Arenal Observatory Lodge & TrailsvsRancho Margot
Both properties are endorsed by expert writers. Overall, Rancho Margot ranks slightly higher than Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa. Rancho Margot has a TripExpert Score of 76 with recommendations from 1 publications such as Lonely Planet.
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails
Afar Magazine
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
Lonely Planet
Frommer's
Oyster Fodor's
Rough Guide
23 km west from La Fortuna town, Main road to Arenal National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
From $147/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Free Breakfast
- Shuttle Bus
Afar Magazine "Within the grounds of the Arenal Observatory Lodge in Costa Rica, there are several paths of varying length that can be walked." Full review
Fodor's "These cozy, comfortable, and simple rooms allow you to sleep as close as anyone should to a volcano—it's a mere 2¾ km (1¾ miles) away, and stellar views and outdoor activities are what the place is all about." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Close enough to Arenal Volcano for visitors to hear and feel the nearly constant rumbling, this observatory (on a hillside just over a mile from the peak) gets excellent views of the eruptions." Full review
Lonely Planet "Rooms range from La Casona’s rustic doubles with shared bathrooms and views from the porch, to plus junior suites, with king-size beds, local art and huge picture windows framing the volcano." Full review
Frommer's "The views from the rooms, restaurant, and common areas are simply spectacular. The main dining room features a massive wall of glass, with a V-shaped peak that perfectly frames the volcano." Full review
OysterMid-Range
"This all-inclusive, 864-acre, 48-room property on a mountain has some of the best views in the area of both the lake and the volcano, and allows guests to be immersed in the rainforest" Full review
Fodor's "These cozy, comfortable, and simple rooms allow you to sleep as close as anyone should to a volcano—it's the only hotel inside Arenal Volcano National Park and less than two miles away...." Full review
Rough Guide "More waterfall wonders await at the Arenal Observatory Lodge and Spa. Just 15-minutes' walk from reception, the Danta Waterfall is arguably the most impressive, and certainly the most..."
National GeographicRancho Margot Lonely Planet Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
3km beyond El Castillo, La Fortuna de San Carlos, El Castillo, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
From $159/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Free Breakfast
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"Part resort lodge, part organic farm, Rancho Margot is 152 acres of cinematic loveliness, set along the rushing Río Caño Negro and surrounded by rainforested mountains." Full review
Travel + Leisure "This “self-sufficient organic ranch ” is a totally off-the-grid resort with 18 beautifully appointed, terraced bungalows." Full review
Travel + Leisure "A secluded getaway in the middle of a rainforest, Rancho Margot offers hostel-style accommodations and a deluxe bungalow for a small group"
15 Best All-inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica
May 11, 2022
Lonely Planet "Costa Rica is famous for its eco-resorts, and few are lower-impact than Rancho Margot. This lush, off-grid retreat is the perfect base for exploring the hiking trails, hot springs and..."
16 stunning eco-hotels for the environmentally conscious traveler
February 21, 2022
Lonely Planet "Twenty years ago, a Chilean scientist bought 400 acres of former cattle ranch land near Lake Arenal and began to restore the decimated landsce with endemic flora and fauna. Today, Rancho..."
