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Summary of reviewsLa Palapa Ecolodge presents itself as a serene, eco-friendly retreat nestled between Uvita and Manuel Antonio Park, offering a picturesque escape into nature's embrace. Its strategic location ensures tranquility while being conveniently close to pristine beaches and waterfalls. Guests are greeted by lush jungle gardens and vibrant flora, making it a magical hideaway for nature lovers.
The breakfast experience is well-received for its delicious homemade offerings, with fresh fruit, eggs, gallo pinto, and excellent coffee enhancing the mornings. Though some find the breakfast basic or portions small, the taste and scenic surroundings provide a satisfying start to the day.
Rooms at La Palapa offer spacious, cozy accommodations in separate cabins that prioritize tranquility and privacy. The clean and well-maintained rooms lack air conditioning and TV but are compensated by functioning fans. The owner’s hospitality, often upgrading rooms, adds a charming touch. Families find the bungalows particularly comfortable for their lush surroundings and rustic charm.
Cleanliness at the ecolodge receives mixed reviews, with many praising the well-maintained grounds and facilities. However, some inconsistency in room maintenance and widespread issues like stained bedding detract from the establishment’s overall appeal, signaling a need for improved consistency.
The staff are frequently lauded for their exceptional hospitality, attentiveness, and friendliness, with the owner and her son particularly highlighted for enhancing guests' experiences. Their quirky charm and genuine helpfulness contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.
WiFi connectivity is limited primarily to the pool area due to the remote location, which may affect guests looking to stay connected. The pool itself, surrounded by trees, offers a refreshing and scenic retreat, though maintenance issues have been noted despite efforts in renovation and cleanliness.
The ecolodge serves as a perfect family retreat, offering a caring, family-run atmosphere. Its accommodations are well-suited for families, providing ample space for relaxation amid nature's beauty, making it a memorable getaway for guests, especially those with children.
While La Palapa Ecolodge boasts nearby beautiful beaches adding to its allure, the bedding experiences are varied, with some guests suggesting improvements for better comfort. Despite mixed opinions on comfort, the ecolodge remains an inviting destination due to its natural setting and commitment to hospitality. Show more
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Categories
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
The name 'Ecolodge' directly indicates this hotel's core commitment to ecological principles and sustainable tourism. It is designed to offer an immersive experience while minimizing environmental impact.
Dog Friendly Hotel
As an ecolodge, it likely embraces a pet-friendly philosophy, understanding the importance of pets in people's lives. Its location in Portalon provides access to natural surroundings, ideal for dog walks.
Romantic Hotel
Located between Quepos and Manuel Antonio, La Palapa Ecolodge offers a unique and sustainable experience. The lodge's natural surroundings and eco-friendly practices create a romantic and environmentally conscious escape for couples.
Accessible Hotel
La Palapa Ecolodge offers a wheelchair-accessible villa, making the property accessible to everyone. The hotel also provides facilities for disabled guests and an accessible toilet.
Small Hotel
This ecolodge provides an immersive nature experience with comfortable accommodations. It is ideal for guests seeking tranquility and a connection with the environment.
4-Star Hotel
Located in Portalon, near Quepos Manuel Antonio, this ecolodge offers a sustainable experience. It provides a natural setting for environmentally conscious travelers.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Hotel with Parking
Cheap Hotel
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Room Types
VillaOverlooking the resort's gardens and swimming pool, this bright bungalow has traditional Costa Rican décor with African ornaments and cooling tiled floors. There are screened windows, a double bedroom, a seating area and a kitchenette with a fridge, gas hob and an oven. There is a ceiling fan, and a private bathroom. The bungalow has 1 double bed in the bedroom and either 1 or 3 twin beds in the lounge area; maximum occupancy is 5.
Garden Double RoomOverlooking the resort's gardens, this bright room has traditional Costa Rican décor, African ornaments and cooling tiled floors. There are screened windows, a ceiling fan and a private bathroom. This room has 1 double bed and up to 1 extra single bed for triple occupancy.
Mixed Dormitory RoomOverlooking the resort's gardens, this bright room has traditional Costa Rican décor, African ornaments and cooling tiled floors. There are screened windows, a ceiling fan and a private bathroom.
This room has 1 double bed and up to 3 single beds; maximum occupancy is 5.
Junior SuiteThis room is decorated with African Artifacts and has a private bathroom.
One-Bedroom VillaThis villa comes with 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. The villa has a wardrobe, a patio and garden views. The unit has 4 beds.
Guest Reviews
Location
Nestled between Uvita and Manuel Antonio Park, La Palapa Ecolodge offers a retreat into nature's embrace. The lodge is strategically placed away from the bustling tourist hubs, providing guests a serene escape amid lush vegetation and jungle gardens. This eco-friendly paradise is not only geographically well-positioned but is a beautifully maintained sanctuary surrounded by vibrant flora. Guests revel in the breathtaking setting, which places them in close proximity to several pristine beaches and invigorating waterfalls that are within walking distance. The location ensures a quiet respite, yet it maintains convenient access to the main road, making it easy for visitors to explore nearby attractions. With its magnificent structure enveloped by stunning gardens, the ecolodge positions itself as a magical hideaway for those seeking abundant contact with nature.
Breakfast
Nestled in a lush and beautiful garden setting, the breakfast experience at La Palapa Ecolodge leaves a favorable impression on many guests. Descriptions predominantly highlight the delicious and homemade nature of the meal, praised for its tasty offerings that include fresh fruit, eggs, gallo pinto, and excellent coffee, with some noting it as the best they've ever had. This local touch is complemented by options like cereal to cater to varied preferences. Guests appreciate the good variety, and the breakfast’s inclusion is often noted positively. While some visitors felt the breakfast was basic or portions could be larger, the satisfying flavors and the picturesque environment seem to enhance the overall morning experience at this ecolodge.
Rooms
La Palapa Ecolodge offers a unique stay with large, spacious, and cozy rooms located in separate cabins that emphasize tranquility and privacy. Despite being without air conditioning or TV, the rooms are equipped with essentials for a pleasant stay, including functioning fans that ensure comfort. Guests appreciate the cleanliness of the rooms, which are tidy and well-maintained on a daily basis.
The hotel's villas stand out for their remarkable size, featuring private bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, along with outdoor patios that have fans for added comfort. Some guests have highlighted the lovely and accommodating nature of the owner, who generously upgrades rooms when possible.
Families find the bungalows especially comfortable, enjoying the lush and visually pleasing grounds that add to the overall experience. The cottages are charming, adding a rustic charm to the environment.
However, not all aspects of the accommodations are perfect. Some guests noted the rooms are sparsely furnished and could benefit from updates. Occasional issues with bedding and ventilation have been mentioned, and certain furnishings, including mattresses, have been described as uncomfortable. While the accommodations are beautifully situated, some travelers have remarked on outdated elements, such as the shower and general furnishings. Overall, while the beauty of the grounds and spaciousness of the rooms provide an appealing setting, improvements in comfort and modernity could enhance the experience further.
Beds
La Palapa Ecolodge sits in an enviable position with many beautiful beaches nearby, creating an inviting destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and relaxation. Opinions about the beds in its accommodations, however, reveal a range of experiences. While some guests describe their beds as comfortable and great, an equal number feel that the mattresses are on the harder side, leading to discomfort during their stay. Several reviewers suggest that improving the quality of the beds could enhance the overall experience and elevate the hotel's category. Sheets and general bedding comfort also garnered mixed feedback, with some suggesting further attention could enhance customer satisfaction. Overall, while the surrounding beaches and ecological setting are praised, refinement in bedding might improve the guests' restful nights.
Cleanliness
La Palapa Ecolodge presents itself as an establishment positioned at the top of cleanliness, with its facility being described as beautiful and well maintained, particularly by the gardener's dedicated efforts. The cabins and swimming pool have been acknowledged for their cleanliness, with guests appreciating the overall condition of the amenities.
However, the experience has not been uniform, as several guests have pointed out inconsistencies in maintenance and cleanliness. Some cabins and rooms have been reported as neglected, with instances of dirtiness, stained bedding, and towels, and even cockroach infestations. The towels are often described as frayed, and the bed linens show signs of wear, detracting from the comfort levels. Additionally, the yellow and black stains on the sheets have been noted unfavorably.
The palapa itself has issues with lighting, and many guests have noticed a lack of thorough sanitation in various areas, such as kitchens, showers, and bathrooms. Despite some partially cleaned spots, recurring stains and the presence of dead insects have contributed to adverse impressions. Though the pool has been commended by some for its cleanliness, others have found it overly chlorinated and dirty.
In summary, while La Palapa Ecolodge is praised in certain aspects of its upkeep, there is a notable need for improvement in maintaining a consistent standard of cleanliness throughout the establishment.
Staff
La Palapa Ecolodge stands out for its exceptional hospitality, with the staff frequently described as attentive, friendly, and welcoming. Guests often commend the owner, Helen, for her willingness to share helpful tips and advice to enhance the stay, embodying the spirit of a wonderful host. Alongside her son, she contributes greatly to the warm atmosphere that the lodge is renowned for. The team at La Palapa is also noted for its kindness and accommodating nature, consistently meeting the needs of guests throughout their visits. The staff's quirky charm adds a unique touch to the experience. The lodge is also praised for its lovely breakfast, including specially prepared dishes like Adrian's fresh fruit salad, leaving guests satisfied and ready to explore the surrounding eco-friendly environment. Despite an isolated negative mention, the overall impression is one of genuine friendliness and helpfulness, making La Palapa Ecolodge a welcoming retreat.
Wi-Fi
At La Palapa Ecolodge, WiFi connectivity is primarily centered around the pool area, providing a reliable internet experience for guests in that vicinity. However, due to the hotel's remote location, guests often encounter limited internet access in other areas. While some guests appreciate having WiFi access near the pool, the signal does not extend reliably to the rooms, and data signals are generally unavailable. Those looking to stay connected during their stay might experience slow and unstable internet, with very limited reception inside the cabins. Overall, guests visiting this serene location should be prepared for minimal connectivity as part of the remote experience.
Pool
La Palapa Ecolodge features a pool that receives mixed reviews but presents several enticing aspects for guests seeking relaxation amidst nature. Surrounded by trees, the pool offers a spectacular and inviting environment that encourages swimming, making it a pleasant spot to unwind. Renovations have enhanced the pool and its deck area with new lounge chairs, contributing to a comfortable and updated space. Cleanliness is often praised, with reports of the pool being freshly cleaned every morning, further enhancing the swimming experience. Although some guests have experienced issues with maintenance, including cloudy water and neglect, the overall atmosphere remains inviting and positively reflects the renovation efforts of the entire property. The pool's availability combined with its scenic garden setting makes it a noteworthy feature of the ecolodge.
Family
Nestled in the jungle, La Palapa Ecolodge provides a perfect retreat for families seeking a nature-filled getaway. Its family-run atmosphere immediately sets a welcoming tone, with the owner's son offering a warm reception. The staff's exceptional understanding and care for children make it an accommodating choice, especially for families traveling with disabled members.
Guests find the experience of staying in a bungalow remarkably comfortable, offering a unique way to immerse themselves in the lush surroundings. Families, even those with multiple children, find the space fitting for their needs, with plenty of opportunities to rest and relax in the serene environment. The lodge is particularly praised for being an ideal location to unwind and enjoy quality time with loved ones amidst the beauty of nature. Additionally, children leave with fond memories of their stay, making it a memorable experience for the entire family.
Yes, La Palapa Ecolodge has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at La Palapa Ecolodge.
Yes, La Palapa Ecolodge welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at La Palapa Ecolodge.