El Ocotal Resort – Costa Rica Hotels – Debbie's Caribbean Travel & Resort Reviews

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El Ocotal Resort   ~  Reviews Posted – 2

El Ocotal Resort

Pat and Mike — Calgary

March 2004

It is true, this is a gem of a place!

The views are gorgeous in every direction. The hotel is built into a cliff side and every room has a terrific view. The 3 swimming pools are smallish, but are peaceful with plenty of lawn chairs. They are also cleaned several times per day. Our room was very spacious and clean. There were no bugs in the room! On previous visits to Costa Rica, the bugs have been a terrible problem. No issue at the Ocotal. It is a quiet spot and fairly remote so would not suit lively youngsters or a party crowd.

The breakfast was excellent, lots of good food both hot and cold. My only complaint was the main restaurant and their prices. Without a car, you are captive to this hotel (taxi, bike or on foot are the only way out – no bus) and while the food was good in the restaurant it was 3 times the price of the same meal in the town! Wine and drinks were the same. Kind of left a sour note to be price gouged like this. I recommend you take a taxi to El Coco ($5 each way). They have wonderful restaurants there and very, reasonable for food and wine. Recommend Papagayos Seafood and the Louisiana restaurant. You will not be disappointed.

There is a lot of climbing hills at this resort, there is a car that will take you up and down the hill to the beach or pools, but we didn’t like the wait.

If you want beautiful views, friendly staff, yummy food (in the town), immaculate rooms and pretty grounds, then you will love this place.

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El Ocotal Resort

Peter & Debbie — Kingston, ON, Canada

April 2003

Just returned from Costa Rica and the best caribbean vacation yet. We’re half hesitant to rave about this resort for the sake of keeping a jewel more secret, however, it’s only fair to share and the operator certainly deserves the praise.

From the all oceanview rooms to the diving and sport fishing facilities to the wonderful a la carte restaurant, this smaller Guanacaste resort with three swimming pools (no disco or golf) certainly fit the bill for a laid back vacation with an opportunity for as much adventure (ecotours and such) as you would want. We enjoyed the half mile private beach and could use the sea kayaks, snorkel equipment and tennis courts daily.

Because of its size, guests have a more personal rapport with the staff and management. Thank you Nelson, Ronald, Christine and all for a wonderful stay. We’ll be back!

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Last updated: March 5, 2004

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