Ursula B.
The Pros of this hotel are many. Iguana room 5 was spacious, clean, tastefully and comfortably furnished. Lots of windows with proper covers to diffuse the light. Looks onto the pool and jungle so you can watch the monkeys, sloths, birds and even the two legged animals! And yes there were many! Our suite had a fridge with a proper ice cube tray (yeah!) and what held quite a bit if you'd rather purchase some lunch type of food. They also had 2 each of wine glasses, drink glasses, and coffee cups, as well as cutting knife, scissors, and other utensils. A blender and a coffee urn with powdered milk and of course sweetener and sugar. There was a fair amount of storage for your clothes but could use more hangers. There is also a safe in the room, a couch, coffee table, microwave, ottoman, soaps, conditioner, shampoo, hair dryer, towels and beach towels are available for you to take to the beach. Comfortable pillows and the bed was very comfortable. Our air conditioner worked fine. The restaurant served 5 choices for the free breakfast and the french toast is out of this world! Our friends also loved the omelette and the American breakfast was as should be, cooked to order. Sausage in Costa Rica is a bit different than what we in North American would consider it to be, but still good. We also had lunch and dinner at the restaurant with hit and miss results. But for the most part good and lots! Also if you have a tour before the restaurant opens, the day before you can request a box breakfast which comes with fruit, juice, yogurt, and a breakfast wrap which was delicious! They deliver it to your room the night before. The beach Playa Biesanz a jaunt down (and I mean down a hill) a very busy road but quite doable for a 65+ very overweight me. It was a beautiful beach, all sand, but there is an undertow and lots of waves but that didn't stop us from going in and having fun in those waves. Instead of trying to walk up the hill back to the hotel you can walk down the beach where we stopped for a beverage and snack before taking the bus up the hill. We still had to walk down to the hotel but it's way easier and less hot than going up! There are two small pools. One is warmer than the other. These are not for doing laps but cooling off and just enjoying the water and having fun. The beach loungers are plentiful and they provide beach towels. Right by the bar as well. They do charge it to your room so you don't need to bring any cash down. There are grocery stores just up the hill from the hotel and other restaurants. Yes it's a busy road at times, but remember to be a good pedestrian and it's not a problem. Manual Antonia Park is very close to this hotel and there are lots of tours to other activities in the area. We did not have a car so we used the transit system and we had drivers. The staff were absolutely amazing! I wish I could remember their names but the only name I remember is Christopher. But everyone there were polite, helpful and always smiling. Even the cleaning staff would greet you cheerfully. Lovely staff! Construction is next door but we didn't hear a lot of it as we were out exploring and at night they have shut down. The tower beside it might have been more bothered by it. What I would improve is: 1) more hangers in the closet 2) bring the safety deposit box down from above the microwave for us short people! We had to climb up on something or get our taller friend to open it up and get things from it 3) and my biggest pet peeve - having to pay in US funds! We should be able to pay in colons. So that is my review. I hope that this helps you on your journey to Costa Rica!