Lauraceas Lodge

We loved our stay at Lauraceas (AKA the "Avocado") Lodge. I would recommend it wholeheartedly, and I would stay here again when returning to the region. All of our meals were wholesome, fresh, and fulfilling. The breakfasts were included with the room rate and had a great variety. I wish I could have ordered the smoked trout by the plate while I was there or bought some vacuum packed. We used the kettle and french press to enjoy coffee and tea routinely for a warming afternoon treat, and we enjoyed walking around with our mugs to soak in the scenery. The cleaning staff was very attentive. All the cabins are raised above the road level so you can look out into the trees and to the creek ambling through the hillside. I worked remotely and the WiFi took care of business! When my project ran long, the staff kindly held my breakfast and served me after hours. THANK YOU. The beds were so cozy and comfortable. I loved the big heavy curtains to divide the room- this helped our space heater keep the "bedroom" extra toasty at night, and meant we could sleep in past the sunrise. The place is family run, and we saw the effort and care they put into every aspect of our stay. Glenda was incredibly helpful and informative. She and her family (the Chacon-Moras) are all descended from the pioneers who settled in San Gerardo de Dota ~70 years ago, and she was happy to inform us of some of the history of the region. Your stay includes access to the Lauraceas Botanical Garden at any time, and it is well worth a visit. It is vast and incredibly well curated; the textures and layers of the garden as they've integrated flowing water sources (creeks, ponds, fountains) felt magical. The plants species were quite different, but there were areas in the garden that reminded me of how I felt walking through Monet's Gardens in Giverny, France. FYI: we booked a horseback riding excursion for 2 hours and had a blast! Recommended if you have an interest

Everything was great!! My only caution is to be careful stepping onto the bathmat by the shower because it can slide on the smooth floor. Like any place in San Gerardo de Dota: be prepared for the trip in and out and you'll have a great time. Fill up your gas tank before entering, as there are no services in the area. Pre-download your map so you can track your location if/when you lose cell service. Take the road slowly, and yield to uphill traffic when the road is narrow. Time your arrival before nightfall as the visibility can be poor when ascending to the mountain peaks into the foggy mist, and this is 10x harder at night because there are no streetlights. Plus, the drive is gorgeous; you'll get to actually enjoy it if you drive during the day!

Great breakfast, choice of hot options, fruit, yogurt, very good coffee

Nothing

We loved staying at the lodge. Our room/cabin was spacious and comfortable and a great location for walking around and bird watching. Everything was spotless and a it was clear that a lot of attention was paid to small details and the needs of clients. We hired their guide, who was great and very helpful. The restaurant was probably the best in all of our trip and very reasonable. We were sorry not to have spent more time here. Its a lovely area.

Nothing - the lodge is a great place to stay and I would recommend it to anyone.

Beautiful lodges situated right in the valley with a nice restaurant and a garden with a bird viewing platform. All the staff were very friendly and arranged the Quetzal tour for us when we arrived.

It was chilly in the evening but there was a small heater and lots of blankets etc.

Spacious rooms set cabin-like away from each other. Grounds are truly beautiful with wonderful garden path winding upward thru the bird-populated property. The restaurant is quite good, too, and not a bad value.

Bedding is magnificently rich -- a necessity given the frigid p.m. temperatures. Rooms go from oven like during the day to 48 degrees F in the early a.m. Tiny space heater inadequate for such a large room. Also, at a place of this caliber, I expect better than dime store cutlery in the restaurant. And b'fast should include both juice + coffee, not either/or. A fridge in the room should be included given the room cost