Sanctuary PuertoViejo

"Very nice and very ordered rooms, the beds a little small but for the price it worth it completely"

Tree House Lodge

"We booked the Tree House for two nights. It was everything we'd hoped it would be. Relaxing, spacious, and having a room with AC to escape to when needed was a great bonus. The AC can really chill that room down. On the downside, the beds in that room are very small (twin size) which could pose a problem for taller visitors who want to use it. A short walk takes you to the private beach. The owners indicated that the water at that portion of the beach is too shallow for swimming, though it's good for wading (wading out too far is not recommended due to the reef). More standard swimming can be had by walking a few minutes down the beach. We did not make use of the kitchen resources other than the refrigerator, so we can't speak to the functionality of the various appliances in it. Based on a cursory investigation they seemed to be in decent repair. Staff kept the area tidy. We came back in the middle of the day and found them busy at work raking up leaves, cleaning surfaces, emptying trash, etc. They must also work hard keeping spiders at bay because despite numerous species being found all over the area, we didn't find any of them making homes in the living areas. The outdoor bathroom was an interesting experience (there's a standard toilet/shower in the upstairs room as well), but it got the job done. Now, venturing into a more delicate realm: One thing to note is--like other more "rustic" lodging options in the area--the toilet paper is not meant to go in the toilet. Many of the septic systems in the area are more basic/eco-friendly, and as such don't handle toilet paper too well. Because of this, visitors are asked to put the paper in the nearby basket (which is emptied by staff each day). This in itself is not an issue, but many of these places also will use a very thin single-ply tissue that's designed to more easily work in a septic system due to quickly breaking down in water. The unfortunate side effect of this is they also practically disintegrate upon contact with wet (read: sweaty) skin. I'd have preferred a more sturdy tissue since they're not going in the toilet anyway, but I understand that there are many visitors that may not follow instructions, and it's probably safer to have the more delicate tissue for those circumstances vs having a thicker tissue that could gum up the works when users don't follow instructions. Maybe grab some at a local market and use that--just remember to use the trash bin!"

Sonora Jungle & Yoga Retreat

"Silent, charmful place with howlers waking you in the morning and a sloth drying its fur nearby. The staff is helpful and friendly. The only disadvantage is its location (far from everything) which is also ists greatest advantage. Good to have a car if you come here."

Hotel Casa Conley Del Mar

"This hotel is a little gem tucked away in the jungle, but still close enough to the main road for easy access. Our room was clean and spacious, and the bathroom and shower were very good. The pool was refreshing and well maintained. Scott, the owner, is very helpful and friendly. You should have a car to get up the hill to the hotel, but we didn't have one and we managed. Our taxi drove us up when we arrived with our luggage, and we managed to walk up at the end of a day of touring. It's a short bus ride to Peurto Viejo and Cahuita, or you can hitch a ride from a passing vehicle. The beauty of the place is its peacefulness, especially after spending a day in the tourist spots. You will hear plenty of monkeys, and may see the sloths that regularly hang around near the pool area. Some toucans also flew by. The Chocolate Trail Museum is right across the road, and well worth a visit. The hotel does not currently offer breakfast, and there are no kitchen facilities in the room, so you'll have to eat meals elsewhere, or bring in portable food items which don't need refrigeration, which we did. There are some menus posted in the office for nearby restaurants which deliver to the hotel, and we had a couple of good meals delivered during our week long stay. We would certainly stay here again, and are grateful for Scott's kind assistance."

Bambutel

"It definitely has a neglected look, which might have been pleasant when it was new. The toilet is separate from the bathroom, so there's barely enough room to get in. The toilet seat was broken. The rooms are basic, and the walk-in closet is a storage room with old, crumbling shelves. The power outlets are loose, and the blackout curtains are half-detached. On the first day, they forgot to make up the room, which might have been a no-brainer if it weren't for the problem that the used toilet paper, which you have to throw in the bin, smells bad after two days. The ceiling fan only worked on full blast, making it unusable. I asked for a hair dryer, but they told me there wasn't even one to take back to reception. I got angry, and they found me a makeshift one, half-broken. Lastly, the rooms are extremely humid, and those who compliment the pool forget to mention that it's so small it looks like a bathtub. Breakfast was average. Not recommended, in fact, to avoid."

El Nido Jungle Lodge

"If you're searching for the best pizza in Puerto Viejo, look no further than **El Nido Restaurant**. And trust me, this comes with serious credibility — my husband is Italian, and over the course of our month-long stay in the area, we made it our mission to try every pizza spot around. El Nido won, hands down. What sets them apart? The pizza is absolutely authentic and delicious — the kind that would make any Italian nod in approval. One of our favorite things is that you can customize your pizza **half and half**, choosing two different flavors on a single pie. It's perfect for when you can't decide (or when you and your partner have different cravings!). Our tip: **always get the large size**. Not only is it generous enough to satisfy, but the leftovers make for an incredible lunch the next day — possibly even better after the flavors have had time to settle. And then there's **Daniella**, our wonderful waitress, who truly made every visit special. She greeted us with a warm smile every single time and was incredibly efficient — attentive without being overbearing. She's the kind of server who makes you feel like a regular from the very first visit. El Nido is a true gem in Puerto Viejo. Whether you're a pizza purist, a curious foodie, or just someone who wants a satisfying, delicious meal in a welcoming atmosphere, this place will not disappoint. We'll absolutely be back on our next visit! Nick & Jo Villa 5 From Canada"

Playa Grande Lodge & Tree House

"The name doesn't match the location because even though the beach is on the other side of the path, you can't access it. Indeed, the properties by the sea are next to each other and do not allow access to the beach, you will have to walk a good quarter of an hour before arriving at Playa Negra and a half hour walk to go to Cahuita where the park is located. The bungalow is basic without air conditioning with a small fan, the kitchen is quite nice, bedding, shower with hot water ok but everything remains very basic. The hosts are very friendly and very dedicated."

Hotel El Colibri Rojo - le Colibri Rouge

Cabinas Manzanillo Caribe