Hotel M&M Casa Blanca

Hotel Villa Casa Blanca is an unassuming little property, ideal for travelers seeking affordable accommodations with a touch of local character. From the bird knickknacks to the floral vases, the hotel has the cluttered appeal of a grandmother’s home. The property is tidy overall, but its cleanliness and organization certainly aren’t immaculate. The dark-tile flooring and heavy wooden furniture can make the hotel look drab in some areas. Outside, brick paths wind through gardens dotted with stone statues and potted plants. A shelter shades a hammock and a few old chairs, offering a place to admire the greenery.

The hotel’s unpretentious atmosphere fits nicely into the surrounding neighborhood of Playa Ocotal. It features a pleasant beach and a few noteworthy restaurants, but it lacks the flash and amenities of destinations like Tamarindo or Playa del Coco (which may be a pro or a con for guests, depending on what they're seeking). The hotel attracts mainly Spanish-speaking guests, and English-speaking staff isn't always available. 

Hotel Villa Casa Blanca is set on a bumpy nondescript road, a 10-minute walk inland from Playa Ocotal. This lovely black-sand beach is typically uncrowded and ideal for snorkeling. There are a handful of restaurants within walking distance, and the area stretching out from the beach and up into the surrounding hills is mainly populated with private condo complexes along with the big Playa Ocotal Resort. There’s not much in the way of nightlife, making this area a great alternative for guests looking to escape the party scene on nearby Playa del Coco. The shops, restaurants, and bars of this bustling beach destination are about a 10-minute drive away.

Other beaches in the area include Playa Hermosa, which is a 30-minute drive north. Rincon de la Vieja National Park is about a 90-minute drive away, while Liberia’s airport can be reached in a little more than 30 minutes by car.

The Hotel Villa Casa Blanca's 15 guest rooms are tidy and well-maintained. Decor varies from room to room, but overall it’s far from fashionable. Abundant floral prints as well as eclectic art, ranging from colorful vases to mermaid sculptures, give rooms a certain homey charm. Most rooms have dark-tile flooring, and some include four-poster bed frames. All feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and safes.

Upper-level rooms have ocean views, and some room categories include full kitchens with fridges, stovetops, ovens, and dining areas. Some rooms have pretty, private terraces or separate sitting areas. Bathrooms are stocked with towels and off-brand bottles of shampoo. Most have only showers, but some offer shower/tub combos. 

The hotel has a narrow, outdoor pool, spanned by a curved bridge that separates it into two sections: On one side, there’s a small concrete deck furnished with a few plastic lounge chairs and a single beach umbrella, while on the opposite side is a tiny swim-up bar with submerged bar stools. The swim-up bar is part of the hotel’s casual, open-air kitchen, where staff can be seen preparing breakfast for guests dining on the adjacent terrace. There’s also a square hot tub set alongside the swim-up bar.

Free breakfast is served on a terra-cotta terrace overlooking the ocean in the distance. Breakfast includes fruit and a choice of hot items. The terrace also functions as a common area throughout the rest of the day, offering a few comfy chairs and benches. Guests are often accompanied by the hotel’s two resident parrots, who spend most afternoons basking on a special perch set here.

Staff can help arrange local tours and activities, and shuttle services are available for a fee. Free on-site parking is provided, and there’s free Wi-Fi throughout.