My wife and I stayed here for our honeymoon at the end of March. Our room was very clean and spacious, with all the amenities you need for a tropical getaway. The air conditioning worked like a dream, and with temperatures like that, you need it. The room rates were so good, I felt as if I should pay more.

Naomi and Sandra were incredibly hospitable and treated us like family. It felt more like staying in a friends guest house than a hotel. The grounds were meticulously maintained, safe and secure. In addition, the dog, Dino, was adorable, well behaved, and a very nice addition to the experience.

It is located just out of town, so I recommend buying some groceries(the essentials) for the refrigerator in your room, in case you get hungry. If it is in your budget, than rent a scooter. Besides being alot of fun, they are great for buzzing in and out of town(otherwise a 10-15 minute walk that you probably don't want to make at night). I would't recommend this hotel for hell-raising party animals, but anyone else would be making a mistake by staying elsewhere.

I just returned from a 6 night stay at the Catalina apartments and thought I would record my comments.
I booked by contacting the hotel directly and from the start had great help and advice from Naomi (who runs the place). This was my first visit to Costa Rica and I spent 2 days in San Jose before travelling down to the pacific coast. Rather than pay for an expensive shuttle or taxi I took the bus option which departs from the coca cola bus depot in the city, there is a small kiosk where you can pre-book your ticket for one of the 5/6 daily runs to Jaco, pre-booking is advised as the route can be busy, cost was approx $3!
The bus terminates in Playa Jaco and a $2 taxi ride or 10min walk will have you at the Catalina. The rooms are simple and straightforward and are equipped like a little bedsit with fridge, two ringed cooker, pots/pans etc. though no TV or radio. The beach -which is coarse brown volcanic sand- is approx 50 metres away. I rented a surf board (a 9'2" NSP for $15/day) from the Carton Surf Shop around the corner which gives great advice. The first 2 days were hopeless with the waves closing out and lines of pounding white water, fortunately the situation changed and I had some great sessions later in the week, Best times are early morning or late afternoon (depending on the tides) and you can sit out in the luke warm water and watch the sunset. It's a safe beach break with clean water, no rocks, reefs or pests, though watch out for jumping fish and diving birds! Takeoffs are pretty steep and wipe-outs rough so not really suitable for beginners, though in the dry season the waves might be more benign.
Walk to town is approx 15 minute walk, though most nights I couldn't be bothered and just ate at the local soda which serves great food and cold beer and you can sit with the locals and watch junkie TV programs and US movies in Spanish!
Most commercial premises have English speakers though off the beaten track this is not the case, so a phrase book is recommended. Banko Nacional in the town centre has private booths containing ATM machines and they also exchange currency, though I was advised that it's best to change dollars into colones at the airport (there is a bureau in the arrivals hall) as you get a better rate than the bank.
Whilst there I rented a small motorbike (Honda KS125) from a place in town and went exploring with plenty of opportunity of going off the beaten track. I also rented a small 4x4 from Payless and as there is only a $30 penalty for dropping the car at SJO I'd recommend renting one at the end of your trip and driving it back to the airport, it's an interesting trip! Tico driving is not as bad as I'd heard, though they are prone to overtaking on blind bends!
Jaco is quite 'touristy' and I saw one trinket shop selling Australian Diggery Doo's and African carved figures?! though you don't have to travel far to find the 'real' Costa Rica where you'll see quite a disparity between the brand new condo's going up for second home Americans and poor Tico's in run down shanty towns. I never felt threatened and crime -especially violent crime- is almost unheard of, though theft off -and from- cars is rife, so never leave anything in a vehicle if you rent one. On the whole a wonderful experience, there is something about the personality and lifestyle of Costa Rica that infects you, l definitely want to go back...

For a couple from California, with varied interests, (he is military, she is a school principal) the Hotel Catalina was the perfect setting for the majority of a 10 day vacation. We both enjoy an environment where we can meet and mingle with local population and yet feel secure when it is time for "lights out". Recent trips to Mexico and Canada were enjoyable, but our stay in Costa Rica at the Hotel Catalina was top notch! Sandra and Naomi are excellent hosts, providing assistance, information and valuable advice on local services, eateries, transportation and activities. The hotel is located on the South end of the beach in Jaco. The room we occupied was a "Fan Room" (no A/C). Being on the beach, the sea breeze kept us comfortable. Those who would rather have complete control of the temperature should reserve an A/C room. We chose to walk for our two daily trips to town, using a taxi only twice, and only then because of the load we were carrying. On our next visit we will rent bicycles as the walk to the far end of town is about 2 miles (one way). Restaurants, clubs, shops, and bars of all types line the main street of Jaco. Prices are fair and the CR currency is a snap to convert mentally, with the Colone exchanging at about 500 to the US dollar. Most businesses take US $ and give Colones in change. We stayed at the Best Western Irazu' in San Jose for one night on arrival, and the night prior to the return to CA, insuring no last minute foul-ups due to road closures or traffic problems would interfere with our flight plans. The cost for the shuttle between San Jose and Jaco is $20 per person. For those who may suffer from motion sickness - take your dramamine prior to boarding. Very interesting road!!! The travel time is about 90 minutes. The critical question is - "Would we go again?" You bet we would, and we will !!!

What a wonderful way to spend your honeymoon! This is where we spent ours, and Naomi, Margarite, and Dino made it a fantastic experience! The staff was plesant and courteous. It was wonderful to have a dog there! Dino is a dog of many trades; the welcoming committee, security, and he was always ready to play fetch! We have only one minor complaint: We wish that we would've have a radio in the room. It was very quiet, and we felt 100% safe there. We felt like family! Thank you, Naomi! Keep up the excellent work, and we'll see you again soon!!