Jaco Laguna Resort & Beach Club

Past the center of town on a quieter street, away from traffic, guests arrive to a gravel parking lot. A sign towards the front desk points the way past a pretty manicured garden and flowering plants, sprinkled with hints of personality that allude to the newcomer that this is a small independently-run hotel. While rooms are closer to the rear, reception is closer to the front, and is part of a large open-air seating area with wood-beamed ceilings next to nice stretch of grass for lawn games. This leads the way to the the pool area, and continues towards the tiki bar and then the ocean. Guests and surfer types may be drinking beer at the bar, or taking a dip in the pool. This large common area makes the hotel feel bigger than it is, and ocean views are utilized to the highest advantage.  

With 10 years under their belt, the hotel's husband-and-wife team, along with their adorable son, run the show and are often around taking care of things or chatting with guests during sunset. Like them, the resort attracts young laid-back families, romantics, and friends who come for the steady waves. One of the best parts of the Jaco Laguna is the location on the far end of the beach -- it's fairly remote, which helps keep away some of the touristy riff-raff that might be taking place in the center of the action. Most tend to hit the hay at a reasonable hour due to kids, or plans to catch morning waves, but partiers can find plenty of options in town. Regardless of lifestyle, visitors chat extensively about surfing, which is really the original essence of Jaco, and this hotel manages to bring out the best.

Jaco Laguna Beach Club is a small property on the southern end of Playa Jaco -- a bustling tourist city along Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. This is the closest beach area to San Jose (less than two hours driving), with two-and-a-half miles of darkish volcanic sand, low-lying green mountains, and beautiful sunset views. Consistent waves and warm ocean temperatures make this one of the more popular surfing spots in the country (great for beginners -- especially directly in front). 

Downtown Jaco, a five-minute bike ride or even shorter drive away, is known for its party atmosphere. There are dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore on the central paved road, along with a newer resort called Crocs, which has the area's biggest casino. Jaco has experienced a great deal of growth in recent years -- some good and some bad -- and it attracts a mixed crowd, including families, international surfers (many from Colombia), and even some tourists who want to partake in the sex trade (prostitution is legal here). Long-time locals and expats are still present, though, and they work hard to keep the place from becoming too commercialized. Look for it, and one can find pockets of Jaco's authenticity as one of the country's foremost surf towns. This hotel and its surf school are prime examples of that.

It takes about two hours to arrive here from San José's international airport and staff can help arrange transportation. Those who rent a car will have free parking at the hotel. For day trips, there are excursions, water sports and various adventure trips, like to the rainforest Carara National Park, popular for wild Scarlet Macaws, and Manuel Antonio National Park. 

There are three types of rooms on three floors; guests should note that there is no elevator. All have a simple color scheme with white tile floors, pale yellow walls, and wood furnishings, which includes a nice bed frame for the pillow-top mattress in each. They are equipped with hard-working A/C units, flat-screen TVs, and Cuisinart coffeemakers stocked with local coffee and Coffeemate creamers instead of the powdered stuff that most hotels in Costa Rica provide. Tiled bathrooms have walk-in showers, bathrobes, and large, powerful hair-dryers -- another thoughtful touch from the owners.  

Single Queen rooms are on the first floor on the front side of the hotel. These are smaller in size, with one Queen-sized bed and a pull-out sofa in each. The Double Bed rooms have double beds and a pull-out sofa in each as well. Single King rooms are on the second and third floors, with one King-sized bed and a pull-out sofa in each. Rooms on the second and third floors have shared balconies with wooden rocking chairs that are great for enjoying morning cups of coffee. This is the only ocean vantage point, though -- interior windows of most rooms face the rear, though views of the manicured garden and mountains in the background are pretty, too. 

Playa Jaco is a large public beach with darkish volcanic sand surrounded by green mountains for pretty views, especially on this side of town. There are a few sun loungers and umbrellas set up for guests, but for sun-bathing, most tend to lie out by the pool. This part of the beach is less touristy and attracts more locals who come to catch the steady waves or take long walks, sometimes with their dogs. Jaco Surf School is based at the hotel, and is one of the best in the areas. The friendly and passionate owner, Mauricio, offers on-site rentals for surf boards, long boards, and stand-up paddle boards. Surf lessons and SUP tours are run by talented staff -- many whom are actively involved in the professional surf circuit. Prices are reasonable for one or two-hour lessons, making this an ideal spot to take that first plunge. 

For those who want to skip swimming in the ocean (which, by the way, is safe for experienced swimmers), there are two pools: one that is toddler-friendly, and another that is better suited for grown-ups, with a handful of cushioned day beds. The pools are right next to each other so groups and families with kids can plant themselves on the lounge chairs and switch back and forth.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are offered à la carte style in two dining spaces. The second-floor, open-air restaurant serves breakfast with options like omelettes, pancakes with bananas or strawberries, and French toast with peanut butter and jelly. For lunch and dinner, the Tiki Bar is next to the beach on the other side of the pool with cool wooden tables and bar seats. Friendly bartenders seem to know all the regulars (many locals come here) and get to know guests. With music playing, this restaurant has a true Costa Rican vibe, and hits its peak in the afternoon when people come for drinks and stay all the way until sunset. 

A beautiful teak wood hut next to the beach (with views) is available for spa services like couples' massages, body waxing, manicures, pedicures, paraffin treatments, and full body wraps. 

Yoga instructions (and stand-up paddle board yoga, too) can be arranged. Guests can also rent fat-tire bike cruisers to get around town. A small souvenir shop is located next to reception for a few clothing items, souvenirs, and sundries. 

The hotel has overnight security, but guests are still advised to keep valuables out of the car. Wi-Fi is free and reliable.