Sueño del Mar Beachfront Hotel, Tamarindo

Pros

• Enjoy a beachfront location on Playa Langosta, which feels a bit more secluded than the main beach in Tamarindo. 
• You'll be outside downtown Tamarindo in a quieter area, yet still within walking distance of a few decent eateries. And with more nature, there's a good chance of seeing howler monkeys and other wildlife at the hotel.
• The hotel offers complimentary boogie boards, snorkel gear, and fishing equipment if you want to enjoy some water sports.
• Guests will receive a beautifully presented three-course breakfast each morning, included in the rate.
• There's a small but relaxing outdoor pool area with sun loungers facing the ocean—an excellent spot for sunset.

Cons

• Though this is a beachfront hotel, the coast is a bit rocky and not the best for swimming. 
• Lunch and dinner aren't always available on site, and walking to downtown Tamarindo takes about 25 minutes.
• The minimum age to stay at the property is 12 years old. 

Additional Notes From Brittany 

This hotel won me over from the start. I loved the pops of color, bright and lively artwork in each room, and the location tucked away from busy downtown Tamarindo with the roar of the ocean at high tide as your soundtrack. You'll follow a dirt road to the hotel, passing residential homes, so it almost feels like you're visiting a friend! The pool, decor, ocean views, and breakfast with unlimited Costa Rican coffee are the highlights.

Authenticity

Instead of being in the hustle and bustle of Tamarindo, you'll stay in a more authentic part of the city, surrounded by families, locally owned cafés, and ocean views. The beach is very private, and the hotel is in a cozy house, with each room featuring bright and colorful Costa Rican art.

Location

Tucked around the corner from downtown Tamarindo, you'll stay on the rocky coast of Playa Langosta. It takes about five minutes to walk to nearby eateries (the best being at other hotels like Cala Luna or Capitán Suizo) and around 25 minutes to the lively center and main beach. A car is nice for exploring the area, such as driving out to Playa Grande (40 minutes by car), though there isn't designated parking at the hotel, just street parking. You can always hire a transfer or taxi to get to nearby sites, too. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

To maintain the quiet, authentic atmosphere, Sueño del Mar is a small property with just seven rooms. You'll choose from the king and queen rooms, almost all featuring an outdoor shower and some with kitchens. All units have air-conditioning and unique decor channeling Central and South American vibes, with bright colors, stucco walls, clay tile floors, warm wooden accents, and local art. 

Wildlife

Previous travelers have spotted the usual Costa Rican wildlife hanging out on the hotel grounds, including geckos, iguanas, and many native birds. As the area around the hotel is adjacent to the Las Baulas Marine National Park, you'll also have the opportunity to spot the endangered leatherback turtle as they lay eggs on the beaches in the area. 

Amenities

Sueño del Mar has limited amenities, which it makes up for with its character and ambience. There's one small plunge pool at the hotel, but it faces the coastline and is a great spot to lounge in the evening and catch the sunset. Travelers with limited mobility will want to find other lodging options in Tamarindo, as none of the rooms are accessible. 

Family-Friendliness

The hotel isn't ideal for most families as travelers must be a minimum of 12 years old. If you're traveling with teenagers, the location could work, but you'll want to book one of the bigger casitas, which are better equipped to handle a family. 

Other Highlights

The three-course breakfast is a definite highlight, changing daily and with unlimited coffee, tea, and juice. You can also request lunch and dinner service, but a minimum number of participants is required. Though the beach isn't great for swimming, the rocky shore makes it excellent for snorkeling during low tide, and you can borrow gear from the hotel.