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The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

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Luxury
VIP Access
4.0 star property
9.8

Exceptional

Upscale beachside retreat with surf thrills

Beautifully designed with an upscale surfer vibe, this property offers a perfect beachside retreat. Enjoy a full breakfast, exceptional service, and the thrill of surfing at the exclusive surf club.

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Gym
  • Room service
  • Spa

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  • Get an in-stay perk at select properties, plus free room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out when available

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes

Standard Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Patio
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Bathrobes
Hair dryer
Patio
Soundproofed rooms
Air conditioning
Connecting/adjoining rooms available
Blackout drapes/curtains
Ceiling fan
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for PREMIUM 1 KING BED

PREMIUM 1 KING BED | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes

PREMIUM 1 KING BED

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Patio
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cribs/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Patio
Soundproofed rooms
Air conditioning
Connecting/adjoining rooms available
Rollaway/extra beds (free)
Free cribs/infant beds
  • 52 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for PREMIUM 2 QUEEN BEDS

PREMIUM 2 QUEEN BEDS | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes

PREMIUM 2 QUEEN BEDS

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Patio
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Free cribs/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Bathrobes
Patio
Soundproofed rooms
Air conditioning
Connecting/adjoining rooms available
Free cribs/infant beds
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 52 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for PREMIUM PLUS 2 QUEEN BEDS

PREMIUM PLUS 2 QUEEN BEDS | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes

PREMIUM PLUS 2 QUEEN BEDS

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cribs/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Balcony
Soundproofed rooms
Air conditioning
Connecting/adjoining rooms available
Rollaway/extra beds (free)
Free cribs/infant beds
  • 56 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room

Standard Room | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes

Standard Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Patio
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Bathrobes
Hair dryer
Patio
Soundproofed rooms
Air conditioning
Connecting/adjoining rooms available
Blackout drapes/curtains
Ceiling fan
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for PREMIUM PLUS 1 KING BED

PREMIUM PLUS 1 KING BED | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes

PREMIUM PLUS 1 KING BED

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cribs/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Balcony
Soundproofed rooms
Air conditioning
Connecting/adjoining rooms available
Rollaway/extra beds (free)
Free cribs/infant beds
  • 56 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Surf Suite

Surf Suite | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes

Surf Suite

Highlights

Patio
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cribs/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Patio
Soundproofed rooms
Air conditioning
Connecting/adjoining rooms available
Rollaway/extra beds (free)
Free cribs/infant beds
  • 87 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 4 Twin Beds
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About the neighborhood

Map
Playa Guiones, Nosara

What's nearby

  • Frog Pad - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Playa Pelada - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Safari Surf School - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Nosara Spanish Institute - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • International Animal Rescue Costa Rica - 7 min drive - 4.9 km

Getting around

  • Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport (LIR) - 177 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Howler’s Beach Lounge - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Orgánico Bakery - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪La Luna - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪The Restaurant and Bar at The Gilded Iguana - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Olga's Bar & Restaurante - ‬14 min walk

About this property

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

Upscale family-friendly hotel near Playa Pelada
Located close to Frog Pad and Nosara Spanish Institute, The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel provides a free breakfast buffet, a poolside bar, and a terrace. Active travelers can enjoy amenities like ecotours and surfing/body boarding at this hotel. Treat yourself to spa services, such as a body treatment, a facial, or a Swedish massage. Yoga classes are offered at the gym; the property also has a garden, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a bar. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as a conference center and a restaurant.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • An outdoor pool and a children's pool, along with sun loungers and pool umbrellas
  • Free self parking
  • Free bicycle rentals, a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and supervised childcare (surcharge)
  • Massage treatment rooms, a 24-hour front desk, and a TV in the lobby
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel have perks such as free international calls and air conditioning, as well as amenities like late night room service and free WiFi.
Extra amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and free toiletries
  • Electric kettles, ceiling fans, and daily housekeeping

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9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 368 reviews
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Nov 13 - Nov 14
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Children's pool
  • Ecotours
  • Free bicycle rentals
  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool
  • Surfing/bodyboarding
  • TV in common areas
  • Yoga classes

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Supervised activities for children (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Conference center (915 square feet of space)
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Beach towels
  • Garden
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Spa

  • 2 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Prenatal massages
  • Reflexology
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • No elevator
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 2 floors
  • Built in 2018
  • Mosquito nets
  • Reception hall
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Slippers
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Late-night room service
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Ceiling fan
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Free international calls
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 180.00 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

Property is also known as

Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel Nosara
Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
Gilded Iguana Surf Nosara
Gilded Iguana Surf
The Gilded Iguana Surf
The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel Hotel
The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel Nosara
The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel Hotel Nosara

Frequently asked questions

Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool and a children's pool.

Is The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

What time is check-out at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

Check-out is at noon.

Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle. A fee of USD 180.00 per vehicle applies.

Where is The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel located?

This family-friendly Nosara hotel is located near the airport, within a 15-minute walk of Frog Pad and Playa Pelada. Nosara Spanish Institute and Nosara Beach are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 344 out of 376 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 376 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 376 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 376 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 376 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Emily Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was perfect from beginning to end. I would HIGHLY recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Nosara.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location

10/10 Excellent

Eliana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This was a perfect place to get away- beautiful grounds, a short romantic walk to the beach. The staff is extremely helpful and satisfied all our needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

Only place I’d stay in Nosara.

I’ve spent over 100 nights in Nosara over the years and the past few vacations at Gilded Iguana are going to ensure me coming back. This place just keeps Getting better every year. All the women at the front desk are super helpful and make sure your stay is amazing.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeff and Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place was excellent in every way. I would love to return.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dr Dorothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Exceptional quality and customer service

They have customer service now Pat. I have got to be the fussiest traveler and very spoiled because we always stay at a really nice places. There is not one criticism or suggestion I would give the management about our stay. The room was exceptionally clean, large airy high ceilings perfectly working air conditioner fan lovely patio wonderful rainforest shower. They have saltwater pools and fabulous food in their restaurants. All of the staff it provides exceptional customer service especially the front desk staff, the restaurant management and Andres! I don’t know the name of the woman who is at the Apple station for the complementary breakfast but my goodness… She learned after the first day exactly what we order and provided it every time she saw us come into the dining area! Fabulous location because it’s near everything. Loved it and recommended highly❣️
Quinoa chickpea appetizer
Salt water pool and jetted area
Breakfast made at the omelette station for a vegan
Dinner entrée
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice property, large, well furnished, quiet rooms, beautiful grounds and pool area.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel really lived up to expectations. It felt safe and quiet and had lots of options available. We also asked for a last minute transportation and they were able to accommodate which was very appreciated. We would recommend this property
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is absolutely great, From the design, to the amenities and all the way to the excellent customer service. I rarely write reviews - but this hotel experience was so good., I had to let people know what a wonderful property this is. Mark K - Toronto
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

6/10 Okay

valerie

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
The hotel is beautiful but there is nothing major about it. Prices of everything is the same ( if not higher ) than an expense s city in the US. The good quality is not great . Service at the restaurant is not friendly and often confused. Nosara is nice - Guiones is a very nice beach but it has lost his true Costa Rican soul. Locals are not friendly and only looking at making more money from US tourists . I would not return to the hotel .
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Alexa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pros We had an excellent stay at the Gilded Iguana. Staff were very helpful and helped us book surf lessons and board rentals as well as a turtle hatching tour at Ostinal. Our room was really nice and clean and all the facilities were beautiful. The restaurant was great and had good food and drinks. The breakfast was more than what you would expect for an inclusive breakfast. I will say there was not a lot of vegan options for breakfast but I was able to easily make changes with the serving staff to accommodate this. Cons The street was under construction and it took us forever to find a way to get to the hotel driving around at night with bad road conditions after a long day of travel. It would have been nice if the hotel had messaged us in advance to let us know about the construction and help us with directions. There is not a lot of parking available at the hotel. We ended up having to park on the street which would have been fine except the street is under construction and in the morning large aggregate trucks were driving past which were dropping rocks. Thankfully we didn’t have any damage. We booked this room for our honeymoon and I accidentally booked a room with two double beds. I totally get this was my mistake but I did specify it was our honeymoon and it would have been nice to be moved to a king room. That being said the staff left us a dessert and kind note to congratulate us. Overall would recommend, excellent stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elein

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were amazing! Very friendly and accommodating. Aerial yoga class was lot of fun and the instructor was knowledgeable. Hotel amenities were beautiful and had everything you need. Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice, clean, property with a friendly staff who are very attentive!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Dean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were great . More about Oct time of year. Not much life at the resort. Rooms should have a TV. No real association opportunities with anyone. Looked pretty empty. Not a slam just reality. Nothing really wrong just a sterile vibe
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clifford

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff. Great amenities. Love the garden room with little patio and outdoor shower!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel nice staff
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stenio Caliari

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful time during our stay. The property has excellent facilities, everything was very well organized, spotless, and of great quality. Every staff member we interacted with was extremely helpful, kind, and welcoming, which made us feel truly at home. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and we felt well cared for in every moment. We would definitely recommend this place and look forward to coming back!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Albert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Repeat guest, we love it.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

john m

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Drinks barely contained alcohol and were mostly ice and @ $21 each that’s ridiculous. Tips were included but when asked the waiter lied and said no they were not. Hotel attempted to charge me for services I did not receive. Some staff could have been friendlier. The housekeeper was excellent. The food was good. The pool was nice
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debra

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everyone was super friendly and helpful would definitely go back
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

samuel

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
awesome safe property hot tub was cold
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

katie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the SPA
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christian

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good hotel
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natalya

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great, please!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Whitney

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent stay at this property. The front desk, custodial and housekeeping staff were fantastic. Location was ideal, and yoga class with Hanna was fantastic! Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025