An overall great experience
Costa Rica | Aug 12 - Aug 19, 2023

Ioannis
Ioannis A.
the Netherlands | Reviewed on Sep 15, 2023

Great overall experience with a good balance of beaches and mountains. The highlight of this tour was probably my interaction with the local people. My guide in Buena Vista Lodge, the host Roger in Malejus Lodge and the instructors during my surf lesson.

Hotel Reviews
Hilton Garden Inn, La Sabana
San jose

This a great value-for-money deal. The hotel is located apx 20 minutes away from the airport (depending on traffic), it's very clean with all standard amenities, good cruising although not particularly local, great breakfast and very helpful personnel.

Authenticity & Character
Nothing bad about it but nothing exceptional either. A standard 4-star hotel.
Location
20 minutes drive away from the airport
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Buena Vista Lodge
GuachipelĂ­n

Amazing people working in this 142 acres of excellence. My Mountain room was spacious and clean and although there is no AC, it wasn't needed when I was visiting. There are many activities to do and I did most of them: tubing, hanging bridges, ziplining. Breakfast was great but otherwise, the restaurant offered food is nothing exceptional and quite pricy. With no available markets in the close proximity that can be an issue for some people.

Authenticity & Character
Everything is made with a lot of love and care.
Location
The location is great if you opt for a connection with nature but remote otherwise.
Staff
The people working here were all very friendly and ready to assist me.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was not exactly spotless.
Hotel Pasatiempo
Tamarindo

Nothing great and nothing bad. This accommodation is the perfect average but it is affordable, clean and in a good location.

Authenticity & Character
Pretty plain in terms of authenticity
Location
Good overall location with very good proximity to a supermarket and 5 minutes walk from the beach.
Staff
Stuff was very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bathroom was not so clean unfortunately
Malekus Mountain Lodge
Rincon De La Vieja

An amazing experience! Rosie and Roger dreamt of a place where humans could connect with nature and they accomplished something extraordinary. I have nothing but compliments for this place.

Authenticity & Character
Roger and Rosie have well-thought everything out—truly unique place.
Location
A bit remote but this is expected for this accommodation. The purpose of your stay here should be to disconnect.
Staff
The guests are two of the most welcoming people to have ever met.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless!
Activity Reviews
Private Surf Lessons at Tamarindo Beach
Private Surf Lessons at Tamarindo Beach
Tamarindo

This was my first time surfing. The instructors took about 20 minutes to prepare/inform me about safety and technic and then we jumped in the water. The guides were all super friendly giving me feedback after every attempt to surf:)

Quality of Experience
The organization, guides and overall experience was great
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Self-guide to Explore La Leona Waterfall Hiking
Self-guide to Explore La Leona Waterfall Hiking
Rincon de la Vieja

Very easy to find, the people working at the front desk speak good English and the guide (although super young) was very helpful and friendly.

Quality of Experience
The final part is the best . . .
Local specialist: