Tortuga Lodge, San Jose

I knew the rooms would be screened rooms and expected a jungle stay, but I did not expect the beds to be broken down, the rooms to be filthy and the netting on all the windows big enough to let most flying creatures into the room. Because the tap water is undrinkable, they place 5 gallon water jugs/stands near the rooms, but I don�t think they have been cleaned for months and the handles are covered in grime. The dinning staff made us feel like we were bothering them when we requested more water, coffee or a clean fork and the manager was unwilling to help when we complained about the springs/broken-down mattress we were expected to sleep on. We had two rooms (14 & 15 and both rooms had the same issues) and stayed for three nights and we could hardly wait to leave. The food the first night was horrific and breakfast wasn�t much better. Things with the wait-staff improved when the Travel Channel showed up to film an upcoming episode on the Lodge and its owner. Costa Rica Expeditions flew in their Head Chef, who then prepared the meals for us and a fancier version for the camera. The food improved, but I hope you like all your meats rare because they barely cook it. The food is prepared �family style� which really means no choice, you get what you get and hope that there is enough to go around. Management/Staff/Guest communication was very poor. A large group of us were scheduled for an early flight out and they made a point of telling us to be at breakfast by 6:15 AM, but they didn�t tell the staff to come in early to make sure breakfast would be ready for us. The wait staff appeared annoyed by all of us being there so early. We were barely allowed to eat, before we were shooed onto the boat to catch our departing flight. (Staff arrived at 6:15 by boat and we had to leave by 6:30) The boat tours were very good all thanks to our excellent guide Norton, the gardens are nice, but the tours are the only reason for staying at Tortuga Lodge. If you are considering a stay in this area, do your research because we saw a lot of other lodges/hotels in the area that we knew nothing about and may have offered nicer accommodations for the price. I would also advise flying in, the 6 hour bus and boat ride to arrive at the lodge isn�t enough fun to warrant the trouble/time. We can say that not all of Costa Rica Expedition�s Lodges are like this one, we also stayed at Monteverde Lodge and our stay there was fabulous.

January 2009 visit Very, very highly recommended! Just arrived back in San Jose, CR following a 9-day tour with Costa Rica Expeditions (owner of Tortuga Lodge, as well as Monteverde Lodge); the last 3 days have been at Tortuga Lodge. Absolutely fantastic staff! Clean, somewhat rustic rooms, very comfortable. No AC, no TV, no radio, no cars, no roads! Just peace, quiet, beautiful setting, and great food and service. Harry, a waiter, and Valentin, the hotel manager/chef, were just fantastic. Lots of rain this time of year (late January), but still great tours through the forest by boat or foot. Adjust your expectations for the type of property this is meant to be; it's not a "luxury" property, nor should it try to be. It's a comfortable "base camp" from which one can experience the wonders of the tropical forests, not a fun-in-the-sun getaway - not that there's anything wrong with that! We are doing that on the sunny, dry side of CR for the next couple days, before heading home with memories of a great experience.

The remote area of Tortuguero isn't easy to get to, but well worth the effort. The river tours are incredible, with so much to see. The guides are excellent and very friendly. I was able to see turtle nesting, which is an experience anyone who comes here must do. The staff at this hotel was helpful and the food very good. I liked the family-style presentation and got to know others staying at the lodge over meals. The open-air rooms let in the sounds of the jungle and soft breezes, a calming effect - except when the howler monkeys start up at the crack of dawn. We particularly enjoyed the pool after a hard day's wildlife tour.