Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [315]
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Sleeping
Dominical proper is home to the majority of the area’s budget accommodations, while midrange and top-end places are popping up on the outskirts of town. The rates given here are for high season, but low-season rates could be as much as 30% to 40% lower. Note that there are additional accommodations options in the nearby mountaintop village of Escaleras.
IN TOWN
Antorchas Camping (2787-0307; campsites per person US$5, dm US$10; ) Just a few meters from the beach, this campground is one of the most secure in town, though you should still be extremely diligent about locking up your valuables in the provided lockers. Campers can take advantage of basic amenities, including cold showers and a shared kitchen, while more finicky shoestringers can bed down in spartan dorms for a few extra dollars a night.
Cabinas San Celemente (2787-0158; r per person US$10-40; ) Backpackers gravitate to this classic Dominical spot, which is actually comprised of a variety of different accommodations options. The highlight of the property are the private beach houses that are just steps from the surf, though more budget-conscious travelers can choose from either shiny wooden cabinas or simple dorm rooms at the adjacent Dominical Backpackers Hostel.
Tortilla Flats (2787-0033; r US$25-40; ) Another popular option, this budget hotel contains 20-odd rooms of varying shapes and sizes, though all feature a hot-water shower as well as a hammock-strung patio and terrace – a nice option considering the cheap price tag. The downstairs restaurant can get a bit noisy at night, but on the other hand it serves up one of the town’s best breakfasts.
Domilocos (787 0244; www.domilocos.net; r US$50; ) This Italian-owned property is a solid midrange option, with Mediterranean-inspired grounds, an attractive swimming pool lined with potted plants and one of the town’s best restaurants. Fairly ordinary rooms with solid beds and bamboo furniture are nothing to write home about, but they’re definitely a step up in comfort from the budget hotels.
Hotel DiuWak (2787-0087; www.diuwak.com; r US$75-120, ste US$140-160; ) This proper resort complex offers low-key luxury as opposed to unchecked hedonism. Still, the grounds surrounding the waterfall-fed pool are palm-fringed, which makes for relaxing days of idle laziness, and there are some great onsite amenities, including bars, restaurants, a fitness center and health spa. Inquire about the size of the room as some are larger than others, and can easily accommodate you and a few of your friends.
AROUND DOMINICAL
Albergue Alma de Hatillo B&B (8850-9034; www.cabinasalma.com; r US$60; ) One of the most loved B&Bs on the entire Pacific coast, this hidden gem is run by Sabina, a charming Polish woman who has legions of dedicated fans the world over. If you’re looking for a quiet base from which to explore the Dominical area, this tranquil spot is home to immaculate cabins spread among several hectares of fruit trees. Guests rave about the organic produce on offer at Sabina’s restaurant, as well as the daily yoga classes in her open-air studio. Alma de Hatillo is located about 6km north of town along the Constanera Sur.
Hotel Villas Río Mar (787 0052; www.villasriomar.com; bungalows US$75-95, ste US$130-140; ) Just beyond the edge of town, a sign points under the bridge to this property about 800m from the village. Here you’ll find a few dozen polished-wood bungalows, each with a private hammock-strung terrace, as well as a handful of luxury suites that accommodate small groups. Río Mar also functions as a miniresort, offering a pool, Jacuzzi, tennis court, equipment rental, restaurant and bar.
Hotel y Restaurante Roca Verde (2787-0036; www.rocaverde.net; r US$85; ) Overlooking the beach about 1km south of town, this chic and stylish US-owned hotel is decorated with hardwoods, tile mosaics, festive murals and rock inlays. The 12 tropical-themed