Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [228]
BUDGET
We constantly receive complaints about Tamarindo hotels, so choose wisely. Unless otherwise noted, the budget hotels listed here have cold water only.
Chocolate Hotel & Hostel (2653-1311; www.thechocolatehotel.com; dm US$15, s/d US$60/75; ) Up the same road as the ‘Milk Bottle’ hostel, this sweet little hotel has several well-appointed rooms done up in dark wood and terra-cotta–tiled floors, with orthopedic mattresses, fully equipped kitchen and hot-water bathroom. Rooms upstairs have higher ceilings and get more light, but all are elegant and comfortable and surround the garden-fringed pool.
Hotel Mono Loco (2653-0238; elmonoloco@racsa.co.cr; d with fan/air-con US$35/60; ) This quiet hotel is on the road into Playa Langosta, so you can definitely sleep soundly at night. The hotel itself is a yellow-stucco and thatched-roof building that surrounds a beautifully landscaped pool. Bright and airy rooms have cable TV and optional air-con. The onsite restaurant serves reasonably priced Costa Rican fare all day long.
Villas Macondo (2653-0812; www.villasmacondo.com; s/d/tr US$35/40/50, with air-con US$60/65/75, 2-/4-person apt US$105/145, extra person US$10; ) Although it’s only 200m from the beach, this German-run establishment is an oasis of serenity in an otherwise frenzied town – it’s also one of the best deals around. Beautiful modern villas with private hot showers and hammock-strung patios surround a solar-heated pool and tropical garden, while larger apartments are equipped with cable TV, a full kitchen and air-con, which makes it ideal for families.
MIDRANGE
All the following hotels have rooms with hot-water bathroom.
Cabinas Marielos (2653-0141; www.cabinasmarieloscr.com; r US$40-90; ) One of the best deals in town, this underrated property has a variety of cabinas to fit every budget. All rooms have firm beds, a colorful patio and share a communal kitchen. Some rooms face the lush garden, and the place is decorated with Sarchi-style accents. It’s one of the few remaining Tico-owned hotels in town. Owner Marielos, a retired university professor known as ‘La Tica,’ has owned the property since 1978, when she paid a whopping US$100 for the land!
Hotel La Laguna del Cocodrilo (2653-0255; www.lalagunadelcocodrilo.com; d US$68-79, ste US$130; ) A beachfront location blesses this charming French-owned hotel, with luxurious, well-kept rooms overlooking either the shady grounds or the ocean and estuary. Adjacent to a crocodile-filled lagoon (hence the name), the hotel has a private trail leading to the beach. There’s also a restaurant specializing in seafood, but lovers of pastry will be most delighted with the sublime items from the onsite French bakery.
La Palapa (2653-0362; lapalapatamarindo.com; s/d/tr/q US$75/85/95/105; ) Despite the attached bar-restaurant being one of the most popular places for a sunset cocktail, this little beachfront hotel is surprisingly quiet and secluded. All six stylish rooms have loft beds, ocean views and big-screen TV with DVD player, and the terra-cotta–tiled floors lead to shaded terraces directly on the beach. Though it’s only 20m from the roundabout, the hotel’s size makes it feel intimate and relaxed.
Hotel Arco Iris (2653-0330; www.hotelarcoiris.com; d standard/deluxe incl breakfast US$99/109; ) A cluster of garden bungalows and deluxe rooms makes up this wonderfully reclusive boutique hotel. Richard, the new US owner, has completely remodeled and transformed the property. The contemporary rooms have wonderful touches such as bamboo ceiling and bathroom with slate walls, plus cable TV, fridge, minibar, hair dryer and safe. Deluxe rooms are larger and sleep up to four. The gorgeous pool and patio garden is home to one of the best restaurants in town, Seasons by Shlomy.
TOP END
All hotels can arrange tours in the area, and all accept credit cards.
Best Western Tamarindo Vista Villas (2653-0114; www.tamarindovistavillas.com; r US$101-135; ste US$179-229; ) Perched on a hill overlooking the entrance to Tamarindo,