Poor Man's Paradise

Location: Bahía Drake - Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay, Puntarenas, 50603, Drake Bay, CR

Star Rating: 2 Stars

Property Type: Lodges

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 10:00 AM - 03:30 PM

Check-out: 01:00 PM

Instructions: The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 10 PM. This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation. All the guests need to arrive first to Sierpe (the hotel's office) to take the boat at 11 AM or 3 PM only.

Amenities & Facilities

• Free breakfast
• Boat tours nearby
• Free WiFi
• Terrace
• Garden
• Luggage storage
• Wheelchair accessible
• Snorkeling nearby
• Hiking/biking trails nearby
• Kayaking nearby
• Scuba diving nearby
• Free breakfast
• Front desk (limited hours)
• Tours/ticket assistance
• Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
• Boat tours nearby
• Free full breakfast
• Horse riding nearby
• Stair-free path to entrance

Rooms Available

• Standard Room, Sea View

  1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

  Overlooking the sea

  
  

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, bathrobes, and free toiletries

  Practical - Desk

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Bathrobe
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Ceiling fan
  • Bedsheets provided

• Standard Room, Garden View

  1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

  75-sq-foot room with garden views

  
  

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, bathrobes, and free toiletries

  Practical - Desk

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Bathrobe
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Ceiling fan
  • Bedsheets provided

Guest Reviews

• Susan (9/5): A great “jungle” experience!!! - Felt very safe. Loved the atmosphere, especially the monkeys running around!! Food was great, home cooked meals. Everyone fantastic, friendly and helpful. Very clean. The only thing would be no air conditioning but I knew that when I booked it. They gave us an extra fan though.
• Stefan (10/5): -
• Oliver (10/5): Werd das verpasst, ist selber schuldet - Ich wollte eigentlich nur 5 Tage an diesem wunderschönen Ort bleiben, aber ich wollte nicht mehr weg, also hab ich verlängert. Das Personal war immer für einen da, wenn man etwas benötigte, das Essen war grandios und wirklich mit Liebe zubereitet. Alles war sehr sauber und allein die Natur, in die alles eingebettet ist, ist atemberaubend. Ich werde hierher sicher wieder zurückkommen. Liebes Poor Man‘s Paradise: ich vermisse euch jetzt schon alle. Pura Vida 🙏
• Walter (9/5): Nachdem unser Auto wieder oben war, konnten wir den Urlaub geniessen. - Im Paradies. Rundherum nur Natur. Schöne Zimmer mit Veranda. Sehr nettes und hilfsbereites Personal. Die letzten 400 Meter Anfahrt zur Lodge sind Katastrophe.
• Mirco (9/5): Truly a piece of paradise - Lovely place for those that manage to reach it. Position is fantastic and surrounded by nature. staff is friendly, rooms are basic but clean and spacious. Food was good. We arrived by car and we had to cross 2 rivers, plus the last 200m of road are really difficult. It’s better to park the car earlier and walk the last 200m. Don’t go by car if you don’t have a 4x4. Pricey for what you get. Bar is only open a few hours per day, and only serves alcohol. I couldn’t get a fruit juice, or a fresh coconut, even though they grow naturally all over the place.
• Naim (8/5): Gut - Die sehr gute Lage Die Größe des Zimmers Der Ausblick Keine Klimaanlage Preis/Leistungsverhältnis nicht gerechtfertigt
• Tamar (9/5): Superb -
• Ondresky (10/5): So happy we made the trip!!! If you have the opportunity to come here, just do it! - Everything was perfect, especially Pincho & Annia! We recommend you put Poor Man’s Paradise on your bucket list. A trip here will create memories that will last forever!
• Petra (10/5): Great location and staff - Beautiful spot close to the magical Corcovado National Park. Wendy was amazingly helpful and made the best cocktails in the bar 🍹 All good!
• Julia (9/5): Beautiful spot and so relaxing!! - All meals were excellent. The staff is phenomenal, friendly, competent, and knowledgeable. We were very happy. The staff helped with the transport and water traversing and carrying the luggage. Needed to know that there was no dock to get on and off the boat so you have to wade. Need to wear water shoes on the boat.
• Liz (10/5): Amazing lodge set in a beautiful location - Absolutely loved this place. The staff were always so friendly and welcoming. They made me feel right at home and helped me out with anything I needed. You really feel the community spirit at this place which I loved. The beach is right on your doorstep, and I loved falling asleep listening to the waves. The best sleep I've had on my trip so far. It's a bit difficult to get to and from Drake Bay if you don't have a car but I liked that it was a bit off the beaten track. The family were very accommodating giving me taxis to and from my destinations from the airport and Drake Bay. Would definitely come here again. Nothing!
• Ainars (9/5): Natural jungle experience - This was as close to nature as possible
• Austin (10/5): Exceptional - Amazing location, comfortable and relaxing. Super friendly staff who made me feel very at home and welcome. I felt safe here as a female solo traveller. The food was great!! Thanks so much I’ll be back!
• Tracey (10/5): Fantastic location and friendly staff. - A true escape from everything. This hotel has the most fantastic location and even a covered seating area so you can look out over the Pacific Ocean even if it's a thunderstorm. The hotel staff couldn't be better - it's family run and they can't do enough for you. English is their least spoken language so we did use Google Translate when sorting out the bill and travelling arrangements, just to be sure that we had the right arrangements in place. We are vegetarian and found the kitchen staff to be most careful when arranging our meals, coming and checking if we ate eggs and cheese etc and checking that there was no-one with allergies. We thought the food was excellent (there's no menu to choose from) and what we were presented with each mealtime was tasty, varied and balanced. Even our 11 year old ate it - praise indeed! It's worth noting that there really isn't any hot water in the shower. I don't think anyone would find it a problem though, as it's a refreshing break from the humidity and general heat. The windows are not glass, but mesh, and so there is a fan to keep cool rather than air conditioning. Again, not a problem. Rooms are simply but adequately furnished, with comfortable beds and plenty of space. We loved the hammock on the balcony and the balcony chairs were really comfortable. It's about 40 steps to the beach from room 16, and I think we were the furthest away. My 11 year old had no problems at all jumping in the waves straight down from the hotel, but worth noting that the calmer recommended place for swimming is 5 mins walk down the beach. The beach was largely deserted, with only other guests on it, and my favourite part of it was watching the whales from the beach seating area with a cocktail in my hand. Look for the spurts of air/water in the air and you'll soon see them 🐳 We loved it here 😍 Nothing! It's a great jungle hotel with a fabulous location.
• O (10/5): Bliss - This location was an authentic paradise. A real family feel accommodation where everyone is so nice and happy to help out. I loved the bar and all the cocktails and the location. The food was the only thing that wasn't perfect but was still great for value.
• Andy (6/5): Disappointed - Nice enough location near a nice beach and set in lovely gardens Friendly staff that worked there Decent breakfast Was´nt so happy with the room on ground floor - not so private Maybe the ones with a balcony were better In general the food was not so exciting compared to other places in Costa Rica and as we had full board this was important Strange lighting in the evening - bright lights in the restaurant and flashing lights that felt leftover from Christmas on the path leading to the beach So we were a bit disappointed overall considering the more remote location
• Andrew (7/5): Great Location , Beautiful Area, - Beautiful area. Great location! Food was very good and overall staff were very friendly. We reserved a 3 person ocean front room but instead on arrival was put in a small 2 person room (one bed) with a shared balcony. Overall property is very nice, but room expectations were not met, otherwise we enjoyed our stay.
• Ece (6/5): In summary, Poor Man's Paradise offers a tranquil escape with potential for greatness. Attention to minor details in - Our Christmas holiday at Poor Man's Paradise offered a mixed bag of delightful experiences and areas ripe for improvement. The serene setting near captivating beaches provided a much-needed respite from our daily routines. The standout feature of our stay was Mario, whose warmth and helpfulness significantly enhanced our experience. However, several aspects didn't quite meet our expectations. Our room lacked warm water and curtains, which meant the blinking Christmas decorations from outside disrupted our nights more than anticipated. This small addition could greatly improve future guests' comfort. The full board option, while convenient, felt somewhat limiting, particularly as we often missed lunch due to our excursions. A more flexible meal plan would be a welcome change. Additionally, the food, although generally satisfactory, sometimes felt overly reliant on powdered and canned ingredients. A focus on fresher, local produce could significantly elevate the dining experience. While the beach's proximity to the landing spot is convenient, the lodge itself is a fair distance away, which is something to consider if you're carrying a lot of gear. Although generally staff is really very helpful in supporting with the luggage, our departure was slightly marred by a delay in luggage assistance, leading to an unexpected journey across the beach. This was a taxing end to an otherwise enjoyable stay.
• Ellen (10/5): Perfect place for a few days relaxing, catching up on rest, enjoying nature and access to Corcovado. - Location was amazing. Close to the beach, incredible views, awesome sunsets. Food was tasty and sufficient. Staff and others around the property and neighboring properties were all super friendly and helpful. Mario made yummy cocktails at the bar and was always willing and able to help out. The bungalows were comfortable and clean and I spent a lot of hours just reading a book in the hammock on the balcony. No AC but the fan was more than adequate to cool the room down at night and allow for a great sleep. No hot water but that really wasn't an issue as after a swim it was nice to rinse off and cool off under a cooler shower (the water is not really cold). I did an overnight trip to Sirena from here and it was easy to get the boat in and out and I'm sure any other tour would be equally as easy to arrange and organise. I wish I could have stayed longer and def hope to visit again in the future. The only thing that detracted for me were the continuous large tour groups that used the restaurant for lunch and dinners. I fully appreciate that they provide a very valuable and stable income stream but they were loud and impacted ability to enjoy a quite meal soaking in the sounds of nature.
• Jana (9/5): Back to the roots. - The staff was all very very friendly und extremly helpful. The environment and nature was great. The Lodge is simple but there was everthing we needed. It was feeling like staying in a camp - very familiar.
• Brian (10/5): One of the most incredible places I’ve ever been. - Location is unbelievable. Staff were absolutely awesome. N/A
• Cynthia (10/5): Exceptional - location is amazing. it is really close to paradise
• Geoff (7/5): Good -
• Gernot (10/5): enchanting - best place I have ever been! one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!
• Jennifer (8/5): Nice Stay - Beautifully located in the jungle but also at the beach. Lots of animals to see. Food is okay, not the best you will get in Costa Rica, but nice cocktails. Rooms could use some refurbishment
• Tera (10/5): such a wonderful place! family owned and operated. rooms were nice and clean. beds were comfortable. food was delicious! - property is beautiful.
• Steven (8/5): - Beautiful place with fabulous staff willing to do ANYTHING to make your experience better. Expedia does not tell you it is insanely difficult to drive to and near impossible without 4 wheel drive. That's really essential information and a massive failure on their part. The reason the property doesn't have parking is that nobody drives there. They don't even have a sign on the road. That said, the property is heavenly, the staff over-the-moon attentive. We would have enjoyed it much more had we not experienced the harrowing car ride in and out. Next time we'll take the boat from Sierpe.
• Gill (8/5): Excellent laid back place but would be improved if the put small fridge in rooms & sorted plumbing - the setting & location toilet kept blocking & some problems with water for shower
• Ronald (9/5): Superb -
• Arne (10/5): Exceptional - Great staff and well organized management. they arranged all tours and everything worked out just fine. The food is good and the rooms are simple but spacious. the wifi wasn’t always working… but the stunning nature around makes you forgetting the need for being online.
• Mervyn (9/5): Superb -
• manrique (8/5): - Great location, locally owned and very good service. No hot water
• Joanna (10/5): A hidden gem locked between the rainforest and pristine beaches - This is the most incredible, pristine, and unique hideaway I have been to. A hidden gem that sits between the amazing beach and rainforest, frequented by monkeys, tapirs, hummingbirds, lizards, where turtles, crocs, and whales are a common sight. The food is amazing, traditional, simple but truly delicious, and the hosts will do anything they can to accommodate your every wish. I have had an incredible time there and anyone who seeks a digital detox and nature escape will do, too. I loved it and was just what I needed, but just to make others aware - this place is quite remote and power cuts may occur, so not suitable for people who are looking for a busy town or need Internet 24/7.
• Daniel (10/5): Exceptional -
• Pigulskaya (6/5): 3 night stay - The food being included. The bartender Mario is great. The kitchen staff is good. The drinks at the bar not being included. Not enough activities. Noone else staying there. The food wasn't great.
• Paul (9/5): Excellent place with wonderful people! - Wonderful place, travel here by boat from Sierpe for a great experience. Very relaxing place far from civilization but still offering much to do with hiking tours, snorkeling trips and a great beach. Food offered every day was very tasty and more than enough. The accommodations are basic but sufficient and clean. All in all a great place to spend a couple of days/nights. Last but not least, you have to try Mario's cocktails, they are great!!! Nothing, it was exactly as we expected. Nice, remote and basic, true tropical paradise. Be sure though to pack enough fresh clothes because you'll get sweaty and clothes don't dry well.
• Andrew (8/5): Very good - Location is secluded and rugged My room was quite near the bar area, this is not so bad its a small bar and not many people here, also I'm a bit older now! This is by no means a deal breaker it's a beautiful place with great staff.
• Ted (7/5): It was relaxing and fun once we figured out how to enjoy the ocean. - The meals were excellent. The staff were very friendly. I loved all the wildlife and solitude. It was disappointing that the ocean was too rough to enter in front of the hotel. The beaches that were 10 and 25 minute walks away were fine during low tide. I would specifically note the distance away using the word "minutes" instead of 10' and 25', because that implies distance in feet.
• Joel (10/5): Get Away to Paradise - We spent four nights at Poor Man's, including New Year's Eve. I was hoping to find a place where we could really get away from the world, and this was perfect. We didn't even make any plans ahead of time as far as tours or what to do, but by the time we left we had visited Corcovado, snorkeled on Cano Island, Canoed up the Rio Claro, and swam and relaxed at Playa Josecito. We saw many monkeys and macaws, dolphins and whales, while just hiking and boating on the way to destinations. Lying on the hammocks on the Playa Rincon beach every evening watching the perfect sunsets, with a drink from the hotel bar, was unforgettable. The owners talked to us every morning at breakfast and every night at dinner to be sure that we were being taken care of and that our days were filled with relaxation and adventure. This is definitely a place we would return to.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - remote and simple beautifull birds and oceas beautiful
• PAMELA (10/5): See the REAL Costa Rica, no shoes, no worries - Fabulously remote and romantic spot full of monkeys, wildlife, thundering surf, scarlet macaws, iguanas and all sorts of flora and fauna that you can't even imagine. This is a very rustic, family operated set of cabins, a bar and a restaurant that serves decent food with a great attitude and go above and beyond to be helpful. This is not a spot for you if you need a high end resort. No TVs, Internet, or hot showers. But... If you need that then you are in the wrong place and it's your loss. Travel an hour and a half by water taxi, kick off your shoes and kick back.

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