The Hotel Catalina is a wonderful choice for a beachfront vacation in Costa Rica. The owners will arrange a driver and van to pick you up at the Airport in San Jose and drive you to the hotel/beach. The hotel is a bit of a secret: picturesque with clean rooms and simple charm. Family owned and maintained. It's wonderful to walk out of the hotel, take a few steps and be on the beach. Then back to the hotel- shower the sand off and relax near the pool. The waves are medium sized year-round, which is perfect for a surf lesson. I'm 43 and arranged several surf lessons: the instructor essentially finds the wave for you, saying "paddle!" at the exactly the right time. All the luggage you need is a swimsuit and flip-flop sandals. I rented a bicycle for the week and enjoyed cycling the short distance to the surf-town of Jaco. I explored the local restaurants and ate fresh snapper and sea bass with rice at least one meal per day. I wish I could have stayed longer but I had to get back to work. It's been almost a year now since my visit and I'm reserving a room again at the Hotel Catalina.

It was relatively quiet when I visited, apart from the amazing thunderstorms over the bay that we could watch from the patio. The rooms are spacious and very well kept. The domesticated four-legged company is a big plus as well, since I don't have any pets of my own. Would definitely stay here again and would heartily recommend it (and have) to anyone heading near Jaco.

Terrific. Spent considerable time here. Very comfortable. Always a breeze coming off the ocean. Great sunsets. Peaceful, quiet, tranquil. Caring, conscientious management. Nice guests. Cool dog.
Beachfront location in southern end of Jaco lends itself to hiking and surfing. Easy access to the fun trails located in the mountains just to the south as well as to the hidden coves and rock outcroppings between Jaco and Hermosa. At high tide, simply step outside your room to check the waves. Walk a few steps and you're in the water.
Rooms are clean and well maintained. Light and airy. Fully functional little kitchen. Comfortable bed.
Good stuff.

We sent several couchsurfing (www.couchsurfing.com) and home exchange (www.homeexchange.com) friends to the Catalina for some beach time these past few months, and remembered that we owed ourselves a visit. Especially when our friends came back to thank us for the recommendation. Fortunately for us, the Catalina is only 2 hours from our front door.

Sooooo...it was great to be greeted by Naomi's smiling and relaxed face, and our room was cool, clean, and comfortable. The refrigerator was even cold. There just is no downside to a stay at the Catalina. We'll be back again soon...maybe talk some family and friends into another Christmas week loxing out at poolside:)