Mikado Natural Lodge

We just arrived home after a 14 day stay at Mikados. We have previously stayed at some of the large all inclusive resorts. What a great breath of fresh air is Mikado and Lola, the owner/host/chef. Mikado is located in a gorgeous jungle location full of animal and bird life. Every day we would spot more beautiful birds and monkeys with their babies. We never tired of sitting on the wonderful veranda watching the sun come up and go down. The cabanas are very private and luxurious. With a beautiful rainshower and a stocked minibar, a king bed and what more could you ask for. The property is gorgeous with a infinity pool,where there is never a rush for loungers. Oftentimes we were the only ones at the pool. There is a nice walking path around the property as well. And last but certainly not least is Lola, the wonderful host. She will do anything to make your stay special. Breakfast and dinner was always amazing. She is always there to see if you need anything. She makes great cocktails and always has suggestions for other restaurant options. All in all a very great, relaxing experience.

We throughly enjoyed our stay here. It was the most intimate and personalized hotel experience we have ever had. The grounds are very peaceful and the pictures accurately depict the rooms in a good way. Lolo was a wonderful host and makes excellent breakfast. Highly recommend if you are looking for a more relaxed, peaceful stay in Guanacaste. Playa Avellanas is a great beach and is about 18 minutes down the road.

Lovely hotel, even prettier than the pics. Helpful to have 4WD. A little remote (which is the point), and no regular restaurant (and must arrange lunch/dinner with owner 1 day prior), so you have to be strategic about meals/snacks and timing to get to town/beach. With 4WD, easy to get to Playa Avellana -- a small, cute beach town with a great beach and natural surroundings.

We went to three hotels during our trip with three teenagers. The other hotels were on the beach. And yet, Mikado Natural Lodge, set into the hills near Pinilla, was by far our favourite stop. There are a few great reasons for this: First you are greeted by Lolo as the lodge's wonderful hostess and founder along with family and staff. She has a natural way of making us feel at home and became an immediate friend. Second is the lodge itself. Simple with 6 cabins on a 7 acre lot surrounded my trees and open sky. There is one dining area which starts the day off with a great breakfast. Then the pool area is as stunning as you see in the pictures. Makado is a perfect place for those wanting a simple, uncomplicated setting to unwind and chill out. Don't come if you need all sorts of services and additional amenities like at a Four Seasons. Come here only if you seek NOT to have a complicated stay. Third are the rooms. Details, details, details. Each room is beautifully designed and laid out. Airco is in place and yes, there are TV's that emerge from the bed-end. Mattresses are firm but not too firm. You feel like you are in a well-kept surrounding. Fourth, being set in nature means you do end up leaving to go to the local town of Pinilla which gives you a very authentic experience. Even our teenagers commented how much they loved the 'real' soda's compared to the restaurants at the other hotels. You have to check out Cactus if you go. This left us with a real authentic Costa Rican experience. I can't say enough about this place. But I'll end this review with my truth that what you see online is what you get. Unlike other hotels that try and photoshop out imperfections, this place has very few imperfections and it gives you a great feeling being a guest there.

I am a little late in writing this, my apologies Lolo. Where to start. We arrived and had a bungalow facing the ocean. Our driver (arranged by Lolo) was fantastic and helped get our luggage to the deck. Lolo greeted us with a huge smile and gave us the rundown. Our room was perfect, the shower and bathroom were superb as well. The view from the deck was fantastic with a nice breeze. Howlers were frequent company, as were iguanas and many beautiful birds. The setting is really incredible. The pool and dining area are just right; beautiful in the morning and romantic at night. Just a wonderful overall vibe. We woke up in the morning and went to bed each night with smiles on our faces. Now the food. As mentioned many times, breakfast was so good, so satisfying. We eat Lolo's yogurt, fruit and granola breakfast 4-5 days a week now. Everytime we do, we think of Mikado and Lolo. Our dinners included great wine, perfectly prepared seafood along with all the accompaniments of a Michelin rated restaurant. We enjoyed dinner several nights at the Lodge, and make no mistake- Lolo is not a just a good cook, she is an amazing chef. Value for money, this can't be beat. But most of all, the experience, beautiful setting and accommodation can only be matched by Lolo and her amazing family. We will be back. Love you Lolo, Bill and Regina.

You should stay here! My wife and I spent four lovely nights at Mikado. It is a beautiful and unique place to relax, even in the rainy season. Our room was gorgeous and Lolo is an amazing chef! Don’t pass up a chance to eat dinner with her. We highly recommend!