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

tried to get down the very bumpy, pot-holed gravel road of about 10km long to see lava at nite, each time could never make it before 4:00 when national park gates close. finally decided just to stay at the closest resort to the volcano - best choice bay far!!! our room had a huge patio which over looked the volcano... more

Was a little nervous about staying here since it is in the middle of nowhere. Ended up having a great time. Room was comfortable, staff was very nice, and the food was better than I expected. The biggest part of your trip will be how much you can see the volcano, which is mostly luck. We also went on the... more

My boyfriend and I stayed at the Observatory Lodge for two nights during a trip to Costa Rica in October 2008. We arrived at the lodge before our room was ready, and the staff allowed us to get cleaned up in a different room (we had spent the previous night sleeping in our car covered in mud after the road... more