Golden Palms Papagayo

After passing through the Golden Palms Papagayo’s unassuming entrance gate, guests drive down a long driveway as it winds its way toward an open-air lobby with an eye-catching angular roof. Most of the hotel’s amenities are found in this area, with the lobby connecting to the restaurant and bar, which together overlook a great free-form pool and the beach. Beyond this central area, brick pathways curve through charming gardens filled with colorful flowers and leafy trees -- iguanas, monkeys, and a variety of birds can often be spotted. Guests rooms are laid out in cute yellow buildings, which are spread throughout the grounds. This design makes the hotel feel reminiscent of a vacation-rental property, but inside, the guest rooms are more akin to what you’d find in a typical hotel rather than apartment-style accommodation. Guests are a mix of couples and families, with the sofa beds in every room making it possible to accommodate kids. With only 40 rooms in total, the property rarely feels crowded and it’s not uncommon to have the pool or beach completely to yourself. The location is good for guests looking to relax and explore the area by car, but those interested in dining and nightlife may find it too quiet. 

Golden Palms Papagayo is located down a tree-lined road in the Gulf of Papagayo. Its only neighbor is the big Occidental Grand Papagayo resort, which is found a little farther down the road. Aside from one or two local restaurants, there are few attractions and dining options within walking distance. The hotel sits on the far western end of Playa Panama, but it’s a solid 30-minute walk along the coast to reach the beach town’s main dining and entertainment hub.Golden Palms is a five-minute drive from Playa Hermosa, while popular Playa del Coco can be reached in 18 minutes by car. It’s an easy 30-minute drive to Liberia’s main airport, and Rincón de la Vieja National Park is just over an hour's drive away. 

Golden Palms has just one type of room -- their junior suites -- all of which are tidy and bright. The decor varies from unit to unit, but vivid artwork and primary-colored walls are common themes throughout. While the rooms are quite modern, slightly mismatched wooden furniture and some busy fabric patterns give them a less-than polished look.  Free Wi-Fi is available, and wall-mounted flat-screen TVs are set adjacent to beds. Bedroom areas also include freestanding bars with coffeemakers, plus minibars stocked with beer, soda, and a few snacks (along with a price list). Small, sunken living areas feature work desks and sofa beds. Living areas open onto tiny, unfurnished patios with views of the lush grounds. Narrow hallways just off the entryway lead to bathrooms, with sinks and wooden closets lining the way on either side. Sinks have roomy vanities and magnifying mirrors. Closets with sliding doors hold personal safes and waffle comb bathrobes. Bathrooms offer bath products by Lavarino Cosso and walk-in showers with glass doors. 

The large, free-form swimming pool is the Golden Palms’ showpiece, anchored by a waterfall feature at one end with mosaic tiling. Elegant trees protrude from built-in planters in the surrounding deck, which is lined with wooden loungers. The pool area also includes a round plunge pool.The hotel offers direct access to a quiet stretch of Panama Beach, which is backed by a tangle of greenery. The grayish sands in front of the hotel are a bit rocky, but the sands become softer as you walk east along the coast. The hotel’s small restaurant is set under a decorative thatched roof. It’s partially open-air, enclosed by the lobby on one side and open to a deck overlooking the pool on the other. Free breakfast, which is included in the room rate, offers guests a choice of several dishes, including an omelet, a traditional Costa Rican breakfast, and an American-style breakfast with toast and bacon. The restaurant is generally open for lunch and dinner as well, although the hours can be irregular during the low season. The equally-large bar area just off the restaurant is fully enclosed and air-conditioned. Furnished mainly with square wicker tables and chairs, it features a beautiful wooden bar. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and there’s free parking in a gated lot on-site.