Mikado Natural Lodge is a hidden gem tucked away in the dry forest of Guanacaste, offering a peaceful environment surrounded by beautiful trees, birds and monkeys. Despite the bumpy and uneven dirt roads leading to the property, guests can appreciate the hidden oasis in the mountains, close to beautiful and less touristy beaches. The lodge boasts beautiful and exceptionally stylish rooms with soundproofing to ensure a peaceful stay and guests can indulge in luxury ocean front cabanas and lovely bungalows with a very nice and clean style, comfortable beds and spacious bathrooms. The staff, especially Lolo the owner/manager, received high praise from guests for their exceptional hospitality, kindness and attentiveness. The infinity pool is a huge highlight for many guests with its well-maintained and tasteful surroundings. Mikado Natural Lodge is an oasis in the forest, surrounded by pure nature with individual jungle houses that make for a unique and unforgettable stay.
This 5-star hotel features spacious, elegant and absolutely luxurious rooms and suites, some with a private pool, a spa with a wide variety of treatments that will help guests relax and invigorate their body and soul, an outdoor pool, as well as the opportunity to engage in various activities and excursions in the surrounding area.
Summary of reviews
Makanda by The Sea Hotel Adults Only is a top-rated hotel that has impressed its guests with its exceptional service and facilities. The hotel's location is spectacular, providing guests with a uniquely beautiful experience. The rooms are described as very beautiful, large and comfortable with great amenities. The masseuses are said to be five-star quality, making it hard to find similar service and facilities elsewhere. Although some guests mention that the hotel is quite pricey, most label it as exceptional and a paradise, strongly recommending it. The hotel's restaurant service could be improved to match the hotel's five-star status. Nevertheless, Makanda by The Sea Hotel Adults Only is a top accommodation option for those visiting the nearby National Park.
The Parador Nature Resort and Spa receives high praise from guests for its exceptional location surrounded by nature with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. The free shuttle service to Manuel Antonio national park and nearby beaches is convenient. The breakfast offers variety and gluten-free options and the dinner is exquisite with standout dishes. The rooms are clean, well-equipped and comfortable with ocean or garden views and lovely terraces. The staff are highly professional and accommodating, going above and beyond in their service. The magnificent pool area is a highlight with multiple pools and a swim-up bar. The resort is family-friendly, offering great facilities for children. The beds are comfortable, providing a restful sleep. Overall, Parador Nature Resort and Spa provides a luxurious and relaxing experience, perfect for those seeking to connect with nature.
As the only luxury resort in Manuel Antonio, Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort offers elegantly appointed rooms and suites with spectacular views over the rainforest and the sea, an infinity pool and a variety of activities to explore the surrounding area and everything it has to offer.
Wyndham Tamarindo is a hidden gem located on top of a hill with stunning views of Tamarindo Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The hotel's location is perfect for those looking to relax and unwind away from the noise but still have access to the beach and restaurants. The infinity pool with a bar is a major highlight for guests, offering a serene and relaxing ambiance with spectacular ocean views. The hotel's breakfast received mixed reviews, but the on-site restaurant's dinner options were highly praised for their delicious taste. The rooms are mostly clean and spacious with amazing views and the beds are comfortable. The hotel's staff is exceptionally friendly, professional and attentive, ensuring guests have a wonderful experience. The hotel prioritizes accessibility for all its guests, making it a fantastic choice for those with disabilities. Overall, Wyndham Tamarindo proves to be a great value stay in Costa Rica.
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, promises a generally impressive and memorable stay, predominantly highlighted by its beautiful and secluded location in Papagayo Bay. Guests often appreciate the captivating views and tranquil seaside setting, which provide an ideal retreat for relaxation and picturesque walks.
The resort's facilities are well-regarded, especially the luxurious and clean rooms, many of which offer stunning ocean views. The comfortable beds and stylish design, complete with details like rainfall showers, contribute to a highly enjoyable accommodation experience, although occasional minor maintenance issues and obstructed views were noted.
The hotel's dining aspects earn mostly positive feedback. The breakfast buffet is praised for its variety and quality, albeit with some critiques about occasional cold food and long lines during peak times. Dinner options are widely appreciated for their diversity and taste with guests particularly enjoying the à la carte and themed restaurants. However, securing a table can be a logistical challenge during busy periods and there were a few comments about limited poolside and room service food options.
Cleanliness at the resort is generally commended with many guests describing the premises as impeccably maintained. While there were isolated reports of cleanliness issues, such as unclean beds and hallways, the overall sentiment towards the hotel's upkeep is favorable.
The staff at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica stand out for their exceptional service and friendliness, often going above and beyond to ensure a welcoming atmosphere. Guests frequently mention the animation team and the personalized service provided by the staff, which significantly enhances their stay.
The spa also receives high marks for its relaxing environment and excellent treatments, despite occasional issues with the steam room. The pool area is another highlight, providing a fun and well-maintained environment, although guests noted early closures and quickly occupied chairs as minor drawbacks.
The beach, on the other hand, has mixed reviews. While some appreciate the unique black sand and calm atmosphere, others feel it lacks in maintenance and ideal conditions for swimming. The beach's appearance, likened more to a lake, may not meet all visitors' expectations for a coastal experience.
Overall, Planet Hollywood Costa Rica delivers a highly rated, all-inclusive experience with excellent food, attentive service and a delightful atmosphere. While there are minor areas for improvement, the resort stands out as an attractive destination for those seeking a blend of relaxation and luxury, particularly benefiting from the amenities and convenience offered by its star class services.
Hotel Terraza del Pacifico consistently garners positive feedback for its exceptional beachfront location on Playa Hermosa, which offers stunning ocean views and a peaceful, scenic escape. The proximity to both natural beauty and the convenience of nearby Jaco and San Jose makes it an ideal retreat for guests seeking tranquility and easy access to urban amenities. The beachfront dining experience, highlighted by beautiful sunsets and the soothing sound of waves, enhances the overall ambiance.
In terms of amenities, the hotel provides clean and spacious rooms with comfortable beds and good water pressure in showers. However, there are criticisms regarding the need for renovations and better maintenance, as some areas show signs of being outdated. Certain rooms lack essential amenities like refrigerators and safes and issues with air conditioning, lighting and noise are frequently mentioned.
The breakfast at Hotel Terraza del Pacifico receives generally positive reviews for its delicious variety and the pleasure of dining by the beach. Some guests, however, find the options repetitive and service times slow with occasional lapses in professionalism. Dinner experiences vary with many guests appreciating the good quality and affordable prices of the meals along with the beautiful seaside setting. However, slow service and limited menu options are common points of contention.
Cleanliness across the hotel is a mixed experience. While many guests praise the spotless and well-maintained general facilities, issues with bathroom cleanliness, occasional presence of cockroaches and the need for more frequent and thorough cleaning are noted. Despite these drawbacks, the helpful and responsive staff enhance the overall impression of the hotel.
The hotel's pools are often highlighted as a major attraction, providing clean, spacious and pleasant environments for relaxation. Nevertheless, there are concerns regarding maintenance with reports of cloudy water, visible grease and a general need for updates to surrounding facilities. Noise levels and crowded conditions can also detract from the enjoyment.
Hotel Terraza del Pacifico’s staff are frequently lauded for their kindness, attentiveness and exceptional service, significantly improving the guest experience. Specific staff members are often mentioned for their remarkable efforts, despite occasional reports of less friendly encounters.
The beachfront location is stunning, providing guests with easy access to a tranquil and beautiful beach that is ideal for sunbathing and walking, although the strong ocean currents make swimming unsafe for all but experienced surfers.
While the hotel's WiFi service receives mixed reviews, it is generally adequate in public areas but often unreliable in individual rooms. The secure and available parking is appreciated, though some guests find the area small and sometimes confusing.
Finally, Hotel Terraza del Pacifico is particularly favored by families, offering a family-friendly environment and activities that appeal to both children and adults. The beautifully landscaped property and frequent sightings of local wildlife contribute to its charm, making it an excellent choice for a peaceful and enjoyable family vacation.
Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo provides a great beachfront vacation experience with exceptional location near the water and walking distance to restaurants and marina. Guests love the variety of breakfast options and rave about the exquisite flavors and reasonable prices of a la carte meals at dinner. The rooms are generally spacious and comfortable with quality amenities, although some might need updates and better soundproofing. The resort is praised for its cleanliness and well-kept facilities with excellent customer service from the staff. While wifi is not always reliable, guests appreciate the lovely pool with a swim-up bar and the easy access to a nice beach. For families, the resort is perfect with its kinderfreundlich facilities and accommodating staff. Overall, although there are some criticisms, Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo still offers a great experience and is worth considering for a beach getaway.
Secrets Papagayo All-Inclusive - Adults Only is an excellent choice for those seeking a top-notch all-inclusive resort. While some guests may not consider it a five-star resort, it still exceeds expectations with its superb facilities and exceptional services. The staff is friendly and attentive, making guests feel special while ensuring privacy and enjoyment as a couple. The food is delicious and the service is impressive, especially at the Himatsu restaurant with Eric Aguilera's excellent service. The hotel is highly recommended for a perfect anniversary getaway with standout restaurants such as the Italian cuisine. Doña Aida deserves a special shoutout for her high-quality attention and warmth towards guests. Overall, Secrets Papagayo All-Inclusive - Adults Only is a fantastic and enjoyable place to stay, fulfilling your expectations and going beyond them.
The Hilton Cariari DoubleTree San Jose - Costa Rica is a great choice for those looking for a conveniently located hotel near the airport. Guests have praised the hotel's spacious and clean rooms, especially the executive rooms with lovely views. The breakfast is a must-try according to guest reviews with a variety of options that cater to different tastes. The staff is exceptional with guests highlighting their professionalism, kindness and helpfulness. The gym and pool area are well-maintained, making them ideal for fitness enthusiasts and families. The hotel is accommodating to families, but some guests noted minor issues related to amenities and accommodations. Overall, guests seem to have had a comfortable and cozy stay at Hilton Cariari DoubleTree San Jose - Costa Rica.
Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas features sophisticated and stylish rooms and suites, wellness experiences in a natural environment that will make you truly relax and become one with your surroundings, a variety of free activities every week, as well as fine dining options using local and fresh ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a luxurious and exotic getaway.
Summary of reviews
Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas is a luxurious hotel in a stunning location nestled in a private rainforest with easy access to a secluded beach. The hotel offers guests a delicious complimentary breakfast buffet consisting of fresh, locally sourced options. Dinner is also a highlight, boasting a farm-to-table dining experience with quality cuisine. Rooms are spacious, clean and tastefully decorated with many having private pools. The resort has an excellent reputation for its cleanliness with its well-maintained facilities and lush foliage. Staff are friendly, helpful and accommodating, making guests feel comfortable and well looked after. The pool is clean and well-maintained with lovely outdoor surroundings. While the hotel's private beach is rocky and not suitable for swimming, it's perfect for sunset walks and sundowners. Overall, Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas is known for its luxury facilities, stunning location and fantastic service, making it a great spot for a relaxing vacation.
Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge is lauded by guests for its exceptional location, tranquility and proximity to key sites like Manuel Antonio National Park and the beach. Visitors are captivated by the breathtaking, panoramic views of the ocean and jungle from both the rooms and hotel grounds, describing them as magnificent and unbeatable. The lush, well-maintained property is surrounded by beautiful gardens and abundant wildlife, creating a serene and secluded paradise.
Guests are consistently impressed with the staff, who are described as well-trained, friendly and attentive. The rooms and grounds are praised for their cleanliness and comfort with amenities like jacuzzis and spacious accommodations enhancing the overall experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding the decor being a bit dated, the spectacular views and cleanliness contribute to a pleasant stay.
The dining experience at the resort is highly praised. Breakfast is often highlighted as a standout meal, offering a variety of delicious and fresh options. Guests also commend the overall dining quality from breakfast to dinner, noting the brilliant culinary offerings and exceptional service.
The resort features two well-maintained pools, one for adults and another for families with the latter being especially popular due to its water slide. The poolside bar and beautiful surroundings make it a favorite spot for relaxation and enjoyment, often enhanced by sightings of local wildlife such as monkeys and birds.
Si Como No is an excellent choice for families, offering facilities and activities that keep children engaged and happy, including a fun pool slide and an on-site movie theatre. The staff's hospitality ensures a memorable stay for both adults and children.
Beds at the resort are widely appreciated for their comfort with many guests noting they provided some of the best sleep they had in Costa Rica. Despite a few mentions of creaky or hard beds, the majority of feedback is positive regarding the bedding quality.
Overall, Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge provides a luxurious and relaxing getaway with stunning views, excellent dining and a welcoming atmosphere created by its exceptional staff. The combination of these elements makes it a highly recommended destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation in a picturesque setting.
Olas Verdes Hotel is a beautiful and remote property located within a short walk of a great surfing beach. The hotel's staff is exceptional, friendly and always accommodating, making guests feel welcomed and appreciated throughout their stay. The made-to-order breakfasts are a standout with a variety of options available and excellent quality dishes. The rooms are comfortable and spacious with lovely balconies and well-equipped kitchenettes. The pool is a highlight for many guests with ample seating options and easy access to the nearby beach. Overall, Olas Verdes Hotel is highly recommended for its exceptional staff, enjoyable atmosphere and stunning location surrounded by nature.