Kenaki Lodge

This is a lovely place, rooms are very clean and nicely appointed. Isabelle, the proprietor, is delightful - friendly, charming, and incredibly helpful. Isabelle serves a delicious breakfast, and there's a communal kitchen for the use of guests. Excellent wifi, close to a beautiful beach, and fans in every room. If you stay here, though, you either need to have a car or be a hiker. She's 3 kilometers outside of Cahuita on a smallish gravel road. Taxi service is available, but there's no nearby bus stop. No restaurant in the hotel, and the nearest restaurant is about a kilometer away - open for breakfast and dinner only. If we weren't a couple of 70-somethings, it would have been absolutely wonderful.

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.

During our visit to Cahuita, we spent two nights at this lodging. Its proximity to the black beach was highly appreciated as we enjoyed a refreshing swim every morning at sunrise, just a short 2-minute walk away. The peaceful and pleasant atmosphere of the location was also noteworthy. However, due to the absence of air conditioning, sleeping at night was somewhat challenging. Despite this minor setback, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this tranquil lodge in Cahuita.

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.