Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort & Nature Reserve

We really loved our stay at Laguna Lodge. The scenery is spectacular, the accommodations very comfortable, and the vegan food delicious. We enjoyed hiking in the private nature reserve and are grateful that the lodge is preserving the ecosystem. The staff arranged transport for us. The drivers were on time and very helpful. Laguna Lodge, the staff, and stunning surroundings made for a fabulous trip. We hope to return soon.

1. **Rodent Problem in the Room**: We arrived to find rat droppings on the bed, which I had to clean and throw away. That same night, a mouse ran through my luggage. Management’s resolution was to move us to another room for two days and then back to the old room, causing extra inconvenience. Instead of offering a refund or something meaningful, they offered us a dinner, as if that would fix the issue. 2. **Terrible Wi-Fi**: The Wi-Fi was almost unusable. It only worked in one tiny corner of the room. If you want to watch something on Netflix, you’d better have strong legs to stand there long enough to finish an episode. For a hotel charging premium rates, this was unacceptable. 3. **Dated and Falling Apart**: Everything in the rooms and common areas—furniture, rugs, cushions, and bed comforters—felt like it was at least 15 years old. The power went out **five times**, and the lights constantly flickered, making the experience even worse. It’s clear this place hasn’t seen a renovation since its last good review in 2013. 4. **Unreliable Showers**: For two days, there was no hot water at all. On other days, the water was either scalding hot or freezing cold, making showering a miserable experience. 5. **Overpriced Pool Access**: The “pool” looks more like a decorative fountain. To use it, you must notify the staff 4 hours in advance, pay $26, and can only enjoy it for a maximum of 1 hour. Come on—I paid $250 per night, and you’re charging me to heat the pool for 1 hour? Are you that desperate to pinch every penny? How about offering at least some mediocre luxury service! 6. **Mediocre Dining Options**: The restaurant offers only a vegetarian menu, which we don’t mind, but the food was mediocre at best. Adding small meat options would provide much-needed variety, especially since you cannot walk anywhere for alternative dining. 7. **Understaffed Service**: At the old wooden "antique" restaurant, there was only one employee juggling roles as a busboy, waiter, and bartender. He was very accommodating considering he had to play so many roles. 8. **Nonexistent Amenities**: The hotel advertised a gym, but it was closed and empty, which was not disclosed during booking. 9. **Unreasonable Refund Policy**: Due to an emergency, I had to leave a day earlier and requested a refund or partial credit toward my bill. I was being reasonable—even a partial refund would have sufficed. Unsurprisingly, the owners refused and instead offered a credit for a future stay. Honestly, I’d rather sleep in a canoe in the middle of the freezing lake than step foot in this place again! This property needs a **total overhaul** to live up to even basic standards. If you’re considering staying here, don’t. Look into alternatives like **Casa Palopó** or **Casa Prana**, even if it means changing your plans. I regret not staying elsewhere. Avoid this place at all costs.

I would avoid this place. We had reserved three specific rooms. We arrived and got an "upgrade" to a "villa" (note this is common in other reviews) which was actually a downgrade because it couldn't accommodate what we needed. The villa was up two extra flights of steep, tall stone stairs and then had a narrow winding staircase inside. The opposite of what you want when traveling in a multigenerational group with two senior citizens. When asked what happened we were told that they had overbooked so moved us without letting us know in advance. The rooms are dark and dingy. My mom used a flashlight to make sure the sheet were clean but even then we weren't sure. I wouldn't expect ac in an eco hotel but they didn't even have table top fans we could borrow. They said they only have "natural ventilation" meaning that we had to keep the windows open for air and swarms of bugs were flying in all night. I woke up three times because of large bugs flying into my hair. The food is average at best. We had spent three days beforehand eating our way through Guatemala and we don't mind vegetarian food. Everyone in our group just picked through their dinner. Breakfast was ok. The talk of two groups we didn't know at breakfast was how bad the showers were. It's either steaming hot or freezing cold water. We had the same experience. If you stay here come with the right expectations. We cut our trip short and left. early

I booked Laguna Eco Lodge a bit last minute. Overall I was happy with the experience but I felt a few things could improve. The good: - the lake view is incredible - the hotel is so quirky and fun - loved the explanation book of where they sourced the textiles and all about the hotel - quiet and tranquil - plant based kitchen! Perfect for vegans and vegetarians and everything in between - staff is wonderful and upgraded our room - fun activities like a nature walk, kayaking, and pool - clean - walkable to Santa Cruz The bad: - the beds are awful. I jokingly noted volcanic rock is softer. I can’t tell if it’s a cultural thing to prefer super hard mattresses but overall not a fan. - the “hot tub” doesn’t exist :/ - no Air conditioning - spotty WiFi - pool is cold :/ - kayaks were great but the staff member helping us disappeared and we had to haul it back on the dock which isn’t super easy - the nature trail is not the easiest to navigate and we got lost Overall a good experience but for the price point I think it was a bit high for a 4 star experience.

We had an incredible stay at Laguna Lodge. The serene environment, sustainable design, and stunning views made it a perfect holiday destination. The room had the most stunning view across the lake and was beautifully decorated with local furnishings & artefacts. The staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive, ensuring our comfort at every turn. Waking up to the relaxing sounds of nature and enjoying our freshly prepared breakfast & morning coffee in the beautifully positioned restaurant was a highlight. Highly recommend! We can't wait to return!