Hotel Banana AzulvsTortuga Lodge & Gardens
Both properties are recommended by experts. On balance, Tortuga Lodge & Gardens scores slightly better than Hotel Banana Azul. Tortuga Lodge & Gardens ranks #13 in Costa Rica with accolades from 4 publications like Travel + Leisure, Fodor's and The Telegraph.
Hotel Banana Azul
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
From $133/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Free Breakfast
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
- Restaurant
Afar Magazine
"Tucked away in its own little world, a 20 minute beach walk north of the laid back surfer town of Puerto Viejo, Hotel Banana Azul is a little piece of heaven." Full review
Lonely Planet
"Removed from town, this romantic hotel sits astride a blissfully tranquil black-sand beach." Full review
The Telegraph
9.0
"Banana Azul is the ultimate romantic retreat on Costa Rica’s diverse and funky Caribbean Coast." Full review
Fodor's
"Hardwood furnishings are abundant at this gay-friendly (but by no means exclusive) hotel at the secluded far end of Playa Negra." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"Hotel Banana Azul is perpetually improving and tweaking its intimate 14-room retreat on a dramatic—and private—stretch of black-sand beach." Full review
Frommer's
"Features such fabulous touches as koi ponds with turtles in the middle of the ceramic-tiled common lounge. One of the top draws here is the Azul Beach Club, which serves food and drinks on the beach" Full review
Tortuga Lodge & Gardens
Across from the airstrip, 1 mile north of the Town of Tortuguero, Tortuguero 6941, Costa Rica
From $238/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
- Restaurant
The Telegraph
9.0
"This sophisticated and intimate river lodge is the ultimate glamp, bringing guests close to nature without ever subjecting them to its discomforts." Full review
Fodor's
"Lush lawns, orchids, and tropical trees surround this thatched riverside lodge owned by Costa Rica Expeditions and renowned for its nature packages and top-notch, personalized service." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"Just north of Tortuguero and right on the canal, this upscale lodge stands on nearly 50 acres of tropical forest and gardens." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"The property sits on the Caribbean coastline in its own private nature reserve, making it a nature and adventure lover's dream destination...includes an a la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner"
Frommer's
"It has amenities like ceiling fans, solar powered hot water, and landscaped gardens—plus a snazzy stone-lined pool, a waterfront dining room with some of the better local cuisine" Full review