Tortuga Lodge & Gardens

Tortuga Lodge & Gardens descritpion

Set on a riverbank and surrounded by jungle, the Tortuga Lodge & Gardens features an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi and a restaurant serving Costa Rican cuisine. All rooms have river views.
All rooms have screen windows, ceiling fans and private bathrooms with a hairdryers and toiletries.
The front desk can help arrange kayaking, sport fishing trips, and visits to local villages and nearby turtle nesting sites when in season.
Tortuguero Airport is located just across the river from Tortuga Lodge, and San José is a 30-minute flight away. The nearest town is a 10-minute boat ride away.

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Facilities of Tortuga Lodge & Gardens

Outdoors ：Outdoor Pool (all year) | Grounds | Terrace | Sun Deck

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Fishing | Canoeing | Hiking | Massage | Library

Food & Drink ：Bar | Restaurant with Dining Menu | Special Diet Meals (upon request)

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：No parking available.

General ：Safe | Non-smoking Rooms | Facilities for Disabled Guests | Family Rooms | Designated Smoking Area

Languages Spoken ：Spanish | English

Reviews for Tortuga Lodge & Gardens

Review 1：Sadly we probably expected a lot (from the pictures) but we were very disappointed by our last stay in Costa Rica... First it's definitely not worth the price, small room, not well equiped, unclean... I'm sorry but several other places in Costa Rica were way much better for a lower price. I understand Tortuguero NP is not an easy location to run an hotel but you are asking too much for what you offer... During our 3 weeks stay, we mixed luxury accomodation and cabañas. My wife and I both agree that the more remote cabañas we went beat the Tortuga Lodge in authenticity and confort and we are even not talking about the luxury hotel for confort and "higher standards"...

Review 2：First day lunch was excellent. Staff was very friendly and they are all doing an excellent job. Thank you all for your kindness !

Review 3：Fantastically helpful and happy staff in an unforgettable location. We took two boat excursions and saw an abundance of wildlife. Very comfortable room with views of river, garden and rainforest.

Review 4：Nothing

Review 5：I loved everything from the moment we arrived to the moment we left! I wanna say thank you to Xiomara she was absolutely lovely. Our Boat tour with our guide was amazing too and the food was excellent!!!! Thanks for the free cocktails!! I highly recommand this amazing place

Review 6：Receptionist provided poor customer service, no AC in the room, very limited food menu in restaurant and extremely overpriced for the quality offered.

Review 7：Nice property, good transportation services, excellent restaurant staff.

Review 8：There wasn't one thing I didn't like.

Review 9：Extremely personalize service, this was most definitely an experience of a lifetime. We were traveling with our six-year-old son, and I will be surprised if he has the opportunity to experience something quite like this ever again.

Review 10：Its very loud when it Rains - there Is no Chance to close the windows- they are made without glass.....

Review 11：An extaordinary place- wonderful created buildings- very kind stuff- the shuttleservice by boat of the Hotel was for free Brillant Food

Review 12：The restaurant staff was great but the food was only OK. there were lots of opportunities for tours and excursions but you still had to rely on setting up boat transportation to get anywhere.

Review 13：Great staff and location. Nice and quiet. The bathroom shower was large and the beds very comfortable. I loved the views from every angle. Great pool. They were all great with my 5 year old grandson.

Review 14：The time schedule of the bootshuttle, sometimes you have to wait a bit long. Or you can choose to arrange a boot taxi (10 dollar each)

Review 15：We loved the experience of being in the jungle. They changed the windows for a screen to get the full experience of being in the jungle. Its was clean, nice staff, a good spot to see the nature. We also liked the little extra's they provided, like umbrella's, bugspray, boots, boot shuttle.

Review 16：The hotel is located 5 minute sail further north of Tortuguero village - so if you take the boat from La Pavona - you only reach the village of Tortuguero. From there free shuttle of the hotel is NOT always offered to its guests (shuttles on behalf of the hotel only operate at very regular hours) - so you nees to take a taxi boat for extra 10 dollars or so. Furthermore, the restaurant - while offering great breakfast, their lunch and dinner are very fancy and pricey, and you dont have other options for simpler meals. They do have snacks menu as well, but even there the meals are pricey and quite small.

Review 17：1. The gorgeous ambiance at the canal, with fantastic pool overlooking the canal and vegetation. 2. The surrounding gardens and jungles - howler monkeys are your alarm clock! 3. The breakfast was superb as well as the natural juice they seeved. 4. The tours offered by this hotel were of very high level with very good, friendly and informative guides! 5. This hotel contributes back to the society and environment it resides in: it runs a program of English teaching at the nearby village, in a very organized matter with a certified teacher, and guests willing to participate can join the class with the teacher and provide a one hour lesson. We participated in that program and it surely enriched our experience!

Review 18：Bad night tours, charged me 100$ more due to their mixed bill fault, almost 5x more expensive than neibhour Tortuguero village

Review 19：View, close-to-nature-location, close-to-nature-rooms, cafeteria, pool

Review 20：-not many boat tranfers to the village (offered by the hotel) makes it necesarry to order a boat taxi every time (USD 10 by day, 20 by night). -the boat driver of the hotel (who picked us up) isnot the most friendly one compared to the rest of the team

Review 21：-very well maintained area, a luxury place in Torguguero. -excellent food although about 20% higher priced then rest in Costa Rica (dinner from USD 18 USD for vegetarian and USD 22 for mains incl. taxes, drings start around 7 - 8 USD)

Review 22：Expansive, both the food and the trips. Children allowed.

Review 23：Free taxi to the village (limited hours though) Wonderful staff Own private forest!!! Free cookies!!!!

Review 24：Food wasn't amazing. Obviously being in a hard to reach area, food supplies to the lodge are limited.

Review 25：The location was amazing. Of all the places we stayed in Costa Rica, this was my favourite by far. It is so special. The room was beautiful, bed so comfy, and the location on the river was divine. The nature in the area is amazing. So peaceful.

Review 26：Very Special Hotel in the middle of the Rainforest. Staff was extremely friendly and the tour guides were Exceptional. Norton in particular created a great experience for us.

Review 27：Expensive restaurant and drinks Location is a bit outside and no evening shuttle boats to town

Review 28：Very tranquil, beautiful and close to nature Mosquito proof room Awesome location next to the river Free shuttle boats accross the river and into town

Review 29：restaurant food for dinner could be improved (I heard the hotel is working on this), but snack menu and breakfast are great

Review 30：Very friendly staff, location straight across from the airstrip, which means quiet location, regular shuttle service to town, lots of wildlife on the hotel grounds, great view of the river

Review 31：We were told 'everyone has wifi in their room, great signal' we had no wifi in our room the whole time we were there. Not the end of the world as we weren't in the room that much, but it meant my partner was not able to keep in touch easily with his children.

Review 32：Location to die for. So peaceful. Nature in the area is wonderful.

Review 33：Food was ok,we liked it. But when we stayed at the other location ; " Monterverde lodge and gardens " we realized this was far better.

Review 34：Imagine a room with balcony overlooking the riverside in tortuguero national park; big Iguana's strolling the lawn, with the sound of howler monkeys in the trees nearby. Simply amazing. .. The rooms have no windows but screens so you can hear all the jungle sounds while a fresh breeze blows through the room; never needed the provided earplugs; we all fell asleep like baby's. On the grounds of the lodge there is already so much to discover , but the guided tours are even better. We only had two days and did the dawn boat tour and garden walk with our guide Gustavo who showed us sloths, capucin monkeys, cayman, frogs, bats and various wonderfull birds. We unfortunately did not do the turtle tour because of our small children (late). Wat we really felt during our stay was the relaxed atmosphere : also during the tour: totally no rush. And all personel at the lodge genuinly go out of their way to look after you and help you if needed (Airline mixed up our luggage and staff (especially Eduardo) made sure we got our luggage at the end of our stay in the lodge : even did our laundry without extra cost) . When we left we felt sorry we had only booked for 2 days...surely not the cheapest place around Tortuguero but if you can afford it it is definitely worth it!

Review 35：The room we had was smaller than the one shown in photo on booking.com.

Review 36：Stunning location on river and jungle gardens, quiet and really away from it all. Can only get there by boat. Glad we didn't stay in tortuguero. Boat trips a highlight.

Review 37：Communication with parent company Costa Rica expeditions could be better. We struggled to find out what time our transfer out had been arranged for.

Review 38：Surrounded by nature. Turtle-watching tour was an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Review 39：Definitely get a upper floor room for more privacy. We were in room 19 and there were too many people passing by!

Review 40：The atmosphere was so peaceful...slept so sound!

Review 41：It's not in the village, where most of the tours start and end, so you need to wait for the free boat which doesn't go very often or take a water taxi (10$).

Review 42：Cool place, great atmosphere, nice rooms, cool pool, very friendly stuff, one inter best wifi-s we've had in our trip. Very special location.

Review 43：The location separated from the other stays in Tortuguero, the pool and private garden and even a bit of rainforest. The offered free tour in the own garden where we have seen Tucans and the Poison Red Dart Frog. The free offered boot transfers to the village.

Review 44：Quality of the food and service in the restaurant is less compared to the quality of tours and other services. If they improve that my overall rating would be excellent!

Review 45：Very nice lodge with very accommodating staff

Review 46：I really wish they had a mosquito net I got bit a lot as I was there.

Review 47：I love the ambiance, the sound of the animals as u wake up. Very beautiful property the staff are so nice and two front girls in the reception area are very welcoming.

Review 48：WHEN IT RAINS, AND IT RAINS A LOT, THE TRAILS AROUND THE PROPERTY BECOME VERY MUDDY SO IT IS NOT EASY TO TAKE NATURE WALKS, (EVENT THOUGH RUBBER BOOTS ARE PROVIDED) THE ESTABLISHMENT SHOULD PUT GRAVEL OR SAND BAGS TO FACILITATE EXPLORING THE SURROUNDINGS..

Review 49：THE SETTING.

Review 50：Did not like tomato tart for dinner

Review 51：Hotel very near Natural Park on river bank opposite Ocean. Wild life all around including monkeys, birds, crocks. The room was special with nets instead of windows so we could hear the ocean and wildlife at night including howler monkey early in morning. The staff was super friendly and helpful. Make sure you go on trip to Tortugero National Park and walk along beach to Tortugero Village. Nice pool in beautiful gardens

Review 52：Toilets at the pool should be cleaned more frequently!

Review 53：No doubt: exceptional wildlife on the hotel grounds and lovely hosts / guides Priscilla and Willis!

Review 54：A wonderful lodge with very nice staff. Everybody was friendly and helpful. The location is just perfect. The lodge has a private rainforest with marked trails, you can borrow some rubber boots for free and go in. The guided tours to the garden is also very good and you can learn a lot about the animals. We were there on Valentine's day, when we came back to our room after dinner the staff had put some candels, choclate and free drinks in our room.

Review 55：We loved all aspects of our stay, the setting , the boat tours, the service of an especially engaging , gracious, knowledgeable staff. The lodge has an outstanding chef who serves great food.

Review 56：The food was a little pricey and I know they can't control the weather but it rained a lot and our whole room was windows with just screens which is beautiful. However we were there for 4 nights and all of my clothes ended up getting a little damp from the air. I think 3 nights would have been perfect

Review 57：The food was good and I loved the nature. They have a path through the rainforest on the grounds and the monkeys would hang out behind our room. It was super relaxing and very beautiful. The staff and drinks were amazing.

Review 58：Nothing to mention.

Review 59：Very nice setup all by the gorgeous river, also facing the only airport around. The pool is little small but by the river giving you a very special feeling while swimming. The hotel offers free transportation to the airport and Tortuguero village regularly all day long. Very convenient if you decide to travel with the public boat (more exciting experience) and cheaper than the hotels from La Pavona. A special mention to the care they're giving to the bathrooms, a pure pleasure to take a shower in.

Review 60：Bad location - must pay every time a boat transfer to the village is needed. Twin rooms are dingy. Expensive to eat in the restaurant.

Review 61：Jungle noises at night. Proper double rooms are nice.

Review 62：They should distinguish between double and twin rooms. We booked a double, as shown in the pictures, and were given tiny twin room. The twin would be great for kids. We asked to swap to the correct room but they said they were fully booked. Given the price of our stay we decided we wanted to leave, then it transpired there was actually a spare double room...we had to deal with rude reception staff in the meantime. We wasted 4 hours waiting for the rooms to be sorted. No-one apologised to us. We had to move luggage ourselves as after 30 minutes the porters had not bothered. Very far from village, which they do say when booking, but what they don't tell you is that you have to pay for every boat ride to the village (10 dollars each way), and that adds up. Expensive meals - came to a huge amount more than any of our other meals in Costa Rica. It was a disappointing stay.

Review 63：The upper floor double bed rooms are lovely

Review 64：The food was some times sub standard, especially as it was a bit expensive h.

Review 65：A beautiful hotel with helpful staff! The hotel also has some private land in the area behind the hotel (and free rubber boots to borrow) where you can spot monkeys, sloths, poison dart frogs and exotic birds.

Review 66：If it's wet (and it is a rainforest) there really is nothing to do! The rain was too heavy for boat trips, the paths were flooded (knee deep apparently) so we couldn't do any walks, there are no TVs ... fine as a honeymoon couple for 2 days but a bit disappointing when you go all that way to see the wildlife and are confined to your room. Also with there being no glass windows and having no air con although it was lovely being able to hear the lovely noises in the morning it meant that our damp clothes stayed wet, resulting in a smelly damp room and a smelly suitcase when we left. It was quite confusing with the meals, there are lots of options but you don't know how much everything costs - it would be nice to have prices on the menu so you knew what you were paying.

Review 67：Location - opposite the airstrip, we literally waited for the plane to arrive while eating breakfast and then went over in the boat. The grounds are lovely. Location in the rainforest is great, if only we'd have been able to get outdoors. Food was lovely. I imagine it is beautiful if it is sunny.

Review 68：While seeing the practicality of having no glass in the Windows, it makes for an uncomfortable night in a storm. Since most people stay for a couple of nights, more variation in the menu would be welcome.

Review 69：We arrived with both ourselves and our luggage soaked through,they skipped the formalities and brought us hot chocolate and a cake, and even dried and ironed our wet clothes for free ! The quality, enthusiasm and knowledge of their guides,( in our case, Priscilla,) couldn't be improved

Review 70：Transportation to the village and back cost $ 10 per two people if you do not manage to take the free water taxi offered by the lodge, as schedules sometimes do not meet your needs.

Review 71：In the garden you can spot a lot of wildlife, e.g. sloths, iguanas, butterflies, howler monkey, spider monkeys and frogs. Bed is very comfortable and position is good. Just for information: dinner three-course menu costs $ 35.

Review 72：There were no options at lunch. Nevertheless the set menu was delicious

Review 73：The staff were super friendly and more than helpful. They even got their handyman to fix my shoe!! The location is away from the village so you feel you are in the middle of the rainforest. They have specific times for a boat to take you to the village but were very accommodating. We got numerous shuttle boats when suited us

Review 74：A bit pricy food and services (although good value for money), plus, for those for whom it is important, it's one of the most remote hotels from the main village in Tortuguero (although it's not a critical distance)

Review 75：Rooms, staff, services very good. Very close to wildlife habitat and great 18-mile turtle nesting beach. Just perfect for eco-tourism. Besides, it's just across the river from the airfield, so the time between check-out and arrival on the airstrip is just 3-4 minutes

Review 76：Tours are relatively expensive.

Review 77：Views from the room and very stylish design of the lodge area. Trails behind the lodge and the availability of boots. Free shuttleservice to the village.

Review 78：I would say it was perfect and just warn people, the howler monkeys will howler and they are loud. we didn't mind them.

Review 79：200 characters not enough to describe the wonderful staff here! Viviana greeted us with cold drinks when we arrived, gave us explanation of tours, activities and tour of the grounds. Willis our tour guide for turtle nesting and jungle cruise; funny and very knowledgeble. everyone else, Norton, maria, luis... attentive, helpful staff .. 10 star service, grounds, rooms...

Review 80：The food was good, but very overpriced. They have you trapped a little bit, so they charge quite a bit. Better off going to town for food. Try Wild Ginger.

Review 81：The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The location is excellent, and has hiking grounds (boots provided for free). The wildlife was great. They offer several free boat ride times to and from town, which was very helpful.

Review 82：inflated prices boat transfer is $35 each compared to public boat @ $2 each plus a short transfer taxi boat from Tortugero to Tortuga for $10 Private turtle tour is about $300 each compared to public tour at $44 and same tour in town at about $20. Restaurant only offers set menu at $35 unless you ask for a la carte or snack menu - another focus on maximising revenue over service Staff service was friendly but slow, eg 5 people in swimming pool with no towels, freezing, had to ask 4 times and wait 20-30 mins to get towels.

Review 83：Lovely setting, peaceful, idyllic Early morning wildlife tour in the gardens Natural infinity pool friendly staff

Review 84：Liked it all!

Review 85：The lodge and grounds were beautiful and the staff wonderful. Everyone was friendly and helpful. The guides were very knowledgable and fun to be with. Food was excellent.

Review 86：Food prices a little high for the quality. Sheets in room were scratchy.

Review 87：Beautiful location, nice pool and bar. Most of staff was friendly. Some others never cracked a smile no matter how hard I tried.

Review 88：Nothing!

Review 89：Well deserved excellent reputation: Everything we came there for! Great location, just in front of the airstrip, across the canal. You just need to waive, and they send a boat to pick you up. It takes max 2 minutes! Their staff is courteous and most helpful. The food is good. Superb landscaping, well maintained grounds with interesting fauna (e.g. monkeys, birds).

Review 90：Unbelievable. Beautiful grounds, nice staff and a unique experience.

Review 91：Beatiful location. High service level. Great restaurant.

Review 92：Prices for food too high

Review 93：Good location a very nice staff

Review 94：Would have liked an area to do a workout in.

Review 95：Wonderful staff perfect location

Review 96：Wish they had some bird feeder so set up.

Review 97：The staff, guides and people.

Review 98：Romm was not very clean

Review 99：Staff and guides aré very helpful and friendly, tours are exciting Kitchen staff is eager to please

Review 100：Very expensive. The breakfast and dinner also very expensive.

Review 101：Great rooms, friendly staff, nice area to walk around and see animals. Beautiful pool.

Review 102：Hotel, location, nothing much to see apart from Turtles laying eggs....

Review 103：Turtles laying eggs

Review 104：N/A

Review 105：- Very helpful and kind staff - Flexibility of the staff - Extremely nice location

Review 106：Really good service from the friendly staff!

Review 107：Great staff, very good facilities and rainforest trails to enjoy.

Review 108：Cost of transportation to la Pavona

Review 109：Free tours of the grounds with very knowledgeable guides. The ture tour is something we will never forget

Review 110：The Staff went out of there way to make sure you are having the best time. And very helpful when you have a question.

Review 111：- price for bar and restaurant

Review 112：- location - excellent hotel and facilities - nice swimming pool - beautifull gardens - excellen rooms

Review 113：the view on the river, swimming pool the rainforest location, and the ecolodge style

Review 114：The food

Review 115：location comfort cleanliness staff

Review 116：Expensive to get there, long ways from village, snorkeling disappointing

Review 117：Beautiful setting, hot water, fun & beautiful ride up river

Review 118：No windows in the room, feel like u out side! The staff needs to be more kind

Review 119：The pool, the bar & the location in the middle off the jangle

Review 120：Great location. Feels Costa Rica not artificial like some hotels.

Review 121：The stay was too short ;)

Review 122：Very friendly and helpful people

Review 123：nothing

Review 124：beautiful gardens, fantastic wildlife, an iguana and a caiman close to the pool! the best in tortuguero

Review 125：The location and wildlife. The room showers are brilliant. The guides were very knowledgeable.

Review 126：Little clarity of breakfast pricing structure

Review 127：Wildlife Trails Comfort Sounds of the rainforest

Review 128：Excellent for vacation

Review 129：Amenities Jungle in the backyard Breakfast Attention to details Helpfulness of staff Coffee at all hours of the day Snack time

Review 130：location facilities food personal attention staff wildlife watching boat tour

Review 131：It is excellent in every way. Unable to find fault with anything.

Review 132：The willing of the staff to help. Breakfast was very good but very expensive.

The Fine Print

Please let the Tortuga Lodge & Gardens know your expected arrival time at least 3 days in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking or contact the property using the contact details found on your booking confirmation.Please note that the front desk is closed from 10 pm until 6 am. It is not possible to check in outside the normal front desk hours.Due to its secluded location on a river bank, the Tortuga Lodge & Gardens can only by accessed by a combination of ground transportation and boat rides. Guests can also arrive to the site through a domestic flight. The nearest town is a 10-minute boat ride away.