My husband and I stayed three nights at the hotel. This was too long as you are quite isolated here. The restaurant has a limited selection of menu choices. We longed for a local restaurant and a market to get less expensive water, wine, and beer as well as snacks. We did use the spa, which was very nice. We did not rent a car, which might have helped the feeling of isolation. This is not a bad place, probably the nicest around this area, but would only recommend a one or two night stay.

I returned after over 15 years to spend a weekend at HotelTucano. The Hotel is not anymore part of the Occidental chain, it is independent and ran by owners, who I met. There are visible improvements in infrastructure and service. The Thermae Spa is now very professional with top therapists & treatments and food at restaurant is great. Our welcome gift on the bed, was healing volcanic mud for personal face masks. After being pampered with warm and friendly service during a delicious lunch (my choice was buttered lemon marlin with almonds' crust and funghi rissotto) overlooking the thermal river, I was ready for a relaxing massage at Equilibrium Spa. My Therapist couldn't be better and then we plunge into the thermal pool of the spa surrounded by a lush rainforest. The thermal river flowing through the property provokes permanently a healing sensation. I loved this spa destination!

The rate was good and most of the staff was very friendly. We were there for a whole week to attend a wedding. For the entire week, we had one great waiter that went above and beyond and really understood customer service. Shamefully, I forgot his name but I will upload a picture. Some of the other staff there were a bit more intense and typical. There was one broad-shouldered cleaning lady that was rude to me the entire time with dirty looks and mumbling under her breath every time we crossed paths. Asking for extra bath towels seemed to be an annoyance to her.

The included breakfast is a great feature especially if you can order it off the menu. The bacon and the pork products in general were a standout for the entire area. The buffet breakfast gets old quick but the fresh fruit is a nice touch. Don't be fooled if they have the lunch or dinner buffet out, if you ask to order off the menu for a sandwich or something, do it! The entire week we were there, we drank the tap water with no fear. The water is very tasty and refreshing so don't be afraid. The nature trail attached to the hotel is not much to write home about but worth a visit. The room itself is decent and the rates vary between a room with AC or without. I believe the rooms with AC units are nicer in general. There is definitely a lack of power outlets so be warned. Bring power extensions if you pack heavy on the electronics. There is free wifi but they do not mention it is only strong in the common areas such as the restaurant, poolside, and lobby.

For a developing country, the majority of the people there are genuinely helpful and trustworthy. With that said, I left a portable speaker and my favorite hawaiian shirt by the pool overnight and it was never found. The pools were actually quite nice and our group used them a bunch. The temperatures can be a bit inconsistent at times but still a good scene. I recommend the steam room after a night of boozing!

Frank of Frank Tours has his shop set-up in the hotel. He is very good but it does come with a premium. If you can speak Spanish, I would recommend doing the tours a la carte. If you know the where the tour is, the admission and the shared taxi would be cheaper than Frank. Frank provides comfort for those who only speak English. He communicates well and gives you nice tidbits of information regarding the area and culture.

Overall, if you're planning on the excursions by the volcano and hanging out in Fortuna, this is a good location since the taxi vans are very reasonable.

+
*Very nice staff
*Lovely hot spring pool and hot tub
*Beautiful area
*Nice spa
*The house keeping did a great job (they left fresh flowers in my room!)
*Balcony in each room

-
*Very difficult wheelchair- and baby stroller access
*No internet on the room, have to go to the lobby area
*Food was mediocre