Tortuga Lodge & Gardens, Tortuguero

The pool at Tortuga Lodge & Garden, Tortuguero

Having made a couple of site visits within Tortuguero, Tortuga Lodge & Gardens is definitely now at the top of my list. 

We arrived by boat from Mawamba and the entire staff at Tortuga Lodge stood in a horizontal line at the boating dock waving to us as we pulled in.  This is the first hotel that got their staff together to send out such a warm greeting that I haven't before seen at any other hotel. What a great first impression. 

After we pulled in, each one of the staff members said hello to each of us and shook our hands. We were then escorted to the restaurant that was situated along the river with a nice cool breeze and served with their pre-set menu: an amazing black bean soup, fried chicken with coconut rice and beans. A dish definitely made with Caribbean flavor, after all, we are on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. The meal was served with an amazing salad followed by a very sweet coconut flan dessert, coffee and smoothies. Stuffed to the rim and felt so much at home, we didn't even want to get up to do the site inspection.

After an amazing lunch we continued on our site inspection around Tortuga Lodge & Gardens. I couldn't help not get distracted by the beautiful pool by the river with a perfect reflection of the palm tree on the water. No matter which angle I stood, it looked more beautiful and whispered temptations to just change our CPL (complimentary) stay at Mawamba Lodge and stay here for the night instead. 

Terrace Rooms on upper floor, Tortuguero Lodge & Garden

The first room we saw was  on the upper floor of the Lodge called the Terrace Room. The room looks exactly like it is in the photo, no photoshop edits. Beautiful hardwood floors and clean white curtains that accessorized the windows, the mattress was firm and the room was spacious. There is no A/C in these rooms but it is hardly necessary with the breezy cool air that flows through from the front of the room out to the back. And this was just the first room we saw. 

Junior Suite on main floor, Tortuguero Lodge & Garden

The second room we inspected was even nicer; the Junior Suite on the main floor in one of the other buildings. Made with beautiful shiny tiled floors and an open concept, it was beautifully spacious for a small family. The decor in this place was very simple, but elegant. There was clearly some thought put into the design of a simplistic but elegant look to the place, allowing for a peaceful space for some R&R.

All in all, this is definitely my favorite resort here in Tortuguero that I would recommend to clients when I get back to the office. I absolutely love this place, and would probably rate this is a place that is "OK" for mom to stay at. It is definitely "mom-approved" standards. :)