Heritage Lodge

To say that our first night was horrific is an understatement. it was impossible for any of us to get some sleep. The entire night, our tin roof sounded like giant boulders were smashing into it. I can now understand why the military use this noise tactic, it was pure torture for us adults and it traumatised the kids. Every time you start to fall asleep, giant objects would violently smash into the tin roofs. This would occur every 5-10 mins for the entire night. I couldn't believe we paid for this torture. The next morning we went out to investigate and saw that an enormous tree with hundreds of red plums hung over the entire cabin. The seeds were falling off and at that height, you could hear that crashing sounds from kms away. Sadly we lost a day and half due to sleep deprivation, we had to cancel our plans the next day and spent the day sleeping. Furthermore, my daughter is special needs and the whole experience really effected her (and us). I asked the lodge for a 50% refund (as I am a reasonable person) and a change of room. The manager refused and had the nerve to tell me she is fully aware of the trees fruiting and have never "had anyone complained about it as verbally as you". Even after we changed to a new cabin at the far end, we could still hear the noise and while walking around the tracks you could hear that tree from afar for days. It's obvious the staff knew about it the whole time.

We stayed 2 nights after ALOT of online research looking for accommodation for a family of 4. Our criteria was somewhere where we could all sleep in one cabin and had a restaurant. The Heritage Lodge (and Spa has been removed from their business cards) is about 25 mins from the ferry. Restaurant dinner was very high quality and price reflects (Around $40 / main). Pool is small and unheated but swim in the 2 swimming holes. A crystal clear, croc free creek runs at the back of the hotel and wa great for a swim and skimming stones. The rooms are very clean and unfortunately in pairs (so you do hear next door). They are dated and basic....but youre in the rainforest! Most other places in Cape Tribulation are camping or self-catering. Loved no WiFi and no mobiles - great choosing a DVD from the HuGE selection and watching together after a busy day in the rainforest. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the area and helped booking activities (by landline!). Breakfast was a fruit salad, toast/bread and cereals. Enjoyed our stay. A special place. Feels expensive for the quality....but you're in the Rainforest!!