I stayed here several years ago and was happy to return during my Christmas break in Drake Bay.

I had an inside cabin (meaning I had people staying on both sides of me) and would recommend an outside cabin (meaning you have a screen on two sides for air circulation).

I rated this high because of the value for the money: It is very affordable (one of the least expensive all-inclusive places in the area - providing three meals a day + accommodations). It is so close to a great beach (albeit you will have to be in good physical condition to climb the stairs - you'll climb the equivalent of about 7 or 8 stories of stairs straight up to get to the cabins). It's nice to walk into town if you need something (not all resorts in this area are within walking distance of the little town - which has a grocery store and a couple of restaurants and bars). The food was also great (very healthy, hearty fare). I'm a vegetarian and I found the food awesome and filling.

For double the price, I stayed at another resort and it was great too, with rooms a bit more upscale (see my other review and remember - that hotel was DOUBLE the price). However, in terms of the price point, you won't find a better place. It's very rustic (it's not camping, but it's close - they are very simple cabins with screens and there is only one temperature of water - luke warm to cold - which is welcome after a day of hiking and being in a humid rainforest). You'll hear the sounds of the jungle all night, plus the roaring sound of waves, especially as the tide comes in. It's amazing.

We had a virtual united nations of guests staying over Christmas break - with people from Germany, Holland, the US, Canada, Switzerland, France, Italy & Brazil to name only a few.

My Spanish is unfortunately horrible and I will warn that I think only Isis (the manager/owner) speaks English. If she isn't around you may have to order your breakfast or ask for things in Spanish. I'm able to say what I want for breakfast in Spanish (ie gallo pinto, huevos, toastadas - rice & beans, eggs, toast)... so I could get by. Many of the guests are bilingual to help you out. However, I just wanted to give you the heads up that the staff is not fully bilingual - you'll get by just fine though if you bring a little Spanish dictionary and try a few words. Again, the manager does speak English very well and she will come by at the end of dinner to ask you about what tour you want to arrange.

I really enjoyed my stay and if you're an adventurous traveler (meaning you don't expect a Holiday Inn and you like roughing it a little) then you'll find this place great.

A special note: THERE ARE NO BANK MACHINES in Drake Bay. There are only bank machines in Palmar Norte. Your bank may limit the $ you can withdraw (ie mine limits me to $400 a day). If your bank also has a limit plan a head and bring enough money for tours ($120 is the average cost of each tour - PER PERSON) plus your accommodations, plus a little extra in case you need it. Very few places accept credit card. Cabinas El Mirador Lodge only accepts cash. Be prepared (quite a few people had the impression they would be able to withdraw money and they couldn't). :(

PS if you're traveling solo in Costa Rica I highly recommend staying at any place that has "family dining" - meaning everyone sits at the same table and eats the same meals. You'll meet lots of people.