South Pacific Coast, Puntarenas Province hotel rooms at the Independent

"Great Staff, clean place"

"The staff and facility were both fantastic. They exceeded all of are needs and desires. From our greeting when we arrived to our farewell actually out front. Both Francisco and Michelle came out to bid us a farewell. Francisco even assisted us in the parking which was somewhat tight spaces. Also we really enjoyed the food.both dinner and breakfast were delicious and attractively prepared. It was just a wonderful experience for our group of four"

"Staying at the Golden Pineapple villas was the highlight of our trip. Perfect location with walking distance to the waterfall. The drive there is a little steep at times, so just make sure to have a four wheel drive car to get there. The staff were all very friendly, had such great recommendations for getting around and navigating tourist areas of Costa Rica. They were helpful in me trying to practice Spanish and taught us some Spanish phrases used in Costa Rica and taught us about the Costa Rican culture. Very personable staff! Me and my husband were here on our honeymoon and it’s so hard to pick a place in Costa Rica because the options are endless- the Golden Pineapple is a true hidden gem with money very well spent. We had a private pool and bathtub which were both absolutely breathtaking. If you want a quiet, romantic get away and/or love being in nature I Highly highly recommend staying here! When we went to another part of Costa Rica we kept saying we wished we were back at the Golden Pineapple! "

"Amazing!"

"Our stay at Lapa Rios was unforgettable from the moment we arrived. Staff were waiting for us as we got off the ferry in Puerto Jiménez, and after a scenic drive to the lodge, we were welcomed with tropical drinks and warm, personal greetings. The attention to detail and level of service throughout our stay were exceptional. We stayed in the Matapalo Suite, which was private, luxurious, and exactly as pictured online. Set deep in the rainforest with panoramic views of the ocean and jungle, it was an incredible place to relax—and the A/C was a lifesaver during the hot, humid rainy season. We often saw monkeys playing right outside our suite, and woke each morning to the calls of howler monkeys. Dining was another highlight. The food was fresh, varied, and well-prepared, and the staff worked hard to accommodate dietary needs—including gluten-free options for one of our group. We also went on several guided hikes led by fantastic naturalists who helped us spot wildlife and made the treks fun and informative, even for our 80-year-old family member. What really sets Lapa Rios apart is the level of care from the entire team. From organizing personalized activities to making sure we were comfortably checked in for our return flight, every detail was handled with professionalism and warmth. Lapa Rios is the perfect mix of eco-adventure and luxury, and we can’t recommend it highly enough."

"Consider this more of a rustic camping-like experience. Cabins have screens, but bugs still come in. Incredible location! Spider monkeys were swinging above our cabin every morning, holwers start up at day break, and capuchins befriended us at the beach. Scarlett macawas everywhere, we saw them constantly, as well as toucans. The beach immediately out front is wavy and rough, but my kids still jumped in the waves daily. The highlight is San Josecito beach, a 17 minute walk along the ocean. It is a calmer bay with a reef and plenty of fish. We swam with a 4-5 foot sea turtle for half an hour. This place was deserted until noon every day. Food was excellent, fresh and traditional. They make fresh fruit juices daily! Staff are very lovely and go out of their way to ensure you have a great stay. It was a very memorable part of our trip and we felt fully immersed in the jungle at ocean forest."