Nandel Beach Resort

The beach is quiet, windy, and beautiful, and the rooms are clean with comfortable beds and memorable views. We were lucky to end up at Nandel beach resort, which is a welcoming, peaceful place. The restaurant food was delicious at every meal, and the servers were all warm and gracious. Everyone who works there was friendly and helpful. Special thanks to Alexander, Felipe, Katherine and Maria Jose.

We came to learn kitesurfing and had a wonderful time with Costa Kite. The wind makes this a great place for the sport, though probably not somewhere to stay if wind isn’t what you want. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful, and we really liked the breakfast. We also arranged some lovely tours through the hotel’s counterparts. The hotel still has local charm and isn’t too built up. We rented bikes there too. They weren’t very well maintained, but did the trick.

The branding and 4-star rating set expectations this property didn’t meet. Nandel is called a “Resort,” but the stay didn’t offer much comfort or ease, let alone luxury. It might be acceptable as a very basic hotel, but didn’t feel like what its name and rating promised. At check-in, we had to sign several sheets of rules. They banned food and drinks anywhere on the property and ice buckets, and another document listed charges for lost towels and room cards. It gave things a punitive feel from the start. The rooms were bare bones, with cheap-feeling beds and bedding, little attention to detail, and mildew-smelling pillows. There was a strong, unmistakable septic smell from the bathrooms behind reception when we arrived. The receptionist said it was insecticide, which clearly smelled different. That odor was noticeable in several areas, and the misrepresentation undermined my trust. The pool was one of the better features, with cool, clear water and plenty of seating, but the area looked worn, some tiles were missing, and debris floated around all day because the surface wasn’t skimmed. The food also didn’t feel like resort dining. Flavors were bland, plating was very basic, and there seemed to be no chef on site or effort put into presentation. Still, the prices matched the quality, and there was ice-cold Imperial beer. My other concern was uneven rule enforcement. Despite all the guest rules, staff served glass beer bottles poolside, an obvious hazard if one broke near or in the pool. There are plenty of rules, but too little attention to enforcing the ones that matter.

The room was attractive, fairly spacious, and looked out over the pools, but we missed having basic things like a fridge, microwave, iron, hair dryer, or spare blankets and pillows. The price was also higher than what we could have paid at places such as Punta Leona, so I wouldn't return unless they made some changes. We chose nandel as a treat after going to the Nicaraguan border to renew our visas. It's about 50 minutes from Penas Blancas Frontera, and the beachfront setting is lovely. The resort itself is beautiful, with pretty pools and comfortable poolside seating. But the beach is basically a sandbank, not much good for swimming or even wading. There was just one umbrella and a few chairs, all occupied by an employee, and nowhere else to sit and enjoy the ocean. The pools weren't heated either. With the strong wind and cool temperatures that day, we didn't feel like putting on swimsuits. Breakfast was included, but there was no buffet, just a limited menu with portions that varied a lot. My husband got the substantial Guanacaste typical breakfast. I ordered french toast and got three pieces of wonder-type bread, plus a tiny cup of diced fruit that wouldn't cover the toast. No eggs, bacon, or other fruit.