At a Glance
| The Coast Beachfront Hotel | Hotel Pasatiempo | Iguana Surf Camp | Pueblo Dorado Surf Hotel | |
| Best For | Beachfront location | Amenities | Apartments | Surfing focus |
| Pros |
Set on a beach known for good swimming Kayak & surfboard rentals Within walking distance from downtown Spacious rooms & apartments |
Outdoor pool set in the jungle Hands-on, friendly owners Walking distance from the beach & downtown Bright, clean rooms, some with terraces & hammocks |
Near the beach & downtown Tamarindo Private suites are limited but large & comfy All-inclusive surf packages |
Near the beach & water taxis Beginner to advanced surf packages Outdoor swimming pool Communal kitchen & lounge |
| Cons | No restaurant | Next to a popular nightclub | Hostel-like (only a few private rooms) | Breakfast off-site |
| Budget Tier | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| Authenticity | **** | **** | ** | *** |
| Location | ***** | *** | **** | *** |
| Rooms & Bathrooms | *** | **** | *** | *** |
| Other Highlights | Two pools, one with submerged loungers | Live music during peak season | Breakfast restaurant | Complimentary bike use |
The Coast Beachfront Hotel
The Coast Beachfront Hotel offers a peaceful location on a swimmable beach, yet within walking distance of downtown Tamarindo. The property maintains its calm, Costa Rican vibes by only hosting 26 rooms. You can choose from beachfront units, traditional suites, bungalows with an outdoor shower, and even a two-bedroom villa. All units have ceiling fans, outdoor areas, and a kitchen, which is handy since the property doesn't offer a bar or restaurant. However, you'll enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast delivered to your room each morning.
As a beachfront hotel, you can enjoy water sports by renting equipment or taking kayaking, surfing, boogie boarding, and snorkeling lessons right outside the property. Though you might prefer relaxing on the quiet shore, you'll have access to the beach club down the street if you need a little more action. When ready for a break from the beach, relax at the property's small but pleasant outdoor swimming pool.
Read kimkim's review of The Coast Beachfront Hotel
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Hotel Pasatiempo
Hotel Pasatiempo's enthusiastic owners spend a lot of time at the hotel, maintaining the grounds and making guests feel at home. Thanks to the dense vegetation and mango trees, you might see iguanas and howler monkeys as you walk about the property. Though not oceanfront, a short five-minute walk takes you to Playa Tamarindo, which eventually leads to the downtown area.
With new owners acquiring the property in 2021, all the rooms have been repainted, and several other renovations are in the works. Twenty-four rooms offer clean, bright lodgings, with most units sleeping two or three guests. For families or groups, you'll find some options with multiple beds or a villa with a separate bedroom and sofabeds, both accommodating up to four people.
You can enjoy your meals at the on-site restaurant, featuring an extended happy hour from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The pool is a definite highlight, small but shaded by tall palm trees and complete with lounge chairs and an outdoor bar.
Read kimkim's review of Hotel Pasatiempo
Iguana Surf Camp
There's a lot to love about Tamarindo, but its surfing certainly draws the crowds. If you're staying at Iguana Surf Camp to learn the sport, you might want to choose the surf package. It includes a room and breakfast, transfer from the airport in Liberia, daily surf lessons, use of a surfboard at any time during your stay, a rashguard to keep, and an excursion to a beach with bigger waves on your final day. You can certainly stay here if you're not surfing, too!
You'll find Iguana Surf Camp in the downtown area of Tamarindo, just across the street from Tamarindo Beach, so it's easy to catch waves. The hotel is small, with only five room options, two being large dorm-style rooms with bunk beds. If you'd like to book, we recommend planning your trip early so you can snag one of the three lofted suites. Overall, the quality of the rooms is surprisingly lovely, making this a comfy and excellent option for travelers wanting the entire surfing experience in Tamarindo.
Read kimkim's review of Iguana Surf Camp
Pueblo Dorado Surf Hotel
You'll find Pueblo Dorado Surf Hotel set back off the main street, not far from the beach. And to get the authentic Costa Rican surfing experience, you can book a surf package—though you can stay here without partaking in the sport. Surf packages range from beginner to advanced and include transportation from the airport, accommodation, lessons, surfboard rentals, breakfast, and more.
Pueblo Dorado Surf Hotel is just north of downtown Tamarindo, and a quick five-minute walk along the main road will take you there. You'll also be in a prime location if you plan to use the river taxi to take you to other surfing beaches. When not exploring the area or surfing, you can relax at the hotel's outdoor pool or grab one of the complimentary bikes to head into town.
As a simple, motel-style accommodation, you'll find just 28 rooms with four sets of connecting rooms (suitable for small groups). All units are relatively basic, with white walls, tile flooring, and simple, no-frills furnishings. If you're traveling with family or looking for more space, you might like the apartments with small kitchenettes.
Read kimkim's review of Pueblo Dorado Surf Hotel
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