Cloud Forest Lodge

“Wonderful Eco Lodge”

This was our favourite hotel of the 6 we stayed in during our 18 day trip to Costa Rica; this is what an Eco Lodge should be. It is positioned high in the cloud forest with superb views from the terrace/restaurant area. There was a log fire which was lit in the evenings when it got cooler due to al… more

This was our favourite hotel of the 6 we stayed in during our 18 day trip to Costa Rica; this is what an Eco Lodge should be. It is positioned high in the cloud forest with superb views from the terrace/restaurant area. There was a log fire which was lit in the evenings when it got cooler due to altitude. The welcome on arrival was great with a fruit cocktail and a lovely member of staff advising of all the useful information regarding the hotel and walks around the grounds. After arrival we walked the short 2km trail around the grounds which allowed us to spot some wildlife. We stayed in a standard king sized room. The room and bathroom were huge with high quality organic toiletries provided in multi use bottles. The room had minimal furniture but had a beautiful feel to it with bedside tables, 2 armchairs and desk and chair. There was storage in the lobby to the room with an area to remove shoes if they were muddy. There was a huge covered veranda with 2 comfy arm chairs. In the morning we often saw wildlife wandering by in front of the veranda. The food was superb - all made from scratch including sourdough bread and greek yogurt. The morning we had a very early start we pre-ordered breakfast the night before so it was ready for start of service at 7am. We ate one night in the Endemica restaurant on site. Although the food was expensive it was superb; fine dining in a casual setting. The bar made superb lemonade and mint cordials which were served like cocktails and very refreshing after a day wildlife spotting. Sitting on the terrace it was easy to see many birds attracted by the bird feeders

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“Great environment, awesome food, prefer better basics amenities”

We visited the lodge in May. Like some of the reviews here, we had a great experience in a lot of ways but also feel like there could be small additions that would have made the stay even more awesome. The reception was very welcoming. The food was great and the staff there had so many alternatives… more

We visited the lodge in May. Like some of the reviews here, we had a great experience in a lot of ways but also feel like there could be small additions that would have made the stay even more awesome. The reception was very welcoming. The food was great and the staff there had so many alternatives as some of us were strict vegetarians. breakfast was delicious and we had dinner couple of nights also. The ambience around the fireplace was inviting and we spent couple of nights playing cards as a family. The rooms while huge were lacking in some basics Like fan or ac, fridge. No view from the rooms at all was disappointing. Agree that it is not walkable at all. No roads and the paths up and down are not safe to walk IMO. And yes the reception was kind enough to call cabs even when we’re in the town. The place is definitely more for relaxing and laid back stay.

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“Expensive for what it is”

The ecolodge is, as name stipulates, located high up in the forest. The access, from the town of Santa Elena, is via very steep road, graveled towards the end. Welcoming juice drink was a nice touch. There are forest walks around the lodge as well as a zipwire experience. If you are taking the l… more

The ecolodge is, as name stipulates, located high up in the forest. The access, from the town of Santa Elena, is via very steep road, graveled towards the end. Welcoming juice drink was a nice touch. There are forest walks around the lodge as well as a zipwire experience. If you are taking the longer, canopy trail make sure to wear sturdy shoes as the ground is very uneven. The reception has a range of ponchos and walking sticks that you can borrow for walks. Accommodation is in spacious chalets scattered around the centre ground of the facility. Our Euphonia Deluxe Suite was huge but sparsely furnished. We had large twin beds with comfortable mattresses, a couple of armchairs and a table. The wardrobe was located in the hallway. There was a terrace overlooking the centre of the lodge grounds, but cold or inclement weather limits its use somewhat. There were no tea/coffee-making facilities nor TV. WiFi signal was good. The bathroom was equally vast, with walk-in shower in one corner and His & Hers sinks opposite. Bathrobes were provided. We dined one night at the Endémica Restaurant. The menu was limited and quality quite average with a small choice of wines. The crackling wood burner in the middle created a homely atmosphere. The following day we ate at the Orchid Restaurant in town and the fare was very acceptable there. Breakfast was served in the dining room, with nice views over the forest. We were encouraged to pre-order our dishes as, apparently, preparation was quite lengthy. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Overall, an interesting though very expensive experience for the limited services offered.

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