Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort, Tamarindo

Pros

• This beautiful beachfront property offers ocean views from some rooms, common areas, gardens, and outdoor pool areas. 
• You'll be right in the center of all the action in Tamarindo and close to several eateries. 
• Enjoy the extensive buffet breakfast each morning, featuring little perks like waffles and an omelet station.
• The hotel grounds are impressive, with multiple pools (the family-friendly pool looks like a tropical beach with shallow water), a beachfront garden area with daybeds, and a short walking path among palm trees.
• Kids can hang out at the kids' club area for fun activities or watch a show at the outdoor theater. 

Cons

• You'll be right in the middle of Tamarindo and on the beach in a popular hotel that receives a lot of travelers, so it can be a little noisy.
• The rooms are comfortable and functional but lack Costa Rican character.
• Most rooms are on the opposite side of the street from the beach and don't offer any views.

Additional Notes From Brittany

This is the perfect spot if you want to be in the middle of it all and don't mind noise. While visiting the hotel, I heard waves splashing and crashing, cars honking, children laughing, birds chirping, the clatter of glasses, the subtle bump of the base from the restaurant across the street, and a vendor shouting about happy hour beer while walking down the beach. You won't find a quiet escape here, but you'll undoubtedly feel the Costa Rican energy and won't miss a thing!

Authenticity

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort is an area staple, opening in 1972 as one of the first resorts in Guanacaste. It's a great alternative to the larger chain resorts in the region, as you still get those amenities but with a more authentic experience. And you won't be in a high rise, as the property spreads out among its grounds, with a lovely garden area along the beach.

Location

You can't get more central than this hotel, as it's literally at the center point of Tamarindo's main road. You'll be in a busy area on the beach and close to many eateries, but as a tradeoff, it does get a little loud. You certainly don't need a car here, but you might want to rent one or hire a transfer to explore the area a bit. Getting to the northern beaches like Playa Grande takes about 40 minutes. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

As a large hotel complex with over 200 units, the rooms feel a little generic and don't offer any local flair or character. Still, they're comfortable and have amenities like indoor and outdoor ceiling fans, balconies or terraces, and coffee makers. There are three room categories, and all can work well for families, but one is specific to those traveling with kids. Choose from the Sunrise Oceanfront, Tropicana, and Family areas, all with multiple beds, air-conditioning, private hot tubs, and/or rain showers. 

Amenities

The large, sprawling grounds are separated into four areas, each having a distinct flair and differing amenities. You'll have four different pools to choose from, with an option for a kid's pool, an adult-only pool with a swim-up bar, and an inset whirlpool in the largest pool on the property. Get your daily exercise at your choice of gym or outdoor tennis courts. The small garden spa offers a compact menu of massages and beauty treatments in the open-air cabanas. Travelers with limited mobility can choose from several accessible rooms, and the paved paths and ramps throughout the property make it easy to get around. 

Family-Friendliness

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort is a veritable one-stop-shop for families, having everything you and your kids will need for a fun and relaxing stay. Multiple pools, a dedicated Family Area with larger suites, and a free Kids Club are favorite features of previous travelers. Children up to 12 stay for free, and cribs are available for infants under three years old. 

Wildlife

Despite being in the center of town, you might spot monkeys and iguanas around the swimming pools and gardens. Occasionally, sea turtles can be seen on the nearby beach, too.

Sustainability

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort is part of the Diria Group, which has several sustainability practices, including solar panels to provide green energy, a recyclable materials collection point, and owned and controlled water wells. The group also uses local artisanal suppliers for its hotels and stocks its restaurants with organic eggs and produce from its vegetable garden.

Other Highlights

As a resort property, there are a lot of highlights to mention! You'll find extensive grounds with gardens, a walking path, sun loungers, day beds, and more. Overall, there's a big focus on families, so kids will have fun here. Other perks include a free welcome drink and a space where you can borrow books. The breakfast buffet is generous, and six on-site restaurants and snack spots make it so you never need to leave the property to grab a meal. Adults have several bars to choose from, including one in the adults-only area if you need a break from the noisier parts of the resort.