This study aimed to explain the factors influencing tourists’ lodging experiences in ecolodges within Kandovan village. The statistical population comprised tourists visiting the ecolodges of Kandovan, and the sample size was determined to be 384 individuals using Cochran’s formula. The research methodology was descriptive-analytical, employing a survey design for data collection. The primary research instrument was a researcher-developed questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale, whose validity and reliability were rigorously confirmed. Data analysis was performed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS software. The findings revealed that ecolodge quality is the most critical factor influencing tourists’ perception of natural attractions, which in turn exert a significant positive effect on social interactions. Additionally, cultural authenticity plays a vital role in enhancing the perceived experience value of tourists. The results indicated that perceived experience value has a positive and significant effect on overall tourist satisfaction, whereas several direct paths between natural attractions, ecolodge quality, and social interactions with perceived experience value were either non-significant or exhibited negative effects. This highlights the crucial mediating role of human, cultural, and service-related factors. The model fit indices were acceptable, demonstrating that the proposed model possesses adequate explanatory power for tourists’ lodging experiences in Kandovan. Overall, the results suggest that tourist satisfaction in Kandovan depends more on the quality of services, hospitality, local community interactions, and cultural authenticity than on physical and structural characteristics. Consequently, enhancing hospitality standards and promoting authentic local experiences can significantly improve tourist satisfaction and support the sustainable development of ecotourism in the region.