This is the first time ever writing a review..I felt compelled because of the two really negative nastily review that i saw..I was on that Passover trip and yes the hotel is not five star and was never made out to be but it was comfortable and very scenic..There was hotel security as well as private plainsclothes security which most people didnt realize beacuse of some important people on the trip.For someone to say they couldnt get orange juice is really stretching..The food was plentiful and it was unlimited buffet at all meals so you can eat to your fullest.Kosher Expeditions has been around for years and i have been on a couple of their trips and was very satisfied..I know that last year they switched hotel venues to a more modern setting but keeping to the costa rican atmosphere.

I am not a picky traveler but when I see pictures and expect something nice it better be that way. I think a lot of you will agree... Location is ok I guess. Everything is on the hill there so u have to do some walking to get to the beach witch does not look anywhere close to what the pictures show. Best part about the hotel is that it has a little veranda that overlooks the water, not private at all by the way. Walls are paper thin, so if you want to hear your neighbors do some stuff that you might not want to hear on vacation then you should stay there... Best part of the hotel is restaurant side. View is really nice. Bfast was ok. Didn't try the any other food so no comments on that... Overall I would not stay there if wanted to go to coco beach or anywhere in that area... By the way for drinkers and margarita lovers. Check out father roosters restaurant 5 min walk from the hotel. Very good margaritas. Don't be shy and ask for some extra tequila in there ;)

This was the one place I didn't read reviews of before we went and wish I had. Heads up: if when you get to a resort and they give you a "rules" sheet right away where printed in bold it says if you're not satisfied with your stay there will be no refunds, that might be an indication this resort has a high attrition rate and/or a few problems. If you're looking for a place that can boast some serious views, ok food and service from the kitchen, but a kind of depressing room/grounds, then this is your place. We were on our honeymoon and this was our last stop. Up to that point we had an amazing trip and experienced such wonderful Costa Rican hospitality. My first notice of the grounds/hotel was that it was a little outdated and "sad". There was a feeling around the place that was a little oppressive and/or depressed. It really contrasted from our previous hotel stays in CR. Although the entire resort was almost empty, they put us in a room that was right next to a very noisy generator that was on all night long. Little things were noticeably off, like the picture in our room was literally nailed into the wall very crooked, like really, obviously crooked, not just a little bit. That's not a big deal, but it does suggest a lack of pride and represented many little things like that we found. The owners didn't seem to care about keeping the place up. We were put on the ground floor and there is no privacy option whatsoever if you want natural light in your room. It's either you turn on the lights or you completely expose one side of your room to let in light or see the view (the entry door is all glass as is the wall, floor to ceiling...which sounds like it would be a nicer thing if on the 2nd floor away from foot traffic, but literally if open anyone can see everything in your room). There were 2 cheap plastic chairs right outside our door to look out at the view, but they're essentially feet from a main walkway and again no privacy. Going to a resort that boasts: "Ocotal is a four-star beachfront resort, a leader among Costa Rica's hotels and resorts, known for its outstanding style, comfort, and service," one expects more. They also apparently won a sustainable tourism award.....huh? I saw no effort in this regard. This was not a 4 star resort by any means except for the views, which really are extraordinary because it's right there on the cliff overlooking the sea. I would say stay here if you want an amazing view but a Motel 6 or less equivalent room. Our server Alex in the restaurant was really delightful and for his sake it saddens me to write this review. Just not worth the price, even with a groupon. We ended up just eating the cost of the last 2 nights we had reserved there and headed up the street to Villa Vista Mar which is like a 4 star resort but at a Motel 6 price....the best decision we made on the trip.

I first visited Ocotal in 2001. Although some of the rooms show their age, they are still great accommodations. The view from the rooms as well as the restaurant. The staff is excellent and will go above and beyond to serve. The dive operation is first class with great boats and a very good staff. EAN is available and although many new dive shops have opened in the area, this shop is well established and run is a safe manner with experienced staff personnel and crews. The included breakfast is enough to hold anyone over to lunch time. If given the opportunity, I will return to Ocotal.