Hotel Pasatiempo

The enclosed side yard on our largest bungalow was clutch with the kids, and they loved seeing howler monkeys overhead eating mangos and iguanas beside the pool. The nature around the hotel is beautiful and the vibe is lovely. It’s well located in town, the staff are kind, and the place met most of our needs. The rooms were mostly clean, though there was a cockroach, and some upkeep is needed: cracking walls, doors that slide and don’t close all the way, and parking where the ditch meets the road. A few weekend projects would help. My daughter cut her foot badly on the pool stairs tile, or possibly on a piece of glass in the pool, and needed stitches. She missed the beach, snorkeling, and hiking, which was heartbreaking. I told the staff, but no one apologized or did much. When I asked for bandages or a first aid kit, they said there was a pharmacy across the street. That was really frustrating. The restaurant food was subpar, and a Coke costs $5. For the price and the rest of the experience, I’d recommend the place, but with that caveat.

For the price, this was a comfortable, charming place to stay. The rooms were cute, clean, and quiet, and the pool area was peaceful. We saw monkeys come down nearby, and they were fun to watch without bothering anyone. Two friendly cats on the property added to the charm, and the gate had nighttime security, which made us feel safe. The staff were kind and helpful, but didn’t speak English, so a translator app was necessary. We couldn’t quite work out the AC at first, but it was fine once someone showed us how to use it. A relaxing stay and a good affordable option.

We were impressed by the breakfast, which was good quality for just $10 CAD, and the beds were comfortable. The hotel is close to everything in Tamarindo, with a lovely pool and cold AC. We traveled with a friend and a teenager, and the layout suited us well. It’s a small, intimate place, so the pool stayed relaxing even when things were busy. We did have trouble with the water being out for a couple of days. Still, it worked out well for our family, especially if you like a quiet vibe.

The pool felt like a little tropical oasis in the middle of town, and the location is hard to beat. I stayed for 10 days and really liked the cute, quaint place and its great staff. It was quiet at night, with none of the outside noise coming through, so I slept like a baby. I highly recommend it!