Manatus Hotel, Tortuguero

Authenticity

Manatus Hotel is a good option for those looking for a more modern feel than other properties in the area. Instead of wooden huts or room blocks, the hotel has quaint cabin-like houses set in clusters of four. The units aren't waterfront but rather set back from the lagoon within the property's gardens. 

Location

You'll find the hotel on Totruguero's long peninsula between the area's two lagoons. Although it's on the lagoon, the rooms aren't waterfront and don't offer water views. You can still enjoy the beautiful lagoon from common areas, like the outdoor swimming pool and restaurant. A quick boat ride takes you to the national park and Tortuguero Town.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The rooms at Manatus Hotel are modern, elegant, and comfortable. From the outside, they look like standard cabins, but you'll find traditional Costa Rican style inside, including wooden floors, beds, and accents, plus high-beamed ceilings. A potential downside is that the windows are sealed because the hotel uses air-conditioning in all its rooms. Unfortunately, you can't open them up to enjoy a breeze or jungle sounds.

Wildlife

Situated on the Tortuguero River, Manatus Hotel offers chances to see both river and tropical forest creatures. Red-eyed frogs are common at night, and turtles hatch on the nearby shores from July to October. Crocodiles can sometimes be spotted from the banks of the river. Travelers have also spotted several varieties of birds and monkeys in the canopy surrounding the hotel. 

Amenities

The hotel has a moderately sized pool overlooking the river, providing a safe place for you to swim, given the crocodiles that occasionally patrol the river. While there's no on-site spa, you can request massage and beauty services in the hotel's solarium. A small gym is located next to the reception. Despite the rural location, the hotel does offer simple WiFi. The property isn't suitable for guests with limited mobility, as it's only accessible via boat or plane. 

Family-Friendliness

Families are welcome at the hotel and children under the age of three stay at a reduced rate. The various activities that can be booked as part of your stay have been a big hit with families who have stayed at Manatus. There's only one room type at the hotel, with a maximum of four people per room, so larger families may need to book several rooms. 

Other Highlights

Unique to the area, this hotel has an on-site restaurant that will cook meals a la carte rather than just serve a buffet. The menu features Afro-Caribbean fusion food plus different international cuisines. You can enjoy your meals and cocktails in an open-air dining area that overlooks the lagoon. When booking your stay, you can choose from several different packages that include tours, guided wildlife viewings, kayaking, fishing, and more. 

Sustainability

Manatus Hotel's sustainability policy focuses on conserving biodiversity, minimizing pollution and waste, and supporting and promoting local culture. As its name suggests, the hotel also promotes the protection of endangered manatees in the region through a signature program. Other examples of sustainability initiatives include updating boat engines to reduce emissions, using LED lights, maintaining cooling systems for efficiency, and utilizing a water conservation program.