Hotel Pumilio

Hotel Pumilio is named after Costa Rica’s brightly colored “blue-jeans frog,” Oophaga pumilio, a whimsical mascot for this cheerful hotel. A welcome glass of wine, flexible breakfast and check-in times, and personalized service create an experience akin to being invited into a family home. The owners live next door to the property and mingle regularly with guests. With only a few guest rooms, the atmosphere is laid-back and calm. Guests have opportunities to socialize around the breakfast area and pool, and the hotel’s intimate layout ensures that those who stay for more than a few nights will come to know the owners, their staff, and other guests by name. The hotel mainly attracts English-speaking couples of all ages. Terrace Suites, which can accommodate up to five guests, are ideal for families, but this hotel doesn’t have any particularly kid-friendly features otherwise.

In-room kitchens, an inexpensive on-site sundry shop, and delivery arrangements with nearby restaurants help to compensate for the lack of dining options in the area; and free beach shuttles are available for guests who book tours through the hotel. While these are all thoughtful features for guests without transportation, the hotel’s out-of-the-way location remains a drawback regardless. 

Hotel Pumilio is set down a quiet, primarily residential side street off a major highway running along the country’s west coast. The buzzing bars, restaurants, and beach of downtown Jaco are about a 10-minute drive away. Playa Herradura, a black sand beach ideal for swimming and fishing, can also be reached in about 10 minutes by car. There’s nothing within walking distance, making this property a better fit for guests with a car; however, the hotel does try to cater to guests without their own transportation with shuttle services (with conditions) and delivery arrangements with restaurants in Jaco. Juan Santamaría International Airport is just over an hour’s drive away. 

No two suites at Hotel Pumilio are exactly alike, with some featuring bold lemon-colored or purple accent walls and others decorated in elegant, neutral tones. Curtains are gracefully draped atop some beds, and some have dark wood headboards. Some guests have reported the beds are too firm, but the hotel offers memory foam mattresses for those who prefer some extra cushion. Most suites have a few pieces of abstract floral artwork, as well as stylish vases filled with bamboo or ferns. Flat-screen TVs and welcome baskets filled with free snacks rest on low, wooden dressers. Closets hold personal safes, soft bathrobes, and pool towels. Most suites have work desks with plush chairs, and all include free Wi-Fi. Terrace Suites have lovely daybeds that can serve as twin beds for an extra person.

Attractive bathrooms have magnifying mirrors, partial glass-block wall showers, and modern fixtures. Hairdryers, towels, and bath products by Bath & Body Works are provided. Kitchens set on balconies or terraces include two-burner hot plates, full-size fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Dark rattan chairs circle around small dining tables, and there are matching high-top chairs along the kitchen counter. Kitchens are well stocked with cookware and cutlery, as well as some basics like coffee, napkins, and salt and pepper. Balconies and terraces overlook the hotel’s pool and grounds. Terraces open directly onto the pool area, offering little privacy. 

A small but high-quality line-up of features enhance Hotel Pumilio’s appeal. The property’s focal point is a splendid two-tiered swimming pool surrounded by a concrete deck. The pool includes rock and waterfall features, and overlooks the green trees that line the property. Dark rattan loungers and beach chairs surround the pool, along with a few large umbrellas. There’s also an enchanting little outdoor spa set under a thatched roof, with a border of bamboo fencing providing privacy. The spa offers massages, facials, aromatherapy, and other treatments, with the hum of wildlife and swaying vegetation providing the soundtrack.

Free breakfast is offered on a charming thatched-roof terrace with glass-topped tables. Breakfast is served on a flexible schedule and features a buffet spread with omelet and waffle stations. There’s no on-site restaurant for lunch or dinner, but the hotel offers a concept called “Gourmet Adventures,” which is essentially a collection of menus from local restaurants that deliver. The hotel presents the delivery on plates and serves the meals on the breakfast terrace, creating a restaurant-like experience; however, as some guests have noted, the delivery fees can make this a pricey option. Guests also have access to a tidy, sheltered BBQ area. A small shop in the lobby offers Costa Rican-made products as well as basic supplies like sunscreen and dried pasta. Unlike most hotel convenience stores, the goods are reasonably-priced with minimal mark-ups compared to prices you’ll see downtown. 

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and there’s free self-parking on-site. Staff can help with the arrangement of activities, with free transport to Jaco and Herradura beaches offered for guests who book tours through the hotel.