Even though Hotel Las Tortugas was more expensive than our other lodgings in Costa Rica, I made reservations here because it seemed to be the 'go to' hotel for the turtle nesting tours. The room wasn't dated. It was just plain shabby. The mattress was lumpy and it felt like it was full of sand. The bathroom was so out of date that the one outlet couldn't handle a grounded plug. On top of the disappointing room, the front desk staff was rude and unable to provide us with even the most basic information, like the time or meeting location, for turtle tours.

I spend three to six months in Costa Rica each year and am always searching for places that make me feel "right at home". There are several nice hotels in Playa Grande, but there is only one that offers the "total package"......nice rooms and apartments, an awesome staff, a full service restaurant with an excellent menu and reasonable prices, all the amenities that you expect at a beach resort, and my favorite time of the day....HAPPY HOUR! (Don't even think of missing out on the mango margaritas!) Whenever I stay at the beach, I want to be on the beach and, in all of Playa Grande, there is only one hotel on the beach....Hotel Las Tortugas. Your room will be steps away from one of the most beautiful, wide, white sand beaches in Costa Rica and, of course, the incredible sunsets. (I think of sunsets on Playa Grande as the Key West experience...Tico style.) The Hotel Las Tortugas family will make you feel "right at home", too. I am homesick already, but, luckily, I made my reservations for 2012, before I even left this special place in paradise

This was my first time at Hotel Las Tortugas! I work in a high pressure job where it is hard to mentally detach! I have been on many vacations -- including many luxury resorts with my company, and I have to say that this was the FIRST time that I was on vacation physically and mentally immediately! I was greeted by the Hotel Las Tortugas staff, monkey, iguana, family dogs and birds - and totally relaxed.
If you are looking for a special place to escape -- you will love the beachfront (right outside you room door), the warm and friendly staff (I felt like part of their family), the abundance of hammocks, the wonderful food whether it was a hot breakfast, lunch or dinner, the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the down-to-earth people who come back every year -- this is the place!
Next year I plan to take my kids -- I feel so comfortable just letting them roam the area!
High marks ... and quite frankly that is hard for me to give!

We only stayed here one night to do the turtle tour at the national park, but wished we were staying longer. The property is more like the beach house that belongs to your friends' hippie parents. Our room was on the small side and sparsely furnished with an aging bathroom but was clean and had a beautiful spacious balcony that overlooked the pool. The AC worked great but the pillows were flat and the towels worn. Also, they were out of beach towels so try to bring your own.

The staff were friendly and accomodating. The pool area was small but nice - plenty of chairs and hammocks for the number of guests. We had dinner and lunch at the restaurant and all the food we had was outstanding - fresh local shrimp and mahi mahi. Service is quick and friendly, although expect a visit from the on-site cats and dog (which we liked). Because of the turtles, lights are kept very low which made for a romantic candle-lit dinner. The lobby is on the second floor and you had to carry your bags so keep that in mind if you don't pack light.

The best part about this place is the location right on the beach. The beach is wide, flat and clean with nice waves. We didn't want to leave. There are no beach chairs, etc. but we didn't mind.

There are notices about not leaving your valuables, etc but we felt very safe during our stay. The parking area was attended 24-7 while we were there.