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Reviews of Cabaña Ara Macao Lodge

Bahia Drake, costa Rica 50 metros de a escuela de Drake, 60503 Drake, Costa Rica

#5 of 53 hotels in Drake

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 58 hotel reviews

9.4

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.6

  • Comfort

    9.5

  • Location

    9.7

  • Facilities

    9.3

  • Staff

    9.6

  • Value for money

    9.3

  • Free Wifi

    9.6

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: April 30, 2024

    9.0
    Amazing views of the bay!
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Please note that everything you bring, needs to be carried up quite some stairs. We had backpacks so it was no problem. But please be aware if you plan to bring a huge suitecase ;-)

    Location is a short hike up the hill, but this results in an amazing view over the bay. Lay down in the hammocks and watch the nature. Perfect.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: April 12, 2024

    10
    Paradise with a gracious hospitable host.
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Quadruple Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    NA

    Natural setting with birds and wildlife nearby.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 7, 2024

    9.0
    Great!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Parking is 5 minute walk away. Had to carry luggage up long, dirt/tire steps

    Well stocked kitchen, comfy beds, AC worked well, nice ocean view, birds all around. Walkable to tours with pacheco

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 4, 2024

    10
    We loved our stay here. It was comfortable and affordable.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Quadruple Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The stairs are a steep climb - we knew that when we booked - it's just something to note for anyone who may have limited mobility or fitness challenges. It is a steep climb.

    We appreciate the staff arranging our taxi and excursions. The location was great. We loved having the well stocked kitchen. The room was quiet, comfortable and centrally located. It was perfect.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 23, 2024

    10
    Extremely comfortable
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Quadruple Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Kitchen was well equipped with coffee filter machine. Coffee and sugar provided. Oil and washing up stuff alsi provided. Salt would have been nice.

    Checked in and parked at Hotel Jacamer then taken to our lodge - several steps but worth it with great view of bay with terrace and hammock. Large spacious room with double bed and super king bed. Great air con. Separate kitchen.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: February 17, 2024

    10
    Great location, fantastic views
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Quadruple Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 4 nights

    Would have been great to have window screens so we could open the window and let in the breeze instead of relying on AC.

    Great location, fantastic view. The setting is beautiful with forested surroundings and spectacular view of the ocean. Short walk to the beach and to the rest of the town. Consists of a spacious room with 2 comfortable big beds and AC. AC takes some time to cool down the room but does eventually get there. There is a small fridge in the bedroom plus a separate fully-equipped, modern kitchen off the deck with large refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, etc. but no AC so gets hot in the kitchen. No toaster. The deck is large with a fantastic view, dining table, chairs and other seating. The owner lives next door and was very friendly and helpful (we communicated in Spanish). The Jacamar hotel staff were helpful with arranging tours.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 15, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The 3 chairs on front deck are very nice but need padding. We used pillows for our backs and that worked.

    Excellent location, beautiful view and pretty private. Staff was very prompt when we asked them to look at the AC. They set up our taxi to the airport on departure day. Very friendly when around, but did not come around unless asked to. Loved the kitchen, deck, hammocks. 2 AC units, my friends like it colder than I, this way we were all happy.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: January 11, 2024

    10
    Great location and view, peaceful too
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Slightly flakey communication about tour bookings. Tap water not drinkable but same elsewhere and filtered water accessible .

    Spacious but cosy wood cabin with good kitchen and warm shower. Good location for access to tours and restaurants but quiet with great view. Friendly owners.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: January 2, 2024

    8.0
    Great time relaxing on the patio and exploring Corcovado national park.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It is rustic and it could use some fixes, but nothing major. The shower could be a little warmer.

    The beautiful view of the bay and the comfortable set up of the patio. The kindness of Emiliano (the owner) and the assistance provided by the hotel that manages the property (they arranged transportation and all the tours for us). The AC works well and the cabin is very spacious. The kitchen has everything you need.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: December 29, 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    You have to count with 100 steps:). But staff is really helpful, thhelped with the luggage

    Very comfy, large apartment with beautiful sea view. We saw each morning hummingbirds, aras and other animals.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: December 3, 2023

    10
    Perfect view and beautiful surrounding
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Quadruple Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing to complain about.

    Beautiful location with a perfect view over the bay. In the morning you see Aras in the trees around the location as well as Iguanas. Very clean and spacious. Special thanks to Leo from Jacamar hotel (which manages the booking for Cabana Ara). He was extremely supportive and helpful.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: November 27, 2023

    9.0
    Awesome!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The beach in front of the hotel, Drake beach was nice to look at but not so nice for swimming. There seems to be better options nearby if you want to dive in the ocean.

    Such an amazing experience! Someone was there at the beach to help us bring our baggage to the room, the room had an amazing view over the ocean and we saw many birds flying in front of the house including parrots and toucans. The house is spacious and has a big kitchen. Awesome place to disconnect and relax!

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: August 15, 2023

    8.0
    Basic place with great views and different animals right at the doorstep.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Quadruple Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The location is up a hill with no vehicle access so you’d be carrying your luggage 100m uphill. They gave us a hand but it is steep and weather is unpredictable here. The place is clean but rather very basic.

    Great view and very friendly neighbor. Quick communication and friendly staff. Ara Macao right next to the breakfast table in the trees.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: August 7, 2023

    10
    Very nice place
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    100 steps to reach the cabin… but it is the price of the view :) Tap water isn’t potable on the whole area.

    Very clean, smart set up , a lot of scarlet macaws to see just from the terrace. When electricity went down in the whole area, within 5 minutes we got a guy bringing candles. Plus light on the terrace had independent power source. The owner also arranged boat for us to/from drake bay.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: July 19, 2023

    10
    Wonderful!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The people who greeted us were helpful and kind. They gave us a lot of helpful information and helped with carrying luggage up stairs. The beds were comfortable. Amazing views of wildlife right off the patio.

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: May 31, 2023

    9.0
    Paradise
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Shower lukewarm.

    View was amazing. Comfortable bed. Great A/C. Helpful staff.

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: March 22, 2023

    10
    Perfect place in paradise
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Arrived via boat and Ema was waiting on the beach as stated in our instructions. He took us to our cabin which overlooked the bay with stunning views. The lodge itself had everything we needed for our stay, was extremely clean and in the perfect location. Highly recommend booking the guided tour to Corcovado NP (Sirena station) with Javier. Ema's restaurant recommendations were also spot on. We only wished we could have stayed in this paradise longer!

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: March 19, 2023

    8.0
    Great View, Great Value
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing was a major detractor - if you book with the expectation that the cabin is on the rustic side you'll have a great stay.

    Location was perfect for meeting tours at the beach, happy hour at Roberto's, and walking distance to restaurants and grocery stores. The view is absolutely stunning, with hammocks strung up on the porch to take it all in. One morning we woke up to 14 macaws in the trees surrounding. Sheets were soft. Kitchen was well stocked with cooking utensils. The owner and the folks at Jacamar were helpful with setting the boat from Sierpe and tours, answering any questions and helping with bags when we arrived and departed. Would stay there again.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: March 9, 2023

    10
    Best view in Drake
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Quadruple Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Hard to come up with any improvements needed. The indoor air conditioning worked great, but my personal preference is to use a fan - an indoor fan as well as one outside on patio would be great as a way to cool down, and keep bugs away while enjoying the beautiful view.

    View was amazing from the front patio (and bed!). Patio also had plenty of seating, outdoor sink to clean dishes (keeps crumbs and ants outside of room), additional outdoor shower and feet wash handy for after tours. Room was extremely clean (daily maid service). Useful clotheshanging line in front. Host went above and beyond by providing patio fan that we asked for. Most comfortable bed we slept in while touring 3 weeks in Costa Rica. Host did great job coordating both Cano and Corcovado tours.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: March 2, 2023

    10
    Luxury view without the luxury price tag
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Quadruple Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    Wonderful view and location overlooking Drake Bay within walking distance of restaurants and super markets. We went to sleep to the sound of waves and woke to the sound of birds. Paradise. The beds were comfortable and the cabana adequately equipped including ground coffee and shampoo so the owners have obviously taken on board feedback in previous reviews. This is not a luxury spa hotel so don’t expect a steaming hot power shower, but we were very comfortable here. Above all this, the kindness and responsiveness of Emmanuel and the property owners when my partner injured her knee was lovely. A great place to stay.

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: February 17, 2023

    8.0
    Our stay at the Ara Macao was a major component in our enjoyment of Drake's Bay.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 6 nights

    There are a lot of stairs, some of them quite steep, to get to this cabin; and the climbing is made more difficult by the heat and humidity. It would not be good for someone who has limited mobility. While it isn't a far walk to most of the restaurants and stores of Drake's Bay, it is an uphill walk. This cabin is also part of another hotel, Hotel Jacamar, which is about a 10 minute walk up the hill from the cabin; there is no immediate front desk.

    The cabana itself is beautiful; it was very clean, has a full kitchen that is well-stocked with dishes and utensils to do your own cooking, has a wonderful view and porch, and feels pretty solitary despite being surrounded by other hotels and cabanas. Emanuel was a great host, he was very friendly and helpful. It is very conveniently located to the beach, where many of the different tours take off from.

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: February 13, 2023

    10
    Amazing!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Quadruple Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The cabaña was very nice, clean and spacious with 2 large beds. The view of Drake Bay from the balcony was incredible! Emanuel was great - he picked us up at the beach when we arrived in Drake Bay and helped us to the cabaña with our bags and also booked us a Mangrove Boat Tour. Quick walk from the cabaña into the main town which was very quiet and relaxed with some nice restaurants, bars and a couple of shops. The beach is very close and so is the Drake Trail Hike, which I would recommend. I would definitely love to stay here again.

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: February 9, 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Breathtaking view

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: January 31, 2023

    8.0
    Good choice for our price point and interests.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Quadruple Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 4 nights

    The great view came at the cost of 85 steps in each direction. This could be arduous in the heat of the day and/or with luggage; but not a big issue for us.

    The location was great with a panoramic view of Drake Bay and above the road noise. The room was spacious and clean. While there was a coffee maker and fridge in the room, so we could have breakfast before early morning excursions. Day manager and owner were very friendly and helpful. We stayed 4 days/nights and really have no complaints.

    Stayed in January 2023

Showing 1 - 25

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