Laguna Lodge, Tortuguero

Nothing fancy but nice room and good food. Perfect place to stay to see the canals for a day or two.

Super

The rooms were a good size, but not the most well-kept. The biggest issue is there is only one small fan in the corner of the room pointed at just one of the beds. The room was in desperate need of a couple ceiling fans or an air conditioning unit.

The grounds of the property were very beautiful and the staff were all very friendly. The food served was also fairly good, and changed up the menu just enough between days.

In fairness to the Laguna lodge we really did not know what to expect. It was one of 7 lodges that we stayed at over the 3 weeks we were in Costa Rica. We did not realize that the guide who greeted us at the boat transport that was going to take us to the lodge was to be our primary contact while we were there including our guide for the 3 expeditions that we were to experience, two of which were very good; the nature boat ride through the canals and the night walk on the property.

I was a little disappointed in the lodging at the resort. It did not have any air conditioning and was a little too rustic and cramped for me liking. I was very surprised when no hot water came out of our bathroom sink only to find out that they do provide hot water to the sink, only the shower.

While you are at the lodge you were pretty much restricted to eat there unless you can get some water transportation to the village of Tortuguero. The food was adequate and it was nice that it was included. The good news is that the resort is right on the Caribbean. The bad news is that the rip tides are so dangerous that you cannot swim there. Since this was one part of the Caribbean portion of our trip we were disappointed.

On a positive note, the resort has a beautiful pool that was right outside our cottage. Also, I get the impression that people come here primarily to see the wildlife. I saw a number of people walking around with their single lens reflex digital cameras with telephoto lenses, telescopes and binoculars. Nature lovers will not be disappointed if that is the primary goal. Jonathan, our host and guide that the hotel provided did a good job keeping everything organized. He was also a very good guide.

Rustic cabins in a beautiful location. The pool area was beautiful. All meals were served buffet style at the hotel and the food was very good. Bathrooms could use some updating and hot water in the sinks.

Great location and ambience. Rooms were pretty small and they aren't like your typical luxury hotel but that was part of the ambience and probably along the lines we asked for in our in our desired experience and budget. Loved the wildlife we were able to see here including a baby turtle emerging from its nest and scrambling to the ocean. Also saw a couple mother turtles laying her eggs up close. Saw frogs, howler monkeys, white faced or capuchin monkeys, iguana, Jesus Christ lizards, alligators, sloth, golden orb spiders, turtles, king fishers, herons, macaws, other rare birds

The place is really unique and beautiful. Sitting at the Laguna at night and sipping your cocktail is a relaxing experience meanwhile the activities are unique too. It was interesting to see a green turtle from this close. It can be a really good and relaxing experience.