Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
Check availability

Reviews of Playa Cativo Lodge

4.5 out of 5
Playa Cativo Lodge
Playa Cativo, Golfo Dulce, Piedras Blancas National Park, Golfito, Puntarenas

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 7 out of 9 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 9 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 9 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 9 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 9 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Nancy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Playa Cativo Lodge is a wonderful place and the accommodations, food and staff were absolutely perfect. It was nice to be so close to the gulf which was calm, warm, sandy and perfect for swimming. My only complaint was that the entire front area of the lodge has been landscaped with grass and ornamental plants, many of which are not native. Because of this large open area few birds or animals come near the lodge. Bird watching was disappointing compared to lodges that have left the rainforest intact or revegetated. Also with the large, unshaded open area the lodge is blasted with intense afternoon sun making the rooms very hot. Despite this our stay was great and unless you are a hard-core birder and monkey watcher you will love Playa Cativo!!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023
Response from Playa Cativo lodge on 31 Mar 2023
Dear Mrs. Weeks, We appreciate your comments about your experience. Due to our privileged location between the Piedras Blancas National park and the glistening Golfo Dulce we welcome more than 266 species of birds every year. With plants and flowers that grows in every part of the Osa Peninsula we invite mammals and birds to visit us. Our motto is keep preserving the local flora species that the southern part of the country offers. Regards

10/10 Excellent

J

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2023
Response from Alfredo Mora on 27 Jan 2023
Thank you for take a time and make the calification for our lodge. We hope to see you en a close futer. Warm regards,

6/10 Okay

Jeffrey

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The property is generally good given its environment deep within a rain forest and the staff & management are excellent. The food choice if staying for more than two nights is very limited and the menu does not rotate. The activities around the resort are limited to bird watching and some water based trips such as dolphin spotting. The web site implies you may see a complete range of wildlife including rare sightings of Costa Rica's cats - the reality is you will not and are restricted to birds and an occaisional monkey. Some of the listed activities do not deliver eg AM bird watching is simply a walk around the hotel garden and the Sainos tour includes you stopping after 15 minutes for a drink and some nachos - its not good value as there isnt much to see. The beach at Cativo is not used and so you are restricted to the pool area which is heavily insect infested and so sun bathing or relaxing is difficult. The resort promises alot but doesn't deliver in a number of areas although it is premium priced.
Response from Reservations on 10 Jan 2023
Dear Mr. Anderson,Greetings again from Playa Cativo Eco-Lodge,We appreciate your comments, and we regret that your stay has not been entirely positive. We are sorry our menu didn’t exceed your expectations, we are working to create special dishes for every day of the week. Even though we have an excellent location between the magnificent Golfo Dulce and the Diverse Piedras Blancas National Park, the chance to wildlife watching is not guarantee.In the property you can easily admire animals such as peccaries, great curassows agoutis that are more used to be surrounded by people. With over 266 species of birds recorded in Playa Cativo’s Nature Protected Reserve, Tropical Gardens and Piedras Blancas National Park, Birdwatching is one option clients can enjoy just walking around the gardens.The Golfo Dulce is home to an incredible Marine Life, and is one of the few fjords in the world. These fact gives special characteristics to the beaches of the area like brown sand color, calm and warm waters just perfect to relax with the view of the landscapes around.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is paradise. Our room was fantastic, we had views of the sea and views of the jungle.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan, The berkshires ,Ma USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The setting is stunning combining the beautiful rainforest with the Pacific Ocean in all their glories. The Lodge purposely blends in with the natural surrounding trying to minimize the intrusion. The team here has a true passion for the ecosystem and ecology . They provided an exceptional level of attention and service.Of note a near perfectly prepared piece of red snapper, an evening massage on my balcony to the music of the rainforest 10 ft away,the first tug of a fish on a hand line, a carafe of fresh watermelon juice placed in my room,sunsets sitting on my balcony.....
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Es, London

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
The lodge is in a stunning location - on the beach but within the rainforest. Incredible scenery, great food, a small but well equipped lodge with rooms with plunge pools. An amazing get away. The lodge offers good value as the meals are included - delicious, healthy and organic. There are various activities and guides available for trips. Our highlight was kayaking in the mangroves. But what really makes this place special are the staff - they are very attentive and nothing is too much trouble. With an attention to detail they made our stay a special one. We would highly recommend a visit and we will be visiting again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

kaitlyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful place
Amazing place and amazing service !
Stayed 5 nights in May 2019
Response from Cesar on 7 Jun 2019
Thank you, we enjoyed having you as our guests. It was a great pleasure. Best regards, Playa Cativo Lodge

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Ruth, Annapolis, MD

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Playa Cativo's welcoming, warm and very ( rain-forest) knowledgeable staff ensure you are well taken care of 24/7. Pampered really! The food is exceptional. This eco-lodge, its gardens and organic farm, in one of the most amazing and beautiful biodiverse rain forests in the world, is beautiful, tastefully appointed, peaceful, healing and nurturing. Just sent 12 days there! Non-toxic insect spray is a must in the rain forest.
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2018
Response from Cesar Vargas on 18 Jul 2018
Dear Ms. Ruth & Mr. Ira, Thank you very much for your kind words, we all at Playa Cativo really enjoyed having you as our distinguished guests, you became part of our family and every single staff member remembers you greatly and with a big smile. We hope you came and see us again in the near future. Have a wonderful day and once again thank you for this beautiful review! Best, Playa Cativo Team