Guest User
October 18, 2024
Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge offers a stunning, eco-friendly, overwater experience with breathtaking views and a peaceful environment. The bungalows provide a unique connection to nature, but several aspects of our stay left us disappointed. We saved up for this trip to celebrate our anniversary, and while we didn’t expect more than the basics, the unwelcoming attitude of the staff—an issue mentioned in reviews for years—made us feel like an inconvenience rather than valued guests. In an industry built around hospitality, this lack of communication or effort to make us feel welcome was disheartening. We understand there may have been a language barrier, but kindness is universal. With the exception of two older women who worked in the kitchen in the mornings and were always kind and welcoming, the overall staff left much to be desired. We ended up going into town for meals instead of dining at the lodge due to the uncomfortable atmosphere. Additionally, the food is overpriced for what it is, with limited options that don’t justify the premium price tag. While the kitchen is advertised as open until 9 PM, many items were unavailable by the evening, which was frustrating. The boat service to and from the hotel was unreliable, with some guests seemingly prioritized over others. We even had to pay extra for alternative transport to ensure we made it to our destinations on time. The billing also lacked transparency. Instead of charging per meal or activity, everything was added to our bill at the end of our stay, leaving us blindsided by unexpected costs. Furthermore, we were not informed about the free amenities such as kayaks and snorkeling, which guests must physically push and pull from the water using an unstable dock. This process felt unsafe. All charging of electronics had to be done at the reception area, which left very little privacy or convenience. The shower water had a sewage-like smell and left me with a bad rash on my leg. While the setting is undeniably beautiful, the poor hospitality, overpriced food, and logistical issues made our trip far from the dream experience we had saved up for.