We stayed at the Sol Y Mar in Zancudo in February 2008 and would never go back. We spent time in different parts of the country and had really great experiences, and only stayed for a few days at this place where we really did not have a good time. The beach is gorgeous but other places nearby are a better choice than Sol Y Mar. We felt the owners (ex-pats) of Sol Y Mar were neither friendly nor helpful and the food was way overpriced and of doubtful quality at best. Most of the guests like to spend a lot of time drinking at the bar until late at night, -hey, to each his own and i've been there done that in the past - but they make a lot of noise, and if that is not your scene, you are actually made to feel like you don't belong by the management. We felt the food was way overpriced and of doubtful quality. If we were to go back again to Zancudo we would definitely stay at Los Cocos next door where the owners actually care about their guests and the attitude is more respectful, classy and in keeping with this beautiful, natural country. Sol Y Mar is a cut below the rest and not worth the few dollars you would save instead of staying at Los Cocos where Susan and Andrew clearly know what they are doing compared to the management at Sol Y Mar.

If you go to Playa Zancudo this is the place to stay. It has a nice central location on the beach and has by far the best restaurant. The menu has a wide selection and the staff is friendly. I never seem to plan meals on a regular schedule, but I knew I could always find the restaurant ready to serve up something delicious at any hour during the day. In the evenings the bar is hopping with locals and visitors. Everyone seems to gather here. The owners are great and help you plan a wonderful stay. I can't say enough great things about this place. If you chose Sol y Mar you won't be disappointed.

Visited the Sol Y Mar late in a 10 day Southern CR road trip. Loved the adventure of getting there: pothole slalom on the PanAmerican Highway, then Dukes of Hazzard driving on dirt roads, lightning bugs flashing as we raced thru Palm Plantations to catch the last jungle river ferry for the night.

Walked up to the outdoor thatched roofed bar upon arrival and were greeted by owners Rick and Lori like old friends. "We we're wondering if you guys would make the ferry! What would you like to drink?" My better half had mango/pineapple while I opted for an Imperial Cervesa ($1.20 usd-my kind of price.)

The whole place is kinda surreal (in a good way,) like being in the South Pacific in the '40's. I kept expecting Humphrey Bogart to show up at the bar. It is a simple place. While there we: swam in the mild but fun waves, build a shade hut from bamboo-driftwood-palm fronds on the beach, watched sunsets over the Golfo Dulce and Osa Peninsula, took early am beachwalks to the surfbreak, read, napped, happy hour'd at the bar, took star walks on the beach, met interesting guests, chatted up the locals, and relaxed.

The accomodations are simple but cool. We had a stand alone cabina with private porch, vaulted ceilings, and a shower with hot water. They are located just back from the beach across a short lawn. The Zancudo soundtrack is rolling waves and rustling plams. I believe we paid about $50/night peak season, which is a great value (we got as much enjoyment from Sol Y Mar as other places on the trip that we paid much, much more for.)

When we left, we had Adobe from San Jose pick-up the rent-a-car (only $90) and had Susan's water taxi whisk us across the Gulf and deliver us to Pto Jimenez ($60) from where we eventually flew back to San Jose. This is a very cool option to mix up the transportation, if you can swing it logistically.

We can't wait to get back to Sol Y Mar. We will try a longer stay next time.