Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas, Gulf of Papagayo

Pros

• Enjoy unbeatable views and scenery at this hotel, both from the common areas and individual guest rooms. 
• The hotel is an excellent choice for couples, as it's quite private and secluded with a romantic vibe. Each room is in an individual villa with uninterrupted coastal views and private plunge pools. 
• The concierge and lobby are close to the road, but the rest of the property is further back, so you don't have to worry about street noise.
• Though your room has its own saltwater pool, you can also enjoy the hotel's wraparound infinity pool with wooden sun loungers and al fresco dining.

Cons

• The property isn't very accessible, as it's hilly, and guests must use stairs. 
• The hotel isn't directly on the beach and doesn't provide any direct access to it.
• There's no spa or fitness center, which some travelers might expect at a hotel of this caliber.

Authenticity

Enjoy a secluded location atop a forested ridge with incredible coastline views and a genuine mix of tropical greenery and aqua-blue seaside. The hotel is contemporary and stylish with cozy and natural vibes, blending traditional Costa Rican wood pieces with modern amenities and finishes. 

Location

You get some seriously amazing views in each direction as you'll be atop a green cliffside. As a tradeoff, you won't be in the center of the action, though just a 7-minute walk to the beach and the center of Las Catalinas. If you don't want to walk—especially on the way back to the hotel, as it's a bit hilly—the property provides a golf cart shuttle service. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

As a villa-style hotel, you'll find each room in a private cabin. There are 21 total villas offering bright, airy, colorful lodgings with one king bed, coffee makers, and spacious showers. This hotel is so appealing because each villa has its own private terrace with cozy furnishings, a saltwater plunge pool, and truly amazing views. Upgrade to a suite for more space and a separate seating area.

Sustainability

Casa Chameleon utilizes several sustainability measures to care for the local environment, including energy-saving initiatives, supporting local producers to supply the restaurant, planting endemic species in the gardens, and using drip irrigation to conserve water. You'll also find a recycling program, electric shuttle services, and pools with salt rather than chlorine.

Wildlife

This isn't a hotel with a lot of wildlife around, but some past guests mentioned spotting beautiful birds and lizards on the grounds.

Amenities

Aside from the private pools, a large L-shaped saltwater infinity pool is located on the hotel's first-floor veranda with sweeping ocean and jungle views. Spacious lounge areas line the pool area with daybeds and lounge chairs. At sunset, staff members light small flames along the pool's edge to add to the ambience. There's no spa or gym here, and the hotel isn't accessible for wheelchair users. 

Family-Friendliness

Casa Chameleon Hotel is for adults only, so it's unsuitable for families with kids.

Other Highlights

The room rate at Casa Chameleon includes a complimentary a la carte breakfast. There are two on-site eateries, including the romantic Sentido Norte, which serves seafood for lunch and dinner; the striking space has an open kitchen and an open-air veranda. La Pampa Grill opens for dinner, specializing in gourmet grilled dishes and cocktails made with Costa Rican rum. Both restaurants have full bars, and food and beverages are also served poolside. Grotto 12 is the hotel's intimate 12-seater wine bar.