Kenaki Lodge

It is probably the worst place in Costa Rica. Dirty, broken, bad smell, poorly maintained, bad service— the only good thing is nature, and that can be found throughout the Caribbean. If I have to give one piece of advice: Never stay here. The owner is rude, dirty, and disrespectful. Damp smell, rusty, hairs on the bedding... a horror. Far from the town, they say it has a beach in front, and it's dirty. The worst of Costa Rica.

We were supposed to stay 4 nights but the place was so terrible that we left after 2 nights. It was a sign that the first thing that the host did was ask for us to pay our bill upon our arrival. Yes this could be a nice place IF the owner actually wanted to make it a nice place. The toilet smelled horrible and in a small room it’s just not a civilised experience for the cost. The owner asks that no toilet paper is flushed down the toilet. Instead the dirty toilet paper is supposed to be put in a bucket that is next to the toilet. As I’m writing this, it is just exceptionally crazy that this toilet experience has been normalised at this hotel. Aside from the smell, think of the health risks. At one point during our stay, there was no water. Apparently someone had flushed toilet paper and the water pump stopped working. And there is a major small ant issue. Ants were everywhere even when we did not eat in the room. We just left the hotel. I’m writing this review from an Airbnb and I’m feeling freedom and joy.

We spent one terrifying night at the Kenaki Lodge. Here are the details: - Booked Kenaki for 5 nights and left within 12 hours. Literally fled at 5am (after 3 hours of fearful 'sleep'). - Upon arrival we met Isabelle, the owner (who did not introduce herself, nor did she make conversation). Isabelle seemed super disorganized, she asked how long we were saying and if we want breakfast. I filled out paperwork and I never received a copy of the paperwork I signed. I asked her name and tried to make pleasant conversation. - Isabelle began screaming/streaking around midnight. She was screaming, "Stop!" The screams here guttural and very loud. I didn't know if I should call for help. My husband and I were panicked and nauseous by the disturbing screaming/streaking. She screamed expletives in French. I understood she was yelling at someone. I saw her pacing around inside the main house. I thought Isabelle was alone. Then, I saw the silhouette of a man. I did not hear the man yell or talk at all. The fighting and screaming continued for 20-30 mins; although time moves slowly when gripped by fear. Finally, the fighting/streaking ceased. Complete silence. Then, the unknown man left the main house. I watched his silhouette walk toward our cabin. I moved away from the window. I presume the man turned off the lights in the main house. The chaos was followed by complete silence and total darkness. - The just OK parts (not terrifying, just unpleasant): no amenities, the 2 towels smelled of cigarettes, and there was a pungent garbage odor wafting in from outside the toilet closet. - The beautiful photos used to advertised are deceiving.

Very friendly and cozy hotel with four rooms and two bungalows, 100 meters from the almost deserted beach, and 2-3 kilometers from Cahuita. You will need a car to stay here, but free parking. Nice and spacious rooms, but the bed was rather noisy… No fridge or other facilities in the room, but a communal kitchen area next to the reception area did the trick. Breakfast is extra, 11 USD, continental with bread, jam, fruit, coffee and juice. We loved sitting on the terrace and watch the birds and sometimes monkeys in the tree right in front of us. Liked the place a lot, but you need to walk at least 20 minutes along a dark gravel road to get to a restaurant where you can have dinner, or drive into Cahuita. Be aware that the howler monkeys WILL wake you up at sunrise!