Hacienda La Pacífica Eco-Lodge

The bungalow style rooms have their own outdoor seating, so we could sit with coffee and enjoy the quiet. Our room was clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully arranged, and breakfast was fresh and generous. The staff were welcoming and very helpful. We only stayed one night and had no complaints, especially for the price. It’s a convenient place to pause on the drive between the airport and La Fortuna, about halfway along and just off the highway. The grounds are spacious and beautiful, and the layout gives the rooms a calm, private feel. I’d recommend it for a comfortable, peaceful stop before continuing toward the Arenal region.

It’s sad to say this, because we used to love this hotel and often recommended it. We stayed there many times and even thought about holding a family event there. Now the facilities and service have declined a lot. They also used to accept pets, but no longer do, which disappointed us. On recent visits, the rooms seemed poorly maintained, especially the cheaper ones. Some were dark with almost no natural light and felt neglected. On one stay, the towels were torn and stained, which was shocking given how good the hotel used to be. We also emailed several times for a quote for a family event using the address on the official website and got no reply. When we called, the receptionist was rude and dismissive, suggesting we had sent the email wrong even after we explained we used the listed contact details. She gave the address too quickly, then refused to repeat it when I asked. She said she had guests at the desk and would contact me later on WhatsApp, but never did.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and most spoke English, which was great for me. My suite was a good size, with a semi-private walkout patio, and mine was tucked away at the back of the property. The whole place felt more like the countryside than a tourist spot, well away from big cities. I’d highly recommend it. It costs more than a $500-a-week Costa Rica trip, but I thought the extra money was worth it.

The restaurant had lots of choices, and the staff there were very friendly. Our suite was large, clean, and comfortable for our family of three. We spent two nights at Hacienda La Pacifica while traveling to Nosara. There’s a pleasant little path to the pool, which also has a small section for kids. We took a nice short outing to the nearby Las Pumas Rescue Centre. Aside from that, I don’t think there’s much to do near the hotel.