Pipe House Playa Grande

Pipe House is right next to the beach, and we had a really nice stay. It's a different kind of place, but very cozy. The rooms were clean, breakfast was included and good, Felipe was very friendly, and there was free locked parking for the car.

The gym and the beach right nearby were the only things we really liked. We were surprised the reviews were so high, because this place didn't meet our expectations at all. For the nightly price, especially compared with other hostels around, we expected a lot more. When we arrived, no one was there to explain how anything worked. We had no idea how to get to Tamarindo, about 40 minutes away by car. The only route involved crossing the estuary, and nobody told us there were crocodiles. We almost tried to cross on foot. The room was smaller than we'd expected and very uncomfortable, with barely enough space for our things, and we only had two backpacks. It would be even harder with anything bigger. It was very hot inside, with no ventilation, so the AC had to stay on the whole time. Breakfast was very basic, and when they brought it in the morning there was no interaction with the staff. We ended up asking for a refund and found somewhere more comfortable nearby.

The owners were the best hosts, and the surroundings felt surreal and beautiful. It's an inexpensive escape so close to the beach that you can hear the Pacific waves from bed. The rooms are intimate, and the AC worked great. Super awesome place!

We slept really well, and the other guests were quiet and friendly. The place was clean and comfortable, with Felipe there to greet us at check-in and show us around. You're in Costa Rica, so there are animals, spiders, ants, and so on, though none caused a problem. Azul Mar Cafe is within walking distance and makes a great dinner. It's a wonderful shared-space setup, a bit like a beach campground, except you get an air-conditioned pipe with a bed instead of a tent. The atmosphere is relaxed, and it was easy to meet lovely people. It's best if you mainly need a comfortable place to sleep and want a great beach trip. If you want to spend your vacation hanging out in a hotel room or have party nightlife close by, it may not suit you.