. Trails run through primary forest on the property, good for birding and an easy morning hike.
• An infinity pool with a view. The infinity pool has two jacuzzis beside it, looking out to the volcano.
• Chalets for families. The Chalets sleep five and face the volcano, and the two queen Chalet looks over the lake as well.

Check availability

Rooms and views

The lodge has Economy Rooms, Garden View Rooms, Junior Suites and the Chalets up on the ridge above the main building. The Chalets give a bit more privacy, with a balcony and a view of the volcano. Rooms with a kitchenette have only a partial volcano view, when the sky is clear.

The Family Standard Suites are the rooms the hotel describes as suited to wheelchair users. Rooms have air conditioning, a TV and Wi-Fi, and pets are allowed in designated rooms only.

On the property

Meals are in the dining room, with its glass wall facing the active side of the volcano. There is a bar for a drink at the end of the day, and a library with leather chairs and a stone fireplace for the cool mountain evenings.

Besides the pool and jacuzzis there is a spa, a gym and a shop. The orchid gardens and the trails make the grounds worth exploring, and for anglers, the lake is known for its fishing.

Location and getting there

The lodge is on the road around Lake Arenal, between La Fortuna and the lake towns, so you get the volcano and the lake in one view. The lake is famous for windsurfing and fishing, and the volcano park is close. Liberia and San José are each about 3 hours away by road, and we arrange the driver.

Check availability