Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [274]
Return to beginning of chapter
Sleeping
There’s no shortage of accommodations in Puntarenas, though like in most port cities the world over, finding a secure place that doesn’t charge by the hour isn’t always an easy proposition. However, we have tried to list places that we would be comfortable bringing our own mother to, so you can sleep easy knowing that there won’t be any unwanted midnight visitors.
BUDGET
Hotel Cabezas (2661-1045; Av 1 btwn Calles 2 & 4; s/d from US$20/25; ) This no-nonsense budget option is an excellent choice. Pastel-painted rooms have functional overhead fans and screened windows, which means you’ll sleep deeply without needing air-con. Although you certainly shouldn’t leave your valuables strewn about, this hotel is safe and secure.
Gran Hotel Chorotega (2661-0998; cnr Av 3 & Calle 1; r with/without bathroom US$25/20) Fairly basic rooms are clean and well kept with rickety overhead fans and buzzing TVs, though you’d be wise to opt for a room with bathroom as the shared facilities leave a lot to be desired. While this budget crash pad is certainly nothing to write home about, it’s perfectly adequate if you’re just passing through town.
Gran Hotel Imperial (2661-0579; Paseo de los Turistas btwn Calles Central & 2; s/d from US$25/40; ) Well situated near the bus stations, this dilapidated and rickety wooden structure still manages to retain a little old-world charm. Cavernous rooms (some with a spacious balcony) are cool and clean, and have subtle colonial flourishes, such as wooden furniture and dated paintings to help set the atmosphere. A beer cooler of Imperial (Costa Rica’s favorite beer) greets you when you enter.
MIDRANGE & TOP END
Costa Rica Yacht Club (2661-0784; www.costaricayachtclub.com; s/d from US$75/85, villas with air-con US$175; ) Some 3km east of downtown, in Cocal at the narrowest portion of the peninsula, this somewhat historic yacht club caters to members of both local and foreign yachters as well as the public. Considering that wealthy yachters are fairly discerning when it comes to accommodations, rooms at the club are surprisingly plain. If you’re traveling in a group, the modern villas can easily accommodate a gaggle of five yachties.
Hotel Tioga (2661-0271; www.hoteltioga.com; Paseo de los Turistas btwn Calles 17 & 19; d deluxe/executive incl breakfast from US$80/90; ) Opened in 1959, this is the most established hotel in Puntarenas, and arguably the best place in the city to lie down for the night. Prices vary according to the room, though it’s worth spending a few extra dollars for the larger ones, which have sweeping views of the sea. However, you really can’t go wrong as all of the rooms feature modern amenities and generally good vibes.
Hotel Alamar (2661-4343; www.alamarcr.com; cnr Paseo de los Turistas & Calle 31; d/tr/q standard US$80/100/120, d/q apt US$135/160; ) If you’re looking for a bit more space to stretch your legs, this upmarket hotel (for Puntarenas at least) offers enormous family-style rooms and apartments at surprisingly affordable prices. Rooms are all spotless, with attractive tiled floors and tropical flourishes scattered about, while apartments have a fully equipped kitchen with everything you could want to whip up a feast. As family fun is the theme of the Alamar, there are two pools (one for kiddies) where guests congregate.
Double Tree Resort by Hilton Puntarenas (2663-0808; http://doubletree.hilton.com; all-inclusive packages from US$290 per person, child under 12yr free; ) A family-friendly option that gets top billing for its enormously curvaceous swimming pool, immense offering of water sports and around-the-clock entertainment, this all-inclusive resort is boasting a fresh new look and a new name to boot. While there are certainly nicer beaches down the coastline, there is excellent