Anona Guesthouse

Sean was so helpful and knew a lot about activities around the area. He also clearly loves gardening, because the shared outdoor space feels like a peaceful little oasis. Our group found the units clean, well cared for, and roomy enough for everyone. The beach is about a five-minute walk, and there’s a refreshing pool that works well for kids. Each apartment has a full kitchen, and there’s a nearby supermarket for groceries. We loved our stay and would recommend Anona Guesthouse for a quiet tropical getaway near the ocean and outdoor activities.

The host was accommodating, and we appreciated being allowed to leave the final two days after a last-minute, same-day booking during the wet season. I initially left a positive Airbnb review because I know anything under 4.2 gets taken down. After the host saw my 3-star review here and left me a bad one, I decided to add photos and give a less sugar-coated account. We left even though it meant losing 50% for the next two nights, and had another place booked by 10 pm on our first night. The place smelled old and shut up, and it was dirty with cobwebs. There were lizards inside, and the AC thumped against the wall enough to interrupt sleep. A cat outside was overly friendly, and in the rain the smell of its poop made me gag. The AC was loud, too. There’s lots of nature close by, though that wasn’t all a plus for us. This was during wet season, when I assume they get fewer guests. I’m personally not a fan of the nearby beach. Playa del Coco felt safer to us because there were more people, and we liked its atmosphere better. There are three Playa Hermosas in Costa Rica, so I’m not sure if this is the one that means “the beautiful one.” I put the rating back to 3 stars because the stay was mediocre. It doesn’t deserve a 1 out of 5.

We were six friends and had a blast. The area felt safe, and our parking spot was right by the home behind a locked gate. There’s a nice pool, barbecue, and beach chairs, and little paths from the property get you to the beach in about two minutes. Playa del Coco is around a 10-minute drive if you’re after nightlife. There’s a casino with a nice bar out front.

I love it here. The apartments are beautiful, with a laid-back, charming feel, and the place is surrounded by jungle. Playa Hermosa beach is gorgeous and close by. Make sure to catch the sunsets!