Carey Lodging

Very clean air conditioned room. We appreciated the outdoor tables and the pool access next door. On the last day we were able to get an earlier breakfast as our boat left at 7am.

Property was really difficult to find. I think we were supposed to have been picked up from the dock but as there was no one we relied on Google maps, which doesn’t show streets in the area. Of course it means that you are close to nature.

Carey Lodgings is one of many similar looking properties on Tortuguero. It was reasonably well located about ten minutes walk from the dock, although you would not be able to find it without a guide, which we had. The rooms (of which there were only eight) were basic but OK. Breakfast, which was provided at a nearby hotel, was simple but pleasant enough. The place seemed clean and tidy.

- after signing in at 'reception' (basically a table and chair in one corner of the ground floor) we never again saw a receptionist, nor anyone in attendance. - we had two rooms. In one the water in the basin came out at a trickle; in the other it didn't come out at all. We mentioned this straight away to the 'receptionist' who said this was a general problem on the island (clearly not true, as the water in the toilet and the shower was flowing freely). It was never fixed. - the designated place for dinner (the breakfast place) was closed on both evenings, so we were directed to yet another hotel which was about ten minutes walk away. The food was reasonably priced and quite tasty. - basically, the accommodation and food was adequate, but the place is not really much more than a glorified backpackers hotel, which is fine if that is what you are looking for.

Colourful and small with only 8 rooms so it was not noisy. Very clean and close to the town and the national park. AC was great. Information provided beforehand by hotel was very helpful in getting to Tortuguero from La Pavona, where you need to park your vehicle and get a boat. Minimise the luggage you need to carry.

Took a bit of time to get bearings on figuring out the path to and from the hotel, so was particularly annoying that no one met us at the dock, as most hotels did. Some simple maps would help. If no one meets you at the dock, go towards the national park entrance on the main road and ask at Carreta Tours. They own this and 2 other hotels. Cockerel crowing at 3am most mornings was a bit annoying but it's a small town so I guess it's the same everywhere.

Great location a bit outside of the village and close to the beach. We really appreciated the kindness of the staff, they were always sweet and helpful. We did all of our tours with the associated tour agency and had a very nice experience with them :-) The staff keeps everything clean and in order! The breakfast was very tasty.

Everything seems a bit dated overall and our room did not have an AC. Also, the shower did not have a physical barrier to the rest of the bathroom, so after every shower the whole room was wet and it became a bit messy.