Surf Ranch Tamarindo

There are better places to stay in Tamarindo, including Marielos and the cabins behind it. This hotel felt nowhere near worth the price, which should be closer to $50 a night at most. Breakfast was one egg, and the whole property felt dirty, with a strong sewage odor and a big cockroach in our room. We also reported the broken grill on the sidewalk beside the hotel after someone fell into it, but management did nothing. Staff were rarely around, messages took a long time and were often answered rudely, and the management overall seemed not to care. I’d stay somewhere else.

I’ve never had a stay go so badly that I booked another hotel before checking out, but that’s what happened here. Save yourself the frustration and stay somewhere else. It was the cheapest option in Tamarindo, and still wasn’t worth it. We reserved a room for three, but kept getting only two towels, even after they confirmed we’d receive three. The sink clogged repeatedly and the shower failed to turn on several times. The room was in poor condition and looked unkempt, though the beds were fine. We booked because of the Expedia ratings, which I’m not sure I understand. WhatsApp was listed as the main way to contact them, but nobody replied even when messages were read. I posted publicly after my messages weren’t being read there. They don’t need to come by, since we won’t be here. Our requests weren’t much, but they still weren’t handled. I expect they’ll respond with some snarky comment, but 🤷🏻‍♀️.

It’s a great spot for the price, with the beach just across the street and downtown a short walk away. That keeps you away from much of the town noise, though the Crazy Monkey club is nearby if Friday night there is your thing. The cleaning lady was lovely and put out coffee, tea, and some fruit in the morning. We stayed three nights in late April. There’s no reception, so email the property before you arrive to get check-in details. Booking sites may not pass messages along, but the owner usually replies fairly quickly by email. We were unlucky with rooms 3 and 6 at the back: noise from a high water pressure issue at the property behind us made crazy sounds day and night. Luckily, it eased up after the first night and day. WiFi didn’t reach those rooms either, so moving the router or adding a mesh network would help.

They disputed my refund request after nobody was there when I arrived to check in. I’d booked through Priceline, tried to cancel and get my money back, and ended up paying $80 for a night without receiving the service. I made several attempts, and Priceline is still refusing the refund. I’m out $80 over excuses that are beyond customers’ control. If they get Priceline to refund me, I’ll change this review. Do not book here. There’s a cute place around the corner run by an Italian family, with a pool and a great Italian restaurant. Forget this place entirely.