Zula Inn Aparthotel
Playa Santa Teresa 1 Km From the Crossroads to the Right, Santa Teresa Costa Rica
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Avg. $130 /night, 3/25 - 3/26
$178
per night
$135
per night
$92
per night
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About
#2 of 4 inns in Santa Teresa
Location
4.6
Rooms
4.6
Value
4.8
Cleanliness
4.7
Service
4.7
Sleep Quality
4.6
The Zula Inn Aparthotel features nine self-contained bungalows, all with views of our lush tropical garden and pool. Set back from the road in a quiet location, the hotel is only a two min walk to the white sandy surf beach of Playa Santa Teresa and it's consistent year round waves. Enjoy poolside relaxation in tropical gardens and take in our view of the jungle. Tha rancho next to the pool offers sofas, hammocks, cable T.V, free WI-FI internet, coffee and soft drinks. Zula Inn is also a short walk to all the shops and restaurants around our beautiful town of Santa Teresa.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Bar / lounge
Diving
Horseback riding
Books, DVDs, music for children
Children's television networks
Secured parking
Wifi
Outdoor pool
Vending machine
Snorkeling
Fishing
Airport transportation
Car hire
Massage
Baggage storage
Currency exchange
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Sun terrace
Express check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Safe
Seating area
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quirky Hotels
Centrally Located
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish, Hebrew
Location
Playa Santa Teresa 1 Km From the Crossroads to the Right, Santa Teresa 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: 76 out of 100
76
28 Restaurants
within 0.3 miles
2 Attractions
within 0.3 miles
Reviews
Traveler rating
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- 35
- 12
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Detailed Reviews
Fabulous self contained bungalows, set back from the main road so nice and quiet. Lovely pool area that we managed to make use of, even with the torrential downpour we were unlucky to have every night! Great for wildlife spotting, we had an armadillo visit us 2 nights and spotted our first toucans! Really comfy hammock :)
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: Visit the sea pool just down the road at Malpais
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 Rotem Avraham, Owner at Zula Inn Aparthotel
Responded Nov 28, 2023
Thanks !
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I just spent 6 weeks at Zula Inn. I came down to learn how to surf, do yoga, eat great food, relax, and reset. I was looking for a place that I could call home while there and Zula Inn was perfect. Rotem and Avi are brothers that own and run the place.
They have 9 bungalows that surround a pool and bar area in a U shape. Every bungalow is surrounded by lush beautiful greenery, has a nice porch with comfortable couch type chairs, a table and a hammock. I stayed in a one bedroom bungalow. It had a double bed, a single bed, kitchen and nice sized bathroom. Every kitchen has a full sized fridge, toaster oven, two stove burner, appliances and dishware. If you're looking for a place to call your own while in Santa Teresa, this is it.
I had read some reviews that complained of older pool furniture and a run down feel of some other furniture. I can tell you that the pool furniture was actually replaced and upgraded while I was there and the run down feel simply is non existent. I'm pretty picky especially being there for so long, and at no time did I feel anything but happy to come back to my bungalow after a hot exhausting day on the beach.
The set up in the middle of the property is also very conducive to meeting the other people staying at Zula. That was great for me since I was travelling alone, but was nice for groups of travellers as well as a way to hang out together in a nice setting.
But, the best part of this place were Rotem and Avi. It didn't matter what I asked for or how many times I needed something, they always obliged, no matter how big or small the request. What's amazing about these two guys though, is that they never make you feel like you're bothering them, or getting in their way or asking too much. They handle any needs with such a relaxed, easy going attitude I sometimes wondered how they did it over and over again. They are also an amazing resource for any trips, rentals, or anything else you can think of doing while you're there. They set me up with private surf lessons for way cheaper than anyone else. They got me an ATV rental, a horseback riding tour, called me cabs etc.
I have read other reviews that Rotem and Avi make you feel welcomed and treat you like you're family. That is not an exaggeration. It's a fact. I'm so happy I chose to stay at Zula Inn.
Lastly, but also very importantly, they are centrally located in the town of Santa Teresa, a 1-2 min walk (literally) to the grocery store. Santa Teresa runs along one dirt road that goes on for several kilometers and can be quite a walk in the immense heat so it's important to stay somewhere close to amenities, restaurants and right across the street from the beach. Like I said, it's the perfect place. You can stay somewhere else, but I have no idea why anyone would. For the price, what you get is amazing value that far surpasses simply the accommodation (which, as I said, is great).
Oh, and they have a middle eastern restaurant called Zula Restaurant a five minute walk from Zula Inn. The best shwarma I've ever had outside of Israel. These guys are not only warm, funny, great guys, they can cook too!
If I ever make it back to Santa Teresa, Zula Inn is the only place to stay!
They have 9 bungalows that surround a pool and bar area in a U shape. Every bungalow is surrounded by lush beautiful greenery, has a nice porch with comfortable couch type chairs, a table and a hammock. I stayed in a one bedroom bungalow. It had a double bed, a single bed, kitchen and nice sized bathroom. Every kitchen has a full sized fridge, toaster oven, two stove burner, appliances and dishware. If you're looking for a place to call your own while in Santa Teresa, this is it.
I had read some reviews that complained of older pool furniture and a run down feel of some other furniture. I can tell you that the pool furniture was actually replaced and upgraded while I was there and the run down feel simply is non existent. I'm pretty picky especially being there for so long, and at no time did I feel anything but happy to come back to my bungalow after a hot exhausting day on the beach.
The set up in the middle of the property is also very conducive to meeting the other people staying at Zula. That was great for me since I was travelling alone, but was nice for groups of travellers as well as a way to hang out together in a nice setting.
But, the best part of this place were Rotem and Avi. It didn't matter what I asked for or how many times I needed something, they always obliged, no matter how big or small the request. What's amazing about these two guys though, is that they never make you feel like you're bothering them, or getting in their way or asking too much. They handle any needs with such a relaxed, easy going attitude I sometimes wondered how they did it over and over again. They are also an amazing resource for any trips, rentals, or anything else you can think of doing while you're there. They set me up with private surf lessons for way cheaper than anyone else. They got me an ATV rental, a horseback riding tour, called me cabs etc.
I have read other reviews that Rotem and Avi make you feel welcomed and treat you like you're family. That is not an exaggeration. It's a fact. I'm so happy I chose to stay at Zula Inn.
Lastly, but also very importantly, they are centrally located in the town of Santa Teresa, a 1-2 min walk (literally) to the grocery store. Santa Teresa runs along one dirt road that goes on for several kilometers and can be quite a walk in the immense heat so it's important to stay somewhere close to amenities, restaurants and right across the street from the beach. Like I said, it's the perfect place. You can stay somewhere else, but I have no idea why anyone would. For the price, what you get is amazing value that far surpasses simply the accommodation (which, as I said, is great).
Oh, and they have a middle eastern restaurant called Zula Restaurant a five minute walk from Zula Inn. The best shwarma I've ever had outside of Israel. These guys are not only warm, funny, great guys, they can cook too!
If I ever make it back to Santa Teresa, Zula Inn is the only place to stay!
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Date of stay: January 2016Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Rooms
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.
My husband and I have stayed several times, and have introduced this hotel to many friends who have become regular guests. Avi and Rotem are amazing hosts, and their property is exceptionally clean and well-maintained. The small size (9 or 10 individual cabins), makes for a peaceful, relaxing and safe home base. Great pool and small bar. They also own an excellent restaurant just down the street.
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Date of stay: December 2014Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: All cabinas are great
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.
Great location and price. Wifi did not work, only for parts of the day. Hotel leaked when it rained, but was cleaned immediately and we were checked on. It is a great deal if you are looking for a place to stay that is close to town but quiet. If you need wifi for work, you should not stay here.
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Date of stay: May 2021
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.
The hotel is far below the description advertised. The pool is dirty, the room has very and old furnitures, rust was on toilet and kitchen. The surrounding area is not nice either.
It was clear a misadvertisment and we had to find a replacement hotel.
We definitely recommend NOT to go unless you are prepared for something really different from what you see.
It was clear a misadvertisment and we had to find a replacement hotel.
We definitely recommend NOT to go unless you are prepared for something really different from what you see.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip 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.
There aren't a lot of good things I can say about this place. Upon walking up the driveway to the units, you have to get past an initial smell of garbage and dog doo smell.
When you finally do arrive at the reception, good luck if anyone is in the office- you have to call someone to get them there- what happens if you aren't set up for international dialing? Really they should just leave a walkie talkie outside the office if the owners are not going to be on premises. Noone was in the office the entire time we were there until we checked out early morning- miraculously one of the owners was there.
The grounds are nice enough and the pool is clean. Many of the chairs around the pool are missing straps- so really this could use some attention.
Then we come to the bungalows. Outside we had a hammock that was so dirty I wouldn't touch it.
Inside the unit there were barely any lights to see by. The shower had gobs of soapy hair from someone else in the corners. At least they supplied two tiny soaps and a bath towels-but nothing for the pool or beach.
Now for the bugs. I know its Costa Rica but I did not see so many creepy crawlers in any other place I stayed the entire trip. One of us got ankle bites while sleeping and one night I saw a bug crawling right behind my pillow. Not to mention the bugs crawling all over the kitchen and in the bathroom.
No safe in the room- take note.
No hangers or even a rod or a closet area.
This was completely overpriced for this less than mediocre quality "inn". I would rate this at $50 nightly not $120 nightly. More like a hostel and not a good one at that.
When you finally do arrive at the reception, good luck if anyone is in the office- you have to call someone to get them there- what happens if you aren't set up for international dialing? Really they should just leave a walkie talkie outside the office if the owners are not going to be on premises. Noone was in the office the entire time we were there until we checked out early morning- miraculously one of the owners was there.
The grounds are nice enough and the pool is clean. Many of the chairs around the pool are missing straps- so really this could use some attention.
Then we come to the bungalows. Outside we had a hammock that was so dirty I wouldn't touch it.
Inside the unit there were barely any lights to see by. The shower had gobs of soapy hair from someone else in the corners. At least they supplied two tiny soaps and a bath towels-but nothing for the pool or beach.
Now for the bugs. I know its Costa Rica but I did not see so many creepy crawlers in any other place I stayed the entire trip. One of us got ankle bites while sleeping and one night I saw a bug crawling right behind my pillow. Not to mention the bugs crawling all over the kitchen and in the bathroom.
No safe in the room- take note.
No hangers or even a rod or a closet area.
This was completely overpriced for this less than mediocre quality "inn". I would rate this at $50 nightly not $120 nightly. More like a hostel and not a good one at that.
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Date of stay: December 2015Trip 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.
My wife and I stayed at the Zula Inn for 4 nights during our honeymoon and had the most wonderful time there.
Sure, there are better Resorts in Costa Rica, with better facilities and other amenities that will ensure you never leave your room until checkout. However, not too often you manage to stumble across a place that has something else to it, an inviting warmness and sense of security... usually things that are I find quite lacking in most hotels.
The Zula Inn's location is ideal- just a 2 minute walk to the beach, 3 KM from the amasing Playa Hermosa and close to all of the best cafés and restaurants in Santa Teresa.
The room was nice and clean and also features a kitchenette (including a gas stove), the service was excellent (in Costa-Rican standards :) ) and the swimming pool and lounge area were a perfect place to relax and for interacting with other people staying at the Zula.
Without a doubt- a great value for money (especially during low season) and great people for added value.
Sure, there are better Resorts in Costa Rica, with better facilities and other amenities that will ensure you never leave your room until checkout. However, not too often you manage to stumble across a place that has something else to it, an inviting warmness and sense of security... usually things that are I find quite lacking in most hotels.
The Zula Inn's location is ideal- just a 2 minute walk to the beach, 3 KM from the amasing Playa Hermosa and close to all of the best cafés and restaurants in Santa Teresa.
The room was nice and clean and also features a kitchenette (including a gas stove), the service was excellent (in Costa-Rican standards :) ) and the swimming pool and lounge area were a perfect place to relax and for interacting with other people staying at the Zula.
Without a doubt- a great value for money (especially during low season) and great people for added value.
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Date of stay: September 2014Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: Ask Avi or Rotem for Tips regarding things to do in Santa Teresa and indeed Costa Rica.
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 a little different take on the Zula Inn than my city girl cousin Margaret M (see review below). I really liked the place overall and was perfectly content with the service which I thought was appropriate to the location on the beach at the end of a five mile dirt road. (Why would a surfer move to a place like this from Israel if he couldn't surf all the time?) I felt more like I was an old friend or family member staying in the extra room than a paying guest. This feeling was enhanced by the pleasant patio in front of our room and the self service "honor" bar in the palapa by the pool. I also really enjoyed the pool itself. I will throw a brick regarding the second "bed" being a "click, clack" couch, but frankly I was too relaxed to complain just as I was too hot to complain about the failure of the "suicide heater" in the shower; the cool water was refreshing. We had a blast riding the ATVs that Rottn arranged to have delivered to the hotel for us. My clothes came back from the on site laundry clean and fluffy. I would like to come back and hang out for a week or two and really explore the area better and I know some of my surfing buddies would really like this spot.
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Date of stay: March 2014Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
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.
2 bedroom bungalow was dirty & infested with bugs. we had to have a nightly ritual of bug killing. And not just a bug here & there, we're taking a couple dozen.
Kitchenette was grubby with below par cooking pans & utensils. The A/C worked well as well as the TV.
Beds: mattresses are old, grimy and very uncomfortable along with small. Linens are worn out and stained which was gross.
Bathroom: no hot water despite advertising same, owners are no where to be found to fix it. The hot water set up is some half assed electrical wiring set up. Husband got a minor shock from it. appears totally unsafe.
pool: was pretty standard but I noticed the cleaning staff washing the many ashtrays in the pool. yuck!
overall, I wouldnt recommend zula inn.
Kitchenette was grubby with below par cooking pans & utensils. The A/C worked well as well as the TV.
Beds: mattresses are old, grimy and very uncomfortable along with small. Linens are worn out and stained which was gross.
Bathroom: no hot water despite advertising same, owners are no where to be found to fix it. The hot water set up is some half assed electrical wiring set up. Husband got a minor shock from it. appears totally unsafe.
pool: was pretty standard but I noticed the cleaning staff washing the many ashtrays in the pool. yuck!
overall, I wouldnt recommend zula inn.
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Date of stay: February 2012
Value
Rooms
Location
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.
We stayed in the Zula for 4 nights, family with two kids - 2 year and 8 months, and another 8 months baby. The rooms (specially the big ones) perfectly fit families. the pool is nice and located very close to the rooms so the baby can nap while you are swimming :). lovely stuff. Recommended!
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Date of stay: December 2017Trip type: Traveled with family
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Pick one of the big rooms if you are more than 2
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.
50688133604
50626400940
Also, really close to my hotel there are two beaches with umbrellas and shade... Playa Cielo and Banana Beach.
i need to know what kind of pet?.....you can call me ...506-89966633
PRICE RANGE
$104 - $221 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
zula inn aparthotel hotel santa teresa
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of PuntarenasSanta Teresa
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
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 Zula Inn Aparthotel
Which popular attractions are close to Zula Inn Aparthotel?
Nearby attractions include La Pesca Fish Market (0.2 miles) and Van Parijs Gallery (0.1 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Zula Inn Aparthotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Zula Inn Aparthotel?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Zula Inn Aparthotel?
Guests can enjoy a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Zula Inn Aparthotel?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Zula Inn Aparthotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Maharaja Bhog Indian Food, Satori Sushi, and Manzú Restaurant.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Zula Inn Aparthotel?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Zula Inn Aparthotel have airport transportation?
Yes, Zula Inn Aparthotel offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Zula Inn Aparthotel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Hebrew.