Picked Meli Melo because of Melanie's informative and quick email responses, and the reviews on Tripadvisor. This might be the best place to stay in the area due to its rates, amenities, and access, but what really sets it apart from other places is Melanie and Fred. They go above and beyond what is expected to make you feel welcome and comfortable. It is evident to anyone who spends time here, and that is why they stay booked. Make reservations well in advance if possible. The guests here are casual and diverse, from surfers to traveling families, and the kitchen is a great place to share a story or brush up on Spanish with Angela, who keeps the place spotless, with a smile. The gardens are beautiful and something new is always blooming, the family pets take time out to nap under your hammock, even Mirza abandons her iguana herding for an occasional hello. Quick walk to beach for surf checks and sunsets, with Playa Carmen to the south and Hermosa to the north, you can find surf everyday. If you get a chance go with Fred, his stories of life, surf, and travel will keep you entertained and inspired. Often accommodations can affect the nature of your trip, my experience at Meli Melo enhanced my vacation, and I, along with many other guests, will be back. Thanks for everything Melanie and Frederic.

We stayed at Hotel Meli Melo for a week, and we loved it. The gardens were beautiful and our room was clean, cool, and very nice. The maid, Angela, kept it perfectly clean and even left flowers in our room a few times. It was nice having delicious coffee in the morning and the kitchen to cook food if we wanted to. The market was a short walk away as well as many shops and restaurants. We were in Santa Teresa in the dry season, so it was pretty dusty out on the road, but we loved it. It was a short walk from the hotel to the beautiful beach. My husband took a surf lesson from Frederic and was able to finally have success with surfing. He said Frederic was a great teacher. Melanie and Frederic both were very friendly and helpful, always ready to answer questions and give us tips. We are planning to come back next January and stay again.

I can't say enough good things about this place. While the main road in Santa Teresa is dusty and not very pleasing to the eye (at least in high season), Hotel Meli Melo offers a calm, peaceful place to stay. Our room was bare-bones with not a lot of sunlight, but that doesn't really matter since you shouldn't be inside if you're in Costa Rica. The air-conditioning was great to have and the bed was VERY comfortable. There were no bugs in the room...it was amazing...very clean. Frederic told us that they purposely invested in high quality mattresses, because obviously all you really do at a hotel is sleep. Much appreciated! The property is full of shade, flowers, good smells, and sweet dogs and cats. I love Chico!

My boyfriend took a surf lesson from Frederic and he had a great time and learned everything he needed to for his first time surfing. Melanie was incredibly helpful in regards to telling us where to eat, helping us get cabs, and suggesting great spots to check out. She made me feel like asking her for help was her pleasure.

The location is perfect...far enough down the road from the loud-ish bars, but an easy walk from all of the restaurants. The beach is a 5 minute walk away...perfect. The kitchen was fully stocked and we used it on occasion. The Super Ronny #2 isn't the best for fresh produce, so we opted to eat out instead of making meals (you can't beat a heaping plate of casados for $6). There were a lot of noisy motorcycles and cars during the day, but at night I couldn't hear anything...such people sleeps!

We loved being able to interact with the other people staying at the hotel. Everyone was so nice and laid back. The hotel has a great social atmosphere.

I highly recommend this place! Thank you Melanie and Frederic!

While staying for an couple week surf trip in Santa Theresa with a friend who goes there often we got a room at Meli Melo. I couldn't have had a better experience, the owners, Melanie and Frederico, were accommodating and helpful with everything from how to heal a cut to surfboard rentals. The rooms are clean and nicely air conditioned and the price is very reasonable. There is a common outdoor kitchen to share with the other guests which I found to be a great experience. The hotel attracts great people and the meal times were a great time to share experiences and get to know the other guests. The place felt very safe and secure as well. It's right across the street to the beach access where there is a great break out front. This place is hard to get a room since it books up fast, so book it if it's available.