Unlike any other hotel in the area, this lodge is situated within the Arenal Volcano National Park. The Arenal Observatory Lodge was originally a family farm and later a Smithsonian Institute scientific research station. Just about every room has picturesque views of Arenal Volcano, whose steep conical slopes rise majestically out of vast surrounding rainforests. The National Park surrounding the lodge teems with wildlife. The lodge practices reforestation and contributes to community projects.