Hotel Blue Conga

Hotel Blue Conga provides a quieter, simpler stay than the noise and congestion that can be found in the center of Puerto Viejo. With a grand total of just 14 rooms and lush green foliage throughout the grounds, the hotel's environment is naturally serene and intimate. High trees and broad leaves border both the paved and unpaved pathways that wind through the small property. Blue Conga's buildings follow natural color schemes of greens and browns, with the exception of the vibrant lobby which is splashed with tropical reds and yellows, accented by wicker and bamboo furnishings, and finished with a busy mosaic floor. Kids are welcome here, but most guests are adults. 

Hotel Blue Conga is located in the small town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca within the province of Limón. Blue Conga is accessed via a dirt road entryway, tucking it away from the main road that houses other hotels and establishments a few meters away (there's a skate park directly across the street and Lunatica Cabinas are right beside the property). The Caribbean Costa Rican city -- called Puerto Viejo by locals for short -- is a popular getaway spot due to its laidback atmosphere, prime jungle locale, cultural diversity, and surfer-friendly beaches. The hotel itself is found along Playa Cocles (although it's technically 200 meters to the water), and is close enough to the bars and restaurants of central Puerto Viejo but just far enough to avoid potential crowds and noise. In addition to the main Puerto Viejo village, nearby attractions include Cahuita National Park, the Jaguar Rescue Center, and Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. The main airport, Juan Santamaria International Airport, is a four-hour drive away. The smaller Limón International Airport, where smaller connecting aircrafts can be caught, is an hour away.

Blue Conga's 14 rooms pay homage to its jungle surroundings with simple, garden-inspired furnishings and color schemes. Bed frames and both indoor and outdoor furniture are made of wood, with soft pinks and greens for bedding and gauzy curtains. Walls are accentuated with colorful 2D paintings of flowers and wildlife. Double, Triple, and Quadruple rooms contain king- or queen-size beds (some of which are canopy beds) with mosquito nets draped over the top. Bunk beds found in Quadruple rooms do not have nets. Beds are covered in thick, fleece blankets that may be a bit too warm for the Southern Caribbean climate. In lieu of actual closets, belongings can be stored in curtained shelving units with a handful of hangers and a safe. Bathrooms are clean and reasonably sized with showers only. Showerheads are detachable and the hotel provides bar soap. All rooms have their own private terraces with tables, chairs, and a hammock. The balconies on upper rooms overlook the pool and courtyard area. 

Blue Conga offers simple features. The open-air rancho, complete with free-form carved wooden tables, stools, and cushioned benches, serves as a common dining area, where free hot breakfasts are served in the mornings. Breakfast includes eggs (omelets are available), bacon, fruits, toast, butter, marmalade, juices, coffee, and tea. The pool area is located right beside the rancho and although it isn't huge, it's roomy enough to accommodate the low-occupancy hotel's patrons. There are a few lounge chairs as well as jumbo pillows underneath a shaded roof. Blue Conga rents out bikes and helps organize tours at the front desk. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available, as well as free parking and W-Fi in all rooms and public areas.