Stayed here two nights as we made our way around the southern nicoya peninsula. This was our favorite place of the entire trip. Everything was very clean, beautiful construction, and really functional. Delicious ceviche was made in the kitchen with fish caught earlier in Mal Pais. The kitchen in the casita was fully stocked, and we really enjoyed cooking in there. The location could not be better, the hotel is beachfront, and has a beautiful pool. The supermarket (Super Ronnys) and bakery/coffee shop are only a few hundred yards away. If we ever make it back to Santa Teresa / Mal Pais - we'll stay here the whole time.

We rented the Casita at Casa Azul for 8 nights next to the larger house. We wanted more privacy, kitchen and a patio. We flew in on Sansa Airlines into Tambor, then shared a cab with other travelers to Santa Teresa ( Mali Pais) area which is 50.00 each way. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Richard's ( Owner) housesitters' Tess and Matt. Matt gave us the low down on the casita, ideas on restaurants, activities, and surf lessons.

The housekeeping was lovely each day- they changed our sheets, sweep, new towels and took the garbage...... The bed was comfortable. The shower was great- with hot H2O. We tried really hard not to use the air conditioner ( only when we slept) to keep the owners cost down. During this time of year- with the weather changing, new hatches of strange bugs appear- so we did buy some RAID one day.

The pool is a great feature, and the beach is right there. The grounds are very well kept.

The Casita is walking distance to good restaurants and bars, Ronny's Grocery etc.

We did rent a ATV one day, and with the help of Matt, we drove over to Montezuma for the day, hiked the waterfall over there and saw some sights.

The Kitchen in the Casita is perfect for breakfasts and lunches, coffee, keeping your beer cold and hanging out.

The patio is great for a book read in the hammick, and a game of Cribbage.

One thing at being in a third world country ( even with Amercian prices), you can't leave anything unattended, or the casitia unlocked at any time that you are not there... even at the pool or beach- which made us uncomfortable.. You must lock your valuables up at all times, and not leave anything on the clothes line or porch overnight. My boyfriend left his flip flops out ( too many cervasas) and they were GONE the next am, It was also loud on Saturday night from a club nearby.....

The beach is so pretty at Mali Pais! We did not want to leave. All the locals were nice and we felt welcome- the service in the restaurants was also good in the area.

Matt and Tess were an absoulute pleasure to hang out with, and very helpful, laid back and friendly- we are blessed to have made new friends. We were sorry to miss Richard- he was great with the booking of the casita!

Until next time!

Well what can I say about the Casa Azul? First off the house and the property are among the nicest we saw during our vacation and the kicker? It right on the beach! The whole week we were there we simply grabbed our boards and walked out the gate into surf that was good for beginers any time of day and attracted the more adventurous crowd every morning we were there.

We had a pretty large group that was well situated in the 2 ocean front rooms and the casita and wished we'd booked the entire property for some stragglers that found a place down the road.

A great place for groups or families as food, board rentals, excursion type charter places and groceries are no more than a 5 minute walk up and down the beach or on the main drag.

There is a bar next door that Richard was very worried would be making too much noise but in reality we hardly ever noticed it, and I stayed in the room closest to it. If you're worried I'd say take the far ocean view room or the Casita ( the best value in the whole place anyways! )

Overall a super experience that we would definitely repeat, many thanks to Richard and everyone at Casa Azul!

I write this review begrudgingly, as this spot is so fantastic I'd prefer to keep it to myself. But after staying at Casa Azul twice now, it's time to give this hotel its due. The beach is fantastic, and Richard has, hands down, the best spot on it. Right in the middle of town, on some really great breaks. Fantastic restaurants, bars, shops and rentals (cars, atvs, boards, you name it) are all a stone's throw away. Private pool for guests and nice rooms, especially the suite which has a roofdeck with a blockbuster view for sunsets. So long as you don't expect swanky accoutrements like spa services or buffet breakfasts, you'd be crazy not to stay here.

Ryan R