Tamarindo Vista Villas

This hotel offers a vibrant and engaging experience, centered around its lively pool area featuring a swim-up bar and stunning ocean views, making it a memorable destination. It caters well to a diverse range of guests, including party-goers seeking entertainment, surfers eager to hit the waves, families looking for a fun getaway, couples desiring a scenic retreat, and budget-conscious travelers appreciating good value. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's prime location, friendly staff, and satisfying breakfast. To make the most of your stay, consider requesting a room away from the pool area if visiting on a Friday night, as the hotel hosts a popular and energetic party. Additionally, take advantage of the complimentary surfboards and other beach equipment available for guests.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's pool is a central attraction, described as large, deep, and featuring a swim-up bar and a waterfall, often illuminated with fun lights at night. While generally enjoyed, some guests noted it could get crowded, especially during weekend parties, and was occasionally used for dive lessons. The gym is available, though some equipment is reported as outdated or non-functional. Wi-Fi connectivity receives mixed feedback, with some finding it strong and others experiencing weak or intermittent service. Parking is secure and generally ample, but the access can be awkward due to the hotel's hilly terrain. A significant perk for beach enthusiasts is the availability of free surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes for guest use.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness is varied; some guests found their rooms spotless, while others reported issues such as dirty bathrooms, sticky floors, unwashed sheets, or hair in the shower. Bed comfort also receives mixed reviews, with some finding the beds comfortable, but many describing them as hard or noisy. A major recurring theme is noise levels, particularly due to the Friday night parties which are extremely loud, with music vibrating through the walls until the early hours. Sunday pool parties also contribute to noise, and some guests experienced construction noise in the mornings. The thin walls mean that sounds from neighboring rooms and corridors are often audible. In-room amenities include effective air conditioning, though some experienced intermittent hot water, and the presence of a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker is appreciated. Some rooms feature balconies with views, but other common complaints include poorly located or non-functional TVs, a lack of outlets or lamps, and no complimentary bottled water.

Dining & Food Quality
The included breakfast is a significant highlight for many guests, offered in a buffet style with a good variety of traditional Costa Rican options like gallo pinto and fresh fruit, alongside American choices such as pancakes and toast. While generally praised for its quality and freshness, some guests found the menu repetitive, the food occasionally cold, or the portion sizes limited, requiring multiple plates for a full meal. The bar, particularly the swim-up feature, is popular for its good drink selection, though some guests found prices to be high or noted instances of bartenders closing early or lacking certain ingredients. The hotel's main restaurant is exclusively open for breakfast and does not serve lunch or dinner.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location that is a major draw, placing guests within easy walking distance of all the town's attractions. Its proximity to the beach is excellent, being just across the street and a short two to five-minute walk away. The town center, with its array of shops, restaurants, and activities, is also conveniently reachable within a 10 to 15-minute walk. While situated on a main road, guests should be aware of the hotel's unique layout involving many stairs and steep hills with gravel paths, which can be challenging for those with luggage or mobility concerns. Parking is secure and generally ample, though its access can be awkward due to the terrain.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise from guests, described as exceptionally friendly, helpful, attentive, professional, welcoming, and accommodating. The check-in process is generally quick, though some guests reported minor issues with initial room allocations or being asked to sign waivers regarding the hotel's parties. Housekeeping feedback is mixed; some found the service excellent and rooms spotless, while others noted basic cleaning or missed spots, with one review mentioning an instance of beds being made with unwashed sheets. The hotel offers an on-site surf school with discounted lessons and free board rentals, which is a popular amenity.

Additional Information
A defining characteristic of this hotel is its Friday night parties, which are a signature event. These parties are very loud, open to the public, and continue until 2:30 AM, featuring live music and DJs. While some guests enjoy the lively atmosphere and the free drinks offered early in the evening, those seeking a quiet night should be aware that a waiver is required upon check-in acknowledging the noise. Similar Sunday pool parties also occur, open to the public, contributing to noise and making the pool area less accessible for hotel guests. Guests have also noted ongoing renovations and construction, which can cause noise early in the morning. The hotel's walkways, made of broken cobblestone and gravel, can be challenging to navigate.