Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas

Looks great but just doesn't deliver a great stay... sadly! This hotel is very well presented, and should be an ideal stop at the end of a hectic CR holiday with the family, but it falls short on lots of counts ... most of which seem small but add up to make the whole stay very average. We stayed for 5 nights, my husband and I had a suite, which was well appointed and spacious, our kids were in a twin queen room which was much smaller and the bathroom was dated. Both rooms were well serviced in the main, but room service items were left outside the door by room attendants and not collected for days on end attracting ants and the racoons. The pool area is attractive, but left unattended about 90% of the time so getting a drink in the afternoon or evening is a real mission. We did have the free cocktail on the beach some evenings, but it was all pretty dully delivered and no real personality was shown by the staff serving which was a real shame as we found almost all other Costa Ricans to be fabulous company. Reception staff were polite, laid back in the CR way but helpful, that said you did need to ASK for everything, very little information was provided, for example there are no seats on the beach which is accessible from the hotel, it is a public beach so this is understandable, however on asking it transpired that chairs could be bought down on request and would be collected by the hotel staff... this was lovely, but nowhere was it advertised or mentioned at all... it was only an enquiry at Reception that made the offer clear. We also were disappointed in the bar staff, the hotel advertise on their itinerary a "2 for 1" cocktail hour between 6 -7pm, perfect for pre dinner drinks. However it only became clear on the last day that the cocktails included were a limited three, (Sangria, Pina Colada and one other).... we had had to go to the restaurant bar each evening to order the drinks, and waited for them and then carried them over to the pool bar... no one offered to bring them or even to return and take a second order... or clear the drinks. You had to order two of the same cocktail... and only on the very last day did anyone mention that the cocktails we had ordered weren't included on the Happy Hour! When we asked the bar staff about this they just shrugged. They said "ot is not our issue"... and simply walked away. Such a shame as the Pool Bar could have been really great but instead it was left dirty and unkempt with no atmosphere. I did mention this at check out and the receptionist removed the double charge which was kind, but it niggled! The hotel can organise a golf cart for you to do the short run to and from Tamarindo centre, their rates are competitive, but make sure they dont lend you their "spare" cart as it is in very poor repair!! Laundry costs are expensive at this hotel, there is a laundry that will collect and deliver back which is very local Whatsapp Rodney on (506) 8678 6248. Breakfast is fairly good, again no one really helps you figure out how it all works, you need to ask what your table number is, then go to the kitchen hatch and order pancakes or eggs any extras such a bacon are very expensive ($6 for a slice of bacon)... by the quality of both items was good. The buffet was simple, fresh, and varied but limited. The saddest thing about the hotel was the staff who genuinely didn't seem like all the other wonderful Costa Rican hospitality crew we had come across throughout our trip. They were not unpleasant at all, just pretty neutral and not really engaged in the job. We wouldn't stay again at Cala Luna despite the location and rooms.... the lack of effective management to drive a well hosted hotel had too big an impact.

Nice but not worth the cost This was the last place we were staying on our tour of CR so we decided to treat ourselves. It’s a nice boutique style hotel in a nice and quiet location on the edge of Tamarindo but it was probably the most disappointing hotel we stayed in. Everything just ok. The reception space had a wow factor and the pool is a good size. Rooms nice but bathrooms need a refurb. Breakfast average and food covered with ants every day and no effort to clear them up. Staff sullen and fairly unhelpful. Only about 12 sun loungers so could never get one.

Family travels to Costa Rica We stayed at Cala Luna while in Tamarindo for 3 nights on our recent Costa Rican adventure. The grounds of the hotel were beautiful and the monkeys just roam free :) We watched a group of monkeys just swinging in the trees playing off our porch one afternoon. The rooms are large, spacious and very clean. The staff are wonderful - very kind and accommodating. The Origins Restaurant meals were delicious and the breakfasts were so good with fresh fruit and juice very day. The cocktail hour on the beach watching the sunset was fun with the family. The organic locally grown food was a treat and delicious. Our family would highly recommend staying here on your Costa Rican adventure.

great beachside escape My family (wife and two boys, 14 and 17) had a great time here. It was a great escape after spending 7 more energetic days in Arenal and Monteverde. The pool is great and wasn't crowded (due to rainy season, maybe?). Food was good if a bit pricy, and the service was excellent: the Carols and Fabienne (spelling probably wrong, sorry) at the front desk, Walter at the bar and everyone else. The free happy hour cocktail of the day (and virgin versions for kids) was a nice touch and something to look forward to every day, and given the overall price it's a bonus that the staff brings down and sets up beach umbrellas for you, free of charge. We saw monkeys and a coati on site, which was fun. Rooms are big and have a ginormous bath tub. The walk to the beach is very short, though it can be a bit smelly after a storm as it's alongside a creek. The beach felt surprisingly secluded (it's around a bend from the more popular Tamarindo Beach); try to time it right before or after high tide, as it's easier to swim without running into the big black rocks then. At low tide you can still get in and wade but you may want to wear water shoes then. Getting into town is about a 15-20 min walk and the first block can be very muddy (I didn't think it was so bad, but my family complained, so we used taxis after that.) Overall a great experience. Wish we were still there!

Great restaurant and accommodation Beautiful boutique hotel with great food, and staff. The room we stayed in was larger than expected. We loved the double rain bath shower. The staff go out of their way to help book last minute restaurant reservations, golf cart, tours, and airport transportation. Thank you for making our trip a memorable one. Can’t wait to come back with friends and family.