Holiday review by Mrs. Anne Mitchell

Name: Mrs. Anne Mitchell

Date of trip: 02/05/2018

Number of people: 2

The eco lodges and wildlife. Going to sleep to the sound of frogs and waking to the sound of howler monkeys and birdsong was life affirming. We had some very successful trips in terms of bird watching and spotting animals.

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Tribes Overall:

All guides, staff and accommodation were great. We had high hopes for our holiday and it exceeded our expectations. Pick ups and transfers were smooth and without delay.

Tribes Service:

We were kept well informed and up to date with what was happening.

Guides:

All our guides had a great knowledge of the areas and wildlife. They were enthusiastic and helpful. Drivers were also excellent. We felt safe and well looked after.

Social & Environmental Responsibility:

We are fairly environmentally aware and had some really good discussions with local staff about the issues Costa Rica is facing, relating to the pros and cons of palm oil and possible ways of limiting single use plastics.

Hotel Presidente

San Jose

A very brief visit. Too tired to appreciate much I'm afraid. Good breakfast, helpful staff and good location if we had had longer. Our room had a frosted window so very little natural light, but as we were only there for an overnight stay, this did not matter.

Evergreen Lodge

Tortuguero National Park

Lovely lodges. Staff were helpful and courteous. Unlike some trip adviser comments we enjoyed sitting with people we would not normally meet. The food was basic but plentiful and tasty. The river trips were well planned and really enjoyable. So exciting to be surrounded by such amazing wildlife! Room facilities: comfortable, spacious with a good shower.

Selva Verde Lodge

Sarapiqui

Lovely. Enjoyed a great night walk and an equally amazing early morning bird watch. The receptionist very kindly changed our room so we had a view of the river. Enjoyed meeting other guests, relaxing in the hammock by the room and watching the howler monkeys sleeping in the trees on the other side of the river. Room facilities: comfortable, spacious with a good shower.

Bosque de Paz

Between San Jose and Arenal

Wow....what an amazing place. So peaceful and beautiful. Again, staff were polite and enthusiastic about their local area. Good was good and plentiful (almost too plentiful) The trails were well marked. The rooms were spacious, comfortable with very good bathroom facilities. Fantastic to watch the hummingbirds at such close quarters. Room facilities: comfortable, spacious with a good shower.

Parador Resort and Spa

Manuel Antonio

The hotel was very well run with good facilities, including hairdryers and more 'mod cons' that the others. However, compared to the lodges, this was not our cup of tea. Drinks and meals were pricey so we went out most nights to local bars and restaurants. I took advantage of the self service washing facilities, but felt that $15 was expensive to do it myself. Staff were not as friendly as the other places we stayed and it felt like they were 'tourist weary'.

Corcovado Wilderness Lodge

Corcovado, Osa Peninsula

Paradise. Could have stayed longer....or forever. The bungalows were amazing and we saw loads of bird and wildlife in the grounds. The outside shower was wonderful. Given the remoteness of this lodge, the food was the best we had all holiday. Again, the sounds of the forest and the early morning (natural) alarm calls were astonishing. The guides and hotel staff were excellent.

Alta Hotel

Costa Rica

Very pleasant. We were hoping to get a light poolside lunch, but the menu is the same as the evening restaurant where we ate later. Good food and friendly staff. The breakfast (we chose the continental) was not good. The bread and pastries were dry and hard and the jam(jelly) was more like a fruit coulis. However, the fresh fruit, yogurt and granola was as expected.