Villa del Sueño, Gulf of Papagayo

Pros

• The hotel's suites have a fully-equipped kitchen and come as studios or with one or two bedrooms. 
• You can enjoy live local music at the on-site restaurant on Saturday nights.
• If you choose to stay in one of the suites (recommended), you'll have access to a separate swimming pool.

Cons

• You'll be in Playa Hermosa, but not on the beach, and to get to the coast, you'll need to walk down the street for about five minutes.
• There are only a few other dining options within walking distance of the hotel.
• The hotel doesn't have a gym or spa. 

Authenticity

Though a simple property, you get a dose of Costa Rican culture from the start, thanks to the hotel's Spanish-style villa and stretch of gardens. Some suites have open-air eating spaces with arched doorways, vaulted wooden ceilings, and outdoor ceiling fans. 

Location

You'll find Hotel Villa del Sueno set back from the beach on a side street, though just a 5-minute walk to the southern part of Playa Hermosa. A handful of restaurants are within walking distance, but if you'd like to enjoy one of the eateries along the beach, you'll have to walk a little farther, about 15 to 20 minutes. To explore the rest of the area, plan to rent a car or hire a transfer.  

Rooms & Bathrooms

Hotel Villa del Sueno offers 43 rooms and suites on separate sides of the property. You'll have your choice of standard or superior units and studios or one- or two-bedroom suites. All have air-conditioning, minifridges, and shared balconies, though suites add kitchens and private outdoor spaces. The hallways are a bit dirty, but the rooms remain generally clean and comfortable.

Wildlife

Typical for Costa Rican hotels, you can expect an early morning alarm clock of howler monkeys and bird songs. While the hotel doesn't see as much wildlife as other areas in the country, travelers have still reported being able to spot the bright plumages of native birds and some mammals. 

Amenities

The hotel has two outdoor pools, with one of the pools (the nicer of the two) reserved for those staying in the suites. Travelers have found the hotel to be clean, well-maintained, and safe. The common areas, parking, and some rooms are accessible for travelers with limited mobility, but the hotel doesn't have an elevator to access the upper floors. 

Family-Friendliness

Villa del Sueño welcomes children of all ages, and the proximity of the beach and two on-site pools have made this a popular stay for families with kids. The one and two-bedroom suites are solid options for families, as they unlock extra features like full kitchens and the nicer exclusive pool. 

Other Highlights

The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the high season. During the low season, there's no lunch service, and dinner is available from Thursday to Sunday. You can enjoy live music at the restaurant on Saturday nights, starting at 6:30 pm.