Buen Camino Hotel, San Mateo

We came to rent a bike and ended up staying the night. It’s a beautiful hidden gem, and we’d happily come back for another ride, maybe with another overnight stay. The only downside was that they didn’t seem able to handle a wedding alongside their regular guests.

The casita was cozy, and getting to unplug for a few days was lovely. We also enjoyed the pools and the amazing bike trail. Alvaro and Gigi made my friends and me feel at home at Buen Camino, with warm hospitality and genuine conversation. It was my first trip outside the US, and I’d highly recommend staying here on your next visit to Costa Rica. If you’re renting a car, it’s well placed for visiting nearby towns. The views are great, and breakfast is included and amazing. It also gave us a real feel for Costa Rica.

The road beyond the main highway was full of potholes, making the drive uncomfortable and worrying. I was glad I had an SUV, since I don’t think I’d have made it otherwise. I know a resort like this can be very costly to run, but that road needs attention. The staff were great, and my Casita was very roomy and comfortable. There was no air conditioning, but I didn’t need it. The restaurant food was exceptional, though some dishes weren’t available, which could be a problem for some guests. My stay was wonderful apart from the mountain biking. The trails need grooming and clearer signs, along with easier routes that have less extreme climbs and descents. That would help newer and older riders. Given the trail condition, I doubt older riders would return, even though they can be repeat guests who stay longer. The bike selection and condition also need work. I ride an S5 specialized levo turbo electric bike at home, but the largest available here was an S4, which could be a problem for taller riders. The S4 I rented wasn’t in good shape: the drop seat didn’t move smoothly, and the handlebar power control didn’t work at all. Having to look down to change the power setting made navigating the trails much harder. I’d only return if the road and biking issues were fixed.

We arrived late at night, without a booking, and were relieved to find someone at the front desk. She offered a couple of room options and got us settled right away. From our deck, we woke to a beautiful sunrise and complete quiet, just nature. The grounds are stunning, and the cabins are spaced apart, so there’s plenty of privacy. Our room was big, clean, and comfortable, with a great shower and lots of hot water. Breakfast was included, and we ate on a private landing overlooking the jungle and mountain. 100% recommend!