Reading mixed reviews I was a little leery to book here but it was the only option available on very short notice. The room was clean and does not offer a tv. It smelled a little damp but that's something that we found in many hotels in Costa Rica. The jacuzzi was not in working order which was disappointing but there's an ocean across the street so we didn't really care. Loved the hammock area to relax in. The food was tasty and we got a 20% discount on one of our meals upon check-in at our room. For us the location was perfect as we don't like to be in the middle of it all but in a five minute drive or quick bike ride, you're in town with plenty to do. There is a cat that loves to share your food and a very friendly dog that might follow you to the beach for a game of stick. We are animal lovers and having pets in restaurants is a normal occurrence in CR, so it didn't bother us. The only thing that irritated me was the ants in our room. Then again, it's CR and there are bugs every where. I would stay here again.

I stayed for 3 nights last January and the place is good,my overall expience was positive but I wasn't lucky enough with mother nature,the high tides wouldn't let me go into the water a single day.I'll give it a try again next year to see if I have better luck with that.

We spent 3 nights in the totem. It wasnt that clean, betoveral was dirty, there was a worm in the shower, some ants on the buffet.
Waves in the ocean were to high to swim. Wasnt in the centre, so we had to walk 20min. Or to take the taxi for 5$
Breakfast was not lovely and just a small buffet. Dinner in the restaurant was good but there walked dogs/cats around. Normaly for puerto viejo, but not for us.
We wouldnt go to this place and hotel again.

Just back from Costa Rica and I have to say the totem is the best place where I stayed during the all trip. The location is amazing, just in front of the beautiful cocles beach, few minutes walking from puerto viejo. I have been lucky enough to sleep both in the standard rooms and in the suite and I have to say was impressed by the attention to details. The suites are in front of the Caribbean sea and I loved falling asleep and waking up by the sounds of the waves. The standard rooms are in the middle of an amazing tropical garden, which gives you the feeling of being in the middle of the jungle and actually....you are. The owners and the staff are available, friendly and very helpful, always ready to give advises on things to do. To summarize, I would say, if you are going to the Caribbean coast, this hotel is a must. A little paradise in the Caribbean Paradise. Simply perfect. Matteo