Beach and Rain forest in Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Apr 1 - Apr 7, 2026

Tina
Tina D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2026

We stayed in San Jose, La Fortuna, and Tamarindo. Each accommodation was exactly what I was looking for, it had local flare but enough accommodations and food choices for my children. I saw lots of wildlife, had great guides, the transports were on time and friendly, everything was as I expected. The kimkim team was very easy to work with and had great recommendations to guide me to what I wanted. It was a great planning experience with Kat in particular, she revised our plan like 6 times until it was exactly what I wanted!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Presidente
San José

I gave it five stars because it was exactly what I expected. Local authenticity but great clean accommodations at a fair price. Staff was knowledgeable and helpful enough and it was right in the center of town near shops, restaurants and city parks. Loved our stay there!

Authenticity & Character
You can tell it is not made, maintained or staffed by a large chain hotel.
Location
As above
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arenal ParaĂ­so Resort, Spa & Hot Springs
La Fortuna

I loved it! The hot springs were amazing, the pool was clean and warm, the atmosphere was like out of a movie-so much flora and fauna. Rooms were clean, I didn’t see one bug, not sure how they managed that in the middle of a rain forest! I woke up to howler monkey calls and even spotted them. In the trees one day. The breakfast buffet wasn’t over indulgent but had an array of things to choose from and local food which I loved and always a little something for my picky American daughters. Cheese, fruit, fresh breads and pastries, rice platter, local sausage, omelet station, cereal and even pancakes one day. If you are expecting a 5star luxury hotel this isn’t for you-you’ll have to pay more for that and sacrifice authenticity. But if you want to see Costa Rica, be immersed in the wild life and be comfortable and clean doing it this is the place for you! Only thing I didn’t like about it was the distance from the airport. The 4 hour drive was long and windy.

Authenticity & Character
It’s like being in the rain forest but clean and safe!
Location
15 mins from the waterfall and hanging bridges. Loved it. Even in walking distance to a coffee shop. There is nothing else to walk to though if you are looking for that.
Staff
Some of the staff were very friendly and talkative, some just did their job. The front staff doesn’t seem to be too informed about excursions and how to guide on them but we had them mostly arranged beforehand anyway. My husband did the onsite zip line and the front staff did not instruct them well on what to do so they almost missed the outing with the group.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable. Air conditioning worked great and water was clean.
Hotel Pasatiempo
Tamarindo

My favorite of where we stayed. The atmosphere was amazing with little wooden walk ways through a huge mango tree and other local foliage. A large teekee hut that had a meeger bar and breakfast/snack spot. The pool was clean and warm. And every morning a whole family of howler monkeys visited the mango tree to feast. The next day a family of iguanas visited the pool to sun and get a drink. The service for onsite drinks and food was kindof like if you want something-go find someone and they’ll make it for you. Which worked well enough for us, we had a pitcher of margheritas one night and my husband enjoyed some cervesas by the pool. But most of the time you just walk down the street and choose from one of the many local spots in town. The beach was 5 mins away and beautiful, warm and eclectic. Definitely an experience I’ll never forget!

Authenticity & Character
Can’t say enough about the character, loved it!
Location
5 mins to beach and right I. The middle of Tamarindo accessible to everything
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Adam Gomez