Los Altos de Eros
Visited by kimkim staff 
As an adults-only hotel, Los Altos de Eros offers a quiet reprieve from the busy downtown area, set on a hilltop within the forest. This location puts you at a 30-minute drive from Tamarindo, though other beaches are just 20 minutes away. The trade-off is undoubtedly the views and a tranquil retreat, which you can enhance with the hotel's spa package featuring massages, a Balinese soaking tub, and a hydrotherapy pool. The property also has several unique perks, like a yoga studio in its fitness center and a giant stationary hammock that can fit multiple people.
This small, cozy property offers six rooms, all with just one bed, but four of the units connect (suitable for groups). The other two options are suites providing king beds and transportation to and from Tamarindo. One is detached, and the other (the Eros Suite) sits above the hotel's lobby area. All feature warm, bright, and airy spaces with organic toiletries made in Costa Rica. Remember that this is an adults-only hotel, though there's always the option to rent out the entire property—and in that case, kids are welcome.
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Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel
Visited by kimkim staff 
Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel is a luxury property directly on the southern side of Tamarindo Beach and just a 10-minute walk from downtown. So, you'll be surrounded by nature, yet not far from the action. The grounds embrace the region perfectly, with an oceanfront setting featuring gardens and forests. At low tide, the beach is perfect for swimming, and during high tide, it's ideal for trying your hand at surfing. You'll also find kayaks, paddleboards, and boogie boards to rent, plus other perks like board games and books to borrow, dance lessons, and Spanish language classes.
You have quite the choice regarding the property's 35 cozy rooms, set in six bungalows, six oceanfront units, 22 superior rooms, and a four-bedroom suite. Some feature beachfront locations and views, whereas others are within the hotel's gardens. All units offer warm wooden tones, king beds, sofa beds, organic toiletries, and furnished outdoor spaces, and if you book a bungalow, you'll enjoy an outdoor shower.
And as a sustainability favorite, you'll also find quite a few green initiatives at the hotel, as it has the highest possible rating for Certification for Sustainable Tourism. A few examples of projects include hosting an on-site water treatment facility, using solar panels, and supplying vegetables, fruits, and herbs for the hotel's restaurant with its garden.
Read kimkim's review of Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel
Sueño del Mar Beachfront Hotel
Visited by kimkim staff 
Sueño del Mar is a small, intimate property away from the hustle and bustle of Tamarindo. You'll stay in a more authentic part of the city, surrounded by families, locally owned cafés, and ocean views. The hotel is in a cozy house, with each room featuring bright and colorful Costa Rican art. And as a bonus, the beach in front of the hotel is very private.
To maintain the quiet, authentic atmosphere, Sueño del Mar has just seven rooms. Choose from rooms or casitas (cabin-like homes), all with authentic decor, like stucco walls, clay floors, and wooden ceilings. Almost all feature an outdoor shower, and some have kitchens.
The three-course breakfast is a definite highlight, changing daily and with unlimited coffee, tea, and juice. You can also request lunch and dinner service, but the property requires a minimum number of participants. Though the beach isn't great for swimming, the rocky shore makes it excellent for snorkeling during low tide, and you can borrow gear from the hotel.
Read kimkim's review of Sueño del Mar
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Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas
Visited by kimkim staff 
Stay near the beach and tucked into the trees at Cala Luna Boutique Hotel, where you can enjoy this mid-range property's many perks, including two on-site eateries, an outdoor pool, a spa, and complimentary yoga and fitness classes. Cala Luna isn't an oceanfront property, but a short path takes you straight to the beach. Feel free to bring your beach chairs and towels (provided in the room) to the shore.
As a smaller boutique hotel, you'll find just 39 rooms at Cala Luna, all with a bright and airy vibe. Some units offer a unique shower/hot tub combo, and all feature private outdoor spaces and aromatherapy with organic toiletries. Choose from deluxe rooms with king or queen beds, and for more space, opt for one of the suites or multi-bedroom villas with private pools (great for families).
Regarding other amenities, you'll find a focus on nature and sustainability, with the option to elevate your meal with a farm-to-table experience at La Senda Farm (owned by the hotel). You can also enjoy the wellness center with a spa, bike rentals, and yoga, fitness, and meditation classes. You'll receive a complimentary drink if you decide to stay and watch the sunset at the property.
Read kimkim's review of Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas
Ocho Artisan Bungalows
Visited by kimkim staff 
Stay in individual cabins or the beachfront villa at Ocho Artisan Bungalows, a small boutique hotel offering unique bohemian vibes that bring you back to the old Tamarindo. Bungalows have draped ceilings with a yurt-like feel and a mix of wood, stone, and metal decor. The surrounding jungle and thatched roofing make it easy to feel fully immersed in Costa Rican culture.
You'll find Ocho Artisan Bungalows right on the beach and just a few minutes walk from the center of Tamarindo. Despite this central location, the hotel feels hidden, with only seven cottages and a beachfront villa. As all units are independent, you won't share any walls with your neighbors. Sleeping up to six guests, you'll have multiple beds, a complimentary minibar, furnished terraces, beach towels, and a kitchenette with all the cooking essentials. If you book the villa, you'll enjoy fun perks like an outdoor daybed and shower.
Guests can relax at the outdoor pool area with a fountain and sun loungers. Though open to the public and day guests, the bar, restaurant, and beach club are a nice addition if you're looking for fun and energetic evenings on the shore.
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Hotel Pasatiempo
Visited by kimkim staff 
Hotel Pasatiempo's enthusiastic owners spend a lot of time at the property, maintaining the grounds and making guests feel at home. Thanks to the dense vegetation and mango trees, you might see iguanas and howler monkeys as you walk about the property. Though not oceanfront, a short five-minute walk takes you to Playa Tamarindo, which eventually leads to the downtown area.
With new owners acquiring the property in 2021, all the rooms have been repainted, and several other renovations are in the works. Twenty-four rooms offer clean, bright lodgings, with most units sleeping two or three guests. For families or groups, you'll find some options with multiple beds or a villa with a separate bedroom and sofabeds, both accommodating up to four people.
You can enjoy your meals at the on-site restaurant, featuring an extended happy hour from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The pool is a definite highlight, small but shaded by tall palm trees and complete with lounge chairs and an outdoor bar.
Read kimkim's review of Hotel Pasatiempo
The Coast Beachfront
Visited by kimkim staff 
The Coast Beachfront Hotel offers a peaceful location on a swimmable beach, yet within walking distance of downtown Tamarindo. The property maintains its calm, Costa Rican vibes by only hosting 26 rooms. You can choose from beachfront units, suites, bungalows with an outdoor shower, and even a two-bedroom villa. All units have ceiling fans, outdoor areas, and a kitchen, which is handy since the property doesn't offer a bar or restaurant. But, each morning, you'll enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast delivered to your room.
As a beachfront hotel, you can enjoy water sports by renting equipment or taking kayaking, surfing, boogie boarding, and snorkeling lessons. Though you might prefer relaxing at the quiet shore, you'll have access to the beach club down the street if you need a bit more action. When ready for a break from the beach, relax at the property's small but pleasant outdoor swimming pool.
Read kimkim's review of The Coast Beachfront Hotel
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