Bongo

The people made this six-night stay especially good. The owners and staff went out of their way to help with anything we needed, from directions and suggestions to teaching us about Costa Rica. We can’t wait to return to Hotel Bongo. Our cottage was tucked into the jungle, where we watched birds, lizards, and monkeys from the front patio and open-air dining area. The room was clean, the air conditioning was very cold, and having a fridge was handy. Breakfast was fresh, delicious, and generous enough to fuel our daily adventures.

One of the best parts of BongO is getting to Playa La Macha, a beautiful, uncrowded beach with stunning views and a peaceful feel. It takes around a 25-minute walk, including a tricky slope to get down, but I think it’s worth it. I’ve been to Quepos dozens of times, and BongO remains one of my favorite places. It’s close to Manuel Antonio, with a natural, relaxing atmosphere and very friendly staff.

We spent five days here over Christmas 2024. Each bedroom is its own little house among nature, and it was very quiet. We saw so many birds and monkeys right by our room, more than at some parks. The location is convenient for the beaches and Quepos, and breakfast was good. The staff were kind and helpful. My only suggestion is that the bedroom decor could use a refresh.

The trees around the place make the setting nice, and you can spot monkeys and lots of birds. But the property needs a lot of repairs. It felt more like a higher-level hostel, and the staff are foreign volunteers who work in exchange for staying there. The concrete steps down to the rooms are falling apart and don’t feel safe, so ask for a room that doesn’t require using them. Breakfast was three stars.