Cabinas Ostional

There are grocery stores and restaurants nearby, and the place has gated parking, though it’s limited, plus open air picnic tables. Inside, expect basic rooms rather than anything fancy: decent bunk beds, fans, A/C, daily cleaning, a private bathroom and shower, towels, basic linens and a pillow. There’s also a large working fridge and an outlet for charging a phone. This is about the only option in the small town. The rural stretch is only 5-7 km long and is under government zoning supervision, so there are no hotels. There’s no street lighting, and businesses close by 8-10 pm. Nature is the reason: Olive Ridley turtles come ashore at night to lay eggs less than 300 meters from the main street.

Gilbert and Maria run a beautiful place, and they’re the friendliest people. They care a lot about the turtles and work hard to make sure everyone has a wonderful stay.

The price began at $40, then doubled when she realized I was a gringa.

Elmith and Roberto, who own Cabina Ostional, were very welcoming and easy to reach on WhatsApp. The small room sleeps four and was comfortable, with a clean bathroom, a good shower, a fridge, and reliable Wi-Fi. There’s no hot water, but the area is warm and the water comes out at room temperature. We paid around US$40 for one night, and there’s parking on site. The guesthouse is practically across from Ostional beach. Soda Yosis is nearby and has very good breakfast and lunch; Sr. Roberto recommended it. The owners are also guides with the Asociación de Guías Locales de Ostional, and they’re great guides for seeing the famous arribada of the sea turtles.