Lovely 9-day Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica | Jan 10 - Jan 18, 2023

Stephanie
Stephanie N.
Fountain Hills, AZ | Reviewed on Jan 25, 2023

We had a blast in Costa Rica (Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Monteverde) and were impressed with how smoothly everything went! We had no issues during our stay. Accommodations were great, our transportation always arrived early, and the tour guides and service were PHENOMENAL. Bryan did a great job putting everything together.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Presidente San Jose City Center
San José

The rooms were comfortable and the rooftop dining area was nice. The location is right in the heart of the city, which in San Jose means we had to be a little careful. The streets essentially roll up by around 8-9pm and there is not a soul in sight. We have been told that it isn't very safe to walk around at night in the city and that was apparent to us in this area. This means that if you don't want to be hungry at night, make sure to eat a full dinner early on as there is no where nearby to get food and the hotel only offers $3 bags of peanuts. The free breakfast in the morning, however, was delicious with a large selection. The fact that everything around the hotel closes so early also makes it difficult for smokers. Since smoking is not allowed anywhere on the premises my husband stepped out front at night to smoke a cigarette, and the gate promptly locked behind him (gate was not accessible with the hotel key). After about 5 minutes, the gate was opened for him, but during this time he did start to get heckled by an aggressive homeless man. The only entrance/exit to the hotel essentially leads right into the street so it's good to be careful when leaving the hotel grounds.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Designated smoking area, main gate could be accessible with hotel key, vending machine
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pachira Lodge
Tortuguero

This is where we saw the majority of wildlife during our stay. The grounds are spread out and lovely with tons of beautiful vegetation, and the rooms were clean and comfortable. Howler monkeys and iguana were abundant. Our guide for being transported via boat as well as the boat tours was Elias, and he was amazing and also very helpful when we needed to modify our plans slightly. Bismark at the front desk was also very helpful and friendly. They keep the bar running from 10am - 10pm and the large water-facing gazebo as a designated smoking area was appreciated. Being that we were in the middle of the jungle, the comfort and cleanliness of the rooms exceeded my expectations. There is no AC but the temperature was perfect the whole time and I truly didn't even notice. There are also mosquito screens rather than windows, but I still felt like I had enough privacy, plus the screens allowed us to hear all the jungle noises! I had a lot of fun just walking the nature trail and looking for (and finding) wildlife. The grounds were very relaxing. The tap water here is not for drinking but there is a place to fill up water bottles toward the entrance. The food was better than I expected. It is not out of this world or anything, but it is more than adequate. It is offered buffet style (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). We sat at assigned tables in small groups, but the tables were big enough that I didn't feel crowded. Also, the time window that meals are offered is large enough that it was rare for everyone at a given table were all eating at the same time. It is best to go outside toward the bar/restaurant for a good WiFi connection, if needed. I believe a lot of these lodges in Tortuguero (Pachira, Evergreen) all have the exact same setup and function essentially the same. I would definitely recommend them for staying somewhere that feels like 'the jungle' but doesn't sacrifice comfort.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fonda Vela Hotel
Monteverde
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Customer service from Jazmin at the front desk and the restaurant staff was superb.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Fortuna

The restaurant here is perhaps the most beautiful place I've ever eaten (beautiful jungle view) and I am still thinking about how good the seafood soup was weeks later. The rooms were comfortable (also with beautiful views) and the springs were nice. The customer service was also exceptional. I would definitely recommend this resort.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Monteverde Cloud Forest Guided Hike
Monteverde Cloud Forest Guided Hike
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Picturesque Volcano Lake Kayaking
Picturesque Volcano Lake Kayaking
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Leno was our guide and he was great.
Transport
Guided Boat Tour through Tortuguero Canals
Guided Boat Tour through Tortuguero Canals
Tortuguero
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ecocentro Danaus Nighttime Rainforest Walk
Ecocentro Danaus Nighttime Rainforest Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ecotermales Hotsprings
Ecotermales Hotsprings
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 25, 2023

Hola Stephanie,

We really appreciate you taking the time to share your rating with us. We will share your comments with all partners involved.

It was a pleasure to work with you! :) Thank you to contribute to our local economy with your visit.

Reach us back if you want to plan a second trip to this small but beautiful country :)

Pura Vida!
Bryan