Umami Hotel - Adults Only

This boutique hotel is celebrated as a tranquil oasis of calm, distinguished by its beautifully designed, lushly landscaped central courtyard and inviting ambiance. Its signature appeal lies in offering a serene retreat that is both quiet and perfectly situated, allowing easy access to the vibrant local area while being set back from the main street's noise. Guests consistently commend the exceptional staff service, describing it as friendly, attentive, and going above and beyond. The delicious and varied breakfast is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, alongside the comfortable, clean, and spacious rooms. This hotel is an ideal fit for couples and solo travelers seeking a peaceful and romantic getaway, as well as adults desiring a relaxing environment. To enhance your experience, guests recommend bringing earplugs for the natural sounds and mosquito repellent, and noting that some rooms feature an open shower design.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities and amenities designed for guest comfort and relaxation. The central swimming pool, though described by some as smaller than it appears in photos, is widely appreciated as a beautiful and inviting space for cooling down and unwinding, often surrounded by lush, well-maintained gardens. Guests benefit from reliable Wi-Fi throughout the property and effective air conditioning in their rooms. Many rooms feature private terraces or balconies, some even with dedicated cabanas for lounging. Other in-room conveniences include a safety deposit box, TVs with streaming options, and dressing gowns. The hotel also provides pool towels and umbrellas for guest use. A full bar is available by the pool, offering drinks at reasonable prices. While some guests noted limited sunbeds by the pool and occasional issues with pool cleanliness, the overall ambiance is highly praised.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be impeccably clean and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant stay. The beds are consistently praised for their comfort and large size, often featuring high-quality linens that ensure a restful night's sleep. Rooms are described as spacious, modern, and beautifully decorated, with effective air conditioning providing a comfortable environment. However, feedback on room comfort is mixed regarding certain aspects. Some guests reported an unpleasant odor from drains in their rooms, while others noted noise from squeaky beds, adjacent rooms, or early morning staff activities, indicating potential issues with soundproofing. The bathroom design, particularly the open showers, received varied comments, with some finding it lacking in privacy and leading to water flooding the floor, alongside occasional concerns about water pressure and hot water consistency. Additionally, some guests mentioned a lack of certain toiletries and issues with the in-room coffee machine or mini-bar stocking.

Dining & Food Quality
The dining experience at the hotel is largely centered around its highly acclaimed breakfast, which guests consistently describe as delicious, excellent, and a true highlight of their stay. Served a la carte, the breakfast offers a choice of three options, including fresh fruit, and receives particular praise for its quality ingredients and the flavorful Costa Rican coffee. Many guests specifically commend the rice and beans as exceptionally tasty, with options available for vegan and vegetarian diets, including almond milk creamer. While the variety of main breakfast choices is limited to three, some guests found this repetitive for longer stays, and a few noted occasional issues with food temperature or taste. The hotel also features a full bar by the pool, offering a selection of cocktails and other beverages at reasonable prices. However, it is important to note that the hotel does not provide lunch or dinner service, though many external dining options are available nearby.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, positioning guests ideally within the heart of Puerto Viejo. It is consistently praised for being just a short, easy walk to the beach, numerous restaurants, and various shops and markets. Despite its proximity to the town's vibrant center, the hotel is strategically set back, ensuring a quiet and tranquil atmosphere away from the main road's noise, making it perfect for relaxation. This accessibility means guests can easily explore the area on foot, minimizing the need for transportation. While parking is available on-site, some guests noted it can be minimal or shared with another property, raising concerns during peak season. Additionally, a few reviews mentioned that the immediate surrounding area or the road leading to the hotel might appear less appealing or "sketchy" to some, though the hotel itself is considered safe and secure.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive glowing praise, being described as awesome, fantastic, and exceptionally friendly. Guests frequently highlight their helpfulness, attentiveness, and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, from assisting with activities and transportation to addressing specific room issues promptly. The check-in process is generally smooth and straightforward, contributing to a positive first impression. Many reviewers commend the staff's professionalism and their ability to create a welcoming and accommodating atmosphere. While the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, some guests noted instances where service was not proactive, or perceived a lack of knowledge about the local area from certain staff members. A few also mentioned occasional delays in service due to limited staffing or the need to request basic items like towels, but these instances appear to be exceptions rather than the norm.

Additional Information
This hotel operates as a small, intimate boutique property, often described as an ideal setting for adults and couples seeking a quiet escape. Guests should be aware that the hotel maintains a no smoking policy within its premises, with designated areas outside. Given its tropical environment, mosquitoes can be prevalent, and guests are strongly advised to bring repellent and be mindful of keeping them out of rooms. Some minor inconveniences noted include the lack of a phone in the room, requiring guests to visit reception for requests, and a policy of charging for coffee pods after the initial complimentary ones, as well as for small bottled water. While the hotel offers a relaxing atmosphere, some guests found the pool area to have limited sunbeds. Additionally, a few reviews mentioned occasional power outages in the area, for which the hotel does not have a backup generator.