Hotel Cantarana

Location: Palm Beach Estates, Playa Grande, cr

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Property Type: Hotels

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 03:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Amenities & Facilities

• Health or beauty spa nearby
• Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
• Non-smoking rooms
• Air conditioning
• Swimming pool
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Luggage storage
• Express check-in/check-out
• Safety deposit box
• Fax/photocopying
• Tour desk
• Soundproof rooms
• Ironing service
• Car hire
• Massage services
• Packed lunches
• Currency exchange
• Non-smoking throughout
• Private check-in/check-out
• Shuttle service (additional charge)
• Grocery deliveries
• Kid meals
• Outdoor furniture
• Fruits
• Spa/wellness center services
• Beauty Services
• Staff adhere to local safety protocols
• Guest rooms disinfected between stays
• Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
• Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
• Cashless payment available
• Fire extinguishers
• Sanitized tableware & silverware
• Contactless check-in/check-out
• Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
• Smoke alarms
• Key access
• 24-hour security
• Security alarm
• Mobile app for room service
• Broadcast Live sport events
• Happy hour
• Express check-in
• Free wired internet
• Snack bar/deli
• Scuba diving on site
• Snorkeling on site
• Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
• Airport transportation - drop-off (surcharge)
• Pool sun loungers
• Beach yoga on site
• Private beach nearby
• Internet access
• Concerts/live shows
• Wine release events
• Exercise/lap pool
• Japanese garden
• Fishing nearby
• Health or beauty spa nearby
• Horse riding nearby
• Swimming nearby
• Hosted evening meal (reserve)
• Beach toys
• Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
• Vegetarian menu options available
• Paddle boating nearby
• Accessible shuttle
• No accessible shuttle
• Accessible train station shuttle
• No accessible train station shuttle

Rooms Available

• Standard Double Room

  1 King Bed

  Deck/patio with garden views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - 42-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator, room service (limited hours), and dining table

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, towels, and shampoo

  Practical - Safe and wardrobe or closet; rollaway beds (surcharge) available on request

  Comfort - Air conditioning, fresh towels every 2 days, fresh bed sheets every 4 days

  Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, toothbrush and toothpaste not available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Dining table
  • Toilet paper
  • Shampoo
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Ceiling fan
  • Free WiFi
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Soap
  • Deck or patio
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste available
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste not available

• Deluxe Double Room With Balcony

  The spacious double room offers air conditioning, a coffee machine, a balcony with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower.

  Max Occupancy: 3 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Refrigerator
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Satellite channels
  • Sofa
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Mosquito net
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Cleaning products
  • Coffee machine
  • Linen
  • Dining table
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Sofa bed
  • Pool towels
  • Trash cans
  • Wine glasses
  • Body soap
  • Mobile hotspot device
  • Key access

• Double Room With Terrace

  The spacious double room offers air conditioning, a private entrance, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. The unit offers 2 beds.

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Refrigerator
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Satellite channels
  • Private entrance
  • Sofa
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Mosquito net
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Cleaning products
  • Coffee machine
  • Terrace
  • Linen
  • Dining table
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Sofa bed
  • Pool towels
  • Trash cans
  • Wine glasses
  • Body soap
  • Mobile hotspot device
  • Key access

• One-Bedroom Villa

  This room has tropical décor, air conditioning, ceiling fan, desk, fridge, cable TV and a balcony with garden views. The bathroom is private and comes equipped with shower and free toiletries

  Max Occupancy: 3 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Kitchenette
  • Bathrobe
  • Refrigerator
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Microwave
  • Dishwasher
  • Private bathroom
  • Satellite channels
  • Kitchen
  • Sofa
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Dining area
  • Mosquito net
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Oven
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Cleaning products
  • Coffee machine
  • Terrace
  • Linen
  • Dining table
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Sofa bed
  • Pool towels
  • Trash cans
  • Wine glasses
  • Body soap
  • Mobile hotspot device
  • Key access

Guest Reviews

• Günesh (9/5): -
• Casey (4/5): - A strangely anti Costa Rica vibe. It had a very artificial unneighborly vibe. Gated beach that can only be accessed with a code. Beach was dirty. Entire common area was covered in fake, plastic grass. Very unnatural. It was common for people to not pick up after their dogs. We did not have WiFi and breakfast was not included as advertised. The advertised near by restaurants were closed for the season. Did not encourage sustainable living ( no recycling amongst other things). Reception was unhelpful, unaccommodating and seemed bothered by our very presence.
• bvallejo (8/5): -
• Sonata (9/5): -
• IAN (9/5): -
• Kimberly (8/5): - A nice place to get some rest and relaxation in a quiet neighborhood. Very nice staff. Long, walkable beach available.
• Granados (10/5): - Todo super bueno
• Violeta (10/5): I love it, we got to see a lot of wildlife, the place was beautiful, quiet, clean, bring your own rite for mosquitoes, y - Absolutely beautiful, quiet place, nice pool, restaurant, close to the beach, friendly staff. The road to the place is a bit bumpy, but it is worth it. If you get the room beneath the restaurant it will be a bit of noise in the early morning as people goes up there to eat.
• Tanvi (10/5): -
• Victoria (10/5): Privacidad y comodidad en el paraíso - Es un lugar limpio, cómodo y privado. Un ambiente tranquilo. Es perfecto.!!!
• Danielle (10/5): - Hotel Cantarana and its staff are truly what made our Costa Rica trip so enjoyable. From before we even checked in, their staff was helpful and responsive regarding check in. After checking in, our room was clean and amenities were amazing! We are already planning for our return to Hotel Cantarana!
• Krishia (10/5): -
• Tracey (10/5): Cute and quite area in Playa Grande - Access to the hotel is down a dirt road and through a gate. The area felt very safe and quite with not much traffic. This hotel is part of a sister hotel of maybe 5 rooms that is a short walk away to get to the main office. Staff was very responsive and helpful through WhatsApp. The room was comfortable and what I would expect staying in at a nature preserve. Not luxurious if you are used to staying at a big name hotel. Access to the beach is a short walk across from the office. There is a restaurant and coffee shop at the hotel as well as other restaurants and a small market in the surrounding area that is walkable. There is also a small pool on the property. Expect to get woken up by birds or Howler monkeys in the morning. Various animals can be seen walking around the community such as Spider monkeys, coatis, or crabs. It was raining most afternoons while we were there but we did get the pleasure of a seeing the beautiful sunset at least once during our stay. I also got to see fireflies for my first time and it was amazing. This was a great place to stay if you are looking for a quite area without the hoards of people and shops like in Tamarindo. But if you want to visit Tamarindo you can walk down the beach and take an inexpensive short boat ride to Tamarindo which was much more convenient than trying to drive there.
• Nadia (9/5): Superb -
• william (10/5): - Fantastic little boutique hotel. 3 minute walk to a beautiful surfable beach
• Deanna (10/5): Beautiful grounds and great people.we will return! - Beautiful and tropical location with great views of the Arenal volcano. We were just a short drive from all activities including hot springs, hiking and waterfalls! Breakfast was so good and perfect before we took off on our adventures! The only complaint that I can think of is the pool was just a little chilly.
• Matt (10/5): Very happy all around and look forward to staying here again - I’ve stayed here here twice about 6-7 years ago. Very relaxing and chill vibes. Staff is great with communicating and helping with knowledge of the area. Can’t think of anything
• Vishal (8/5): - The property was good. The only problem that i find is that the location is far away from main Tamarindo and the road leading to the property was unpaved.
• sarah (10/5): - The best!
• Kathleen (8/5): Spring Break on Marco could not have been better. - location, lanai, two channels, pool, hot tub, room for our family. There were two small maintenance and housekeeping issues at the start, but they were remedied quickly and to our satisfaction. It was expensive; very expensive. But it was Spring Break on Marco and the price may have been fair for the size of the house and the time of year. Interesting design: the Primary Bedroom was huge for 2 people. You could easily sleep 5 people in that space.
• Angela (8/5): Beautiful Boutique Hotel with great service. - Overall a great boutique hotel. Beautiful property with great service. The front desk associates were very helpful. The food in the restaurant is great with excellent service. Unfortunately our AC didn't work and it was 32c in the room. Opening the windows just lead to a bunch of ants flooding the room. It was late when we arrived back to the room and there was nobody was around to inform. The beds are comfortable and the room was very clean. We would stay here again.
• Ronald (10/5): - Room was small but clean and had everything we needed. Staff at the hotel was friendly and very helpful. A great alternative to the crazy hustle and bustle of Tamarindo.
• Rebecca (10/5): We loved the hotel, the town, and of course the beach! - Hotel staff answered all my questions prior to our visit. Upon arrival the staff was very friendly and helpful. The hotel was perfect and located in a nice safe area. Hotel Cantarana has a wonderful restaurant and coffee shop. Our family would absolutely stay there again.
• uncleharold (6/5): The hotel is located in a US American gated complex, not really in Playa Grande proper. - It’s a good room and a nice outside pool to relax in. But hotel Cantarana is located in a mainly US American gated complex, not in Playa Grande proper. It’s relaxing and with a nearby beach entrance. But the location means nearby restaurants and bars aren’t cheap.
• Mark (7/5): Good -
• Jana (9/5): Superb -
• Charlotte (8/5): Good - Very cute and safe hotel, the bed is comfortable, and staff very nice. Restaurant in the hotel is quite expensive. The location is great, only a couple minutes walk to the beach. They only gave us one pod of coffee each per day, and wanted to make us pay if we wanted more. And there is no coffee or drink available to guests anywhere else in the hotel. The pool needs some maintenance, a lot of tiles are missing and the accessibility handle is completely broken.
• Jimmy (10/5): - Maybe an older property but it’s clean and quiet
• Patricia (7/5): Good -
• Myron (10/5): - This property was a very pleasant experience with staff that couldn’t do enough for you
• Natalie (10/5): - Love it here
• Paul (10/5): - Thank you for everything...
• Polly (6/5): Playa Grande is marvelous. Cantarana has some charming aspects but needs improvement. - Location is great if you love a nice big clean beach with medium-moderate waves. (Extreme surfers went elsewhere.) I enjoyed watching the surfers on this beach. Most are very graceful. We walked down to the shore every day after breakfast and enjoyed crystal-clear waters, clean sand (except for natural debris washed up by the ocean), and the lovely waves. Meals at their special cafe on-site were quite good. The staff was pleasant though they didn't always get our order correct. Everything you need to do at Cantarana requires a 200 yard walk down the road to their sister hotel where the shared front-desk is. We didn't receive enough towels: walk to the other place. We needed to ask a question: walk to the other place. We were checking in, or checking out: walk to the other place. It got tedious. In our room there was one wastebasket. One. Which had to stay in the bathroom because in Costa Rica the plumbing is designed for liquid & solid human waste only. Not for toilet paper. Which must be placed, used, into the wastebasket. Which was NOT emptied daily because (we found out only when it was too late) housekeeping is every other day only, unless you specially request an extra visit. That was gross. That wastebasket should be emptied daily, and there should be a separate wastebasket in the room for things like discarded snack wrappers and other small trash. There were not enough towel bars or hanging hooks to hang-dry all our wet bathing things between trips to the beach.
• Dorie (8/5): Relaxing, beautiful, place in paradise - It is comfortable, attractive, and close to the beach. Staff was extremely kind and helpful. Not being able to flush toilet paper down the toilet (but this might be a policy at all hotels in Playa Grande).
• Anna-maria (8/5): Great location but expensive and charge a lot for few choices - The room and pool was very nice and JJ in the staff was great. The restaurant had good food. The location close to the secluded beach and the animals you came across everywhere was really a big added bonus. The breakfast was very expensive and then you couldn’t even choose from the whole menu. Some of the ones you can choose from are also all of a sudden unavailable. Big minus for the breakfast.
• ריבקי (10/5): Exceptional - Service was amazing, hotel was beautiful
• Peter (10/5): Comfortable and super helpful staff - The staff was great and super accommodating! Yorya helped us organize a turtle tour and a surfing class before we got there. Both activities were top notch, and it was our favorite surfing lesson so far in Costa Rica (ask for Allan). Easy to get to the beach. Room and bed were very comfortable. On site restaurant was a bit pricey (but on par with other places in the area) but had good quality food. We really liked the poke. Our room was upstairs, so nice and quiet. We'd love to come back here during our next trip. Nothing
• davidbD6359DQ (10/5): An oasis outside of paradise - We had an incredible stay at hotel Cantarana. J-J and Georgia at the front desk were incredibly helpful and kind. The morning restaurant staff were always a delight to start the day with, and Mario made sure we had a good time and meal in the evening. The rooms are wonderfully clean, quiet (including the AC) and private. The food is delicious and a nice variety. We loved how close were to the beach, which is quiet and devoid of too many tourists.
• Paul (8/5): Very good - We love this little hotel, and especially the staff that work at reception and at the bar/restaurant. Thanks to Mario, Luis and Yorga the vibe is friendly and welcoming - truy like coming home - and the area is tranquil. The location is perfect for us (close to beach/surfing). Cantaranna's sister(brother;o) hotel is the Manglar, which is steps away, with more rooms and a bigger pool. We prefer the Cantarana as it is quieter, but the Manglar is a lovely hotel as well. It's not a big deal, but the power and wifi go out regularly during the day/night. It self=fixes in minutes, so not at all an issue, just something to be aware of.
• Jane (6/5): - We are non-surfers but chose.this property due to its access to visit turtle nesting beaches (the next town up) The turtles delivered, the hotel, however, was pretty ordinary. Nice quality towels, good air con, comfy bed Bins emptied alternate days, which is not nice when its a septic tank system so you flush nothing youve not consumed Limited / overpriced menu (compared to other local eateries) Multiple issues with the room. Some resolved, some not Glad we came to Playa Grande, quite happily left after 2 nights
• Shannon (7/5): Good - Great location if you want to have close beach access to a less populated section of beach. Rooms were great size and the pool/ lounge area was great. Room indicates king size bed, but it was not. It was not conveniently located to many food options in playa grande. More bugs in room than expected for the area (ants).
• John (8/5): Very good -
• Luis (10/5): - Great place. Can't wait to go.back.
• sylviap604 (8/5): Beach getaway - Just left after 3 night stay at Cantarana. Loved the customer service and very wonderful communication. I appreciate the communication even before I arrived, made everything easier and smooth. Room was spacious and clean but my only complaint was the fact that I was below the restaurant (room 5) and noise from above began before 7:30am daily . I Loved the private entrance to the beach and the private 3 hour set up they offer for $35. Dinner and breakfast were both good and overall I was very pleased.
• Jennifer (10/5): Very relaxing stay on the coast - Great location, excellent restaurant right at the hotel. Check-in is at the sister hotel down the street. Short walk to the beach. Nice neighborhood. Nothing
• Alysa (10/5): Pura Vida - The beds were super comfortable and the rooms were spacious. It was close to the beach and had a great pool area! We also loved our patio space with the hammock. Having the bistro there was fabulous!
• John (10/5): - very clean. very comfortable bed. excellent people
• Netanel (8/5): - Great location, right in front of the beach, peaceful place. Safe and beutiful closed community!
• Luke (9/5): Superb -
• Susana (10/5): - Es la segunda vez que me quedo en Cantarana, y me he quedado también en El Manglar, siempre quiero volver !!! Esta vez me fui sola a la playa (con mi perrita), escogí Playa Grande y Cantarana por el hecho de ser un lugar donde me sentía segura de ir sola :)
• Mendee (10/5): Secluded beach with great vibes and friendly people - Andrea is awesome. Ask her anything. She is the advice guru. The neighborhood is safe, it is a gated community with lots of community support, each hotel has something to offer and they all suggest each other as options. The biggest hotel might have 10 rooms. Lots of houses too. The beds are comfy, our room had a kitchenette with all the things we needed to make simple meals. There is a freezer too. There is an AWESOME restaurant and bar on the property. We made our own coffee daily Britt coffee machine pods and a traditional coffee maker. The property does have a simple coffee shop too. The beds are super comfortable, the porch is great. Pool is perfect!! There is an outdoor shower. Things to consider: rent or buy a shade for the beach. I suggest buying one if you are going to be there more than a couple of days. There is a Walmart in San Jose and Liberia. Liberia Walmart is easy to get to, San Jose was a bit busy. The only sort of shade offered at Walmart was the 4 legged pop up. It would work great. The rental shades at the hotel and in town are different than those more like a cloth tarp with legs. They are nice but require a bit of sand and finesse. Beach Chairs are nice because there are lots of sand critters, nothing dangerous just lots of busy sand crabs. A thick matt or big towel would do the trick Private beach access is awesome. Many times we had the beach to ourselves. It is a big beach. The surf is great! Boogie board rental locally is a good idea $40 for a week, if you aren’t a surfer but there are good lessons for surfing for about 40.00. (Aug 24’) The rentals are dropped off at the hotel or you can pick them up. Andrea can arrange it for you if you would like. Bring bug spray. The trail to the beach has hungry mosquitoes. Tips are included in purchases and there isn’t a line to add more. (10%) We loved the stay and the people. We would stay there again in a heartbeat 💗 It was a perfect, quiet place to stay.
• Trevlyn (10/5): - Hotel Cantarana is a uniquely understated boutique hotel full of character and charm. It is amazing in that there is a restaurant and cafe both located directly on the property. Meals at the restaurant are delicious and appealing; a must try is the Casado for dinner and the Super food for breakfast! The staff at La Cantarana is amiable, polite and welcoming to guests. Manfred, Mario, Angie and Merlin are superb hosts/waitstaff. The music piped through the open air restaurant is soothing and at night the music selection is amazing! Guests sway to the sweet sounds of reggae, pop and instrumental music. La Cantarana is serene yet you can hear the sounds of the waves of Playa Grande crashing against the shore! Guests are also greeted by the sounds of howler monkeys, lizards and every once in a while a falcon, red crabs or raccoon may be in the nearby vicinity. Also within walking distance is Cafe Azul Mar and The Grateful. From the Grateful one can catch a small privately chartered boat powered by Mauricio to nearby Tamarindo. The trip is $5 US per person and does not disappoint! Mauricio also provides a two hour tour of El Manglar, ( the mangrove) where one can get a closer look at crocodiles, raccoons, monkeys and birds. Overall, this boutique hotel located only an hour and twenty minutes from Liberia airport by our rented 4x4 deserves a ten! La Cantarana will definitely see us again for another remarkable stay! Pura Vida!
• Leal (10/5): Had a fantastic time and will be back again - Great location If you’re trying to surf and stay outside of tamarindo. Staff was extremely helpful. The bistro also has some good food and shoutout to the staff up there, they have a very fun and friendly vibe. The mosquitos lol
• Ale (2/5): Big disappointment - I booked a room with a queen and a twin bed, and they gave me a room with a king bed. Instead of acknowledging their error, when I showed them the reservation, the receptionist kept wanting to be right by saying there is never any guarantee. She could have easily remedied to the situation by bringing a twin bed to the room, instead she asked for $30 extra to do this. This woman should not be in customer service. Also the road going there is in a very bad condition and you could get stuck easily in the mud.
• Cristel (9/5): Superb -
• Samantha (8/5): Nice hotel with close proximity to restaurants and beach - Nice location, yoga offered, friendly people, nice community The toilet in our bathroom looked like it hadn’t been scrubbed in awhile. I’m not sure if it was old/stained or unclean.
• Dawn (10/5): We will surely be back! We loved our stay! - We had the option to have "self check-in" or arrange to have someone meet us when we arrived. We opted to "meet in-person." When we arrived, we were met by "Andy." She had the biggest smile and greeted us warmly with "Pura Vida!", gave us a rundown of the area, places to eat, how to access the beach and showed us to our room. Her food recommendations did not disappoint! She helped us to arrange a sunset cruise that included transportation as well as a sanctuary tour. We loved that the hotel is a small quaint little place. Most of the time we felt like we were the only ones there. The bed was comfortable too! We loved our bit of paradise in Playa Grande! It was a great homebase for our stay in Costa Rica! We loved our stay! It would have been nice however if the downstairs rooms had a bit of an overhang outside of the room that would allow for a hammock between the pillars.
• Khari Lynn (10/5): - Great location
• emiliet525 (10/5): A place to go! - This place is a gem! The restaurant: We went there twice. Louis and Angie were so kind. They work really hard and do their best. The food is fresh and really good. Thanks to the cook! The ambiance is relaxed, the music is not too loud and the place is beautiful. Hotel: I loved my time at the Cantarana. This place is beautiful and very calm. The staff is helpful if there is a problem. They are very friendly too. The pool is beautiful but it's better maintained in the brother hotel El Maglore and there are less mosquitoes over there too.
• Sara (8/5): lovely stay for our family. - beach. restauarant and pool were very convenient. The beach was convenient for our child and pool was very nice and clean as well. Great little restaurants for breakfast in the area and the cafe was also very wonderful and convenient. times for yoga & no surfboards to try out.
• Kimberly (9/5): Kids favorite place in CR - Pool and hammocks were great. Cafe and restaurant were awesome clean rooms well appointed Beach access A bit dusty Room configuration are not super flexible. Hard to book for six of us.
• Thomas (10/5): Great Clean Place to Chill - NIce quant little hotel with 6 rooms total. Half hour drive from Tamarindo, but on basically same beach but seperated by a river. Small but nice pool, 4 minute walk to long and beatiful beach. Small upstairs restaurant was nice and food was good. Great service and communication from staff. Very freindly staff indeed. 2-3 little restaurants and bars nearby within walking distance. Low key quiet area surrounded by many upscale homes. Security guard at gate entering the neighborhood. Good pace to chill, or drive 30 minutes to Tamarindo for more people and dining and activity options. Huge King Bed, rooms come with small kitchen, gas stove, utensils, plates, microwave, refrigerator. Recommend this place for chill style
• Alevtina (9/5): Great family stay! - We loved the pool area and the cafe!
• Alex (10/5): - This place is absolutely amazing! It is a very small boutique hotel, and has a private gate that takes you down to the beach. The staff were all extremely helpful and friendly. The pool was kept up beautifully. The food was excellent and the beach is unbelievable! At any given time, I don't think there were more than a dozen people on the beach with us. I cannot recommend enough! If you're thinking of going to Tamarindo, skip it and book here or at their sister Hotel. Playa Grande beats Tamarindo in every way. And this is a great place to stay if you're in Playa Grande.
• James (10/5): - Hotel and staff we very nice. The water did get shut off overnight, not sure why that happened but we know there were rolling black outs while we were there. We were there in off season so pretty much had the place to ourselves. Not being surfers, this really isn't the area for us so we were glad it was off season.
• Harold (8/5): - Staff was great especially Gerson and Winkle. The room was okay just a little loud as it was under the restaurant and would like to see a little better pest control and pool cleanliness. Would stay ere again.
• Sarah (10/5): - It's nice and quiet and just a short walk to a beautiful beach. We felt very safe. There were good options for dining out. Everyone was very friendly. We would definitely come back!!
• Erinn (10/5): - Pleasantly surprised! Loved this property and the customer service was spectacular! Planning to be back again in November for a stay at El Manglar.
• jawalker09 (8/5): Great little spot with amazing staff. A diamond in the rough the owners should invest in to improve. - The Good The staff was truly the highlight of the trip. Gerson was absolutely incredible — sweet, endlessly helpful, and an amazing support. Both Andrea and Yorya, who we saw less of were also very helpful. Playa Grande beach is amazing, and the perfect place to learn to surf, if you're interested. Ask for Chico. He was a great teacher, as was the Pacific Ocean. Our stay was overall very good. The beach is also fairly private and relaxed. Not a ton of people, a few surfers, a few families. We felt absolutely fine leaving our stuff on the beach and walking the 400m into the water when the tide was out. And if you can take in the sunset or the stars on Playa Grande and not feel something, then you're not alive. The food at the restaurant was solid, the nearby Mar Azul became our go-to for a meal away, and if you're looking for an interesting social experiment the Hotel Grateful is a short walk away. There's also a very helpful little minimart/bodega just up the road. The Not-So-Good The main issue I wish had been flagged for us before was the power and water outages. My partner and I both have family in the region, so we weren't surprised, but it would've been great if guests were A) warned ahead of time when possible, and B) if the hotel was adequately staffed to be more on top of the backup generator, and even invested in a cistern or some other way to ensure the water stayed on for those periods. The people who work there work hard, but there's not enough of them to handle these things, and there isn't anyone on the desk at night time. It wasn't great, coming back to the room at 10 or 11, starting a shower and then being covered in soap/shampoo/conditioner and the water being out until the morning. A note that while the restaurant is great and there are lots of great other food options, the prices and the quality of food (especially the dreadful and dreadfully expensive smoothies) at the cafe are absolutely criminal. Don't spend your money there. Lastly, Cantarana says they're an eco-hotel, and as such only clean the rooms every other day. That's something we would have loved to know beforehand. It's a ridiculous policy when they ask (as many places in the region ask) you to not flush the toilet paper down the toilet, and instead put it in the very small waste bin they've got. So imagine the bathroom if you've got 35 degree/100 degree heat, and a waste bin full of used toilet paper in the sweltering heat, and they only take out the garbage every other day? Doesn't make sense. To say nothing of just cleaning the floors and making the bed. You don't have to change and wash the linens or towels every day, but doing simple housekeeping isn't an eco issue, it's a staffing issue. Whoever owns the hotel is too cheap or greedy to pay for the rooms to be cleaned every day, is the bottom line.
• Jared (8/5): Great little spot with amazing staff. A diamond in the rough the owners should invest in to improve. - The staff was truly the highlight of the trip. Gerson was absolutely incredible — sweet, endlessly helpful, and an amazing support. Both Andrea and Yorya, who we saw less of were also very helpful. Playa Grande beach is amazing, and the perfect place to learn to surf, if you're interested. Ask for Chico. He was a great teacher, as was the Pacific Ocean. Our stay was overall very good. The beach is also fairly private and relaxed. Not a ton of people, a few surfers, a few families. We felt absolutely fine leaving our stuff on the beach and walking the 400m into the water when the tide was out. And if you can take in the sunset or the stars on Playa Grande and not feel something, then you're not alive. The food at the restaurant was solid, the nearby Mar Azul became our go-to for a meal away, and if you're looking for an interesting social experiment the Hotel Grateful is a short walk away. There's also a very helpful little minimart/bodega just up the road. The main issue I wish had been flagged for us before was the power and water outages. My partner and I both have family in the region, so we weren't surprised, but it would've been great if guests were A) warned ahead of time when possible, and B) if the hotel was adequately staffed to be more on top of the backup generator, and even invested in a cistern or some other way to ensure the water stayed on for those periods. The people who work there work hard, but there's not enough of them to handle these things, and there isn't anyone on the desk at night time. It wasn't great, coming back to the room at 10 or 11, starting a shower and then being covered in soap/shampoo/conditioner and the water being out until the morning. A note that while the restaurant is great and there are lots of great other food options, the prices and the quality of food (especially the dreadful and dreadfully expensive smoothies) at the cafe are absolutely criminal. Don't spend your money there. Lastly, Cantarana says they're an eco-hotel, and as such only clean the rooms every other day. That's something we would have loved to know beforehand. It's a ridiculous policy when they ask (as many places in the region ask) you to not flush the toilet paper down the toilet, and instead put it in the very small waste bin they've got. So imagine the bathroom if you've got 35 degree/100 degree heat, and a waste bin full of used toilet paper in the sweltering heat, and they only take out the garbage every other day? Doesn't make sense. To say nothing of just cleaning the floors and making the bed. You don't have to change and wash the linens or towels every day, but doing simple housekeeping isn't an eco issue, it's a staffing issue. Whoever owns the hotel is too cheap or greedy to pay for the rooms to be cleaned every day, is the bottom line.
• Crystel (10/5): Exceptional -
• Scott (8/5): - We enjoyed our stay at Hotel Cantarana. The access to the private beach was amazing and the sunset was spectacular! There are great restaurants at the property and within walking distance. The room was clean and comfortable but the property could use a refresh. Overall was a great stay!
• Alexandra (10/5): Exceptional -
• myles (10/5): - Very peaceful away from Tamarindo but only a short boat ride away from the action
• paul (10/5): - The location to Playa grande 8 minute walk Multiple restaurants in walking distance, which were unique and fantastic. Ease location to rent surfboards and other beach gear Staff was fantastic Manfred our bartender was the best Concierge was very helpful and quick to respond
• Marcia (8/5): Lovely - Breakfast , food overall was good . Restaurant staff were great . Very comfy beds and pillows . Quiet due to small size A bit stingy and slow with room supplies . Without a car you are isolated to the community and a very expensive market -stock up before you get there
• Daniela (8/5): Very good - Check in - super friendly, location is far from everything, but it is beautiful and very close to the beach, beautiful place to relax, restaurant on site. The check in girls are extraordinary friendly!!!! We had the room underneath the restaurant, we have heard every movement (chairs moving) and couldnt sleep until the restaurant closed. There are not many possibilities (walking distance) to go out for dinner. The toilet flush didnt work, the repair guy came and repaired it with a thread, after that the water was always running.
• Irene (8/5): It was very relaxing and atomshere - The location was awesome, it’s in a private/gated community so we felt safe. We could walk to the another restaurant or eat at the location. The private entrance to the beach was cozy and nice. The bed was comfortable and not a lot of people so it was quaint. The staff was very attentive even after hours. We can’t find anything.
• GILLIAN (10/5): - This hotel exceeded our expectations! It was so nice to have a small kitchen with an espresso maker as well as a coffee/smoothie shop and restaurant on site. The staff was so friendly and accessible at all hours. We were able to rent last minute surfboards and enjoyed the beautiful surf and non-crowded beach that was just a very short walk down a beautiful, shaded path. We will absolutely visit this hotel again!
• Stevens (10/5): Exceptional -
• Kathleen (7/5): We really enjoyed Hotel Catarana and it's very wonderful staff. - pool, room, beach We were without water off/on for almost 20 hours. This was no doubt due to all the new construction going up and the demand on the local infrastructure.
• Jeff (8/5): - Small, 5 unit, hotel. Restaurant serves good food and drink and the coffee shop is very good. The 2nd floor apartments have bar fridge and coffee maker only with main floor units having a small kitchen. Comfortable king beds. The property could use some attention, tile work on the pool, handrails loose, trim boards missing, but all in all, pretty good shape. The staff are tremendous. Very helpful and accommodating. Arranged tours, made our stay very pleasant.
• Trisha (10/5): - My short stay was perfect and the staff are both kind and professional.
• Jay (10/5): Exceptional - Room was very clean and quiet. Staff were welcoming
• Kim (8/5): Very good -
• Jennifer (10/5): Clean and quiet boutique hotel in an amazing location. - Very nice boutique hotel. The room was super private and quiet. Nothing.
• Morgan (8/5): Very good -
• soniamB7271MC (10/5): THE PLACE TO VISIT - It was for my son’s wedding. Everything was wonderful. It was probably the best experience that I have had in a long time. The rooms were great! Included air conditioning, soundproof walls, very comfortable bed, refrigerator, stove top, microwave, coffee maker, expresso maker, dishes, utensils, and extremely clean. The staff was friendly and over accommodating, prepared to meet your needs and insure satisfaction. Andrea is a gem. She went over and aboard her job description, doing any and everything that was need to make sure that the wedding party was happy. The beach was less than 2 minutes walking distance, directly across from the hotel. I did not want to leave. I LOVED IT! Will be returning. Forgot about the cost. I spent 7 nights and 6 days and did not break the bank.
• Jozsef (9/5): Superb -
• diana (10/5): - We loved Hotel Cantarana and Playa Grande! A beautiful beach, amazing sunsets, great guided trips, and a comfortable place to stay with helpful, friendly staff that take great care of their place. Can’t wait to come back!!!
• Leah (9/5): Superb -
• Philip (6/5): Pleasant - Nice bed, friendly staff, great check inn, good communication, great location, great restaurant . If you wanted to cook kitchen had everything, good size refrigerator, coffee maker ect.. Outside of room needed some tlc, raking ect..., deck off room was rotten with many bad boards. NO screen in shower drain and appears small frogs and other appear in bathroom. Don't where else they could have come from.
• Elliot (8/5): Great property, comfy bed and spacious room. Restaurant was great too. Location is good if you want to be in playa grand -
• havalynf (10/5): Great boutique hotel - I loved this hotel. The room was basic, but the atmosphere overall was fabulous. Great small pool, easy walk to one of the most beautiful private beaches. The restaurant had fantastic food and drinks- Mario was amazing. If I come back to Costa Rica I will not be staying anywhere else. It was magical!
• Sally (10/5): Exceptional -
• Ozge (10/5): Super charming place close to Playa Grande - This is a super nice place with only 4 rooms. It is super charming close to Playa Grande. The staff are super nice, and we had the best breakfast of our whole trip there with birds visiting us as we ate. There is a private walkway to the beach. The room is really nice with a balcony to enjoy the nature. There is a nice coffee machine in the room as well which is a big plus. There is a cafe attached to the place where you can have snacks and a coffee with beautiful views. Highly recommended.
• SRINATH (10/5): - Very private property close to private beach, quiet and new rooms. While our stay was short, we really liked hotel and staff.
• Cheryl (10/5): Excellent service, friendly vibe - Lovely rooms, nice pool area, private access to the beach. The staff was welcoming and very helpful. They do accept pets so you may hear some yapping dogs. They have surfboard and paddle rentals on site and can help you with all of your tours. If you want a very low-key beach vibe this is a place for you.
• Shruti (8/5): Very good -
• Bryan (10/5): Exceptional -

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