Reviews of Hotel Cantarana 3 stars
Palm Beach Estates, 50308 Playa Grande, Costa Rica
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Reviewed: 16 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewAbsolutely beautiful, quiet place, nice pool, restaurant, close to the beach, friendly staff.
The road to the place is a bit bumpy, but it is worth it. If you get the room beneath the restaurant it will be a bit of noise in the early morning as people goes up there to eat.
Thank you so much for your great rating and kind words! We're happy to hear you enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere in our paradise! We’re sorry about the early morning noise and truly appreciate you pointing it out, your feedback helps us continue to improve the experience for all our guests. We’d love to welcome you back anytime. Pura Vida! Cantarana Team & Dylan!
Thank you so much for your great rating and kind words! We're happy to hear you enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere in our paradise! We’re sorry about the early morning noise and truly appreciate you pointing it out, your feedback helps us … Show more
Reviewed: 15 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 5 June 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 1 May 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewBeautiful and tropical location with great views of the Arenal volcano. We were just a short drive from all activities including hot springs, hiking and waterfalls! Breakfast was so good and perfect before we took off on our adventures!
The only complaint that I can think of is the pool was just a little chilly.
Reviewed: 30 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewI’ve stayed here here twice about 6-7 years ago. Very relaxing and chill vibes. Staff is great with communicating and helping with knowledge of the area.
Can’t think of anything
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and for choosing to return after several years Matt! It truly means a lot to us! We're so happy to hear that your stay was relaxing and that the atmosphere felt just as welcoming as before. We also appreciate your kind words about our team’s communication and local knowledge. It’s always our goal to make each visit enjoyable as possible. We look forward to hosting you again in the future! Pura Vida! Cantarana Team & Yorya
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and for choosing to return after several years Matt! It truly means a lot to us! We're so happy to hear that your stay was relaxing and that the atmosphere felt just as welcoming as before. W… Show more
Reviewed: 15 April 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewlocation, lanai, two channels, pool, hot tub, room for our family.
There were two small maintenance and housekeeping issues at the start, but they were remedied quickly and to our satisfaction. It was expensive; very expensive. But it was Spring Break on Marco and the price may have been fair for the size of the house and the time of year. Interesting design: the Primary Bedroom was huge for 2 people. You could easily sleep 5 people in that space.
Reviewed: 31 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewHotel staff answered all my questions prior to our visit. Upon arrival the staff was very friendly and helpful. The hotel was perfect and located in a nice safe area. Hotel Cantarana has a wonderful restaurant and coffee shop. Our family would absolutely stay there again.
Thank you so much for your kind words Rebecca! We’re very content to hear that you felt well taken care of even before your arrival, and that you enjoyed your stay with us in our little piece of paradise! It means a lot to know that you and that you liked our restaurant and coffee shop. We’d be absolutely delighted to welcome you and your family back anytime! Pura Vida! Cantarana Team & Yorya
Thank you so much for your kind words Rebecca! We’re very content to hear that you felt well taken care of even before your arrival, and that you enjoyed your stay with us in our little piece of paradise! It means a lot to know that you and… Show more
Reviewed: 3 March 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 3 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 17 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewVery cute and safe hotel, the bed is comfortable, and staff very nice. Restaurant in the hotel is quite expensive. The location is great, only a couple minutes walk to the beach.
They only gave us one pod of coffee each per day, and wanted to make us pay if we wanted more. And there is no coffee or drink available to guests anywhere else in the hotel. The pool needs some maintenance, a lot of tiles are missing and the accessibility handle is completely broken.
Thanks so much for sharing us your comment Charlotte! We are glad to hear you like our location in this beautiful area of our country, and the closeness to the beach. We're sorry to hear that the number of coffee pods provided didn’t meet your expectations. Please note that we offer two complimentary coffee pods per day for free, along with sugar, extras cost $2 each one, and actually we have our Coffee Shop Canta just downstairs of our restaurant, were we have many coffee options. We have addressed this issue with our maintenance team, they work very hard to keep all our hotel areas clean including the pool, during windy season this could be harder to maintain since we are surround of a lot of beautiful trees. Thanks for choosing us! Hope to see you in the future! Pura Vida! Cantarana Team & Yorya
Thanks so much for sharing us your comment Charlotte! We are glad to hear you like our location in this beautiful area of our country, and the closeness to the beach. We're sorry to hear that the number of coffee pods provided didn’t me… Show more
Reviewed: 28 January 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 18 January 2025 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewLocation is great if you love a nice big clean beach with medium-moderate waves. (Extreme surfers went elsewhere.) I enjoyed watching the surfers on this beach. Most are very graceful. We walked down to the shore every day after breakfast and enjoyed crystal-clear waters, clean sand (except for natural debris washed up by the ocean), and the lovely waves. Meals at their special cafe on-site were quite good. The staff was pleasant though they didn't always get our order correct.
Everything you need to do at Cantarana requires a 200 yard walk down the road to their sister hotel where the shared front-desk is. We didn't receive enough towels: walk to the other place. We needed to ask a question: walk to the other place. We were checking in, or checking out: walk to the other place. It got tedious. In our room there was one wastebasket. One. Which had to stay in the bathroom because in Costa Rica the plumbing is designed for liquid & solid human waste only. Not for toilet paper. Which must be placed, used, into the wastebasket. Which was NOT emptied daily because (we found out only when it was too late) housekeeping is every other day only, unless you specially request an extra visit. That was gross. That wastebasket should be emptied daily, and there should be a separate wastebasket in the room for things like discarded snack wrappers and other small trash. There were not enough towel bars or hanging hooks to hang-dry all our wet bathing things between trips to the beach.
Hello Polly, thank you so much for your detailed review! We're happy to hear you enjoyed the beautiful beach, the waves, and the food at our café. It's also great to know you appreciated watching the surfers—it's definitely a special part of the experience here. We’re very sorry to hear about the inconveniences you experienced. While our reception is located just a 3-minute walk away at our sister hotel, we understand how this can feel tedious. That’s why we always encourage our guests to contact us directly through our messaging apps—we're happy to assist with anything you need, from extra towels to trash removal, without requiring a walk to reception. Our staff is always happy to help and make your stay more comfortable. We also appreciate your suggestions regarding the room setup. Guest feedback like yours helps us improve, and we’re already reviewing these points with our team. Thanks again for your thoughtful comments, and we hope to welcome you back soon! Pura Vida! Cantarana Team & Dylan!
Hello Polly, thank you so much for your detailed review! We're happy to hear you enjoyed the beautiful beach, the waves, and the food at our café. It's also great to know you appreciated watching the surfers—it's definitely a sp… Show more
Reviewed: 10 January 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewIt is comfortable, attractive, and close to the beach. Staff was extremely kind and helpful.
Not being able to flush toilet paper down the toilet (but this might be a policy at all hotels in Playa Grande).
We appreciate your comment Dorie! We are very happy to hear you describe your stay as Relaxing beautiful and that you enjoyed our little piece of paradise! Thanks so much for mentioning our staff members services, We’re so proud to have a dedicated and passionate team. In our country, we’re deeply committed to protecting the environment, and one of the ways we do this is by not flushing toilet paper and this helps prevent water contamination, very common in a big part of our country or national parks, like the one we are located at. It would be a pleasure to host you again on your next visit! Pura Vida! Cantarana Team & Yorya
We appreciate your comment Dorie! We are very happy to hear you describe your stay as Relaxing beautiful and that you enjoyed our little piece of paradise! Thanks so much for mentioning our staff members services, We’re so proud to have a d… Show more
Reviewed: 9 January 2025 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewThe room and pool was very nice and JJ in the staff was great. The restaurant had good food. The location close to the secluded beach and the animals you came across everywhere was really a big added bonus.
The breakfast was very expensive and then you couldn’t even choose from the whole menu. Some of the ones you can choose from are also all of a sudden unavailable. Big minus for the breakfast.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your comment Anna! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your room, the pool, and our beautiful surroundings, it’s wonderful that our location and the wildlife made your stay even more special. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to JJ, he’ll be very happy to hear them! We also appreciate your comments regarding the breakfast. We’re sorry to hear it didn’t meet your expectations and that some options were unavailable, during busy days sometimes we can run out of products, like every other restaurant. Your feedback is very valuable! Thanks again for choosing us! We hope to see in the future! Pura Vida! Cantarana Team & Yorya
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your comment Anna! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your room, the pool, and our beautiful surroundings, it’s wonderful that our location and the wildlife made your stay even more specia… Show more
Reviewed: 6 January 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewService was amazing, hotel was beautiful
Thank you for your fantastic review Rivki! Thanks so much for choosing us! We’re thrilled that we exceeded your expectations! It’s feedback like yours that motivates us to continue providing outstanding service. We can't wait to welcoming you again! Pura Vida! Cantarana Team & Yorya
Thank you for your fantastic review Rivki! Thanks so much for choosing us! We’re thrilled that we exceeded your expectations! It’s feedback like yours that motivates us to continue providing outstanding service. We can't wait to welcomi… Show more
Reviewed: 29 December 2024 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewThe staff was great and super accommodating! Yorya helped us organize a turtle tour and a surfing class before we got there. Both activities were top notch, and it was our favorite surfing lesson so far in Costa Rica (ask for Allan). Easy to get to the beach. Room and bed were very comfortable. On site restaurant was a bit pricey (but on par with other places in the area) but had good quality food. We really liked the poke. Our room was upstairs, so nice and quiet. We'd love to come back here during our next trip.
Nothing
Reviewed: 22 December 2024 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewWe love this little hotel, and especially the staff that work at reception and at the bar/restaurant. Thanks to Mario, Luis and Yorga the vibe is friendly and welcoming - truy like coming home - and the area is tranquil. The location is perfect for us (close to beach/surfing). Cantaranna's sister(brother;o) hotel is the Manglar, which is steps away, with more rooms and a bigger pool. We prefer the Cantarana as it is quieter, but the Manglar is a lovely hotel as well.
It's not a big deal, but the power and wifi go out regularly during the day/night. It self=fixes in minutes, so not at all an issue, just something to be aware of.
Hola Paul, We appreciate so much your words and the time you took to share us more about your lastest experience at our hotel. Our staff is always looking to provide the best service and help whenever possible, however, our stars Yorya, Luis and Mario are very pleased to know you found their attention fenomenal! Both location and Hotel are the ideal spot around for surfers and people looking for full relaxation to a beach on sight and nice restaurants too, as we strive to give the warmest welcome and experience possible, we're thrilled to know your stay was pleasant. Overall signal and power outages is something we work to deal with very regularly,but due to our location which is something significantly important, that impacts on this matter, this can happen at anytime. Thank you for the remark, please rest assure our staff will always do their best to help in any circumstance. Hope to have you back with us! Pura vida, Gerson.
Hola Paul, We appreciate so much your words and the time you took to share us more about your lastest experience at our hotel. Our staff is always looking to provide the best service and help whenever possible, however, our stars Yorya, L… Show more
Reviewed: 5 December 2024 · Stayed in November 2024
Verified reviewGreat location if you want to have close beach access to a less populated section of beach. Rooms were great size and the pool/ lounge area was great.
Room indicates king size bed, but it was not. It was not conveniently located to many food options in playa grande. More bugs in room than expected for the area (ants).
Hola Shannon! We're very thrilled with your latest experience with us and cannot thank you enough for your beautiful words. It's exciting to know how much you've enjoyed of our amenities and location, as much as us locals do! We are really sorry for the inconvenience and difference, however, we make sure our guest's are fully aware that this is subject to hotel's availably, reason to which is also stated on booking.com before reserving. Regarding the ants encounters, since of our gorgeous location, full of vegetation and life, to avoid such incidents at a 100% success rate is impossible, but our hotel staff will always be happy yo assist you handling them! Hope for a different occasion to provide a much more improved experience with us. Pura vida! Gerson & Hotel Cantarana.
Hola Shannon! We're very thrilled with your latest experience with us and cannot thank you enough for your beautiful words. It's exciting to know how much you've enjoyed of our amenities and location, as much as us locals do! … Show more
Reviewed: 4 December 2024 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 14 November 2024 · Stayed in November 2024
Verified reviewGreat location, excellent restaurant right at the hotel. Check-in is at the sister hotel down the street. Short walk to the beach. Nice neighborhood.
Nothing
Hola Jennifer Muchas gracias, for sharing your latest experience with us! How splendid it is to see our guests enjoy of your location and restaurant as well. By providing the different options for check in, hoping that each guest finds the most comfort with our services. We look forward to seeing you again! pura vida, Gerson & Team Manglar.
Hola Jennifer Muchas gracias, for sharing your latest experience with us! How splendid it is to see our guests enjoy of your location and restaurant as well. By providing the different options for check in, hoping that each guest finds the… Show more
Reviewed: 5 November 2024 · Stayed in November 2024
Verified reviewThe beds were super comfortable and the rooms were spacious. It was close to the beach and had a great pool area! We also loved our patio space with the hammock. Having the bistro there was fabulous!
Thanks so much for such great review Alysa! It's incredibly rewarding to know that we were able to meet your expectations! We are always striving to create memorable experiences for our guests, and knowing that we succeeded in doing so for you makes all the difference. We all are grateful to have the chance to meeting you and assisting you! We can not wait to seeing you all next time! Always welcome! Pura Vida! Yorya & Cantarana Team.
Thanks so much for such great review Alysa! It's incredibly rewarding to know that we were able to meet your expectations! We are always striving to create memorable experiences for our guests, and knowing that we succeeded in doing so… Show more
Reviewed: 26 September 2024 · Stayed in August 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 28 August 2024 · Stayed in August 2024
Verified reviewAndrea is awesome. Ask her anything. She is the advice guru. The neighborhood is safe, it is a gated community with lots of community support, each hotel has something to offer and they all suggest each other as options. The biggest hotel might have 10 rooms. Lots of houses too. The beds are comfy, our room had a kitchenette with all the things we needed to make simple meals. There is a freezer too. There is an AWESOME restaurant and bar on the property. We made our own coffee daily Britt coffee machine pods and a traditional coffee maker. The property does have a simple coffee shop too. The beds are super comfortable, the porch is great. Pool is perfect!! There is an outdoor shower. Things to consider: rent or buy a shade for the beach. I suggest buying one if you are going to be there more than a couple of days. There is a Walmart in San Jose and Liberia. Liberia Walmart is easy to get to, San Jose was a bit busy. The only sort of shade offered at Walmart was the 4 legged pop up. It would work great. The rental shades at the hotel and in town are different than those more like a cloth tarp with legs. They are nice but require a bit of sand and finesse. Beach Chairs are nice because there are lots of sand critters, nothing dangerous just lots of busy sand crabs. A thick matt or big towel would do the trick Private beach access is awesome. Many times we had the beach to ourselves. It is a big beach. The surf is great! Boogie board rental locally is a good idea $40 for a week, if you aren’t a surfer but there are good lessons for surfing for about 40.00. (Aug 24’) The rentals are dropped off at the hotel or you can pick them up. Andrea can arrange it for you if you would like. Bring bug spray. The trail to the beach has hungry mosquitoes. Tips are included in purchases and there isn’t a line to add more. (10%) We loved the stay and the people. We would stay there again in a heartbeat 💗
It was a perfect, quiet place to stay.
Dear Guest Mendee, Thank you so much for your detailed and glowing review! We’re thrilled to hear that Andrea made such a positive impact on your stay and that you enjoyed the safe, supportive community atmosphere. It sounds like you really took advantage of all the amenities and activities available, from the comfortable beds and kitchenette to the awesome restaurant and beach access. Your tips on renting or buying beach shade and dealing with local critters are incredibly helpful, and we appreciate you sharing your experience with the coffee options and surf rentals. It’s wonderful to know that you had such a relaxing and enjoyable time, and that you’d consider staying with us again. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future! Pura Vida, Team Cantarana & Gerson.
Dear Guest Mendee, Thank you so much for your detailed and glowing review! We’re thrilled to hear that Andrea made such a positive impact on your stay and that you enjoyed the safe, supportive community atmosphere. It sounds like you reall… Show more
Reviewed: 19 August 2024 · Stayed in August 2024
Verified reviewGreat location If you’re trying to surf and stay outside of tamarindo. Staff was extremely helpful. The bistro also has some good food and shoutout to the staff up there, they have a very fun and friendly vibe.
The mosquitos lol
Hola Leal! Thank you so much for sharing your Experience with us and we're so glad it was pleasant All the appreciation towards our staff is greatly received, it is encouraging for us to know our whole team is of the most help when it comes to our guest/client needs! We take pride on our whole team but also our location, which seems to have been of the most convenience for you as well, since is quite a delight to enjoy for surfer and nature lovers. We strive to provide the best experience and quality, in services and amenities, a reason to why we are very captivated by your comment. We hope to have the pleasure of have you guys back with us again in a not so far future! Pura Vida! Gerson & Team Cantarana.
Hola Leal! Thank you so much for sharing your Experience with us and we're so glad it was pleasant All the appreciation towards our staff is greatly received, it is encouraging for us to know our whole team is of the most help when it c… Show more
Reviewed: 22 July 2024 · Stayed in June 2024
Verified review