This affordable all-inclusive resort by Spain-based Barcelo has 198 rooms and suites on the far end of Tamarindo, with access to a rugged beach, large outdoor pool, and manicured grounds. The main restaurant (though repetitive) offers all three meals buffet-style; there's also a snack bar, as well as an à la carte restaurant -- free for guests who stay three nights or more. Basic rooms include sodas and drinking water, and two bars serve national liquors, house wines, and draft beer. A schedule of activities keeps guests entertained, culminating each night with two shows in the amphitheater -- one for kids, one for adults -- and then the ubiquitous disco. Service at this hotel seems to be more genuine that some other Barcelo properties. Parking is free, but guests who require consistent Wi-Fi should look elsewhere.
This affordable all-inclusive resort by Spain-based Barcelo has 198 rooms and suites on the far end of Tamarindo, with access to a rugged beach, large outdoor pool, and manicured grounds. The main restaurant (though repetitive) offers all three meals buffet-style; there's also a snack bar, as well as an à la carte restaurant -- free for guests who stay three nights or more. Basic rooms include sodas and drinking water, and two bars serve national liquors, house wines, and draft beer. A schedule of activities keeps guests entertained, culminating each night with two shows in the amphitheater -- one for kids, one for adults -- and then the ubiquitous disco. Service at this hotel seems to be more genuine that some other Barcelo properties. Parking is free, but guests who require consistent Wi-Fi should look elsewhere.
This secluded, upper-middle-range property located high in the mountains of Rincon de la Vieja is surrounded by wilderness, and completely serene except for the occasional chatter of local howler monkeys. The 23 rooms are rustic-luxe casitas, which come complete with private decks and outdoor hammocks. Guests come to Borinquen not only for the hot springs but also for the resort’s incredible array of outdoor adventure activities, like zip-lining, horseback riding, and water tubing. For those looking more for relaxation than adventure, there are also a large outdoor pool and a beautiful spa. The hotel’s one restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is the only spot on the property with Wi-Fi. Borinquen’s hilly property means getting around can be difficult. Anyone looking for a more rustic resort should check out Blue River Resort & Hot Springs, which is also in Rincon de la Vieja about two hours away.
This secluded, upper-middle-range property located high in the mountains of Rincon de la Vieja is surrounded by wilderness, and completely serene except for the occasional chatter of local howler monkeys. The 23 rooms are rustic-luxe casitas, which come complete with private decks and outdoor hammocks. Guests come to Borinquen not only for the hot springs but also for the resort’s incredible array of outdoor adventure activities, like zip-lining, horseback riding, and water tubing. For those looking more for relaxation than adventure, there are also a large outdoor pool and a beautiful spa. The hotel’s one restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is the only spot on the property with Wi-Fi. Borinquen’s hilly property means getting around can be difficult. Anyone looking for a more rustic resort should check out Blue River Resort & Hot Springs, which is also in Rincon de la Vieja about two hours away.
Buena Vista Lodge is a two-and-a-half-pearl property located on the outskirts of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The lodge’s 76 rooms are plain and practical, with no TVs, no AC, and minimal natural light; however, it’s the exciting line-up of activities that draw guests to this property, rather than the rooms. The lodge’s back country location lends itself to adventure and nature pursuits ranging from canopy tours to lounging in hot springs. Free breakfast is included, and there are a handful of dining options on the property -- an important feature considering that the nearest restaurants and shops are a rough, one-hour drive away. Travelers interested in active getaways in Rincon de la Vieja might want to compare rates and amenities with Hacienda Guachipelin.
Buena Vista Lodge is a two-and-a-half-pearl property located on the outskirts of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The lodge’s 76 rooms are plain and practical, with no TVs, no AC, and minimal natural light; however, it’s the exciting line-up of activities that draw guests to this property, rather than the rooms. The lodge’s back country location lends itself to adventure and nature pursuits ranging from canopy tours to lounging in hot springs. Free breakfast is included, and there are a handful of dining options on the property -- an important feature considering that the nearest restaurants and shops are a rough, one-hour drive away. Travelers interested in active getaways in Rincon de la Vieja might want to compare rates and amenities with Hacienda Guachipelin.
Hotel Villa Casa Blanca is a three-pearl hotel that's a 10-minute walk from Playa Ocotal. The hotel’s 15 guest rooms are homey if somewhat dated, some with full kitchens or ocean views. On-site amenities include a modest pool with a swim-up bar, as well as free breakfast served on an inviting terrace. The hotel’s relaxed vibe and laid-back location are a good fit for those interested in staying near one of the region’s less-touristy beaches; but guests looking for a buzzing nightlife scene would be better off elsewhere. Those interested in an intimate hotel right on the sands might want to compare rates and amenities with Hotel RipJack Inn on Playa Grande.
Hotel Villa Casa Blanca is a three-pearl hotel that's a 10-minute walk from Playa Ocotal. The hotel’s 15 guest rooms are homey if somewhat dated, some with full kitchens or ocean views. On-site amenities include a modest pool with a swim-up bar, as well as free breakfast served on an inviting terrace. The hotel’s relaxed vibe and laid-back location are a good fit for those interested in staying near one of the region’s less-touristy beaches; but guests looking for a buzzing nightlife scene would be better off elsewhere. Those interested in an intimate hotel right on the sands might want to compare rates and amenities with Hotel RipJack Inn on Playa Grande.