Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort, Tamarindo

Lively beachfront resort with multiple pools, a restaurant, a kids' club, massage services, and more.

Overview

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort opened in 1979 as one of the first resorts in the Guanacaste region. Though the rooms are relatively generic, the grounds and amenities are all about enjoying Costa Rica. You'll be beachfront with a garden and day beds facing the sand, plus have access to multiple pools and outdoor massages. The onsite restaurant serves an extensive breakfast buffet and dinner. Kids can enjoy playing in the pools, on the beach, and at the kids' club, and you'll be within walking distance of all the action in Tamarindo.

Kimkim's Take

Brittany
Brittany McNamara kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, July 2022 (Learn more)
Pros
  • This beautiful beachfront property offers ocean views from some of the rooms, common areas, gardens, and outdoor pool areas. 
  • You'll be right in the center of all the action in Tamarindo and close to several eateries. 
  • Enjoy the extensive buffet breakfast each morning, featuring little perks like waffles and an omelet station.
  • The hotel grounds are impressive, with multiple pools (the family-friendly pool looks like a tropical beach with shallow water), a beachfront garden area with daybeds, and a short walking path among palm trees.
  • Kids can hang out at the kids' club area with fun activities or watch a show at the outdoor theater. 
Cons
  • You'll be right in the middle of Tamarindo and on the beach in a popular hotel that receives a lot of travelers, so it can be a little noisy.
  • The rooms are comfortable and functional but lack Costa Rican character.
  • Most of the rooms are on the opposite side of the street from the beach and don't offer any views.

Additional Notes From Brittany

This is the perfect spot if you want to be in the middle of it all and don't mind noise. While visiting the hotel, I heard waves splashing and crashing, cars honking, children laughing, birds chirping, the clatter of glasses, the subtle bump of the base from the restaurant across the street, and a vendor shouting about happy hour beer while walking down the beach. You won't find a quiet escape here, but you'll undoubtedly feel the Costa Rican energy and won't miss a thing!

Authenticity

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort is an area staple, opening in 1972 as one of the first resorts in Guanacaste. It's a great alternative to the larger chain resorts in the region, as you still get those amenities but with a more authentic experience. And you won't be in a high rise, as the property spreads out among its grounds, with a lovely garden area along the beach.

Location

You can't get more central than this hotel, as it's literally at the center point of Tamarindo's main road. You'll be in a busy area on the beach and close to many eateries, but as a tradeoff, it does get a little noisy. You certainly don't need a car here, but you might want to rent one or hire a transfer to explore the area a bit. Getting to the northern beaches like Playa Grande takes about 40 minutes. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

As a large hotel complex with over 200 units, the rooms feel a little generic and don't offer any local flair or character. Still, they're comfortable and have amenities like indoor and outdoor ceiling fans, balconies or terraces, and coffee makers. There are three room categories, and all can work well for families, but one is specific to those traveling with kids. Choose from the Sunrise Oceanfront, Tropicana, and Family areas, all with multiple beds, air-conditioning, private hot tubs, and/or rain showers. 

Amenities

The large sprawling grounds are separated into four areas, each having a distinct flair and differing amenities. You'll have four different pools to choose from, with an option for a kid's pool, an adult-only pool with a swim-up bar, and an inset whirlpool in the largest pool on the property. Get your daily exercise in at your choice of the gym or the outdoor tennis courts. The small garden spa offers a compact menu of massages and beauty treatments in the open-air cabanas. Travelers with limited mobility can choose from several accessible rooms, and the paved paths and ramps throughout the property make it easy to get around. 

Family-Friendliness

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort is a veritable one-stop-shop for families, having everything you and your kids will need for a fun and relaxing stay. Multiple pools, a dedicated Family Area with larger suites, and a free Kids Club are favorite features of previous travelers. Children up to the age of 12 stay for free, and free cribs are available for infants under three years old. 

Other Highlights

As a resort property, there are lots of highlights to mention! You'll find extensive grounds with gardens, a walking path, sun loungers, day beds, and more. Overall, there's a big focus on families, so kids will have fun here. Other perks include a free welcome drink and a space where you can borrow books. The breakfast buffet is generous, and six on-site restaurants and snack spots make it so that you never need to leave the property to grab a meal. Adults have several bars to choose from, including one in the adults-only area if you need a break from the noisier parts of the resort. 

Sustainability

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort is part of the Diria Group, which has several sustainability practices, including solar panels to provide green energy, a recyclable materials collection point, and owned and controlled water wells. The group also uses local artisanal suppliers for its hotels and stocks its restaurants with organic eggs and produce from its own vegetable garden.

Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 40320032
Hotel address icon Playa Tamarindo

Traveler Reviews

19 total ratings, 16 with reviews
4.3 out of 5
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.2
Location
4.6
Staff
4.2
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.3
Nikki
Nikki S.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Mar 03, 2024
This was the worst hotel resort experience I’ve ever had. The service is extremely unfriendly and unhelpful. It felt like a tourist trap. The rooms have no amenities and it feels like a motel. Even the oceanfront room still is exposed to the loud and busy main street. No servers to help with any of the meals or drinks. Water was never refills, they charge you for the towels, and no one helps you with your stay. We were much happier when we left the resort and explored the local nearby... Read more

This was the worst hotel resort experience I’ve ever had. The service is extremely unfriendly and unhelpful. It felt like a tourist trap.

The rooms have no amenities and it feels like a motel. Even the oceanfront room still is exposed to the loud and busy main street.

No servers to help with any of the meals or drinks.

Water was never refills, they charge you for the towels, and no one helps you with your stay.

We were much happier when we left the resort and explored the local nearby beaches on our own.

Authenticity & Character
Zero Costa Rican authenticity
Location
Keep the street noise out
Staff
Super unfriendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
No amenities; felt like a motel
Stayed in February 2024
Mandy
Mandy F.
Centreville, MD | Reviewed on Jan 22, 2024
Stunning views, amazing food, comfortable rooms and friendly staff. It was the perfect location, right in the center of Tamarindo. Read more

Stunning views, amazing food, comfortable rooms and friendly staff. It was the perfect location, right in the center of Tamarindo.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It was right in the center of Tamarindo. Plenty of shopping and dining options. We stayed one night on the beach side, which was a little noisier, and then two nights on the other side of the street. it was very quiet and clean. We heard howler monkeys in the morning which was cool.
Staff
Brenda, our server by the pool was so great. She was very friendly and always seemed to be there when we needed her. Our family joked that our lives would be better if we could just take our girl Brenda home with us..
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable. My only complaint would be that there aren’t enough chairs around the big pool. There were literally people scoping them out at 6 AM. My husband and I sat on the concrete the first day while the kids swam.
Stayed in January 2024
Larry
Larry M.
Mesa, AZ | Reviewed on Jun 08, 2023
On the ocean, great sunset views from the balcony patio Read more

On the ocean, great sunset views from the balcony patio

Authenticity & Character
Huge complex, we stayed in the older part close to the lobby and restaurant
Location
Staff
Just the nicest helpful people
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2023
Marilyn
Marilyn F.
Inglewood, CA | Reviewed on May 02, 2023
The best pools and best beach access. No elevators. Rooms need to be updated.
Desk people not very friendly no smiles.
Read more

The best pools and best beach access. No elevators. Rooms need to be updated.
Desk people not very friendly no smiles.

Authenticity & Character
Location
No elevators or accommodations for handicapped
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2023
Spencer
Spencer G.
East Palo Alto, CA | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2023
Very large property. Three pools, lots of rooms, big breakfast area, several different restaurants. Beachfront. Service was good, breakfast was good, and even though it was the most crowded time of year the only thing in short supply was pool chairs in the shade - everything else was quick and easy and comfortable. Read more

Very large property. Three pools, lots of rooms, big breakfast area, several different restaurants. Beachfront. Service was good, breakfast was good, and even though it was the most crowded time of year the only thing in short supply was pool chairs in the shade - everything else was quick and easy and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2023
K
Karen A.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 07, 2023
Beautiful location, wonderful breakfast overlooking the ocean, great staff, awesome pools, cabanas and right on the beach! Read more

Beautiful location, wonderful breakfast overlooking the ocean, great staff, awesome pools, cabanas and right on the beach!

Authenticity & Character
It's a lovely property with cool decorations as well.
Location
Right on the beach and in the heart of town.
Staff
So polite and friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean, nice rooms with everything you need.
Stayed in March 2023
Tobi
Tobi S.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 01, 2023
This was a great hotel for us, close to the beach, great facilities, beautiful pools. As a tip, we had a room near the back of the hotel facing the pool but backing on to a street, it was quite loud due to the music playing at the restaurants, across the way, it was also near the entrance to the pools so we would often hear people in the hallway, yelling, playing, or trying to access the pool (there was a loud buzzer). Also, I’m not sure why but we had difficulty getting towels in our room,... Read more

This was a great hotel for us, close to the beach, great facilities, beautiful pools. As a tip, we had a room near the back of the hotel facing the pool but backing on to a street, it was quite loud due to the music playing at the restaurants, across the way, it was also near the entrance to the pools so we would often hear people in the hallway, yelling, playing, or trying to access the pool (there was a loud buzzer). Also, I’m not sure why but we had difficulty getting towels in our room, we had to constantly ask for them to be replaced and replaced in an amount for all of us.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2023
K
Kristy P.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 27, 2023
Great property! They take a lot of care in the up keep of the grounds and assisting you with the local surroundings. Breakfast was so so but overall great experience. Read more

Great property! They take a lot of care in the up keep of the grounds and assisting you with the local surroundings. Breakfast was so so but overall great experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2023
Cheri
Cheri A.
Simi Valley, CA | Reviewed on Feb 10, 2023
The location of our room was across the street from the oceanfront, which although not on the beach, was still convenient. I liked the grass beachfront, as it was breezy/windy and there was sand blowing. With the grass you didn't get sandblown. I did prefer the more sandy beach at the near Playa Langosta, however as I said, the grass here was a plus. And Playa Langosta was not too far to walk if you wanted to enjoy that Our room was in a multi level/unit building near the auto entrance and... Read more

The location of our room was across the street from the oceanfront, which although not on the beach, was still convenient. I liked the grass beachfront, as it was breezy/windy and there was sand blowing. With the grass you didn't get sandblown. I did prefer the more sandy beach at the near Playa Langosta, however as I said, the grass here was a plus. And Playa Langosta was not too far to walk if you wanted to enjoy that Our room was in a multi level/unit building near the auto entrance and at the beginning of the passage. We got a lot of noise with people passing by, especially on Saturday when they are drunk and really loud. And at night, when the auto arm was raised, you got beep beep beep up, then the same down. We did not get good sleep here. The room had a nice patio oriented toward the pool, which although not the beach, was still nice. The breakfast buffet was really good. There are plenty of stores and eateries close. I would actually rate this hotel a 3 1/2 due to the noise and close proximity to neighbors.

Authenticity & Character
a big multi unit building if you're not right on the beach
Location
i would've preferred ocean front, and not having to cross the street. however, i was on a budget and the beachfront was probably more money.
Staff
didn't interact much with staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
be sure to get your room at the end of the aisle so you don't get a parade of people going by and can't her the auto arm
Stayed in February 2023
JULIE
JULIE M.
Mount Prospect, IL | Reviewed on Feb 04, 2023
Beautiful hotel, excellent location, fantastic daily breakfast buffet. Read more

Beautiful hotel, excellent location, fantastic daily breakfast buffet.

Authenticity & Character
Location
On the beach!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in January 2023