Tortuga Lodge & Gardens Reviews 71

TRAVELER WARNING: Disappointing Experience at Tortuguero Lodge & Gardens (Costa Rica) ⚠️
I am sharing our experience to prevent other travelers from being misled by the "premium" label of this establishment located in the heart of Tortuguero. While the setting is beautiful, the management treats guests as mere transactions rather than human beings.
The Major Issue: Exploitative Management & Zero Empathy
We booked for 4 people, but one guest couldn't join due to health reasons. The result? Zero flexibility and zero commercial goodwill. They charged us the full price for all 3 nights for a person who never arrived—including "all-inclusive" meals never eaten, excursions never taken, and even the extra bed fee. When I approached the front desk this evening, the receptionist was ice-cold and dismissive. No apology, no solution, just total indifference.
The "Spa" Disaster: A Lack of Professionalism & Hygiene
Do not be fooled by the name. The "Spa" is just a room with two tables—no water, no shower, no jacuzzi. I had the worst massage of my life there. The therapist had long nails (a major hygiene and safety risk), and even more shockingly, she was scrolling on her phone with one hand while massaging me with the other. It was a complete lack of respect for a paying guest.
The Only Saving Grace:
It is a shame that such poor management overshadows the incredible ground staff who actually care:
• The restaurant is excellent.
• Luis, our waiter, was top-notch.
• Our guide was brilliant, passionate, and professional.
• The housekeeping team is exceptional and dedicated.
The Bottom Line:
At these premium prices, you expect hospitality and basic professional standards. Instead, we found a "take the money and run" attitude. It is heartbreaking to see such a beautiful place in Tortuguero ruined by greed and a pathetic level of customer service.
My Advice: There are many other wonderful lodges in the area that actually value their guests and maintain high standards. Save your money and go elsewhere. #CostaRica #Tortuguero #TravelWarning #TortugaLodge #HotelReview #CostaRicaTravel #PuraVida

Location, quality of rooms and service are excellence. The nature around is beautyful and we really enjoyed every moment

A fantastic holiday venue. From the very moment we arrived we loved it!
The staff, the food, the facilities, the wildlife were amazing. I cannot recommend it enough.
Really enjoyed the boat tour , the jungle walk and the trip to the village. The food was excellent, well served and beautifully presented. A wonderful introduction to Costa Rica and a wonderful stay

Great resort, it was beautiful and clean. The staff were very friendly. I would definitely would stay there again.

Tortuga Lodge was our favourite place to stay in the whole of Costa Rica. Not only was our room perfect, but the meals, staff, surrounding grounds, pool and wildlife far exceeded our expectations. We couldn’t have chosen a better location on the east of Costa Rica!

This resort is a paradise in Tortuguero. The rooms, the restaurant, the staff, the garden, the private jungle with much wildlife, the boat service and the excursions - everything was more than perfect.

+ Beautifull place and accomodation.
+ Very nice people.
+ Exciting trip to get there.
- Breakfest: we like more a buffet

Tortuga Lodge is a fantastic location, lovely gardens and pool with bar area. Wildlife plentiful in the gardens with Birds and Iguanas. They have a ferry service to the village and many tours
we went on several tours/ The kayaking and boat tours, including a private tour. It was excellent. I would highly recommend staying here. The staff were very helpful and the food was very good.

Really beautiful location. Excellent Restaurant. Very nice and helpfull staff. The Room was ok and clean. We enjoyed our stay so much. Susanne and Rolf / Switzerland

Our stay at Tortuga Lodge and Gardens was incredible. The staff was so friendly and accommodating and the food was incredible! It was raining during our stay, and even with the trails closed, we had plenty to do and see. The chocolate tour was so interesting. We can't wait to plan our return visit. We will definitely be coming back!

Perfect trip. Arranged everything for us from the hotel pick up in San Jose to the drop off in Arenal area. Very professional transportation service and loved the boat trip there and back. Our guide Norton was very knowledgeable and friendly. The accommodation was nice, beautifully furnished, comfortable. Food was great, good choice of drinks at the bar. Lovely little pool and gardens.
Overall we loved this part of our Costa Rican trip and would highly recommend.

Excellent stay
Lovely lodge with gracious staff and delicious food
Enjoyed the boat trip and village trip

My husband and I with two friends spent three nights at Tortuga Lodge & Gardens and enjoyed our days and nights thoroughly. The grounds were lush and tranquil. We loved the walks, guided boat tours, the food, the pool, the hammocks and the friendly and attentive staff. Highly recommended.

Beautiful lodge, clean and peaceful. Had a lovely time with my family. Service is excellent.

Great place to tour Tortoguero. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Rooms are the best. Love waking to Howler Monkeys in the morning. Great food.

Tortuga Loge is a great and beautiful place!

Beautiful place staffed with friendly and knowledgeable people.