Las Cascadas The Falls

Guests at Las Cascadas The Falls are a mix of families, couples, groups, and single travelers from around the world. There's a small reception area with tinted floor-to-ceiling windows that holds little more than the wooden check-in desk and a green leather chair. It smells musty if the air conditioner isn't on. The real hub of the property is the charming swimming pool, decorated with a painted underwater mural and a small waterfall trickling over rocks, and adjacent open-air restaurant with natural wood dining tables and chairs. Oddly, a large stuffed tiger is placed on a rock wall. The grounds are compact; most rooms and the Casa are built near the pool, but the Penthouse and Dome Honeymoon Suite are located up a steep hill. These units have gorgeous views of the lush rain forest that borders the property and Pacific Ocean in the distance. Grounds are planted with jack fruit trees and flowering bushes. Small statues and rock formations add an interesting jungle vibe. 

Depending on how you plan on spending your vacation, Las Cascadas The Falls can feel like a private rain forest oasis, an inconvenient trek to Manuel Antonio, or both. It's located in a residential Costa Rican neighborhood, and can be a little difficult to find. Take a left after Marina Pez Vela, drive up the hill and take another uphill left before the high school. The hotel's nearest neighbor is a private house, and there aren't any restaurants or neighboring hotels in the immediate community. Expect a 14-minute walk to Quepos' main bus station and about a 15-minute drive to the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park; the bus ride takes a little longer. 

There's a wide variety of available rooms available at Las Cascadas, so look closely before booking. The Penthouse is located above the swimming pool and consists of one large room with a huge (kind of ugly) artificial rock waterfall dividing the bedroom and sitting areas. The views of the rain forest and ocean are exquisite, but the red leather sofa looks leftover from the '90s. The kitchen is much more up-to-date with stainless steel appliances. The Dome Honeymoon Suite is located at the highest point in the property; it's a bit of a trek to get there. A circular dome provides almost 360 degree views of the rain forest, and is surrounded by a private terrace. Monkeys are regular visitors and can get up to a few shenanigans, like tipping over patio furniture. Inside, there's a full bed, bathtub, and small kitchenette with a hot plate and full fridge. A colorful toucan and green plants are painted on the walls. Below The Dome Honeymoon Suite are two Dome Canopy Villas that can be adjoined. These are the simplest rooms on-site, as they don't have kitchens. 

Near the pool are a variety of one-, two-, three-, or four-bedroom condos that can be adjoined or not according to guests' needs. These have full kitchens, semi-private terraces, and renovated bathrooms. Homey touches like books and kitchen gear are added. Corner units have the best light, and one has private access to the communal swimming pool. Flat-screen or tube-style TVs are provided, though free Wi-Fi is hit or miss. The owner has painted much of the art that decorates the unit.

The largest option is Casa Cascadas, with three full bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has a a full living room with a tan leather sectional couch, dining area, and full kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Outside, there's an atrium-style porch set with some dated cardio equipment and a full living room set. It shares a space with the owner's art studio. 

Features at this smaller boutique hotel are limited but convenient. The highlight of the property is the outdoor swimming pool with distant ocean views, though there are only two sun loungers for catching rays. Surprisingly, breakfast isn't included in the room rate (it generally is in this part of the world) but the quality and quantity of what's on offer -- eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, and all-you-can-eat pancakes -- are better than the typical buffet. Lunch and dinner are also served a la carte at the restaurant adjacent to the pool. Guests can use the large grill for barbecuing. Wi-Fi is free, but spotty in some rooms. Parking is both free and ample in the parking lot in front of the lobby. Staff can arrange excursions or provide information on nearby restaurants and beaches.