Hotel La Colina

Everything about this relaxed property is distinctly _tico _(local Costa Rican). A stone arch at the entrance leads into lush, intimate grounds that feel more secluded than they actually are. The intentionally overgrown garden-style property is home to a variety of wildlife, including cicadas, howler monkeys, macaws, and other tropical birds. Every aspect from the dark wood furniture to the small pool deck to the basic room decor is rustic and broken-in. Nothing feels quite old, just well-worn. Indeed, the property is a favorite hangout for locals who’ve been patronizing the bar for years, attracted by its generous happy hours and regular live music. The overall vibe is family-friendly, however, and the lovely outdoor pool ensures there’s enough to keep small children occupied.

The hotel is situated on a popular, moderately trafficked thoroughfare that connects the tiny town of Quepos to Manuel Antonio National Park (about a nine-minute drive). The strip is touristy by local standards, but it manages to maintain much of its small town Costa Rican roots. Dozens of restaurants, bars, and services are within a moderate walk or a five-minute drive. By car, the nearest major airport -- Juan Santamaria International (SJO) -- is at least three hours away. For those who’d prefer not to brave Costa Rica’s often manic roads and its sky-high mandatory rental insurance, the hotel offers reasonably priced shuttle service. Small chartered planes to and from Manuel Antonio are a surprisingly affordable alternative for solo travelers and couples.

Each of the 13 rooms is rustic with dark wood furniture and a muted color palate. Some guests may find the basic decor and furnishings more bland than charming, however. At 215 square feet (20 square meters), entry-level Jungle View Rooms are small, bordering on cramped, with just enough room to maneuver around the furniture. Furnishings include only the essentials: a full bed, maybe a chair, and little else. Similarly appointed Ocean View Rooms upgrade to a 270-square-foot (25-square-meter) layout with a bit more room to spread out, plus balconies with decent views of the Pacific Ocean and lush surrounding countryside. Two larger specialty rooms (Casa Pescador and the Tree House) offer spacious, 860-square-foot (80-square-meter) layouts that are ideal for families. Every room is intentionally disconnected without a phone or television. Free, reliable Wi-Fi is available. However, like most Costa Rican hotels, the speed isn’t lightning fast. Small in-room safes are also provided with enough capacity for a tablet and a few valuables. Bathrooms are modest with walk-in shower stalls and bars of soap. 

Like most three-pearl hotels in the area, the list of common amenities is brief. The two-tiered outdoor pool and surrounding deck are surrounded by lush tropical greenery that adds a sense of intimacy. A cascading waterfall and mood lighting after dark both provide a bit of visual interest.Adjacent to the pool is Colina’s Steakhouse -- an open-air restaurant and bar that’s adorned in Spanish tile flooring, dark brown bamboo, and locally sourced wood furnishings. Hotel guests are provided free a la carte breakfast daily, with a handful of hot options including Western favorites and traditional tico fare (like fried eggs with gallo pinto). By afternoon, the restaurant serves a mixed menu of steaks, wood-grilled pizza, fried pub foods, and authentic Costa Rican dishes (like casado). Live music plays on select weeknights, and the concerts draw just as many locals as hotel guests.Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and multiple routers ensure reliable connectivity. Off-street self-parking is also free, although space is limited to a handful of cars.