Hotel Banana Azul

We stayed four nights at Banana Azul and had a really lovely time. Our room was very clean and the temperature was always comfortable thanks to the fan. The whole property is beautiful and surrounded by nature, with direct access to the beach and private loungers — the ocean here is simply stunning. One of our highlights was walking along the beach and spotting so many animals: sloths, monkeys, exotic birds and butterflies. It truly felt like a little nature paradise. The hotel is located about a 30-minute walk from Puerto Viejo town, where you can find great cocktails and a lively atmosphere in the evenings. The hotel itself is more quiet and relaxing, which we really enjoyed. The only downside for us was the beach bar service — it often took quite a long time to order drinks and to receive them. The breakfast was also a bit disappointing: only a few options to choose from, small portions (except for the Costa Rican breakfast, which was very good), and we missed having fresh fruit, which feels essential in Costa Rica. The staff was polite, and although they didn’t seem very warm at the beginning, they became much friendlier over time. Overall, a beautiful place by the ocean with magical nature experiences — perfect for relaxing and enjoying the Caribbean vibe.

The beds aren't that comfortable. The properties location is great! For the rooms that don't have AC it would be nice if the owner would provide additional fans or Give the option of additional fans at check in. We were in ocean breeze room and the thought of the additional locked door at the bottom of the stairs is nice except you can reach your hand though and open it without a key. Maybe have a lock that needs a key on both sides. No fridge and they only offer a cooler. Except there isn't anywhere to refill the ice unless the restaurant is open.

This is an adult only hotel. Small but very cute and space is used very wisely. A few rooms are located next to the restaurant/bar, a few right above, some on the building next to it and some on a different building at 3 minutes walking distance in which I consider the best location if you love the quite. I rented a room that looks like a cabin and was beautiful. The people are very nice and the food is very good. A small store is located across the street and parking area. The hotel is by the beach where some room may have a beach view. You can rent transportation (tuc-tuc) to near by restaurants or other beach. You can request tours from the same hotel and rent four track, bikes and motorcycles.

Stayed here for six nights and enjoyed our experience. The hotel is clean, with a small pool and direct access to a beautiful beach with beach chairs. Staff were helpful throughout our stay, always asking if we needed anything. Only downside really is that the restaurant is quite expensive, with limited options. You're better off paying 4,000 CRC (~$8) to travel into town, where there are much cheaper options.

We stayed for a total of 5 days in tropical room 10. PROS: The hotels location! It’s in a perfect location, not too far from town. The staff were SO friendly and willing to help you with whatever you needed. The room set up was quite nice. I loved the “outdoor” shower and tub. The property itself is located right next to the beach, it’s like a 30 second walk to the sand. There was a bar and a nice sitting area with a fire just before the beach. The grocery store is right there too, so snacks and drinks are always readily available if you don’t want to eat at the restaurant. CONS:It’s literally right next to the kitchen, so it’s pretty loud throughout the day up until around 10-1030 when the staff are done for the day. You step out of your room into the dining area, which is also loud. We could hear every time the room above us used the restroom or shower, the water drains right above you. (None of this necessarily bothered me, this is more of a “just so you are aware”) All in all, I wasn’t dissatisfied with our stay, we didn’t spend a whole lot of time at the resort since we were out doing touristy stuff. I would stay here again, honestly.

My stay here was nice very relaxing and if you are going into town, get a scooter, 4 wheeler etc. I took a star off due to dirty sheets upon arrival. Makes wonder if they changed the sheets from the person before, as as soon as I pull the cover back I seen it. See pics below Food here is good, waiters are nice.

We enjoyed a lovely afternoon at banana azul while transferring from Panama to SJO. The staff was lovely and helpful but the property was exceptional with a gorgeous beach location. Beautiful gardens, relaxing chill music, clean beach chairs and beachside or poolside bar service. The bartender Angelo was fantastic with his attentive professional service and delicious daiquiris. The lunch was fresh and tasty. Highly recommend spending an afternoon here for chill vibes if passing through or staying in Puerto Viejo area.

*PLEASE DO NOT BELIEVE THE PICTURES* Positives: - Diane at reception and the kitchen crew were wonderful - breakfast was fine, did the trick. - beach spot is beautiful and good access to town Negatives: - Guys, this place is *run down*. We originally booked in the frog suite and upgraded to the villa banana suite bc of how suffocatingly musty it smelled. - villa banana suite: it’s not clean with dirt every where, the doors don’t lock or close properly, the door screens are ripped allowing for insects to come in. The towels and curtains all had deep stains, the floors were sticky, the private plunge pool was gross and most of the tiles were broken (we never used it bc of this). The faucets were so old and run down that the shower one kept coming out of the wall. The lamp next to the bed was decapitated . - You can’t call yourself a 4 star hotel, it’s a 2 at best, really it’s sooooo poorly kept over the years. - at checkout, the person asked us to pay for a breakfast add on that we already paid for. We clarified and she said okay no problem. After we left, she literally charged us. We went back and she essentially said that she didn’t think we paid, which we absolutely did. Eventually she reversed the charges, but it was not professional.