Best Western Camino a Tamarindo

Explore the coast, return to the pool

Set out for a beach, then return for a swim and a little hammock time. Best Western Camino a Tamarindo makes that rhythm appealing for travelers with a rental car who want to explore more than one part of the Guanacaste coast. The hotel is about 15 minutes from Tamarindo, with Tamarindo, Flamingo and Conchal beaches all within 20 miles.

Beach days, another side of Guanacaste

Tamarindo's surfing scene can be a reason to take a lesson, while diving, snorkeling, wave-runner outings and mangrove kayaking give the coast other possibilities. The region also offers rafting on different rivers and at different levels, so you can choose an outing around the kind of activity you enjoy rather than assuming every day needs to be a beach day.

A Santa Rosa National Park tour brings history into the journey with a visit to La Casona, associated with Costa Rica's defense against invading forces in 1856. A short walk through tropical dry forest offers a chance to look for wildlife; the excursion also visits Liberia for souvenir shopping and lunch. Ask about the current itinerary when arranging that outing, then return to the hotel for a slower evening.

A balcony between outings

This three-star hotel gives you two room categories to compare. Tropical Premium rooms have satellite plasma television, an alarm clock, hair dryer, room service, safe, coffee maker and telephone. Garden rooms have cable or satellite television, an alarm clock, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, desk and room service, with adjoining rooms available. Both categories combine balconies with pool or garden views, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, complimentary high-speed internet and blackout curtains. Currency exchange, fax and photocopy services add practical support when you need it, leaving the pool and hammocks for the hours you choose to keep free.

A swim in the pool, time in a hammock or a meal at the restaurant can make the afternoon feel quite different from the day’s drives. The bar and available massage services give you more reasons to enjoy an easier few hours at the hotel before setting out again.

The location works best when driving is part of your plans. Choose it for the freedom to explore different beaches and nearby activities, then leave time to enjoy the pool rather than treating the hotel only as a place to sleep.

Highlights to help you choose

• About 15 minutes from Tamarindo, the hotel suits couples or families with a rental car who want to explore the area. Beach visits require an outing from the property; choose it for touring flexibility rather than direct beachfront access.
• Tamarindo, Flamingo and Conchal beaches are all within 20 miles, giving you several coastal choices during one stay instead of spending every day at the same beach.
• Surf lessons, wave-runner outings, diving, snorkeling, mangrove kayaking and regional rafting bring different kinds of activity to the trip. Arrange those outings around your interests and transport plans.
• A Santa Rosa National Park excursion adds La Casona's history and tropical dry-forest wildlife observation, with a stop in Liberia for souvenirs and lunch; confirm the current excursion itinerary when booking.
• A pool and hammocks give you a place to unwind between drives, while the restaurant, bar and available massage services support a day spent closer to the hotel.
• Tropical Premium and Garden rooms have balconies with pool or garden views, cooling and complimentary internet. Adjoining Garden rooms are available; choose Premium for a coffee maker and safe rather than assuming every category has identical extras.
• Free WiFi and practical services such as currency exchange, fax and photocopying help with travel arrangements. The hotel's strongest fit is an exploratory stay that leaves some time for the pool as well as the beaches.