we had a great and awesome stay at el icaco. from the boat we had to walk through the small village to the hostel. it was very easy to find.
the room was clean and every day were some flowers in there, great! breakfast were excited and enough to get through the day. you don´t need a pool, the ocean is close to the hostel. we did the canoe tour with roberto, also the turtle tour the next evening. it was awesome to see the turtles!
the atmosphere in the hostel is warm and cosy. best view to the ocean lying in the hammock. calixto is very pleased to help you getting tours

Staff and Management

Icaco is a family hotel, the owners were correct and friendly, I spoke to them in Spanish, but I'm quite sure they also speak English. The check-in and check-out was very quick and efficient. When we arrived the owner gave us the necessary information and warned us for dangerous rip currents in the ocean. When in the evening we wanted to eat something on the terrace of our cabine we needed a canopener, they let us borrow theirs, they even offered us their microwave to heat our food.

Services

The hotel offered us to send someone to pick us up at the arrival in Tortuguero to not make us search the hotel. They offer free of charge wireless internet connection but I didn´t use it so I don´t know how good it is, although I saw some people using skype on it.

Location

The location of the hotel is very convenient, at about 10 steps from the beach.

Bedrooms

The bedroom is basic but nice and clean, the bathroom is big and basic, the shower is big though the floor inclinates to the wrong side which makes that the water doesn´t have an easy exit. The comfort is good enough to get a good rest. The door had a little opening up and down so the room is not guaranteed free of insects, but all in all you´re in the tropical zone, so you need to come prepared for those things...The room is not airconditioned but that is not a surprise as it says so when you book. There is a ventilator though.

Food

The hotel offers a breakfast included in the price of the room. The breakfast has coffee or tea, fresh fruit juice, fresh fruits, scrambled eggs and toast. Breakfast is good and for sure enough. Great to start your day with a wonderful view on the Caribean Sea.

Conclusion

The location, close to the beach, the correct owners, the comfortable rooms make this hotel be a good place to stay when you visit Tortuguero. Whenever we go back to Tortoguero we´ll consider another visit to Icaco.

People waiting to greet guests at other end, Took big bags on bike to hotel, only short walk, friendly, smiley and very nice! Hotel in good location, rooms clean, lovely atmosphere, fab shower, big room, nice breakfast, $25 a night, fab owners- lovely! First night slept badly because of some very noisy Americans and Italians. Second night had amazing nights sleep. Fans in room, safe, recommend.

Arrived on the boat from Moin. Greeted by Leonardo - an independent guide who works with the hotel. He walked us to the b and b- which was great as its a bit of a maze when you get there but you soon find your bearings! He didn't realise we were two friends and not a couple so he switched our double room for a family room (4 beds!) at no extra cost. It was upstairs at the back of the property, with a deck that had a view of the sea and a lush breeze!!!! The room was basic, but clean and comfortable. Calixto the owner was very relaxed and helpful - helped me to call our next accommodation etc. also recommended places to eat! The property felt really safe and the shower was also hot! It is 'rustic' but we loved it!!! Breakfast was great and the hammocks were a super place to read a book and sleep in the heat of the day! The location is great - just on the edge of town , but right on the turtle beach and the nature trails!