Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [229]
Hotel Pasatiempo (2653-0096; www.hotelpasatiempo.com; d US$115-127, ste US$150, additional person US$15; ) This well-established Tamarindo landmark is known for its popular live-music nights at the bar-restaurant, though it’s also a great place to stay. Rooms are awash in tropical-themed murals, and have comfortable beds, modern bathroom, air-con and a private hammock-strung patio. Suites have a living room with fold-out couch, which is perfect if you’re traveling with the offspring. Though breakfast isn’t included, there’s free coffee and pastries offered in the morning.
El Jardín del Edén (2653-0137; www.jardindeleden.com; d/apt/ste incl breakfast from US$152/186/249; ) On a hill overlooking Tamarindo, this luxurious French-run hotel has 36 exquisite rooms, each with a sitting area and private patio or balcony (and some of Tamarindo’s best views). Rooms are gorgeously designed according to one of four themes: Balinese, Japanese, African and Tunisian. There are also two apartments (sleeping five) with a kitchenette, plus a Jacuzzi, pool with a swim-up bar, and a Mediterranean-inspired bar-restaurant.
Villa Alegre B&B (2653-0270; www.villaalegrecostarica.com; r US$170-185, villas US$230, all incl breakfast; ) This beachside B&B in nearby Playa Langosta has five rooms of various sizes, each decorated with memorabilia from the owners’ world travels (you can choose between the Caribbean, USA, California, Guatemala or Mexico rooms). Or stay in the Japan or Russia villas, which are equipped with a full kitchen. There’s an honor bar, a comfortable guest living room and plenty of games for children. Bounteous breakfasts are served on the deck, and your hosts Barry and Suzie make their home as sunny and welcoming as they are.
Hotel Capitán Suizo (2653-0075; www.hotelcapitansuizo.com; r with/without air-con US$210/190, bungalows with/without air-con US$290/250, additional person US$40, all incl breakfast; ) On the southern end of the beach is this Swiss-run hotel, which belongs to the group of Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica. The 22 rooms and seven larger, thatched-roof bungalows are decorated with natural stone floors, polished hardwoods and soft, pastel hues. The entire complex is centered on a free-form pool that’s shaded by expansive gardens, and all units are just steps from a quiet strip of sand. There’s also a six-person beachfront apartment (US$525). Tico charm combined with impeccable Swiss hospitality makes this our favorite boutique accomodations in Tamarindo.
Sueño del Mar B&B (2653-0284; www.sueno-del-mar.com; d US$195-295, ste US$220-240; ) This stunning Spanish-style posada (country-style inn) in nearby Playa Langosta is run by lovely innkeepers Ashton and Tui, and decorated with handcrafted rocking chairs, hammocks and a cozy living room that’s perfect for relaxing with the other guests. The six rooms have four-poster beds, artfully placed crafts and open-air garden showers, while the romantic honeymoon suite has a wraparound window with sea views. There’s private beach access beyond the pool and tropical garden, and a priceless, pervasive atmosphere of seclusion and beauty…so, no children under 12 allowed.
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Eating
You can’t have sophisticated modern living without boutique gourmet eateries, so it’s unsurprising that Tamarindo has some of the best restaurants in Costa Rica. But be prepared to pay – a cheap meal in this town is about as common as a nesting turtle.
If you’re self-catering, the Super 2001 (7am-9:30pm Mon-Sat, 8am-8:30pm Sun) and Super Compro (8am-9pm Mon-Sun) are well stocked with international groceries.
Beach Burger (2653-2574; burger.beach@gmail.com; items ₡1000-2000;24 hr) The only 24/7 eatery in Tamarindo, this Colombian-run shack