Tortuguero10.57991700,
-83.52213000,
San Francisco De La Escuela De San Francisco 25 Metros Norte Y 65 Metros Oeste(Show on Map)
8.3
Very Good
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1 room2 guests1 room, 2 guests
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Summary of reviewsChinitas Eco Lodge, located in the tranquil village of San Francisco near Tortuguero, offers a serene retreat with stunning views of the Tortuguero lagoon and surrounding rainforest. Its location, nestled by the river away from bustling tourist areas, provides guests with a peaceful atmosphere ideal for relaxation and immersion in local life. The lodge's proximity to local eateries and stores adds convenience without compromising the authentic, untouristy vibe.
The breakfast experience at Chinitas Eco Lodge is a highlight, with freshly prepared items such as eggs, plantain, and fresh fruit consistently praised. Guests appreciate the daily-changing menu, which ensures a fresh and varied start to their day. The beautiful riverside setting further enhances the dining experience, complemented by friendly and accommodating staff.
While the lodge doesn't always offer dinner on-site, guests can enjoy meals upon request, finding them simple yet satisfying. For those seeking more variety, the nearby village provides alternative dining options, offering enjoyable and affordable experiences.
The rooms at Chinitas Eco Lodge are consistently noted for their cleanliness and comfortable bedding, and an efficient air conditioning system enhances the stay. Despite some variations in room size, the accommodations are adequate, with functional amenities like hot water and a silent fan system. The lodge's charming details, including hammocks and a small pool, contribute to the overall laid-back, eco-friendly atmosphere.
High praise is given to the staff, particularly the warm and welcoming owners, Ana Rita and Geraldo. Their exceptional hospitality, attentiveness, and generous local knowledge create a welcoming environment that elevates the guest experience.
In summary, Chinitas Eco Lodge offers a picturesque and restful haven characterized by its serene location, delightful breakfast experiences, attentive staff, and commitment to cleanliness. Its authentic charm allows guests to enjoy a soothing escape, while its conveniences and hospitable atmosphere make for a memorable retreat. Show more
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Categories
Hostel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Chinitas Eco Lodge is highlighted as an eco-friendly retreat that emphasizes sustainability. They focus on minimizing their ecological footprint and offer activities such as hiking that connect guests with nature.
Hostel with Free Wi-Fi
This eco lodge offers free Wi-Fi.
Small Hostel
Room Types
Family RoomOffering free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a bath and a shower. The family room has air conditioning, a patio and lake views. The unit has 3 beds.
Double Room with BalconyThe double room provides air conditioning, a safe deposit box, a balcony with lake views as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath. The unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe Queen RoomThe spacious double room features air conditioning, a safe deposit box, as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath and a shower. Guests can make the most of a patio and outdoor furniture. The unit has 2 beds.
Standard Family RoomThis family room is air-conditioned and features a private bathroom, a safe deposit box and lake views. The unit offers 3 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.3
Very Good
Location
Nestled in the tranquil village of San Francisco, Chinitas Eco Lodge offers a serene getaway that resonates with nature enthusiasts. Its stunning location overlooks the water and rainforest, providing guests with spectacular views of the Tortuguero lagoon. This peaceful retreat is beautifully situated right by the river, offering a calm atmosphere away from the bustling tourist hub of Tortuguero.
San Francisco, an authentic and quiet local community, lies just a short boat ride from Tortuguero, enhancing the exclusivity and charm of the lodge. The area is defined by its quiet ambiance, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the beauty of the canal. Guests appreciate the peaceful and untouched nature of this location, which is far from the typical tourist trails, allowing for genuine immersion in the local life.
With its lovely landscaped gardens and direct access to the river, Chinitas Eco Lodge is ideal for those seeking relaxation in a beautifully remote setting. It's proximity to small village eateries and grocery stores adds convenience, yet it maintains a vibe that is not overly touristy. For travelers wishing to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy tranquility among lush greenery and waterways, this lodge offers an undeniably picturesque and restful haven.
Breakfast
Chinitas Eco Lodge offers a delightful breakfast experience that has garnered positive feedback from guests. The breakfast is consistently praised as good, well-prepared, and even excellent, featuring freshly cooked items such as eggs, plantain, toast, rice and beans, and fresh fruit. Guests appreciate the variety and the fact that the menu changes daily, ensuring a fresh and diverse start to each morning.
Located by the river, the breakfast setting is described as beautiful, with guests enjoying their meals on a charming terrace overlooking the water, often with views of the sunrise. This scenic backdrop enhances the dining experience, making it both peaceful and picturesque. The staff is noted for their friendliness and accommodating nature, serving breakfast promptly and ensuring a pleasant start to the day.
While the meal is generally well-received, there are occasional remarks about the simplicity or basic nature of the offerings. Some guests mention a scarcity of fruit or wish for second helpings, and there are comments on the limited breakfast hours. Despite these minor points, the consensus remains that the breakfast is tasty and hearty, with a regional touch that reflects the local flavors.
Overall, the breakfast at Chinitas Eco Lodge is a highlight of the stay, appreciated for both its quality and the stunning setting by the water.
Dinner
At Chinitas Eco Lodge, guests find themselves dining with a picturesque view of the lagoon, creating an inviting ambiance for an evening meal. Although the lodge itself doesn't consistently offer dinner as part of the accommodation, those who have arranged for meals on-site commend the quality of the food, describing it as simple yet satisfying. There's an opportunity to savor dinners upon request, which many guests have found to be delicious, encouraging them to partake in this option regularly. While Caribbean specialties are notably absent, the nearby village hosts a restaurant that serves delectable dishes, providing a convenient alternative for guests seeking more variety. Despite some limitations in choice and availability, the local culinary scene offers a range of enjoyable and affordable dining experiences for travelers.
Rooms
Chinitas Eco Lodge offers a mixed bag when it comes to room accommodations, but there are numerous positive aspects to highlight. Many guests appreciate the effective air conditioning system, contributing to a comfortable stay especially in warmer climates. Reviews note that the rooms are consistently clean, suggesting a strong emphasis on hygiene and maintenance. Amidst this cleanliness, decorations are considered nice, with a design that complements the beautiful garden surrounding the lodge. Beds are repeatedly described as comfortable, further enhancing the guest experience.
While some rooms are applauded for their spaciousness, there appears to be some variation, as other guests have found the accommodations smaller than expected. Despite this, rooms are often deemed adequate, especially given the functional amenities including hot water and a silent yet efficient fan system. There is a consensus that the rooms, albeit basic, serve their purpose well.
Some areas, like the bathrooms, could potentially benefit from upgrades, as issues such as low water pressure have been pointed out. However, the overall functionality of the accommodations seems to suffice for most visitors, making it a cozy choice that balances comfort with simplicity. Additionally, the lodge features charming details like hammocks and a small pool, enhancing the laid-back, eco-friendly atmosphere for a tranquil retreat.
Beds
At Chinitas Eco Lodge, the beds have received a mix of feedback from guests. While some have discovered a level of comfort in their sleeping arrangements, describing the beds as very comfortable or of high quality, others have found the mattresses lacking. Concerns have been raised about certain beds being too hard or overly soft, with specific mentions of mattresses being worn or sagging. Some guests also noted that single beds in particular could benefit from an update. Despite these mixed reviews, the lodge does maintain clean bedding, a point appreciated by those who value cleanliness in their stays. It seems that experiences with the lodge's beds can vary, suggesting a potential inconsistency in the quality of mattresses across different rooms.
Cleanliness
Visitors to Chinitas Eco Lodge consistently praise the cleanliness of this charming family-run accommodation. Despite its straightforward and simple appearance, guests comment on the lodge's spotlessly clean spaces, which contribute to a comfortable stay. Rooms are regularly noted for their cleanliness, with bright white linens and towels changed frequently to ensure a fresh experience. Guests mention that while the lodge may not be a luxurious or modern destination, it remains extremely clean, making it a standout part of their travels. The clean atmosphere extends throughout the lodge, from spacious rooms equipped with air conditioning to well-maintained common areas. While some facilities might be dated and could benefit from occasional upgrades, guests appreciate the overall dedication to cleanliness and swift response to any issues that arise, enhancing the welcoming environment of this tranquil retreat.
Staff
Chinitas Eco Lodge has garnered outstanding reviews for its staff, garnering consistent praise for their friendliness, attentiveness, and exceptional hospitality. The lodge is managed by the incredibly warm couple, Ana Rita and Geraldo, who are frequently lauded for their welcoming demeanor and commitment to ensuring guests have a memorable stay. Both Ana Rita and her husband are not only kind and patient but also boast extensive knowledge about local nature, which enhances the immersive experience offered by the lodge.
Travelers consistently highlight the attentive and helpful nature of all staff members, who display a genuine eagerness to accommodate guests' needs. Whether it's offering helpful tips, providing excellent breakfast, or ensuring a comfortable stay, the team's commitment to service is evident. Guests frequently mention feeling welcomed with delightful gestures, such as a fresh coconut, adding a personal touch to their arrival.
Overall, the exceptional kindness and hospitality exhibited by the owners and staff at Chinitas Eco Lodge create a warm and inviting atmosphere, setting the stage for a truly enjoyable and unforgettable retreat away from the typical tourist crowds.
No, Chinitas Eco Lodge doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Chinitas Eco Lodge.
No, Chinitas Eco Lodge doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Chinitas Eco Lodge.