Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

Set inside its own 864-acre chunk of rainforest, the Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa gives you the feeling of having stepped inside the movie Jurassic Park, from the King King-lettered archway you enter through at the foot of the property to the rainforest towering above as you climb into the hotel area proper. It's an ideal spot for, well, observing -- birds, monkeys, jungle life, or that volcano, and there are 11 trails of varying lengths. The rooms, restaurant, and a deck are perched over the rainforest, and the property has terrific views of both lake and peak. It attracts young backpackers, families, and elderly tour groups. Many of the groups who come here, however, are birders from around the world  -- including the U.S., Europe, and Japan -- as this is a birdwatching paradise.

The hotel property sits atop a small mountain in the midst of the rainforest, requiring a climb up a windy road -- and that's after getting to the location in the first place. The property is in the south part of Arenal National Park and requires traveling some bumpy roads to reach (four-wheel drive is recommended). Guests are immersed in the rainforest, and it's common to look up from whatever you're doing to see howler or spider monkeys jumping from branch to branch, or any number of exotic birds alighting on a tree. Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa is meant to be an all-inclusive destination, which makes sense, because it's relatively remote in Arenal, and you'll be spending most or all of your time on the sprawling property. It requires traveling for a decent length over some bad roads no matter which way you come, so if you were just hoping to see it as a day trip, it may be more of a hike than you'd like. For those who want to be in the rainforest, however, this is the place. Guests can take a local shuttle to reach La Fortuna.

The Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa offers a wide range of rooms, from the hostel-like La Casona rooms (which share bathrooms) to private villas for 10. Rooms are homey and reasonably roomy, but fitted out with an eye to function rather than style. Certain creature comforts, like AC and TV, aren't included. In the main building, hallway noise can permeate the rooms late at night. The views are the main draw in the rooms, and they're generally spectacular. The five La Casona rooms, located down a slope from the main building, have a shared terrace with views of both the volcano and lake, while Standard Rooms have private balconies with views of one, or both. La Casona rooms have a charmingly rustic feel, with wood wall paneling, while simple Standard Rooms have tile floors, an earthy color palette of red, green, and brown, and nature photography hanging on the walls. The Junior Suite and Phil's Villa are probably the least attractive in terms of decor, with plain, dated tile floors and furnishings and little artwork. Smithsonian Rooms offer great views right from the beds. Standard Rooms sleep a maximum of four people, while the White Hawk Villa sleeps eight and Phil's Villa sleeps 10. 

The Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa is meant to be an all-inclusive destination, and if you've got a checklist for Arenal, this will check off all your boxes in one go: 11 trails of various lengths, suspension bridges, spa, pool, hot tub, volcano museum (the lodge collaborated with the Smithsonian on observing the volcano, which is how it got its start), game room, horseback riding, and an observatory. And if you're a birder, this will be a must-go spot, as the wildlife is almost impossible to miss, from spider and howler monkeys to countless exotic birds flitting around the trees.

The pool is surrounded by the rainforest and has an infinity edge, while the hot tub is covered and can be enjoyed in the rain. Noticeably absent are hot springs, which the area is famous for, though guests willing to journey off-site can buy day passes to Tabacon (though prices are steep -- $60 per person per day as of 2015).

The restaurant serves Costa Rican fare alongside terrific views; the breakfast buffet is extensive and included in the price. Wi-Fi is also free.