Ask the hotel's front desk to see if it is safe to swim in the ocean and they will tell you "no problemo". However, the Costa Rica Ministry of Health has condemned Tamarindo's beaches as some of the most polluted in Costa Rica. Extremely high fecal counts. Most of the hotels in Tamarindo dump raw sewage directly into the ocean.

Tamarindo is a wonderful place to stay if you are not swimming in the ocean.

Last August was the 4th time we stayed at La Colina in Tamarindo. As always, it was perfect. Tamarindo is growing up, but at La Colina, Hans and Ana treat you like family and you can really relax.

I'd recommend La Colina above all other hotels in Tamarindo. It's clean, safe, friendly, and fun.

I have mixed feelings about writing this recommendation. But I can't be that selfish. You see, I always stay at La Colina when I go to Tamarindo and I want it to stay that way. But the more business they get the less chance they'll have a room for me. So even though I write a travel guide for Costa Rica and highly recommend La Colina there, I still feel like it's my little secret.

I love La Colina.

Great views. Clean, good-sized rooms. Full kitchens. No restaurant, but a fun little bar. A big, shady pool. Quiet. Away from the crowds, but a bit of a walk to beach and restaurants (i.e., not in the middle of the mayhem).

None of that sounds so special. But the reason I go every year is because Hans has created the ideal environment for my Tamarindo visits. Hans build La Colina way up the hill away from it all long before Tamarindo was the tourist trap it is today. And it still retains that away-from-it-all feel. Hans watches over his establishment like a hawk, making sure everything runs well and his guests enjoy their stays.

What more can I say? That's where I go, and I've been to Costa Rica more times than I can count. So my little secret is out!

I have been a guest at La Colina on six different occasions. Every time that I go back to Tamarindo, I keep returning to La Colina. They offer a combination of great value, friendly service, clean rooms, and a beautiful pool. There is also a fully stocked bar right next the pool with a beautiful view. The Last couple of times there, I was fortunate enough to stay in one of the Penthouses. The view is by far, the best in Tamarindo. I will be back to Tamarindo and I plan on staying at La Colina. You can't go wrong with La Colina! Say Hi to Hans and Anna for me!

Greg Salsburg
Fort Lauderdale FL