The tropical trees danced and sun glittered off the ocean as my bride and I followed Charlie down the path to the little red casita. We had arrived… and we were all smiles. Up on the hill the view from the casita is breathtaking and natural. The casita itself contains a comfortable bed, a kitchenette, and AC, which cooled the abode quickly, and two showers, one indoor and one outdoor. In addition, the deck contained two hammocks which proved perfect for reading in, contemplating relocating to Santa Teresa in, sleeping in, drinking coffee in, living the Pura Vida in, dozing in, drinking more coffee in, watching monkeys and sunsets in, and, finally, contemplating relocating to Hotel Buenisimo in…seriously contemplating. An exceptionally well maintained trail through the jungle, often overseen by the monkeys, provides enjoyable and easy access to the dining casita and toward the beach.

Service with a smile. The owner, Charlie, is full of enthusiasm for life and made sure we were well taken care of. He is a highly skilled master of the taco and cholo and after breakfast games of billiards are the norm, but remember, the pool table is dynamic and contains a lean towards home court advantage. Breakfasts by Claudia were wonderful and included fantastic watermelon smoothies. The casita was provided with fresh linens/towels daily.

Beyond the casita. The surfing contains great waves for beginners and experienced surfers alike. We visited during the slowest month for Costa Rican tourism which proved a great idea. There are many places to stay in Santa Teresa/ Mal Pais, fewer with the view one gets here, even fewer with the great service, and likely none that match the charm of Hotel Buenismo.

I’ve been to Hotel Buenisimo twice now this year. Once in January during the dry season and then again in July to experience the rain! I’ve done a bit of traveling and I have to say that this is one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had. Charlie & Denise were very gracious hosts and extremely helpful with planning site seeing.

My boyfriend and I stayed in the garden room one night and in the red casita for the next 11 or so days. The garden room is great. It’s at the bottom of the hill and has AC. The red casita was the perfect little hide away in the middle of the jungle. My favorite part of our stay was simply relaxing on the balcony in a hammock with some Sudoku and a cold Imperial. The views from the top of the hill are spectacular. Every evening the sunset was stunning.
What I really enjoyed about Hotel Buenisimo was how private the casitas were, yet you could also socialize with neighbors during breakfast. That reminds me… BREAKFAST! Claudia makes the most delicious gallo pinto and banana pancakes ever! I’m not really a breakfast person but looked forward to it each day. It was just the right amount of fuel to get me through our days of site seeing and surfing. We were able to rent surf boards and I even managed to catch a few small waves for the first time. The beach is right across the street which is really convenient. There are many hotels that are actually on the beach, however you’ll be compromising the amazing ocean views from the casitas.

One night we got together with other guests and played cards and had a little party in the main dining area. It was so much fun. There’s free WiFi down there as well as pool tables, books, maps, surfboard rentals, etc.

Hotel Buenisimo is a very simple hotel with lots of special Costa Rican touches. The rooms were very clean and comfortable and I felt extremely safe.

If you’re looking to stay somewhere in Santa Teresa don’t bother to look elsewhere. I guarantee you’ll have an amazing trip and never want to leave.

First, I must note I stayed here in August/Sept of 2010, however I felt compelled to write this review that I never got around to. I planned this trip with a significant other in 2 weeks. I went on my gut feeling of reading the reviews of the area and this hotel. Hotel isn't even the right word, its a relaxing mecca. :) The breakfasts each morning were a huge highlight, the view, the sunsets from the porch. Reading and napping in the hammocks. We were actually there in rainy season and enjoyed the rain as much as the sun. Rain on a tin roof is beyond relaxing. The howler monekys hung out in our trees above the casita, daily and provided lots of entertainment watchign them. Between Ryan guiding us to fun and true relaxation, this vacation (because of Hotel Buenisimo) is still my top. Thaiand couldn't come close. Costa Rica is a unique place and by staying here, I feel like I experience 'pura vida'. I would and have reccomended this place to friends & family and I cannot wait to go back!

Also, the trek from the San Jose airport is quite adventuous and the fairy ride gorgeous, I definitely reccomend going that route if you would like to see other parts of the country. Ryan was also kind enough to suggest a room at a great spot near the airport for our last night in Costa Rica before flying home. Can't say enough positive things about this destination! :)

My daughter and I stayed at the Hotel Buenisimo for 5 days and four nights and had an absolutely fabulous time! Denise responded quickly to my email on the availability of the Casita, the price, and even ensured I knew how to get to the property from the airport. Upon arrival, we were greeted by our fabulous host, Ryan! He immediately saw we didn't have a car and offered to take us and our luggage up the hill. Once at the Casita, he walked us through all the room amenities which included comfy beds, a spacious bathroom/shower with hot water, A/C, ceiling fan, and mini-kitchen with refrigerator. He also let us know about the free Wi-Fi in the lobby and the amazingly, huge, yummy, free breakfast every morning courtesy of Claudia. Being the incredible host, Ryan recommended places to eat, where to rent a car, which beaches to visit, and made sure to check-in with us daily. Hotel Buenisimo and Ryan's hospitality throughout our stay was beyond our expectations and truly made our first mother/daughter trip very memorable. We will definitely be returning soon!!