El Faro Beach Hotel

Shipping containers are among the most trendy repurposed building materials, so the idea of constructing a hotel out of them sounds good on paper. But the hotel’s intended industrial chic design feels just plain industrial. The raw metal, black-on-white color scheme, and lack of artwork or any decorative accents are cold and impersonal. Though the property was built in 2013, it already feels two decades opened. Maintenance issues, including rusting metal, rough, heavily repainted floors, and salt-worn fixtures abound -- all of which underscore its mid-range nature. Nevertheless, it’s a popular draw for locals and budget travelers willing to overlook scratches and dents. The two outdoor pools and large adjacent restaurant keep the social scene going, and every space is lively, though not raucous, throughout the day.

The hotel is tucked at the end of a quiet, dead-end road just an eight-minute walk from the beachfront, restaurants, bars, and shops of tourist-friendly Playa Espadilla. The hillside location ensures great ocean and park views from virtually anywhere on the property. However, the extremely steep (almost vertical in parts) grounds require a golf cart to navigate and would be all but impossible to traverse for travelers with mobility issues. Guests seeking additional services like markets, banks, and pharmacies will find just about everything they might need in downtown Quepos, 15 minutes away by car. The nearest major airport, Juan Santamaría International (SJO), is three hours away by car. Given the country’s frenetic roads and sky-high car rental insurance, paid shuttle service is often the cheaper, safer, and more convenient alternative.

The tunnel-like layout of every room -- with no windows except for a wall of hot white light at the balcony end -- isn’t for everyone. Coupled with the complete lack of artwork and monochromatic color scheme, rooms can feel as claustrophobic as a prison cell. Entry- and mid-level room categories (including Studios, Standard Rooms, and Double Rooms) offer the same square footage and a narrow layout that isn’t much wider than a queen-size bed. A small private balcony adds extra floor space, plus lovely views of the national park and the Pacific Ocean. The list of standard amenities in every room includes air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and small wall safes. Free Wi-Fi is also standard. Superior Rooms and Penthouse Suites upgrade to wet bars, plus they add mini-fridges and microwaves. The latter also includes access to a large, breezy top-floor sundeck with beautiful water views. Bathrooms are tiny and cramped (no shelf space) in every category, except the Penthouse Suites which include a soaking tub. Stand-up shower stalls and generic toiletries are provided. Past guests have complained of maintenance issues such as odors and problems with the hot water in showers. 

The two hillside pools, split between the upper and lower buildings, anchor the daytime social scene. The sundecks that surround each pool offer plenty of lounge space, plus lovely ocean views. An open-air restaurant adjacent to the Upper Pool also offers panoramic coastal views and is a popular dining spot for both guests and non-guests. The decor is awash in loosely authentic Costa Rican accents. However, like the rest of the hotel, the overall concrete and metal design exudes a cold, industrial feel. A free hot breakfast is served daily, plus lunch and dinner are available a la carte. Every menu features a mix of Western-friendly food and authentic Costa Rican fare including casados and local seafood dishes. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Free self-parking is provided in a large lot. Staff is on call to assist with transporting luggage and guests in a golf cart.