The Volcano: Volcano Arenal is an active volcano. Many nights it lights up the sky with its fiery lava. The volcano was dormant for 400 years when it erupted in the summer of 1968, causing major damage to the local population. In its wake it left a "lava landscape" for miles surrounding its base. The Lodge is located on a private reserve just by the Volcano and is surrounded by Costa Rica's abundant flora and fauna that flourish on the rich volcanic soil.
The Lodge: Having learned about the volcano, you might ask, why ever stay anywhere near such a thing? The Arenal Observatory Lodge is located on a ridge 120m above Lake Arenal, between Agua Caliente and Ouebrada Danta rivers. These two bodies of water protect the Lodge from any lava flows. In addition, the Lodge sits to the southeast of the volcano and winds prevail from the east, meaning the Lodge is rarely affected by ash or other fallout.
The Lodge consists of 37 rooms spread across four buildings on the property. The buildings are connected through a paved, wheelchair-accessible trail. In addition, five rooms are designed to accommodate disabled travelers. When I visited, I stayed in such a room and loved it. The room was very large and had two queen-size beds and an entire wall of glass that looked out at the Volcano. It also included a spacious bathroom. The Lodge is very clean and the staff was friendly and helpful.
The Lodge also has a restaurant that serves three meals a day. We had dinner there upon our arrival and it was very good. The menu is extensive and consists of traditional Costa Rican dishes, as well as kid friendly selections such as pasta and french fries. For fishing fans, if you decide to take advantage of some of the fabulous fishing, the kitchen will prepare anything you catch! There is also a bar that stays open every night until midnight.
Activities: The Lodge originally was home to scientists and researchers of the Smithsonian Institute and Earthwatch. Today the Lodge is a great place for any type of visitor. Families will appreciate the wealth of kid-friendly activities, such as short hikes to nearby lakes and waterfalls, bird watching, and butterfly gardens. Adventurers will have their hands full with nearby kayaking, horseback riding, and canopy tours. Couples seeking a romantic retreat will enjoy the area's peacefulness, abundant beauty, and can enjoy a day trip to the Tabacón Spa. The Lodge itself also has a large pool and hot tub.
You can visit the Lodge's extensive web site to learn even more, see pictures and check prices at http://www.arenalobservatorylodge.com/EN/home.phtml.