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Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection is the only beach resort in Costa Rica to offer a full menu of complimentary tours, activities, and experiences. These include favorites like canopy zip-lining, horseback riding, monkey quests, and sea-turtle spotting. Plus unique experiences like creating art with local community artists, traditional cooking lessons, and more! Set in a secluded ocean cove in Guanacaste, its award-winning planet-friendly, people-positive model offers a unique opportunity to fully engage in intense eco-adventures and authentic cultural experiences. The property features Deluxe Rooms, Suites, and fully-outfitted Private Villas. Ideal for honeymoons, relaxation getaways, family vacations, extended stays, or destination weddings. Shared airport shuttles may be available.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
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.
We loved this hotel! We had a room with a small space outside with a hammock, sitting area and small pool. The hotel pool at the top by the restaurant is beautiful and the infinity edge offers amazing views with your drink in hand from the pool bar. The servers and bartenders were wonderful and we enjoyed getting to know them…special mention to Eduard at the bar on the beach who did our mixology class with us. It was a lot of fun and we learned lots! There was lots of included activities to do at the hotel. I would suggest emailing the hotel and booking these ahead of time to make sure you get the ones you want. We did the dusk tour and mixology class. We could not get into the cooking class. The dusk tour was very good….we saw scorpions and many different insects. We also went to the macaw rescue (20$ each) which is very close to the hotel. It was interesting to hear about their rescue efforts. The food at the restaurant was really good and we thought it was reasonably priced. The service can be slow, but it allows you to sit, relax and soak up the scenery. Be sure to watch the sunsets as they are stunning. The beach area for the hotel is a very short walk down the hill (there is a van that will also take you there and pick you up if you don't want to walk). We loved walking the beach and going out in the ocean. Be warned that the waves can get quite big. Once you are in past the wave break it is okay. Although you need to time getting out! We had no difficulties getting chairs on the beach. There is a tiny wooden shack by the entrance to the beach that has small buckets to clean up the beach. You bring back the stuff you collected and dump it in the bins in the “shack” and put your bucket back so others can use them. We thought this was a great idea to help preserve this beautiful place.
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Date of stay: January 2025
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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 Victor Mayorga, Guest Services / Front Office at Punta Islita, Autograph Collection
Responded Feb 3, 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We are truly delighted to hear that you loved your stay and enjoyed so many aspects of the hotel, from your room’s private outdoor space to the breathtaking infinity pool views. It is fantastic to know that you had such a great time at the mixology class with Eduard and that you took advantage of the many activities available. Your advice about booking activities in advance is very helpful for future guests, and we appreciate you mentioning it. The dusk tour and macaw rescue visit sound like fascinating experiences, and we’re so glad you found them enjoyable and informative. We also appreciate your kind words about the restaurant and the relaxed dining experience. Taking the time to soak in the beautiful surroundings while enjoying a delicious meal is truly part of what makes a stay special. Your description of the beach and ocean conditions is very helpful, and we love that you highlighted the beach cleanup initiative. Small efforts like these go a long way in preserving the natural beauty of the area. Thank you again for your thoughtful review and for taking the time to share your experience. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable stay in the future!
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So much has been written about this destination. Mostly accurate; some slightly mis-stated. I'll focus on three elements.
1) ROOMS - About 54-rooms, plus nearby rental homes. Lots of reviews complain about rooms needing renovation. Of that I have little doubt. However, we happen to be assigned a smallish remodeled room with a mountain/jungle view. Didn't miss the ocean view because except for sleep we were rarely in our room. When we were, we enjoyed the vista from our ridiculously large veranda. Our room was nothing exceptional, but it was more than fine - A/C worked great, housekeeping was splendid, the King bed was very comfortable, and sheets, towels, etc. were perfectly fine.
2) CUISINE - Outstanding. Some complaints about being captive with limited selections and high prices just aren't accurate. The resort could clearly price the menu much higher and get away with it, but they don't. Pricing reflects locally sourced food, the local economy, and a dose of common sense. Breakfast and dinner menus in the dining room were without exception creative, healthy and delicious. In a week's stay, we never came close to ordering the same thing twice. Service is superlative. The staff really does care; hugs all the way around on departure morning. Lunch down on the beach and at the beach pool is light, tasty, and equally right-priced. And, speaking of cuisine, there are three restaurants in the nearby village of Islita (10-minute walk or 3-minute complimentary shuttle). We dined in the village two evenings - Kimbute and Don Ramiro. Neither are to be missed. If you eat in town, you may never stop talking about it.
3) BEACH - I mentioned the beach food offerings above, but the entire beach club scene is a page right out of the 1950s chic/hip/cool playbook. No loudmouths pounding pina coladas at the pool bar. Few vendors plying their goods. No early grab for pool chairs. The pool is quiet and refreshing, shade trees around the pool and along the beach preclude the need for umbrellas. The water is walk-in warm, and the surf is just mild enough for toddlers and seniors, yet just enough surf for beginner surfers. The beach is perfect for walks and horseback riding (only about 2/3 mile total length). Nothing could be finer than renting a Cabana for the day (all of $49 as of February 2025, with a small food and beverage service included). The very best "activity" of our couples week may have been the 90-minute full body massage and facial at an outdoor spa there directly on the beach, under a coconut tree with the surf softly breaking nearby.
Punta Islita works for honeymooners, trekkers, seniors, young families...everyone. Just don't tell anyone.
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Date of stay: February 2025
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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 just enjoyed a two night stay at Punta Islita with a small group of friends and it was absolutely fantastic! Our room was perfectly outfitted, comfortable and quiet and the views are incredible, This area of Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful as it's a bit 'remote' and pristine with lush hills.
The real stars of the hotel are the the staff. The service was outstanding, from check in to check out. Waitstaff are attentive and friendly. And the FOOD! The food was excellent and inventive. The guacamole (with a hint of curry, I think?) was a must have at each meal. The Chef's inclusion of authentic Costa Rican flavors and techniques into high end dishes is brilliant.
I highly recommend Punta Islita for those looking to enjoy nature and culture in a slightly off-the-beaten-path location.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Cleanliness
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Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled on business
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 stayed for two nights as part of a Backroads trip. This hotel was likely very nice when it first opened, but now it feels worn, especially the bathrooms.
That said, the location is fantastic, perched above the beach with a charming beachfront area below. Our room was in a duplex, making it quite private and quiet. Most rooms offer lovely views of the hills and ocean.
Service was the biggest weak point. Staff were not always around, seemed uninterested, and the wait for food and drinks was long—lunch took 1 hour and 15 minutes from ordering to being served. Additionally, the air conditioning in our room struggled to keep up with the heat and humidity and our bed was very lumpy.
Overall, the experience felt like a basic Marriott in terms of service and food quality.
Note also that the beach area is a fairly long walk from the hotel. We found the trip rustic but charming but others might want the beach more nearby. The hotel will shuttle you in a gold cart.
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Date of stay: February 2025
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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.
As a frequent traveller who stays 100 nights at hotels this year, I must say that my experience at this hotel is the worst.
In room dining: Ordered two items from the restaurant with a 20 mins estimated delivery time. We waited an hour before reaching out to the restaurant and front desk, and was told that the kitchen totally forgot our order.
Housekeeping: The front desk told us that there would be no housekeeping by default unless we request in advance. I do understand the cost cutting strategy is common in the hospitality industry, but it’s not appropriate for a hotel at this level being cheap.
Room Service: Because of the absence of housekeeping, we requested additional towels on the next day through calling and the Marriott app. Although promised to send them to our room immediately, they never did. We finally received the towels after speaking to the manager. It’s not a fun experience to get some fresh towels after 4 hours, multiple contacts, and management involved. The manager told me that they don’t use the Marriott app chat function. Fine, then just disable that function and handle call requests seriously.
Activity: booked an off-site activity thought hotel which includes transportation. We arrived at the meeting point on time only to be told at a very last minute that the driver was busy, expect a significant delay. We had no choice but to drive our own vehicle to the activity which was already started when we arrived. We met a lady who took the hotel’s transportation and unfortunately she missed nearly half of the activity.
Bottom line: the hotel has an absolutely amazing view combining the forest and the ocean. Front line hotel employees are very friendly. But the service, especially the management at this property totally ruins the great stuff. We have had endless problems within our short two-nights stay, I’m glad I didn’t not book a longer stay. There are a lot of other places to choose from, do yourself a favour, don’t let them ruin your holiday, stay away from Punta Islita.
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip 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.
Our family of 5 stayed at Punta Islita in August 2023. The location is amazing. We loved the individual rooms / villas. The location is private with both beach and nature. The dining and bar service we received was amazing, especially from Randy, Kervin, Antonio, Margarita, Jacob, and Minor. The staff is all very friendly and helpful. Joe was great to assist us with booking activities. We did do the canopy tour, which we highly recommend. Our guides, Ronald, Julio, and Naron, were amazing and made it very fun. We also did horseback riding. We also did some of the activities which are included in the stay (Candle making and Mazamorra). They were all excellent, especially the Mixology class with Kervin. There are 2 restaurants available as part of the hotel. Our only complaint is the dinner food. The food was not great at all for dinner, and the prices are high. The breakfast and lunch menus are good and we enjoyed the daily breakfast choices. We also enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant that was just a few minutes from the hotel (transportation dropped us off). Just a few other tips--visit the nearby town, transportation (shuttles) are readily available to go to the beach, gym, or nearby town. However, you can walk to the beach (5 minute walk). Also, I would not recommend this resort for small children (8 and under). The water in our room (glass bottles) tasted great. None of us were sick drinking the water (house water or from the bottles).
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Date of stay: August 2023
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Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â All the rooms / villas are great. We had a mountain view room, but could still see the ocean...
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.
My wife Jamie and I had an amazing time here! It was sad to leave, and I wish so much that we could have stayed longer.
The hotel is unique in a really good way. For example, instead of the usual mass-produced, foreign-manufactured toilet paper dispenser, our bathroom featured a beautiful, one of a kind, live-edge wooden TP holder. I absolutely loved the level of detail and personal touch. The finishes all throughout the property are creative and constantly remind you of the natural surroundings. They genuinely value artwork and even encourage guests to participate in free local art classes facilitated by the hotel. Attached is a picture of my keychain that I made. His name is “Ralph”. It feels so good to express creativity while relaxing on vacation. Usually creativity serves as a much-needed temporary escape from chaos of daily life, but starting the creative process from an already relaxed state is a game changer. I would highly recommend it!
The staff at this hotel were such a pleasure to talk to. This was some of the absolute best service I have ever experienced in my whole life at any hotel. Everyone was so nice and happy. I want to especially thank Joe and Edward:
I first met Joe at the concierge. He said if we need anything during our stay, please let him know. A few hours later down at the beach club Jamie and I were talking about how we wanted to make dinner reservations for that evening’s Annexation of Nicoya bicentennial celebration. I said to Jamie “we will need to try to catch Joe when we get back up the hill to the front desk”. Seriously, just a few minutes later Joe appeared at the beach club, addressed us by name, and asked if there was anything he could help us out with. Right there at the beach Joe made us a dinner reservation using his wireless phone.
Edward was usually working the bar at the main pool/restaurant. Jamie was so happy with everything he made. There were some handcrafted house cocktails and some nonalcoholic fresh local fruit juice that Edward mixed up from scratch. I enjoyed making solo trips to the bar for drinks to bring back to Jamie in the room because Edward was so great to talk to.
Thank you to Joe, Edward, and their entire team for A+ Excellent customer service!
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Date of stay: July 2024
Value
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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 Victor Mayorga, Guest Services / Front Office at Punta Islita, Autograph Collection
Responded Jan 13, 2025
Thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful and heartfelt review! We are beyond thrilled that you had such a memorable experience with us. It’s wonderful to hear that you appreciated the unique, handcrafted touches around the hotel, such as the live-edge wooden TP holder and the creative finishes that reflect the beauty of our natural surroundings. It’s guests like you who truly make our space come alive, and we’re so happy to know that you enjoyed the opportunity to express your creativity with the local art classes. "Ralph" sounds like a lovely creation, and we’re honored you chose to share that experience with us! We are especially grateful for your kind words about our team, particularly Joe and Edward. It warms our hearts to hear how Joe went above and beyond to assist with your dinner reservation, and that Edward's drinks and conversation added to your enjoyment of the bar. We will be sure to pass along your gratitude to them, as well as the entire team, as they work hard every day to provide exceptional service. Thank you once again for your kind recommendation. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another relaxing and creative getaway!
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It is not up to what is expected from the Marriott chain. It is supposedly “luxury”, but the rooms have not been modernized or decorated according to the standards of a luxury hotel. Positive things: it is close to a nice little beach (although it is better to go by van than walking), and it has a pool with an infinity view of the ocean. The rooms are in small individual cabins, with a lot of privacy and have a mini pool where you can watch the sunset. The rooms are spacious but not very comfortable and do not have a closet to store clothes (only a hanging bar). The bed has a canopy whose poles make it difficult to see the TV. Breakfast is à la carte, but if you want a repeat coffee, they charge you for it. They charge you at the TC for possible purchases, which they then say they will return. That system is strange…
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Â El camino para llegar es bien malo y conviene hacerlo de dĂa. Como no hay nada cerca mejor...
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.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Celebrating our 10-year anniversary in Costa Rica was an unforgettable blessing, and staying at Hotel Punta Islita made it truly magical. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles, “Pura Vida,” and an incredible level of care. The entire staff treats every guest with love and attention, going above and beyond to ensure your stay is comfortable and memorable. You even get the chance to meet the hotel manager and chef, who, like everyone else, are friendly and focused on making sure you have the best time possible.
The hotel offers transportation to and from the airport, making travel stress-free, and a shuttle to the beach and the charming town of Islita ensures you can explore with ease. The beach is clean, stunning, and perfect for relaxation or adventure. Whether you want to sit back and enjoy a delicious drink while listening to the waves or dive into a wide range of activities, there’s something for everyone.
The hotel provides incredible cultural experiences and fun activities, including ATV rides, turtle-watching, and more. You’ll be completely immersed in the beauty of Costa Rica’s nature. For relaxation, the spa is fantastic, with skilled massage therapists who will leave you feeling refreshed and pampered.
Every aspect of this place feels safe and welcoming, from the lush surroundings to the friendly staff. And the food? Absolutely incredible! Every meal is fresh, authentic, and mouthwatering—worth every bite (even if it means gaining a few pounds).
Whether you want an adventure-filled trip or a peaceful retreat by the beach, Hotel Punta Islita has it all. I highly recommend booking a trip to Costa Rica and staying here. It’s an experience you’ll never forget, and I’m already counting down the days until I can go back!
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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 Victor Mayorga, Guest Services / Front Office at Punta Islita, Autograph Collection
Responded Jan 26, 2025
Thank you so much for this beautiful review! We’re beyond thrilled to hear that your 10-year anniversary celebration was made even more special at Hotel Punta Islita. It’s so rewarding to know that you felt welcomed and cared for by our team, and we’re glad that every detail from the airport shuttle to the beach access to the delicious meals, added to the magic of your experience. We’re especially happy that you enjoyed the variety of activities and cultural experiences, as well as the relaxation and rejuvenation at the spa. It’s wonderful to know that you felt immersed in the beauty and warmth of Costa Rica throughout your stay. Thank you for recommending us so highly. we can't wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable visit when the time comes! Your kind words truly mean a lot to all of us at Punta Islita. Pura Vida!
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We had a great experience at this hotel. Every single staff member we encountered was friendly and helpful. They went out of their way to make us feel welcome and pampered. For example, they would bring us glasses of water with lime while hanging out at the beach pool - without asking. Our waiter at breakfast remembered the tea I liked every morning. I wish I could remember everyone's name but some of them are Joe, Felipe, Edouardo, Brier, Mauricio, Jorge, Marguerita, Antonio, Yorhany, and many others. The food was outstanding. We were able to try traditional Costa Rican dishes like gallo pinto at breakfast, chicken & rice, & Casado along with other yummy dishes. My husband loved the hanger steak! The Exotic Toast (think french toast with coconut milk and fruit) was sublime. We tried to have something different at every meal. So much fresh fruit! The staff asked about allergies at every meal. Take advantage of the many varied activities. Our favorites were Mixology, Nature Hike, art classes in the neighboring town of Islita, touring the sustainable farm they are developing, the Macaw Preserve, and Tico Cooking. But there are so many others! As we went during rainy season, it wasn't very crowded. But the rains were brief/minimal most days. And everything was so green. Don't let rainy season deter you. The views are breathtaking. The rooms are bungalows that require a short walk from the main restaurant/infinity pool. Ours had a relaxing hammock; some have private pools. It's a very short walk downhill to the beach club. There is a shuttle to take you around, if you wish. There is a second kid-friendly pool adjacent to the beach. It's about 3-hour drive from Liberia airport, in the Guanacaste region. The last 30 minutes or so are dirt roads. Totally worth this experience! we can't wait to go back!
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Date of stay: June 2024
Value
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Location
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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 kattia Quintanilla, Guest Services / Front Office at Punta Islita, Autograph Collection
Responded Nov 10, 2024
Dear Ms. Barara Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are beyond thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable experience with us at Punta Islita. It’s great to know that our team made you feel pampered and taken care of throughout your stay — we will be sure to pass on your kind words to our team. Thank you once again for your thoughtful feedback. We’re so happy that you took the time to share your experience with others, and we can't wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable stay. Until then, we'll be ready with more delicious food, beautiful views, and friendly faces waiting for you!
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Hello,
It is rather off that they are not replying perhaps try again, if not yet the contacts from their website (not Marriot) hotelpuntaislita. com
1. Yes, they can arrange it for you (they did for me)
2. Not really, they work with local fishermen and have a great chef on the team. But it wouldn't hurt to ask them on arrival if they might be open to it, they might also have recommendations for where you can nearby
hope that helps!
When we were there in July, it was very easy to get a test on site. You sign up at the front desk and the testing staff come to the hotel 2 or 3 mornings each week. They email you the results later that day. Dining options at the hotel are very limited, so I would recommend a car instead of a shuttle, if possible.
Lawrenceville, New Jersey25 contributions17 helpful votes
There is a small town nearby but I don't think there are any taxis. The local restaurant runs a shuttle. If you plan on going off resort not on a tour you'd need a car.
There are more places to choose from in the Punta Islita area.
PRICE RANGE
$389 - $650 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
punta islita hotel, resort punta islita, hotel punta islita
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of GuanacastePunta Islita
NUMBER OF ROOMS
52
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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