Chantel Suites

The exterior of Hotel Chantel looks like an elegant mansion, with wrought-iron balconies and rows of teal-fringed archways. A pretty stone staircase lined with potted plants leads up to the small, open-air lobby decorated with rattan furnishings and tropical-print accents. The pool, the rooftop restaurant, and the guest rooms all face toward an expansive view over Playas del Coco.The isolated location suits travelers looking for a peaceful base away from Playas del Coco’s party scene. Guests are predominantly couples of all ages, and the vibe is quiet and relaxed. The pool is small, which means there aren’t really any common areas for socializing. Although, The Lookout restaurant and bar on the roof attracts a lively crowd of guests and non-guests almost every night of the week.  

Hotel Chantel is located on a quiet hilltop in Playas del Coco, one of the liveliest and most developed beaches in the region. But it's far from all the action: The beach takes about 25 minutes to reach on foot, and the entertainment, restaurants, shops, and buzzing nightlife are about a 30-minute walk. This can be a pro or a con depending on guest perspective.There’s little within the surrounding streets by the hotel, with a few other widely spaced hotels and private residences as its only neighbors. A rental car is the best option, and the drive to town is about five to 10 minutes. Otherwise, the short taxi ride into town is relatively cheap. Liberia airport is around a 30-minute drive away, and the quieter nearby beach destination of Playa Ocotal can be reached in 15 minutes by car.

Each guest room at Hotel Chantel is individually decorated, but all are homey and simple. Common elements include delicate pinkish curtains, gray tile floors, and beige walls. Bold abstract art hangs over each bed, while large wooden cabinets provide space for storing clothes, and hold coffeemakers and safes. All rooms have wall-mounted flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Sliding glass doors open onto long balconies that wrap around each level of the building. Small patio tables and chairs are set outside each room on this shared balcony, with views toward Playas del Coco and the surrounding area. Studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments include separate living areas and kitchens. Kitchens are well-stocked with cookware and cutlery, and feature full-size refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves. Bathrooms across categories have gray tiling and glass-doored showers. Bottles of shampoo, bars of soap, and makeup removal wipes are provided.

Features at this small hotel are modest, but they cover the typical mid-range facilities on offer. The hotel’s rooftop restaurant, The Lookout, features an imaginative menu of seafood dishes along with Costa Rican craft beers. Its airy interior offers spectacular views over Playas del Coco, stretching toward the coast. One of the most popular restaurants in the area, it attracts large numbers of non-guests, and reservations are needed most nights.Free freshly cooked breakfast is served at The Lookout each morning. The well-prepared plate is virtually the same every day: scrambled eggs, rice and beans, fresh fruit, bread, and queso fresco, as well as coffee and juice.  The pool is small and offers little deck space, but its infinity ledge highlights the hotel’s wonderful views over the surrounding area. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and there’s free parking on-site. The hotel can also arrange airport transfers (for a surcharge), as well as wedding receptions and local tours.