Sarah S.
Yelp
Yes. YES!!! This place was well worth the splurge. I did so much research on where to stay, and decided that Hacienda Tamarindo was worth stretching the budget. It also helped that they were willing to let us book for 1 night due to some poor planning on my part. If you go, stay 2 at least. We booked the cheapest room, the "standard," because we didn't expect to stay too much time there. Booking was easy online, and they also arranged a Jeep rental for us, for a cheaper rate than I found online for the rental agencies. The car rental place came to pick us up at Tamarindo too.
The location is wonderful - right outside Esperanza, which is by far nicer than Isabel II, the other town where the ferry and airport are located. Rent a Jeep. It's worth it. Very close to the bio bay pick ups and also lots of restaurants to choose from.
We arrived and checked in by the friendly owner. The manager took us on a tour of the facility and explained how the honor system worked for food and drink, plus other equipment that they have available, like snorkels, suntan lotion, etc. It's easy: you take what you want and record it, and pay the bill at the end. They have a full bar and cold waters, sodas, juices and beer. They also have an awesome service where you can get a menu and order a cooler of lunch for the next day. We took advantage of this and found it to be well worth the $10 a person. You can choose a sandwich or cheese with crackers and veggies, plus fruit, chips and cookies. There are a couple vegetarian options. You pick up your labeled backpack cooler the next day and take it to the beach. Very easy and cheaper than things you'd find on the island, not to mention convenient when you're just on the beach and want to snack!
Our room was a good size, with a wall of windows with blinds that open to let the air in. There was also a ceiling fan and a fan on the floor. We were more than cool enough at night. The bed was very comfortable. The only complaint I have is that our room was right outside the dining area for breakfast, and the door is literally blinds, so not being solid, we could hear the kitchen clanging early, and people dining. We didn't mind so much because we wanted to get up to take advantage of our day, but it's something to take into consideration. Not all rooms are located there but several are, so if it will bother you, make sure you ask when you book.
Speaking of breakfast, the breakfast here increases the value of staying here a lot. It is like a restaurant! You get a menu and can order whatever you want, and how much you want. They always have eggs, fruit, toast, English muffins, hash browns, and a huge variety of fresh fruit juices. Plus specials - the day we were there, it was pancakes with nuts and cranberries. I had that, pineapple juice, canteloupe, English muffin and hash browns. After all, I wanted to take advantage of this! My husband had all of that PLUS an omelet and sausage! It was all delicious.
The grounds are gorgeous and the scenery picturesque. Sweeping views of the sea and lots of greenery! It's high on a hill so the views were amazing. The pool was also very nice, with these same views. Oh, and no small kids or babies are allowed, making it very peaceful!
We'd definitely stay here again.