Hotel Guiones (Formerly The Gardens Hotel), Nosara

Pros

• Guests love the recently renovated pool and lounge area.
• The on-site restaurant serves organic food and accommodates most dietary restrictions.
• Complimentary bicycles are provided for exploring the area.
• It's a five-minute walk to the beach, restaurants, and shops in downtown Guiones.
• Guests are greeted with chocolate and cookies on arrival. 

Cons

• Guests must be aged 12 and up, so it's unsuitable for families with younger children.
• This isn't a beachfront property, and it has no ocean views.
• Some units closer to the road, like the Treehouse, can experience traffic noise.
• Guest rooms have no TVs, which may be a downside for some.

Authenticity

Hotel Guiones has a jungle feel with lots of greenery throughout the property. The emphasis on organic food at its on-site restaurant, Raw Botanicals bath products, locally sourced coffee, and a friendly welcome letter all help to add to its charm.

Location

The hotel is located on Nosara's main road. It's close to the beach while still offering travelers a peaceful escape surrounded by a lush jungle. Travelers can also quickly get to the town center to explore, shop, and dine at local restaurants.

Rooms and Bathrooms

Hotel Guiones offers 11 rooms, some of which have outdoor showers; no two are the same. Raw Botanicas bath products are provided in the bathrooms, and rooms are equipped with laptop-sized safes, air-conditioning with controls, WiFi, a coffee maker, a hairdryer, and a minibar. 

Sustainability

The hotel is certified as a promoter of sustainable tourism and uses solar power to produce energy for the property. It uses organic cleaning products, composts, and sources locally grown organic fruits and vegetables, along with free-range meats, for its restaurant. Hotel Guiones also participates in local conversation efforts, including the Costas Verdes reforestation program, and invites travelers to learn more about this tree-planting effort along the Pacific coastline.

Wildlife

Hotel Guiones is located in a tropical setting, so you can see colorful birds (and hear the sounds of howler monkeys in the distance) during your stay.

Amenities

Hotel Guiones has an updated lagoon-style saltwater pool, an adjacent Jacuzzi, and lots of lounge space surrounded by a beautiful jungle atmosphere. Towels are provided. It also features a book swap and an honor bar. Travelers can enjoy the property's yoga platform, massages, and complimentary bikes. Surfboard rentals are also available. There's no spa on-site at Hotel Guiones, but massages can be arranged on request. Several rooms are wheelchair accessible and provide additional features for travelers with limited mobility. 

Family-Friendliness

Hotel Guiones isn't a very kid-friendly option, as children under 12 are not allowed, and those 12 and older are charged as adults. Teenagers like the pool and outdoor lounge space.

Other Highlights

There's one restaurant at Hotel Guiones, El Local, that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner a la carte. Breakfast is complimentary and completely organic, including locally sourced coffee. Lunch and dinner, popular with locals and guests, feature free-range meat, wild-caught fish, and vegetables from local producers. The cuisine is a mix of international and local recipes. A bar inside the restaurant features local craft beer, cocktails, kombucha, wine, smoothies, and more. Guests can help themselves to an honor bar and take drinks to the pool area.