Tortuguero10.54000700,
-83.50072900,
200 Metres South From The Soccer Field, Tortuguero Village(Show on Map)
8.1
Very Good
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Summary of reviewsHotel El Icaco Tortuguero offers guests an exceptional stay marked by its prime beachfront location directly on the Caribbean Sea, just a short walk from Tortuguero village and national park entrances. The serene coastal setting is ideal for leisurely activities like turtle observation and enjoying the sunrise. The hotel's tranquil and picturesque environment, coupled with efficient and friendly staff, makes it a popular choice for travelers.
The breakfast service is highly praised for its variety and quality, featuring fresh fruit, juices and unique dishes like turtle-shaped pancakes. The generous portions and accommodating staff add to the positive dining experience. Although dinner options are limited, the food is delicious and the hotel's proximity to local restaurants makes it easy for guests to find a variety of dining options within a short walk.
Rooms at Hotel El Icaco are simple, clean and functional, meeting budget-friendly expectations. Despite some minor complaints about room size, soundproofing and occasional maintenance issues, the overall cleanliness and comfort are highly regarded. Housekeeping is diligent and air-conditioned rooms are recommended for the humid climate.
Staff members receive constant praise for their friendliness, helpfulness and welcoming demeanor. The team, including managers and tour guides, goes above and beyond to ensure guests have a memorable stay, assisting with luggage, activity bookings and offering valuable local information.
While the Wi-Fi connection is strong in public areas, it tends to be weak or non-existent in the rooms, an area marked for improvement. The swimming pool garners mixed reviews, appreciated for its maintenance and refreshment, but some confusion about its current status and location remains.
The beachfront location is a major highlight, offering stunning ocean views and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for relaxation. The opportunity to witness marine turtles adds a unique touch to the stay. Despite strong currents making swimming difficult, the beach's natural beauty remains a significant draw.
Families find the hotel particularly accommodating with spacious family rooms, a welcoming atmosphere and a well-maintained outdoor pool. The staff's professionalism and attentiveness contribute to a family-friendly environment and they are supportive in times of need, enhancing the overall experience.
Overall, Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero provides a clean, comfortable and welcoming stay with an unbeatable beachfront location, making it a highly recommended choice for budget-conscious travelers looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Tortuguero. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near The Beach
This hotel is located right by the beach. It provides guests with immediate access to the ocean and is close to Tortuguero Village.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Located in the environmentally sensitive area of Tortuguero, this hotel operates within a region where sustainable practices are encouraged due to the surrounding national park and wildlife.
Family Friendly Hotel
Located in Tortuguero, this hotel offers family rooms, providing suitable accommodation for families visiting the area.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
This hotel features an outdoor pool and is located near the soccer field in Tortuguero Village. It is a popular choice with great pool facilities.
Outdoor Pool
Small Hotel
Located right next to the beach, this hotel offers Caribbean Sea views from common areas. Guests can fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing at night. The staff are welcoming and helpful.
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero offers an outdoor pool for guests. The hotel is also located beachfront, providing easy access to the sea.
Beachfront Hotel
Business Hotel
Room Types
Triple Room with A/CRooms come with a fan and a balcony or terrace offering Caribbean Sea views. There is a night stand and the private bathroom includes a shower and free toiletries. Hot water is provided 24 hours a day.
Single RoomThe single room offers air conditioning, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Double Room with A/CThe double room offers air conditioning, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Superior Quadruple Room with A/CThe quadruple room provides air conditioning, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 3 beds.
Economy Double Room with A/CThe double room features air conditioning, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Two-Bedroom Apartment - Oceanfront The air-conditioned apartment has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a shower. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero enjoys an exceptional beachfront location, offering guests direct access to the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Its strategic position places it a mere five-minute walk from the town center, making it convenient for visitors to explore the local restaurants, main street and the entrances to the renowned Tortuguero National Park. The hotel boasts proximity to key attractions while maintaining a tranquil, peaceful environment away from the bustling main street. Guests appreciate the serene coastal setting, ideal for activities such as turtle observation and enjoying the sunrise. The picturesque, quiet beachside coupled with efficient and friendly staff makes it an appealing choice for travelers seeking a balance between natural beauty and accessible amenities.
Breakfast
Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero offers a breakfast experience that has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests. With a variety of options available, including turtle-shaped pancakes and traditional dishes like gallo pinto, the breakfast menu caters to diverse tastes. Many guests praise the generous portions and delicious flavors, highlighting the fresh fruit and juices as standout features.
The breakfast area itself is noted for being pleasant, sometimes offering scenic views and the accommodating staff who are willing to serve breakfast early for those with morning excursions. While some guests feel that the breakfast could be a bit more plentiful or varied, the consensus is that it provides good value and is a delightful start to the day.
For a fee, breakfast can be added, which many find reasonable given its quality and the convenience of having it on-site. Overall, the breakfast at Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero is lauded for its taste, presentation and the friendly service that accompanies it.
Dinner
Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero offers a dining experience that has garnered a mixed yet generally positive reception from guests. The food consistently receives high marks for taste with many visitors describing it as delicious and the fruit juices as very good. However, the dinner options are quite limited, typically restricted to just three choices, which some find basic and uninspiring. The hotel is not set up for full board and during the low season, dinner may not be served at all.
Despite these limitations, the hotel's proximity to the village compensates for the lack of on-site dining options. A short five-minute walk brings guests to numerous restaurants and bars where they can enjoy a greater variety of food. These local spots also come recommended by the hotel and offer a satisfactory selection of meals.
Guests looking for a wider culinary range might prefer to explore the village's eateries, considering the hotel’s limited dinner service. Additionally, there are no full-board dining options available and this might make half board less appealing for some visitors. Nonetheless, for those who choose to dine at the hotel, the tasty food and good drinks make for an overall satisfactory experience.
Rooms
The rooms at Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero are described as simple, clean and functional, which matches their budget-friendly nature. They are generally small with basic amenities but comfortable enough for a short stay. Cleanliness is a positive highlight, as many guests noted that the rooms were tidied up daily and housekeeping was diligent. Air-conditioned rooms are available and highly recommended, especially given the hot and humid climate in Tortuguero.
While some rooms are spacious, others are described as cramped and there can be a lack of proper soundproofing. The furnishings are minimalistic, sometimes resulting in a lack of charm or character. Some rooms come with small terraces or patios, offering a bit of outdoor space, although not all views are appealing. The simplicity extends to the bathrooms, which are often functional but sometimes not very comfortable.
There are some concerns about maintenance with a few mentions of outdated facilities, occasional vermin and musty smells. Some guests experienced issues with shower water pressure and temperature control. Despite these drawbacks, the general consensus is that the accommodation is adequate for a budget stay, especially considering the helpful staff and the scenic location close to the beach. Overall, Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero offers a no-frills, reliable option for travelers looking to explore the natural beauty of Tortuguero without breaking the bank.
Beds
The reviews for the beds at Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero present a mixed picture. Many guests have highlighted the comfort of the beds, often mentioning them as comfortable, very comfortable or even the most comfortable beds in Costa Rica. Several reviews specifically praise the big and clean beds and a few note that the beds were soft. The bedding is frequently described as comfortable and colorful, although some say it could stand to be replaced.
On the downside, a significant number of guests found the beds to be uncomfortable, citing issues like saggy or worn-out mattresses, hard and small beds and thin or old bedding. A few reviews mention that the pillows are small or uncomfortable as well. There are also mentions of noisy metal beds and complaints about overall poor mattress quality. Some guests specifically pointed out instances where a bed base or slat was broken, making it difficult to rest properly. Despite the issues, there's a clear acknowledgment of daily bed-making and clean bedding.
Cleanliness
Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero consistently receives praise for its cleanliness, making it an attractive option for travelers prioritizing hygiene. The establishment's attention to cleanliness is evident with rooms being described as very clean, tidy and well-maintained. Daily cleaning services contribute to guests consistently finding their environments spotless and refreshing. Fresh towels and bed linens are regularly provided, enhancing the sense of cleanliness and comfort.
Despite these positive notes, some guests have experienced issues with cleanliness, such as dirty or stained bed linens, bathrooms and occasional unwelcome encounters with pests. Additionally, the cleaning process has been described as noisy by a few visitors, potentially disrupting relaxation.
In terms of the accommodations, rooms at Hotel El Icaco are simple yet adequate, combining basic amenities with a functional design. Some rooms feature air conditioning and small outdoor seating areas, adding to the comfort. However, reviews hint at a need for updating and more thorough cleaning in certain areas, despite the general upkeep being above average for the region.
Overall, Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero maintains a commendable standard of cleanliness, offering a comfortable and hygienic stay with diligent housekeeping staff. While not without its flaws, it remains a good choice for travelers seeking a clean and cozy environment in Tortuguero.
Staff
At Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero, the exceptional staff garners constant praise from guests. Visitors consistently describe the team as incredibly friendly, helpful and welcoming. Many guests highlight the warm reception they received upon arrival, noting that staff members were often present at the dock to assist with luggage and provide guidance.
The hotel’s personnel, including managers like Joshua, are commended for their superb customer service and attentiveness. They go above and beyond to ensure guests feel accommodated and cherished, frequently assisting with activity bookings and providing valuable local information.
Employees are noted for their kindness, courteousness and ready availability, making guests feel at ease and in good hands. The staff's warmth and genuine care create a homely atmosphere, contributing significantly to the overall positive experience.
In addition to their friendliness, the staff's professionalism and efficiency in handling requests and organizing excursions are also frequently mentioned. Many guests appreciated the well-organized tours and excursions facilitated by knowledgeable guides like Roberto, Kevin and Adrian, which further enhanced their stay.
Overall, the team at Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero stands out for their consistent kindness, attentiveness and readiness to assist, ensuring that guests have a memorable and enjoyable visit.
Wi-Fi
Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero has received mixed reviews regarding its Wi-Fi connection. Many guests have highlighted that the Wi-Fi works well in public areas, such as the restaurant, offering a good and stable connection. However, the Wi-Fi performance in the rooms has been a consistent issue with numerous reports of poor, slow and sometimes non-existent connectivity. Despite these troubles, some guests have found the overall Wi-Fi experience satisfactory when used in the designated common areas. There's a consensus that improvement in the room connectivity would significantly enhance the stay, particularly for those who need reliable internet access for planning their activities.
Pool
Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero offers a swimming pool that garners mixed reviews from its guests. Many find the pool to be a welcome and refreshing spot, perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring the humid climate of Tortuguero. It is consistently described as small, yet pleasant and clean and is appreciated for what it offers despite its size.
The pool's cleanliness and maintenance are frequently noted as positive aspects and it stands out as a nice feature for families, as children especially seem to enjoy it. Some guests highlight that the pool is newly built and well-kept, contributing to its appeal.
However, it's important to note that there have been concerns and confusion regarding the location and availability of the pool. Some guests report that the pool pictured in advertisements does not exist or is under construction, necessitating a walk to a pool at a nearby partner hotel. This secondary pool has received less favorable reviews, described as small, sometimes dirty and lacking in amenities such as loungers and a poolside bar.
Overall, while the pool at Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero provides a much-appreciated respite from the heat, potential guests should clarify its current status and location before booking to ensure it meets their expectations.
Beach
Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero offers an unparalleled beachfront experience, consistently praised for its prime location directly on the beach. Guests appreciate the hotel's proximity to the sea with many rooms offering stunning ocean views and the calming sound of waves, creating a serene and picturesque environment. The beach is described as beautiful and pristine, perfect for relaxing or simply enjoying the scenery with hammocks provided right on the beachfront.
Visitors particularly highlight the excellent opportunity to witness marine turtles, which adds a unique and magical element to their stay. Despite the strong currents making swimming inadvisable, the allure of the beach remains undiminished. The hotel is also conveniently located near the national park and is just a short walk from the center of Tortuguero village, making it easy to explore local attractions.
The staff at Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero are noted for their friendliness and helpfulness, enhancing the overall guest experience. The simple yet charming accommodations are clean and well-maintained, adding to the appeal. Overall, the hotel's unbeatable beachfront location and the natural beauty of its surroundings make it a highly recommended choice for those visiting Tortuguero.
Family
Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero stands out as an ideal destination for families seeking a comfortable and welcoming stay. Visitors have noted the spacious family rooms, which are well-suited for accommodating children and the overall family-friendly atmosphere of the property. The hotel's location right on a wild beach adds to its appeal for family excursions.
A standout feature is the hotel’s outdoor pool, which provides great fun for families. Guests have praised the hotel for making them feel like part of the family from the moment they arrive, thanks to the attentive and friendly staff. The staff's professionalism shines through in their interactions with children, ensuring a child-friendly environment.
The hotel is not only supportive in its hospitality but also in times of need, demonstrating exceptional care by assisting guests to the nearest clinic if required. Moreover, the staff are informative about family tours and activities with guides that help create memorable experiences for all. Overall, Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero is a top choice for families looking for a pleasant and accommodating stay.
Business
Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero provides a unique experience for business travelers who appreciate a picturesque environment with the ability to work while enjoying the sea view. Though primarily aimed at leisure travelers, it offers good value for money for a basic business stay. The hotel collaborates with a professional tour company, offering tours that operate seamlessly, adding a touch of leisure to the business trip. While there is a significant meeting area suitable for business meetings, the primary drawback is the unreliable WiFi connection. Conveniently located near the city center, the hotel offers easy access to the town, making it an accessible choice for those mixing business with a bit of exploration.
Outdoor Pool
Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero offers access to a small yet refreshing outdoor pool, ideal for a welcome cooldown. Despite its size, guests find the pool pleasant and essential for cooling off. However, it is worth noting that the pool is not located within the hotel itself. Instead, guests have access to a pool situated at a neighboring hotel, approximately 100 to 200 meters away. This arrangement may be a slight inconvenience for some, but the pool at the partner hotel is generally considered nice and sufficient. There have been mentions of an ongoing construction for a new pool, which suggests potential future improvements. Overall, while the current setup requires a short walk to another hotel, the pool experience still adds value to the stay, providing a needed respite from the tropical heat.
Beachfront
Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero is celebrated for its remarkable beachfront location. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's immediate proximity to the beautiful Caribbean Sea, being just steps away from the beach. The setting offers spectacular sea views and the perfect spot for watching the sunrise. The convenience of having the beach right outside the door enhances the appeal, allowing for a tranquil and scenic stay. The landscape is described as wonderful with hammocks on the beach providing a peaceful retreat. Travelers appreciate the serene environment, underscored by the unbeatable location right in front of the shimmering sea. The hotel's colorful presence against the picturesque backdrop only adds to its charm, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a restful getaway by the sea.
Yes, Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero.
No, Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero.