Hotel Ecolodge La Shamana — Hotel in Cahuita

This hotel is the example of what a good photographer can help out to improve a place which is not good.

The only reason why is not a one star rating is because it always can be worst.

Let's start with the Pros: The place is in a good spot in the middle of the forest, so if you are looking for birdwatching and experiencing how is to be in the middle of the forest during the night, this hotel might fit your needs.

And then the Cons: Owners and employees do not follow sanitary protocols or any kind inside the property, it feels like there is not Pandemic there: no masks, social distance, temperature, etc. They let us instructions for the Check-in in a piece of paper, requesting money for breakfast, since it was not included in my reservation according to them. Breakfast was included, I showed that to one of the employees, then to one of the owners, and then again the next day during breakfast, I had to show the receipt THREE time to show that the breakfast was included as part of the reservation, it felt like they are trying to scam people in this way since there are no internet connection in the hotel to probe it. I understand that is Eco-friendly, but if you do not have Air Conditioners for that reason you need to do something to keep humidity under control. Everything inside rooms stinks to humidity: Towels, Sheets and Pillows, and I am saying that as a Costa Rican who is used to it. Rooms are close together, they share walls, which also are very thin, and rooms only have a mosquito net in the top, so you can hear everything in the rest of the rooms, you cannot expect any kind privacy there. There is no internet no phone connection, the hotel is 10 minute drive away from Cahuita, which is the closer population, so keep that in mind.

Summary: Avoid this place if you can, thankfully was a one night reservation at the end of our week in the South Limón area for us so it wasn't a big deal, but there are TONS of better places to stay and...

First of all, Shamana Ecolodge is beautiful - the construction is great, it has stylish design touches and the views of the surrounding jungle are outstanding. Also, unlike many other 'ecolodges', it actually does use harvested rainwater, solar panels and produces food onsite. All of which is great. However, we did have issues with some elements not being as advertised, either on their own website, or on third party websites. Firstly, we were under the impression that the kitchen in the lodge was shared and for guest use. It turned out that it wasn't, and that it was only for the use of the restaurant. Obviously, this is fine but it needs to be made clearer that there is a dinner option. Currently, the website doesn't mention a restaurant at all.  Secondly, we booked a 'deluxe double room with a terrace and a super large bed'. The bed is not super large, it is just a queen or standard double, which we were disappointed by. Also, the small terrace is shared between all of the rooms. Again, this is not necessarily a problem, but it needs to say 'shared terrace' on the website to make it clearer. Especially given the current situation and social distancing guidelines. And thirdly, sound travels between the rooms very loudly. Whilst there is quiet time from 10pm, you can hear absolutely everything your neighbors are saying and doing. Our bedroom was between 2 bathrooms and we were constantly disturbed by the noise of showers running, toilets flushing and loud bodily functions. The wifi was down whilst we were staying (we were advised of this in advance and it isn't the fault of the hotel) but just be aware that there isn't a strong phone signal so we couldn't use mobile...

I stayed three nights, and was satisfied with my booking. The lodge is perhaps 2 miles out of town (Cahuita), and the last half-mile is unpaved: you can use a 2WD but probably feel more comfortable in 4WD, if only for the clearance. There is a central lodge, serving as reception/dining room/lounge, and a number of nearby rooms. Mine was perhaps 50m from the lodge: well appointed and clean. It is not a hotel and you should not expect full hotel facilities: most guests use La Shamana as a base to explore the area. Service was not hotel-level, but always warm, helpful and efficient. Staff are not full-time, but are there to welcome you, cook a fresh and tasty breakfast daily plus dinner if you ask before setting off in the morning. The manager lives on-site: she is often away during the day, but always nearby and can always be contacted by phone/WhatsApp. They have a separate building for functions, and are happy to arrange visiting massage. The forest guide they arranged for me was excellent (fluent Englsah and knowledgeable). The spring-fed semi-natural swimming pool is clear, clean and cool after a sweaty day out. You are very much in the forest, albeit supplemented by careful and colourful planting in the vicinity of the Lodge: my room gave onto a lovely vista of green and colours, and the local troop of howler monkeys was very impressive when they trooped overhead. It was also delightful to lie in bed while a thunderstgorm raged! All in all, thoroughly...