Ride On Beach House
Corner street with Surf Simply, last property, Playa Guiones 50206 Costa Rica
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Avg. $200 /night, 3/18 - 3/19
$275
per night
$238
per night
$200
per night
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About
#3 of 3 small hotels in Playa Guiones
Location
4.7
Rooms
3.5
Value
2.3
Cleanliness
4.3
Service
3.5
Sleep Quality
3.7
RideOn Beach House is a surf hotel located in Playa Guiones, Nosara, Costa Rica. The hotel is located near shops and restaurants, includes complimentary breakfast, complimentary bicycles and has many surfboards available for rental. RideOn has its own private beach path and the beach is just minutes walk away.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Yoga classes
Pool
Free breakfast
Beach
Bicycles available
Airport transportation
Wifi
Yoga room
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Saltwater pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Shuttle bus service
Car hire
Taxi service
Massage
Adults only
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
Laundry service
Room features
Air conditioning
Private balcony
Seating area
Private bathrooms
Walk-in shower
Room types
Pool view
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
Corner street with Surf Simply, last property, Playa Guiones 50206 Costa Rica
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 78 out of 100
78
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Detailed Reviews
A surf hotel unfortunately offering not quite the same standard as other hotels in Costa Rica, but demanding higher prices, even in the off season. Small things didn’t quite seem right… chipped items in the bathroom, stains on the bedding etc.
Service was friendly at the Beach House, but, when we wanted to shorten our stay by 1 day, no flexibility was shown.
Service was friendly at the Beach House, but, when we wanted to shorten our stay by 1 day, no flexibility was shown.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Â The roads are awful in the rainy season!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ride-on Beach House is ideally located in Playa Guiones, just off the beach. The rooms are as basic as can exist, with no services, although some have functional mini-fridges. The pool is great, w a lounging area and a ledge for sitting at. They include a basic, but filling and tasty local breakfast.
One should be aware that some of the rooms have a shared washroom and sinks w other rooms(?), which is very odd by any standard, including Costa Rica!
The owner/manager is a friendly American ex-pat. My real issue is w his approach to guest management was that during our stay we were shuffled from room to room during our stay 3 different times. On top of this we paid a steep premium to the posted rack rate. Only one of these moves were expected, and the only reason we agreed to it was that we were desperate. We would NEVER have stayed at Ride-on w complete transparency regarding 3 diff moves!
I’d def not advise anyone to consider ride-on despite its location and charming staff, who are kind and considerate bc I’d be afraid for similar treatment for their stay.
I hate people that take advantage of people in a bad situation and we clearly were. Had we another option (Playa Guiones is JAMMED at Xmas-NYE), we wouldn’t have considered Ride-on, bc it’s not a great property (location aside), however other lodging wasn’t an option for us.
Unfortunately, we got ourselves in this situation. But sadly (shamefully?), the owner/manager charged a premium, required payment up front and then bounced us to lesser rooms each time, w our last night being parked in a shared bathroom.
I’m quick to commend property owners and management who follow the rules or make decisions w clients in mind. This was a situation of an owner taking advantage of a situation, charging premium $ and then abusing the situation.
There are much better options in Playa Guiones and I’d reco anyone explore them before booking something at Ride-on.
One should be aware that some of the rooms have a shared washroom and sinks w other rooms(?), which is very odd by any standard, including Costa Rica!
The owner/manager is a friendly American ex-pat. My real issue is w his approach to guest management was that during our stay we were shuffled from room to room during our stay 3 different times. On top of this we paid a steep premium to the posted rack rate. Only one of these moves were expected, and the only reason we agreed to it was that we were desperate. We would NEVER have stayed at Ride-on w complete transparency regarding 3 diff moves!
I’d def not advise anyone to consider ride-on despite its location and charming staff, who are kind and considerate bc I’d be afraid for similar treatment for their stay.
I hate people that take advantage of people in a bad situation and we clearly were. Had we another option (Playa Guiones is JAMMED at Xmas-NYE), we wouldn’t have considered Ride-on, bc it’s not a great property (location aside), however other lodging wasn’t an option for us.
Unfortunately, we got ourselves in this situation. But sadly (shamefully?), the owner/manager charged a premium, required payment up front and then bounced us to lesser rooms each time, w our last night being parked in a shared bathroom.
I’m quick to commend property owners and management who follow the rules or make decisions w clients in mind. This was a situation of an owner taking advantage of a situation, charging premium $ and then abusing the situation.
There are much better options in Playa Guiones and I’d reco anyone explore them before booking something at Ride-on.
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Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Owner/manager does not conduct himself honestly and took advantage of challenged travellers.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have been coming to Costa Rica since 2009 and have never felt compelled to write a review, good or bad. But I had a singularly bad experience at Ride On last week. It all started the afternoon before I checked in with an email advising that the hotel would be without electricity the next day from 8-11 in the morning (and 2 days later for the same hours). Now, I get that this is Costa Rica and occasional power outages do happen. But when you charge the prices that Ride On does in the high season, you don't expect that to happen. The hotel just next door, Olas Verdes, where I stayed for 3 nights before switching to Ride On, charges similar prices but provides outstanding service and amiable employees. They seemed unaffected by the outage (perhaps they had a generator to deal with such expected issues).
When I went to check in, Jeffrey, the guy at the front desk, and as best I could tell the only employee working, was not at all apologetic and was perhaps the most unfriendly staffer I had met in my many visits to Costa Rica. I jokingly asked about a discount due to the serious disruption and he looked not real pleased with me.
When I checked in, I asked how to turn down the AC temperature and he pointed to the remote control. I later learned that AC would not go below 27 Celsius or 80 Fahrenheit. This is basically not air conditioning when the temperatures are in the 90's. Later, I went downstairs and asked about whether it was possible to turn the AC down and he basically said that I could not. Again, I could see a hotel which charges less having a restriction like this, with a lower minimum like 75. So I spent the night in a sweltering upstairs room.
As announced, the electricity went down at 8 the next morning and I did my best to get packed and out of there. As hot as it was the night before, it was worse after the electricity went down because I lost the fan. Of course the wifi went down too, but I was able to use the Wifi from Olas Verdes next door. The hotel also neglected to tell me that the water would go down with the electricity which meant no shower after an uncomfortably hot evening and, quite frankly, a dangerously hot morning. But the hotel never made any effort to apologize or provide any consideration for all of this. They even made me pay for the club soda I had the previous day. Again, I have been to Costa Rica numerous times and stayed in a variety of accommodations with various issues. But this was the worst hotel experience I had had in 15 years visiting this wonderful county. And Jeffrey was the worst hotel employee I had ever encountered in the country. I felt it was important for those considering this hotel to know about my experience.
When I went to check in, Jeffrey, the guy at the front desk, and as best I could tell the only employee working, was not at all apologetic and was perhaps the most unfriendly staffer I had met in my many visits to Costa Rica. I jokingly asked about a discount due to the serious disruption and he looked not real pleased with me.
When I checked in, I asked how to turn down the AC temperature and he pointed to the remote control. I later learned that AC would not go below 27 Celsius or 80 Fahrenheit. This is basically not air conditioning when the temperatures are in the 90's. Later, I went downstairs and asked about whether it was possible to turn the AC down and he basically said that I could not. Again, I could see a hotel which charges less having a restriction like this, with a lower minimum like 75. So I spent the night in a sweltering upstairs room.
As announced, the electricity went down at 8 the next morning and I did my best to get packed and out of there. As hot as it was the night before, it was worse after the electricity went down because I lost the fan. Of course the wifi went down too, but I was able to use the Wifi from Olas Verdes next door. The hotel also neglected to tell me that the water would go down with the electricity which meant no shower after an uncomfortably hot evening and, quite frankly, a dangerously hot morning. But the hotel never made any effort to apologize or provide any consideration for all of this. They even made me pay for the club soda I had the previous day. Again, I have been to Costa Rica numerous times and stayed in a variety of accommodations with various issues. But this was the worst hotel experience I had had in 15 years visiting this wonderful county. And Jeffrey was the worst hotel employee I had ever encountered in the country. I felt it was important for those considering this hotel to know about my experience.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â If AC is important to you, don't stay here. They would not let me lower the temperature below 27...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Heather Tremain, General Manager at Ride On Beach House
Responded Mar 24, 2024
Hello Charles, Unfortunately , Nosara does have occasional power/water outages. Our community is working on improving the infrastructure to accommodate so many people visiting during high season. During your stay, there was scheduled power maintenance which resulted in the entire town without power. Some hotels do have generators, like our neighbors. Our AC units are working properly and I apologize if you did not receive assistance to lower the temperature. Considering that we had no control over this power outage, a discount was not available. These situations can be frustrating for tourists who are not aware of mentioned issues and I apologize for the inconvenience. -Heather
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My experience at Ride On was amazing. I brought 17 people and my 2 kids to teach a yoga teacher training. The staff was thoughtful and accommodating. The kitchen staff was on point and food was delicious. The front desk went above and beyond, our entire group was diligently looked out for. One of the best experiences was the surf instruction, I was blown away. I have surfed in many different countries and have gone out (surfed) with instructors and never was I taught the technique which was explained to me at Ride On. Andrew, surf instructor, arranged a group surf lesson with all of my teacher trainers, a few who had trauma surrounding water. He sat and spoke with one of the girls for 30 min before even getting into the water-- she had the best time of her life, and got up on a wave. He made sure to have the perfect amount of instructors so the ratio was safe, 2 people to every instructor. He also took my son, who is an experienced surfer on a day trip to a heavier wave and was able to get super technical with his surfing.
The yoga room was awesome, it was a jungle yoga room, we saw monkeys, birds and other beautiful animals while practicing. The floor was good wood, there were fans and lights so we could practice in the evening. They provide blocks and yoga mats if needed.
To wrap it up, I can't wait to go back.
The yoga room was awesome, it was a jungle yoga room, we saw monkeys, birds and other beautiful animals while practicing. The floor was good wood, there were fans and lights so we could practice in the evening. They provide blocks and yoga mats if needed.
To wrap it up, I can't wait to go back.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled on business
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have mixed feelings about this hotel. The breakfast is great and the women who make it, and the main man worked at reception, are terrific. There is a fun, social atmosphere and all of us staying here became friends!
But, 3 big negatives:
1. My room was NOT CLEAN. I upgraded to the nicer room but couldn't unpack because the drawers were filthy. I politely asked each day if they could be cleaned, and was told they would be, but they never were. I was here to unpack and organize my things but kept everything in my suitcases because the room was so dirty. Finally when I checked out the receptionist (Sebastian, great person) went to the room and came back with his hands filthy, very upset. He said that I was right, the drawers had never been cleaned (prob for years), and that he was upset and sorry and would ask for a refund for the upgraded room.
Unfortunately later he was gone, and the manager Heather Tremain refused to refund the upgrade - or anything at all.
2. The hotel is not near any restaurants to walk to at night if you are on your own (other than the hotel next door), so it could feel isolating to be here unless you want to take a taxi or tuk tuk every evening (or brave walking at night in the dark). I realized this when I arrived to the hotel next door, 5 days before my reservation here began. The great hotel next door let me cancel my reservation there for this reason, with less than a day's notice, but even 5 days in advance Ride On would not release the reservation. As the other reviewer stated, they were completely inflexible. They were also very rude and not kind.
3. The biggest negative is the manager, Heather Tremain. She continued to send rude, unkind emails - full of (bizarre!) lies. I think this could be a great hotel - if she were fired or were to leave and if the housekeeping staff were a bit better.
For now, I would say it's fine to come with a group of friends or family or if you don't mind taking a car or tuk tuk each night or walking on your own, and if you don't mind cleaning your room when you arrive - but avoid the primary manager Heather if you can - I think she has a pathological lying issue that I have decided to have compassion for but - it is not pleasant to be on the receiving end of her emails!
But, 3 big negatives:
1. My room was NOT CLEAN. I upgraded to the nicer room but couldn't unpack because the drawers were filthy. I politely asked each day if they could be cleaned, and was told they would be, but they never were. I was here to unpack and organize my things but kept everything in my suitcases because the room was so dirty. Finally when I checked out the receptionist (Sebastian, great person) went to the room and came back with his hands filthy, very upset. He said that I was right, the drawers had never been cleaned (prob for years), and that he was upset and sorry and would ask for a refund for the upgraded room.
Unfortunately later he was gone, and the manager Heather Tremain refused to refund the upgrade - or anything at all.
2. The hotel is not near any restaurants to walk to at night if you are on your own (other than the hotel next door), so it could feel isolating to be here unless you want to take a taxi or tuk tuk every evening (or brave walking at night in the dark). I realized this when I arrived to the hotel next door, 5 days before my reservation here began. The great hotel next door let me cancel my reservation there for this reason, with less than a day's notice, but even 5 days in advance Ride On would not release the reservation. As the other reviewer stated, they were completely inflexible. They were also very rude and not kind.
3. The biggest negative is the manager, Heather Tremain. She continued to send rude, unkind emails - full of (bizarre!) lies. I think this could be a great hotel - if she were fired or were to leave and if the housekeeping staff were a bit better.
For now, I would say it's fine to come with a group of friends or family or if you don't mind taking a car or tuk tuk each night or walking on your own, and if you don't mind cleaning your room when you arrive - but avoid the primary manager Heather if you can - I think she has a pathological lying issue that I have decided to have compassion for but - it is not pleasant to be on the receiving end of her emails!
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Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We came here for a quick trip with family--the room was big enough for all 3 of us, very comfortable and clean. The pool was great for my daughter to swim in after being on the beach, and the staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful. The breakfast was delicious every morning. Location was great--a nice, short walk to the beach via a jungle path, access to easy waves and good tide pools for exploring. Could also walk to restaurants and surf shop. We saw monkeys every day in the trees around the hotel. We will definitely return!
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Date of stay: March 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from rideonnosara, Manager at Ride On Beach House
Responded Mar 25, 2020
Hi Annette, thank you so much for your review! It was great having you and your family. Can't wait to have you guys back. Mariana asked me to send a special hug to Soley. Pura Vida.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We lucked out. I went with my 2 sons , 26 and 19 on a surf trip to Costa Rica in January and we wouldn’t book a place in advance because our destination depended on the swell forecast . Last minute we chose playa Guiones in nosara as it seems to be a swell magnet. I was nervous because it was high season and it gets booked out . That’s where we lucked out because my son found this place , Ride on Beach , that was brand new , only 2 weeks old . We only booked it for one night because wasn’t sure how it would be. It was perfect. We got completely spoiled and couldn’t leave and stayed for the remaining 5 days of our trip. It was like being home but with a beautiful swimming pool and pumping waves in the backyard. The location was ideal . No need to get in your car. There was nothing between the property and the beach except a one minute walk through a nature filled jungle with monkeys and birds . It was quiet because it’s not in the busier tourist center so no boom boom music and no tourists walking past the place . Yet it’s only an 8 minutes walk to great restaurants and bars and the busier tourist area is maybe a 15 minutes walk so possibly a 5 minute drive . The place is pretty much a boutique hotel with only 10 bright spotless well designed rooms complete with all the amenities, AC and hot showers . Beds were firm but comfortable and there was ample closet and dresser room for storage . The bright young international staff were engaging and delightful . They seemed to really enjoy being there and they intermingled with the guests regularly. The included breakfast was the most delicious modern version of the typical Costa Rican rice and beans with eggs and plantains and a side dish of the freshest local fruit . Nourishing after a sunrise surf session or beach walk. The focal point of the grounds is a most refreshing and clean rectangular swimming pool situated between the rooms and the dining and concierge area . The entire set up is ideal for either mingling with the other guests or putting on headsets and getting work done by the pool. One evening, a guest brought back some freshly caught tuna and the staff and guests all sat around the table eating the most delicious sashimi and pan seared yellow fin . The owner Chung had a successful bike business in Brooklyn and Manhattan is a surf enthusiast and he traded it all in for this laid back surf life . Thus the name “Ride on Beach “ with a bike logo imprinted over a sunset . His creation is ideal . In a nutshell, we loved the place and the surf so much that I came back two weeks later with my wife and spent another glorious week there before heading home . Again I scored with the surf and Ride on Beach was even better. My wife loved it and we really got to know some wonderful people staying at Ride on Beach . It is small and intimate so it’s conducive to getting to know people and
making some good friends. I highly recommended Ride on Beach hotel
making some good friends. I highly recommended Ride on Beach hotel
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from rideonnosara, General Manager at Ride On Beach House
Responded Mar 11, 2020
Dear Jeffreyrecap, thank you so much for your review. We hope to see you again very soon, spend some more quality time together and show you all our improvements of our Surf Coaching Department and In House Activities. Pura Vida!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
"Owner/manager does not conduct himself honestly and took advantage of challenged travellers. "Read full review
"If AC is important to you, don't stay here. They would not let me lower the temperature below 27 Celsius, 80 Fahrenheit"Read full review
PRICE RANGE
$141 - $254 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of GuanacastePlaya Guiones
NUMBER OF ROOMS
13
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ride On Beach House
Which popular attractions are close to Ride On Beach House?
Nearby attractions include Playa Guiones (0.3 miles), Nosara Kids Camp (0.5 miles), and Jenstones Gallery (0.5 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Ride On Beach House?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Ride On Beach House?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a pool view, and a seating area.
What food & drink options are available at Ride On Beach House?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Ride On Beach House?
Conveniently located restaurants include Rosi's Soda Tica, El Manglar Restaurant In Nosara, and Beach Dog Cafe.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Ride On Beach House?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and yoga classes during their stay.
Does Ride On Beach House have airport transportation?
Yes, Ride On Beach House offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Ride On Beach House located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.3 miles away from the center of Playa Guiones.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Ride On Beach House?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.