We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Ylang Ylang Beach Resort: Traveler Reviews

3.5 of 5
Montezuma Beach | 10-12 minute walk North along the beach, Montezuma 00000, Costa Rica (Formerly El Sano Banano Beach Hotel)
Hotel website
Hotel amenities
Ylang Ylang Beach Resort
Ranked #16 of 16 hotels in Montezuma
Enter dates & see best prices*
Show Prices
*from our partners
Write a Review

366 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    288
    39
    20
    13
    6
See reviews for
Families
73
 
Couples
194
 
Solo
8
 
Business
5
 
Rating summary
  • Sleep Quality
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Service
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Value
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    4.5 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Maidstone
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
10 hotel reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Ylang Ylang,so good they named it twice”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 16, 2013

Ylang Ylang beach hotel is situated on the Pacific coast of the country.The hour long ferry ride across the mouth of the "Golfo de Nicoya" and the tranfer by road(also about an hour)to the township of Montezuma adds to sense of remoteness that pervades this experience.
The design of this retreat is truly beautiful,no rooms are more than 80 yards from the beach most are much closer,we stayed in a "dome" which was less than 25 yards from the waters edge.A "dome" is a small beehive shaped bedroom,almost hobbit like in appearance,which has a shower room and toilet attached.They are well furnished and brightly decorated.A small verandah ensures that you don't miss any sunshine.None are overlooked.There are other types of rooms available but if you want to be near the sea,book a dome.
The pace of life is leisurely,the setting idealic.
Pelican,frigate birds as well as macaws are in good number and add to the scene.
The beach is wide,the palms offering some shade and the sea is inviting.The waves pound in and some bays,including that at the resort, warn of rip wides and cross currents however if you are sensible and don't venture in alone(unless you are a strong swimmer) all should be well.
The staff were very friendly and eager to make the visit as enjoyable as possible.
There is a small pool surrounded by lush tropical gardens which are a stricking feature of the resort.
The restaurant is open on three sides which offer fantastic views of the lawns and the bay beyond.There is also a spacious patio to the restaurant and I would recommend that meals are taken there as this just adds to the whole tropical experience.The food is amazing and choices are made from a wide selection. The fish dishes are great.One disappointing feature is that there is no dress code and while the vast majority dressed smartly(albeit leisurely)for dinner a very small minority didn't(coming in STRAIGHT from the beach and with 2 teenagers that seemed to be in the "Kevin and Perry" mode this detracted from the experience)
The small town of Montezuma is a 10 minute stroll along the beach(beware the temperature hit 108 degrees F one morning) or along the shaded track which runs parallel to the waterfront.The town is a throwback to the hippie days of the 60's and is a charming place to just sit in one of the many bars and absorb a gentler way of life.Locals peddle wares for those who are interested and ignore those who are not.There are 2 small but well equipped supermarkets to enable stocks of virtually anything to be replenished.

Room Tip: Nothing more to add to above however the rooms offered in a small block "flats" at the far...
See more room tips
  • Stayed January 2013, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Lee P about Ylang Ylang Beach Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“A week in paradise”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 11, 2013

Not necessarily the easiest place to get to, but once there, superb. The staff, facilities and food were outstanding. Have travelled the world, and worked in fine dining for many years, and have rarely encountered staff and food of this consitant high quality. The variety of rooms should suit everyone and every budget. The beaches and pool are intimate and the hospitality is unrivaled.

Room Tip: The rooms, while small, are everything you need. One thing to note is that there is a conspicuous la...
See more room tips
  • Stayed February 2013, traveled with friends
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask David S about Ylang Ylang Beach Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Victoria, Canada
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Paradise Found”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 7, 2013

We intended to stay three nights and stayed the remaining nine nights of our trip.

Start your day with coffee on your private cottage patio, have a shower either indoors or outdoor, and a tasty breakfast. Head off East along the coast and explore three beaches until arriving at a secluded lagoon for a refreshing dip. Attire not required as you will likely be the only ones there. Continue East a little further until you reach the waterfall cascading into the ocean. Upon your return to the resort, take your favorite book and curl up in one of the hammocks among the palm trees on the beach. While relaxing with the waves crashing, keep an eye out for the monkeys that arrive around 4 pm for their daily show. Keep back packs and purses nearby as these cute creatures will empty the contents in search for food.
At some point you need to go for a swim in either the resort's pool or better yet in the Pacific. Towel off, grab your bottle of wine and watch the sunset into the Pacific. Watch for the varied wildlife that will saunter across your path on your way to the restaurant for dinner outside under the palm trees. A nightcap back on the beach under the moon and your day is complete. As you drift off to sleep to the sound of the waves, think of repeating the experience the next day, and the next and....

The complete package of setting, accommodation, food, staff service and the monkeys made this place our favorite on six continents. Interested yet?

  • Stayed November 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Robert B about Ylang Ylang Beach Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Oakville, Canada
2 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Wedding in Costa Rica”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 5, 2013

This was my third time to Montezuma, but I had always stayed in town. We came down this time for a wedding, which was held on the resort (and was beautifully done). This resort is about a 10 minute walk from town, so it's close enough if you want to go into town, but it's far enough that it is quiet and very relaxing. The food is outstanding. My only complaint is that a week is not long enough to try all the delicious menu options. Everything we tried was incredible! Lots of vegan and vegetarian options, too. The staff are very friendly and helpful if you have any questions about the area or even the wildlife (which is abundant within the resort). The grounds are exceptionally maintained, and we would see monkeys and lizards almost daily. The housekeeping was excellent, and the cleaning staff would always fold our towels into various animal shapes - a very nice touch. I honestly cannot complain about anything during our stay. The only thing is that the rates are somewhat expensive, but having said that, the level of quality and service more than justifies the price tag. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.

Room Tip: We stayed in the Beach Front Suite. It faces the ocean and has huge windows that allow for an amazi...
See more room tips
  • Stayed January 2013, traveled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask BackpackAddict about Ylang Ylang Beach Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Orillia, Canada
1 review
“An amazing place!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 5, 2013

Ylang Ylang is wonderful! The staff are all so friendly, happy and accomodating. The food is excellent and beautifully presented! The grounds and accomodations are amazing. The resort is intimate and classy, yet laid back. It is perfect in every way!

Room Tip: All accomodations are great! Their website is also amazing and a very good representation of the act...
See more room tips
  • Stayed January 2013, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Sue K about Ylang Ylang Beach Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
El Sano Banano Village Hotel
Great value on a similar hotel
Montezuma, Province of Puntarenas
4 of 5 stars 93 Reviews
Show Prices
Still looking for a hotel?
Highly rated hotels in or near Montezuma
Trendy
Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens
Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens 5.0 of 5 stars 1,407 reviews
Family-friendly
Arenas del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Arenas del Mar Beachfront and Ra... 4.5 of 5 stars 652 reviews
Romantic
The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal
The Springs Resort and Spa at Ar... 4.5 of 5 stars 835 reviews
Luxury
Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa
Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resor... 4.0 of 5 stars 1,272 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d866587?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d673363?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1198441?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d301221?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Also consider these accommodations in or near Montezuma
Tango Mar Beach, Spa & Golf Reso... 4.5 of 5 stars 312 reviews El Sano Banano Village Hotel 4.0 of 5 stars 93 reviews Hotel Casacolores 4.5 of 5 stars 71 reviews Hotel Casitas Sollevante 4.5 of 5 stars 42 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d300969?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d622324?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d648803?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1008657?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
View all 16 hotels in Montezuma, ranked by popularity

Been to Ylang Ylang Beach Resort? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Additional Information about Ylang Ylang Beach Resort

Also Known As:
Ylang Ylang Beach Hotel Montezuma
Ylang Ylang Beach Hotel
Ylang Beach Hotel
Ylang Beach Resort
Address: Montezuma Beach | 10-12 minute walk North along the beach, Montezuma 00000, Costa Rica (Formerly El Sano Banano Beach Hotel)
Phone Number:
Region: Costa Rica > Province of Puntarenas > Montezuma
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Beach Free Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Pets Allowed Restaurant Room Service Suites Swimming Pool
Hotel Style:
#1 Family Hotels in Montezuma
#1 On the Beach Hotels in Montezuma
#1 Romantic Hotels in Montezuma
Price Range: $$
Hotel Class:3.5 star (3.5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
This family-owned resort is known for its natural tropical beauty, variety of wildlife roaming the grounds and outstanding customer service. Located a 10-15 minute walk on the beach from Montezuma, one will find romantic Beach Front Bungalows with A/C, a Spa nestled in the jungle, and a tropical pool edged by waterfalls. If you're looking to get away...this is the getaway place... ... more   less 
Reservation Options:
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Hotels.com, Booking.com, Expedia, Tingo and Priceline so you can book your Ylang Ylang Beach Resort reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Ylang Ylang Beach Resort, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing
Ylang Ylang Beach Resort
Enter dates & see best prices* (from our partners)
Show Prices