Hotel Santarena was definitely a highlight in our trip. It’s located in the cutest town of las Catalina’s about an hour or so drive from Liberia Airport. The staff is super friendly and accommodating. We enjoyed spending time at the bar and at Danita beach-a short walk from hotel. I recommend the carnaval and ponche guanacasteco! Very refreshing. We had no concerns about construction in the area. We never heard any construction noise. There’s everything you need in the town of las Catalina’s, a convenience store, spa, beach, a variety of restaurants. Can’t wait to return and see the how the town has developed.
We stayed in Las Catalinas four years ago so it was great to check out the new hotel that has been built since. The design, decor and ambience is stunning and the staff service was excellent. A big thanks to Randall for assisting us so quickly and graciously with a small issue. We loved the rooftop pool! Ponciana did not disappoint and the cafe was great too. Two small suggestions…chairs on the balconies that face the water so you can have a drink or coffee overlooking the ocean and perhaps a small refrigerator or ice machine on the floors. Pura vida and hasta luego!
We stayed at hotel Santarena and had a lovely time. Yes the hotel has no coffee machines or fridges in the rooms and would it be nice if those are added in, sure but it was not a deal breaker for us. The water in the taps is all clean which I assume is why there are no plastic single use bottles (environmentally friendly) so bring a water bottle to fill. We liked the food a lot but did get sick of it after a week. Having said that, there are some great local restaurants that you can take a cheap cab to. There is construction but honestly, we didn't notice the noise once. The people were all friendly and the beach is beautiful. The beach club is lovely but is an extra cost. If you're a pool person, this may not be the place for you because the pool on the roof is small but has a stunning view of the ocean. Overall, we would return. No hotel is perfect. We'll take this over the Riu any day!…
We were on a family adventure tour group and stayed here for two nights and an extra after the tour was over. Located on the beach in a large development made to look like a Pueblo (seemed more European to me). The hotel lobby is beautifully and tastefully decorated, great bar and friendly staff. The drinks are fantastic, I tried many and my favorite was the Rum Guanacastello. The rooms are spacious with comfortable beds and good bathrooms. The rooftop pool is small, but enjoyable (not family friendly because of the drop at the edge of the pool). There are two restaurants connected of the hotel and both are good. The Italian one makes really good handmade pastas, do eat here. One improvement I would suggest to the property is a foot bath near the entrance to wash one’s feet of the sand from a day at the beach.…
Had a wonderful time! I was worried before arrival reading some of the reviews but i think people forget this is a four start hotel, but a very good one at that. If you are looking for the Four Seasons experience, this is not that but neither is the price/night …you can’t have it both ways or hold them up to a 5 star resort experience or expectation. The hotel is unique in that it is situated within the town of Las Catalinas so its not a resort but part of small very quaint and walkable town with such beautiful architecture. Check-in was great and the front desk staff were always super nice and accommodating. It is true there is no coffee maker or ice but the staff was always great whenever we needed something. The beach is public and can be a bit more crowded on the weekend but we always found a spot for a great day at the beach. Sunsets are amazing. Again if you are expecting hotel lounge chairs and beach service, you’ve booked the wrong hotel and you shouldn’t give a poor review bc of this (although there is a great rental store on the beach with chairs, lattes, ice cream, drinks, etc). We had great food, service, beds are amazing, and yes the breakfast got tired after the first week with only 3 selections with breakfast included option but there is a bakery and grocery store you can walk to that makes amazing smoothies to mix things up. This hotel is situated within the town so there is some construction but it was no where near as bad as people described in my opinion. Once you settle into the rhythm of Costa Rican life and the charm this beautiful town and hotel possesses, you will have a great time. For a four star hotel I give it 5 stars and look forward to coming back!…
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