Villas del Caribe, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

4.0 (1 review) · Comfort
Simple, no-frills beachside hotel on Playa Cocles near the Jaguar Rescue Center.

Overview

Villas del Caribe is a simple beachside hotel on Puerto Viejo's popular Playa Cocles. The location is excellent, but the rooms feel a bit dated and need some improvements. When ready for a beach reprieve, you can relax in the outdoor pool area, which includes a Jacuzzi at the top of an artificial waterfall. You'll enjoy beach views from the rooms and the on-site restaurant. 

Pros
  • The property has a great location near the Jaguar Rescue Center and next to Playa Cocles, one of the most popular beaches and an excellent swimming spot.
  • Rooms are within blocks of cabins so that you can enjoy a sense of privacy and ocean views (all units have balconies or terraces with water views).
  • Families and small groups might appreciate the option to book apartments with kitchens.
  • There's an outdoor pool with an artificial waterfall and a Jacuzzi hut.
Cons
  • The property feels dated.
  • Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a bit too far to walk, roughly an hour on foot, so you'll need to rent a car or arrange for taxis to access the main town in the area. 
  • Some travelers have found the beds and pillows too firm and uncomfortable. 
  • While air-conditioning is available in all bedrooms, some of the other spaces in the suites, such as the living rooms, rely solely on ceiling fans for cooling. 

Kimkim's Take

Brittany
Brittany McNamara kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, March 2022 (Learn more)

Authenticity

The appeal of Puerto Viejo is its long, sandy beaches, so an oceanfront hotel is a great way to experience the region's natural beauty. Villas del Caribe offers easy access to Playa de Cocles and ocean views from all the rooms. The hotel has a small and relaxed tropical garden with tall palm trees. Exteriors and interiors have bright pops of colors, and some buildings feature thatched roofs.

Location

Villas del Caribe sits on the southern end of Playa Cocles, a popular sandy beach just south of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Thanks to its superb location, all rooms and the on-site restaurant include ocean views. The hotel is also just across the street from the Jaguar Rescue Center and not far from several restaurants and cafés.

Rooms & Bathrooms

You'll find the rooms at Villas de Caribe in two-story blocks throughout the property, and the 26 units come in a few different layouts: standard rooms, superior rooms with sofas, villas with kitchenettes, and two-story family villas. All have either balconies or terraces with hammocks and/or chairs and loungers. Bathrooms are relatively standard with simple amenities, though some feature tiled showers with wooden floors for a more tropical vibe.

Wildlife

You can expect to see plenty of iconic Costa Rican wildlife around the property - macaws, howler monkeys, agoutis, and more - both on the hotel's grounds and from the comfort of your room's balcony. The nearby Gandoca-Manzanillo Natural Wildlife Refuge is a must-see for animal lovers. 

Amenities

If you ever tire of spending time at the beach, the property features a pool area surrounded by tall trees and sun loungers. You'll find a covered Jacuzzi at the top of the artificial waterfall that feeds into the pool. Though a bit dated, the property is well-maintained, clean, and a secure and safe compound. Travelers with limited mobility will want to stay on the first floor as there are no elevators to the upper levels of the cabins. 

Family-Friendliness

The hotel welcomes children of all ages, with kids under the age of 10 staying for free in most rooms, and the larger Family Villas are particularly popular with families who have stayed here. The swimming pool has a small shallow section reserved for use as a children's pool. 

Other Highlights

Breakfast is included for all travelers and is delivered directly to your room. Lunch and dinner can be had at the hotel's open-air bar and restaurant, serving Caribbean food and a full selection of adult beverages. Find a memento of beach paradise at the souvenir shop, or broaden your explorations by renting a bike from the hotel's front desk.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +1-1-27500202
Hotel address icon 5 km Sureste del centro de Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Free parking

Traveler Reviews

S
stephania d.
Raleigh, NC | Reviewed on Oct 30, 2023
The beach views were wonderful! The customer service was good!
The breakfast options could be better.
The beds could be more comfortable.
The bedrooms had good AC and we were cool there. The downstairs area was hot. The ceiling fan did not work well. Also, it would be good to have more than 1 fan. Adding 2-3 standing fans would be great!
Read more

The beach views were wonderful! The customer service was good!
The breakfast options could be better.
The beds could be more comfortable.
The bedrooms had good AC and we were cool there. The downstairs area was hot. The ceiling fan did not work well. Also, it would be good to have more than 1 fan. Adding 2-3 standing fans would be great!

Authenticity & Character
Great views to the beach!! Great beach!
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in October 2023

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with hotels like this.

Get started

Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +1-1-27500202
Hotel address icon 5 km Sureste del centro de Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Free parking