We (family of 4) stayed here for 3 nights in December 2007. We stayed in their 'Octopus' apartments - a short walk from the hotel. While the beach itself was fantastic (full of life, a national park) and the turtle watching was what we went for (and accomplished) - the apartment did leave a lot to be desired. It was not clean (dishes in the kitchen were greasy, dirty, bathroom still had mud from previous occupants) - and the bathroom/kitchen did not even have hand towels (when we asked for it, we were refused). The laundry service was not at all professional and the restaurant - while the location cannot be beat - was pretty darn expensive. However, the beach was spectacular and so we did like that part of our stay. I would visit Playa Grande again but would probably pick a different hotel (by the way - we were only looking for clean and comfortable and were not looking for luxury in our accomodations).

This was our third trip to Costa Rica and to Las Tortugas, and it continues to be our favorite lodging in Costa Rica. Our immaculate room consisted of 3 bedrooms (room 5 in the main building) and opened up onto a patio complete with hammock, table and chairs. There is nothing that can beat the location- right on the beach. Pool was excellent and clean. The plants and trees are lush and flowering. Nothing like reading a good book in the hammock with a delicious tropical drink or beer. Food has improved with each visit and the evening atmosphere is great with candlelight and the ocean breezes.
The owners, Louis and Carrie have been longtime champions to protect the beaches for the nesting sea turtles, which includes keeping the lights down low and keeping unauthorized people off the beach at night during the nesting season. We were lucky to see a leatherback turtle dig her nest and lay her eggs during our turtle tour. Las Tortugas will book your tour for you, which is highly recommended.
The staff is local and friendly. Carmine leads the way and the staff encourages guests to speak spanish, gently correcting us with a good sense of humor. There was a wide variety of guests ranging from extended families to surfing students, but a good crowd with no rowdiness.
Keep up the good work, Louis and Carrie, and we will see you next time around.

We just returned from our first Costa Rica Vacation and I have to say we LOVED it! My husband and I traveled around most of the world and Costa Rica will stay in our hearts forever. Playa Grande and the Hotel Las Tortugas played an important role! Playa Grande is a quiet relaxing small beach community and this Hotel is by far the most charming one here. We rented one of the apartments they offer close to the hotel and beach. The Hotel's Location is amazing, right on the beach (just a 10 meter walk through the trees) they have a relaxing pool with shaded palm tree areas to rest and a bar/restaurant service all day long. Amazing food for fair prices!. Their Coconut Flan was my favorite! Fish Dished are wonderful as well. You walk from the pool directly to the beach. We rented one of their Canoes to explore the lagoon and made extensive walks on the most beautiful beaches! We liked that the hotel staff is from Costa Rica (the owners are American), everybody is so friendly and relaxed! The Hotel is custom made and the restaurants interior is made out of beautiful costa rican wood, which creates are wonderful atmosphere, we were sitting at their outside deck for dinner with candlelight while listening to the sound of the ocean. We will be back for sure! It's a great family hotel as well, we will be back with our son next time...
PS: We rented a car from budget car rental in Liberia and drove to Playa Grande. Get a car, it makes your life so easy in Costa Rica if you have a car, so you can explore. Playa Grande is 25 minutes drive away from Tamarindo, so if you want some action (lots of shopping, eating, drinking and other touristy staff) you need to be mobile. The car made it possible to see all the great small towns and beach communities in the 40 mile radius of playa grande.

We came here after being disappointed at Sol Y Luna and leaving. The location cannot be beat, I loved rolling out of bed and onto the beach, with an afternoon siesta in the shaded hammock area.

It was not luxerious (no hotels in Playa Grande are, if that is what you are looking for I would suggest a different beach), but clean and comfortable. The price is very good and I would stay here again if I returned.