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Ara Ambigua Lodge

Northern Mountain Zone / Arenal · Costa Rica

400m North of the Church in La GuariaView location

8.4/10Excellent82 Reviews
Cleanliness8.6/108.6
Service8.8/108.8
Comfort7.8/107.8
Condition8.0/108.0
Location8.0/108.0
Neighborhood8.0/108.0
Value8.0/108.0
Amenities8.8/108.8
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  • Business hotels
  • Hotels with spa

Room prices, availability, meal plans and cancellation terms are confirmed for your selected dates.

About Ara Ambigua Lodge

Ara Ambigua Lodge offers 50 accessible rooms and convenient on-site parking. Guests can enjoy Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception, and an airport shuttle service. The lodge also features a range of business facilities and dining experiences, as well as health and wellness services. Some services may incur a fee.

Read more about this hotelShow less

Located in Puerto Viejo, Ara Ambigua Lodge is in a rural location, within a 5-minute drive of San Agustin Church and Costa Rica Best Chocolate. This spa hotel is 2.5 mi (4 km) from La Selva Biological Station and 5.1 mi (8.1 km) from Braulio Carrillo National Park.

Make yourself at home in one of the 50 air-conditioned guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms have showers and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and coffee/tea makers, and housekeeping is provided daily.

Featured amenities include laundry facilities, a safe deposit box at the front desk, and a water dispenser. Guests may use a roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge, and free self parking is available onsite.

Popular amenities

Free WiFi
Parking available
Airport transfers
Dining services
Concierge
Laundry
Spa
Entertainment
Non-smoking
Childcare
Business facilities
Banquet facilities
Accessible facilities

Check-in and check-out

Check-in from 2:00 PM
Check-in until anytime
Check-out until 12:00 PM
Minimum check-in age 18

Hotel policies

No rollaway/extra beds available No cribs (infant beds) available No elevators Professional property host/manager Pets not allowed Service animals are allowed Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

Cleaning and safety

Sanitization
Contactless check-in is available Contactless check-out is available Cashless transactions are available
Essential Travel
Essential workers only - NO

Important information

  • You need to know
    • Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
    • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.
    • Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.
  • Special Instructions
    The front desk is open daily from 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools.
  • Instructions
    • Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
    • Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
    • Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
    • This property accepts credit cards and cash
    • Cashless transactions are available
    • Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
    • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Minimal age
    18
  • Spoken Language

    English

    Spanish

Nearby attractions

San Agustin Church 2.9 km / 1.8 mi
Costa Rica Best Chocolate 4.5 km / 2.8 mi
La Selva Biological Station 4 km / 2.5 mi
Braulio Carrillo National Park 8.1 km / 5.1 mi
Tirimbina Rainforest Center 10.8 km / 6.7 mi
Sarapiquís Gardens 10.8 km / 6.7 mi
Costa Rica Nature Pavilion 14.3 km / 8.9 mi
Mini Zoo and Jardin Yori 17.8 km / 11.1 mi
Frogs Heaven 18.6 km / 11.6 mi
Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge 26.5 km / 16.4 mi
Laguna Río Cuarto 31 km / 19.2 mi
Rara Avis Waterfall 32.9 km / 20.4 mi
Rainforest Adventures 40.1 km / 24.9 mi
Aquas Zarcas Square 40.5 km / 25.2 mi
Aguas Zarcas Church 40.6 km / 25.2 mi

Hotel facilities & services

Services and fees can vary. Check the selected room details and hotel policies before booking.

  • Total number of rooms: 50
  • lodge
  • Wheelchair-accessible
  • Car park
  • 24-hour reception
  • Check-in hour
  • Check-out hour
  • Wi-fi
  • Transfer serviceExtra charge
  • Airport ShuttleExtra charge
  • Laundry serviceExtra charge
  • LaunderetteExtra charge
Show 38 more facilities & services
  • Medical serviceExtra charge
  • Day-care centreExtra charge
  • 24-hour security
  • Hotel safeExtra charge
  • Shop
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Dining area: 1
  • Clothes dryer: 1
  • Grill/BBQ
  • Private pool: 2
  • Towels and bed linen
  • Café
  • Bar
  • Restaurant: 1
  • Non-smoking area
  • Smoking area
  • Banquet hall
  • Conference room
  • Meeting room: 2
  • ProjectorExtra charge
  • Business centreExtra charge
  • Audio-visual equipment rentalExtra charge
  • Outdoor freshwater pool: 2
  • Sauna
  • Steam bath
  • MassageExtra charge
  • Spa treatments
  • Spa centre
  • Breakfast
  • Breakfast buffet
  • À la carte lunch
  • À la carte dinner
  • Snacks
  • Non-smoking establishment
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
  • Horse ridingExtra charge
  • SafariExtra charge
Meal plans

Meal plan types

Meal options depend on the room and rate you choose. Search your dates to see which meal plans are included.

BB

Bed & Breakfast

BED AND BREAKFAST

Breakfast is included with your stay.

Upon availability

Room types

These are the hotel's room types, rather than live offers. Choose your travel dates to see available rooms, prices and booking conditions. Check availability

  • QUADRUPLE CLASSIC QUEEN BEDQUADRUPLE • CLASSIC QUEEN BEDQUA.AS-QN

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Ara Ambigua Lodge

    QUADRUPLE CLASSIC QUEEN BED

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–6 • Adults: max. 4 • Children: max. 3
    Room type
    QUADRUPLE
    View / characteristic
    CLASSIC QUEEN BED

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: QUA.AS-QN

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • DOUBLE CLASSIC DOUBLE BEDDOUBLE • CLASSIC DOUBLE BEDDBL.AS-DB

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Ara Ambigua Lodge

    DOUBLE CLASSIC DOUBLE BED

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–4 • Adults: max. 4 • Children: max. 3
    Room type
    DOUBLE
    View / characteristic
    CLASSIC DOUBLE BED

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: DBL.AS-DB

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • DOUBLE CLASSIC TWO DOUBLE BEDSDOUBLE • CLASSIC TWO DOUBLE BEDSDBL.2D-AS

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Ara Ambigua Lodge

    DOUBLE CLASSIC TWO DOUBLE BEDS

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–4 • Adults: max. 4 • Children: max. 3
    Room type
    DOUBLE
    View / characteristic
    CLASSIC TWO DOUBLE BEDS

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: DBL.2D-AS

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • SUITE KING SIZE BEDSUITE • KING SIZE BEDSUI.KG

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Ara Ambigua Lodge

    SUITE KING SIZE BED

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–8 • Adults: max. 8 • Children: max. 5
    Room type
    SUITE
    View / characteristic
    KING SIZE BED

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: SUI.KG

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • DOUBLE CLASSIC KING BEDDOUBLE • CLASSIC KING BEDDBL.AS-KG

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Ara Ambigua Lodge

    DOUBLE CLASSIC KING BED

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–4 • Adults: max. 4 • Children: max. 3
    Room type
    DOUBLE
    View / characteristic
    CLASSIC KING BED

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: DBL.AS-KG

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • SUITE GARDEN VIEW KING BEDSUITE • GARDEN VIEW KING BEDSUI.GV-KG

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Ara Ambigua Lodge

    SUITE GARDEN VIEW KING BED

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–8 • Adults: max. 8 • Children: max. 5
    Room type
    SUITE
    View / characteristic
    GARDEN VIEW KING BED

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: SUI.GV-KG

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • FAMILY ROOM TWO DOUBLE BEDSFAMILY ROOM • TWO DOUBLE BEDSFAM.2D

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Ara Ambigua Lodge

    FAMILY ROOM TWO DOUBLE BEDS

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–8 • Adults: max. 8 • Children: max. 5
    Room type
    FAMILY ROOM
    View / characteristic
    TWO DOUBLE BEDS

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: FAM.2D

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • FAMILY ROOM THREE BEDSFAMILY ROOM • THREE BEDSFAM.3B

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Ara Ambigua Lodge

    FAMILY ROOM THREE BEDS

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–8 • Adults: max. 8 • Children: max. 5
    Room type
    FAMILY ROOM
    View / characteristic
    THREE BEDS

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: FAM.3B

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

Guest reviews

What other guests saying about Ara Ambigua Lodge

8.4
Excellent
82 Reviews
Cleanliness
8.6 /10
Service
8.8 /10
Comfort
7.8 /10
Condition
8.0 /10
Location
8.0 /10
Neighborhood
8.0 /10
Value
8.0 /10
Amenities
8.8 /10
50 reviews shown
8/10
Excellent
09 Jul 2026
Anne
Clean room and breakfast
Family_with_children
10/10
Exceptional
21 Apr 2026
Robert
Good breakfast included, comfy beds and helpful front desk. Wait staff was attentive.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
18 Mar 2026
Lars
Absolutely beautiful. If we hadn’t reserved a room for the next night in a different place along our route, we would have stayed at least one more night.
Friends
10/10
Exceptional
30 Jan 2026
Daniel
All great
8/10
Excellent
24 Jan 2026
Chandler
The room was comfortable and the pools were tranquil and surrounded by beautiful scenery. The walls of the room were a bit thin (we could hear our neighbours very clearly) but the property itself was great. Breakfast was yummy and there were a lot of exotic creatures throughout the hotel!
Leisure Partner
6/10
Pleasant
01 Jan 2026
Hank
The food at this resort is quite bad.. The rooms are great, the staff was great, the pool is great but the food (most all of it) is really pretty bad. The pizza is awful, the pasta overcooked and bland, The specials were fine, but the food overall was very bad.
8/10
Excellent
03 Oct 2025
Brad
Was there for work so all I did was sleep, but beds were fine and ac worked ok.
8/10
Excellent
08 Sep 2025
William
No shampoo or conditioner. There is a coffee maker in the room not no coffee to make. There is no refrigerator or microwave.. beds are very hard.
Leisure Self
10/10
Exceptional
09 Jul 2025
Juan Carlos
It was in middle of jungle, did night and bird watching around lodge and we saw many animals. Very happy we found this gem. Rooms are basic and breakfast wss great.
Leisure Family
8/10
Excellent
18 Feb 2025
Greg
All good except some rooms are a long walk uphill when carrying a bunch of luggage. Staff is great. Bed and shower great. Cool birds and frogs around
Would stsy again
8/10
Excellent
04 Sep 2024
Evie

Great stay and great value for money

Really enjoyed our stay here, wish we could have stayed longer! Saw so many tropical frogs too.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
26 Aug 2023
Becky
Loved this place. Clean, comfy and friendly
Leisure Partner
6/10
Pleasant
11 Aug 2023
Adely
This property is a little bit out dated but is equipped with all basic amenities. The lodges are surrounded by nature. This hotel has international cable TV, which is not available everywhere in Costa Rica. The hotel has a gift shop and a restaurant with good food. The restaurant also serves fresh pizza and room service is available. This hotel also offers you different tours. The night walk tour on the property was worth it for only $20 p.p.
Leisure Family
8/10
Excellent
26 Jun 2023
Verified traveler

Amazing wildlife - but lacking some comforts

It was very hot and humid when we arrived. The rooms are quite small with cramped bathrooms but quite clean. Unfortunately our AC was barely adequate. It was on but not cooling well - they had 2 people check it, but it made basically no difference - by nighttime it was tolerable (running at max capacity for several hours) but not great.The staff seemed mildly annoyed that we wanted it cooler and there was no fridge in the room (although they did allow us to keep items in the restaurant fridge), so it was hard to keep comfortable. That said, there is wildlife everywhere and amazing trails (although also a lot of mosquitoes!). We saw howler monkeys, green macaws, sloths, white collared manakins, trogons, red eyed tree frogs, Jesus Christ lizards and more. The pools were good for wildlife viewing but not very clean. Great place for birding. Breakfast was nice, good selection of hot and cold items. Overall the restaurant has perfectly decent food, nothing great, ok prices. I would come back for the trails, but not sure if I would stay the night again.
Friends_and_family Family
10/10
Exceptional
27 Feb 2023
Carol
We were really surprised when we arrived to this Lodge. There are lovely walking trails around the property and lots of wildlife all around. Our room was large and clean. Staff was very friendly and helpful. We look forward to going back in the future.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
01 Feb 2023
Todd
This hotel was an unexpected joy. Absolutely stunning landscaping that invites many different types of birds to hang out near the restaurant. I could have watched for hours. Staff went above and beyond in every aspect of our visit. If I could give it better than 10/10 I would. Should we visit Costa Rica again, we will come back to this hotel.
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
26 Dec 2022
L
Good for birding!
Leisure Family
8/10
Excellent
25 Jan 2022
Daniele
Friendly place
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
14 Jan 2022
John
Very peaceful, beautiful location in the rain forest. Rows of cabins nestled in the thick vegetation. Sounds of midnight rain and falling almond fruit clanking on the tin roof added to the atmosphere.

Rooms are a little tired but super clean. There is no wi-fi internet in the cabins but cell phone reception is good. Wi-fi is free in main building.

Open air restaurant with tables on the edge of the forest. Friendly staff and first-rate food especially buffet breakfast that’s included with room price.

There’s a magical self-guided frog walk in the dark on a paved trail around the small pond below the restaurant. Amazing red-eyed frogs with blue, green and yellow markings.

In the morning, staff put out fruit on a tree in front of the restaurant and guests are treated to a large variety of very colourful tropical birds feeding just metres away.

We’ll be back.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
12 Aug 2021
Verified traveler
Lovely grounds, nice rooms.
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
13 Feb 2019
Verified traveler
Nice place. Quiet. Nice dinner. Service good. The area good
Leisure Friends
10/10
Exceptional
08 Feb 2019
Verified traveler
Nice services. Good food. Nice birding. Nice people.
Leisure Friends
4/10
Poor
24 Nov 2016
Arthur

Not clean enough but good breakfast and friendly s

Do not check in to room10, it is horrible. We were given that room, which isn't what we requested on hotelscom. We were moved due to problems (bees by the front door and hot water went off) . The butterfly and frog area needed attention, as well as the trails.
The staff were very friendly and helpful. The breakfast was good too.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
26 Jul 2016
Sebastien

Great resort-style hotel

Ara Ambigua is more of a resort than a hotel. There's a VERY good (but expensive) restaurant on site, 2 pools, frog pond, butterfly enclosure, trails with howler monkeys and caymans... You could spend a whole there without having to leave. The room was comfortable and large with a nice balcony, everything was clean.
About the only minus point is that you only get wifi close to the reception/restaurant area, but they set up plenty of sitting room there and wifi was fast enough for most uses so no big deal.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
03 Mar 2016
carla

Excellent accoms for $80/night including breakfast

exceeded expectations. Property and grounds are lovely. very clean, very quiet. Complimentary night tour - saw numerous reptiles including red eyed tree frogs. Full breakfast. Very pleased and will stay again
10/10
Exceptional
19 Feb 2016
stephen
was very nice, nice trails, lot of birds ,would stay again
Partner
4/10
Poor
13 Aug 2015
Verified traveler

Old hotel need to Be renovated

Disappointed because I had to pay extra fee for my teen-ager while my reservation was for 2 adults,1 teenager and 1 child
8/10
Excellent
03 Aug 2015
Luz Adriana

Clean room, helpful staff.

We stayed two nights, and the staff was nice and helpful. Clean Room. Good food.
Family
8/10
Excellent
01 Apr 2015
Verified traveler

No Brach near

Nery nice nature place and very quite. Food is deliciosa.
10/10
Exceptional
22 Jun 2026
Juan Jose
Un lugar espectacular! Con un personal muy atento!
Self
8/10
Excellent
11 Jan 2026
Alexandra
Ein schönes Hotel mit der Möglichkeit Vögel und Frösche zu beobachten.
Unser Zimmer hatte eine wundervolle Terrasse. Es war sauber und auch das Frühstücksbuffet war okay.
Es hat uns gut gefallen
Leisure Family_with_children
8/10
Excellent
29 Jul 2025
Kirsten
Mitten in der Natur, leckeres Essen und Happy hour. Freundliches Personal.
Leisure
6/10
Pleasant
15 Dec 2024
Suzanne

Très très vieillot!

Très très vieillot, cet hôtel aurait besoin d une rénovation complète et de plus d éclairage dans les chambres comme à l extérieur!
Les prises sont toutes branlantes et une sur 2 fonctionnent… bonne idée la machine à café, mais sans dosettes!
Le restaurant n est vraiment pas terrible!
La salle de bain rudimentaire, rue pour poser vos affaires, la seule chose positive c est la pression dans la douche…
J allais oublié devant la terrasse du restaurant, la nuit vous pourrez voir de nombreuses rainettes aux yeux rouges!
Par contre, tout une partie de l hôtel est complètement désaffecté, ça fait peur!
Nous avons testé les massages qui sont très bien, mais ont vous fait descendre dans une pièce qui sent l humidité, c est vraiment dommage!
Friends_and_family Family
10/10
Exceptional
08 Nov 2024
laurent

Super sejour

Super sejour
Personnels agréables, peuvent faire les réservations de visites pour vous .
Restaurant de lhotel tres bon
2/10
Poor
17 Feb 2024
Sonja
Nicht sein Geld wert.
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
27 Oct 2022
sylvain

Beau séjour

Hôtel au milieu de la végétation, très bel endroit avec deux piscines. Très propre. Il manque juste le wifi dans les chambres et une salle de bain un peu plus confortable sinon c'était parfait!
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
01 Feb 2022
bertrand
Très bon établissement a l'ecart de la route calme beau parc avec piscine
Bon restaurant très bon petit déjeuner
A recommander
Friends_and_family Family
8/10
Excellent
28 Nov 2021
Aurelie

Bon hôtel

Hébergement sympa, proche de Tirimbina. Attention contrairement à ce qui est indiqué, pas de Wifi dans les chambres, seulement dans les espaces communs. Bonne nourriture.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
04 Jul 2021
Verified traveler
Hotel muy bonito, Tiene varias piscinas, unoa lagos. La habitación con cama muy cómoda. Petfriendly.
La comida del restaurante es muy pero muy buena. Platillos sustanciosos y muy ricos, además el precio excelente.
Leisure Pet
6/10
Pleasant
05 Apr 2021
Verified traveler
Las habitaciones algo viejas, me parece que deberian de renovarlas.
Friends_and_family Partner
8/10
Excellent
04 Apr 2021
Verified traveler
Me gustó mucho la comida ! La pizza super bien de precio y sabor! No me gustó que no me dieron la habitación que había reservado y ademas la cama estaba en mal estado
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
20 Sep 2020
Johnny

arambigua so good

El horario del restaurante cierra muy temprano
Self
10/10
Exceptional
30 Nov 2019
Philippe

Hôtel exceptionnel

Très bon accueil. Personnel attentif et agréable. Cadre exceptionnel. Petits déjeuners grands choix, savoureux et à volonté. Bar et restaurant également très biens.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
04 Oct 2019
Guy Alain

Correcto

Relación calidad precio es muy correcto.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
18 Sep 2019
Maria Felisa
El hotel estaba bien pero necesitas coche porque está un poco alejado del centro. El desayuno bien. Está un poco anticuado el baño pero esta limpio y por el precio (tuve una oferta), la relación calidad precio fue muy buena
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
15 Aug 2019
Verified traveler
Prachtig in natuur! Veel vogels en heel aardig personeel. Goed ontbijt
Leisure Family
8/10
Excellent
06 May 2019
Guillermo

Ruidoso

El tipo de construcción de las habitaciones permite el paso del ruido, lo que es incómodo para descansar.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
06 May 2019
Luis Eduardo

Buena opción para pasar una noche en Sarapiquí

El Hotel es muy tranquilo, la atención del personal fué excelente, abundante vegetación, precios muy razonables en el restaurante, y la comida muy sabrosa.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
21 Apr 2019
Markus

Tolle Anlage

Eines der wenigen Hotels in CR, die uns in Englisch empfangen haben. Toller Service, schönes Zimmer, auch wenn nachts die Gardinenstange runter gekommen ist. Anlage sehr schön gestaltet. Mit Spots zum Tiere und Pflanzen gucken.
Friends
10/10
Exceptional
12 Mar 2019
FREDDY

Un bon choix à Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

Bon accueil + Bon petit-déjeuner + Grande chambre. Bien placé pour les visites aux alentours (Réserve Tirimbina/ Finca Sura/Palmitour) MAIS voiture indispensable.
Partner

Location & surroundings

Ara Ambigua Lodge
400m North of the Church in La Guaria, Puerto Viejo De Sarapiqui, Costa Rica

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Ara Ambigua Lodge

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