PRO/CON - Exactly in the Middle. NOT Amazing. NOT Horrible.

Intro: This was our last hotel stop during a 1 week tour through Costa Rica. My gf and I picked this hotel because it was ranked number #1 on Tripadvisor (not the best choice as ranking does not necessarily imply "best" hotel).

Overall, the hotel is very basic and will meet the needs of the average traveller. There are no frills or luxurious add-ons. Full details of the Pros and Cons are described below.

PRO
-Staff is helpful, happy, and bilingual (e.g. speaks English).
-Condition of estate - Hotel premises is clean, safe, and well-kept
-Discounts available if you pay cash
-Impeccable ocean view from nearly any room
-Very inexpensive! Great for the budget traveller!

CON
-Location is NOT NEAR THE BEACH. The hotel is located at the top of a mountain which is only reached via a windy, gravel road. Do NOT expect to leave the hotel and instantly step onto the beach. We drove back and forth each time from our room to the restaurants and the beach.

-Wildlife. If you have an aversion to animals, this is not for you. There was a large spider, various lizards, dragonflies, and a wild possum all encountered during our stay. We particularly didn't mind this wildlife interaction as it was expected in Costa Rica. But don't be surprised to see tiny lizards scurrying in your bedroom and shower

-Breakfast. Super weak. Nothing but yogurt/fruit/granola. This was the ONLY hotel of the 4 hotels we've stayed at in Costa Rica that did NOT cook the typical Costa Rican breakfast. They note this in the website. However, just know that this breakfast does not follow the norm that you may encounter at other hotels (e.g. - eggs, meat, rice/beans, sweets, breads, etc.)


TIPS
-Be aware that this is a significant distance from the beach via foot.
-Not all rooms have A/C

CONCLUSION
-An average hotel with good service. If I'm on a budget and looking just for a place to lay my head for a low cost - I'd pick this place.
But if I'm expecting animal-free rooms, a short walk to the beach, and a hearty breakfast...I'd spend a little more money and go elsewhere.

Feel free to message if you have any questions and of course, safe travels! Pura Vida! :)

This was a great little get-away place...not in the heart of Jaco, but close enough to come and go. Personally, I love the smaller properties, which this was, and it truly was a hidden gem. I actually live in Costa Rica and can recommend this place to locals and others. We will come and stay again. Loved the owners/managers. The breakfast patio is great and a delish breakfast was served each day. I absolutely loved the pool. And did I mention the cool setting? Situated up on the mountain top with a view of the ocean on one side and a mountain/valley view on the other side. So glad we found this place thru TripAdvisor! Oh...one more thing: you cannot beat the price!

Not a BAD experience but we were expecting a bigger property and more room to move around. The place was very busy; it felt too crowded. For example, when we came out for breakfast there was someone lying in a pool lounger right in front of my door and there was no room at the 3 tables to eat breakfast. Outside our balcony, we expected a view as we were high on a hill but we could not believe the hydro wires were so close.
That said, the owners were very nice and helpful. The place was clean and beds were comfortable. Nothing fancy here; you get what you pay for.

This is truly an incredible place! James and Julianna give the place an incredibly relaxing feel and offer great travel advice as well. The rooms are bright and breezy and the view is incredible. I would definitely stay here again although with a rental car next time as there are a lot of great activities around and transportation can add up.