Santarena Hotel at Las Catalinas

Overall, Las Catalinas is visually stunning, be prepared for some isolation.

8.0

We chose Santarena because of its reputation of Las Catalinas as a luxury beach front destination. The community is beautiful, built on a hillside overlooking the water and designed to resemble an Italian coastal village. I enjoyed exploring the various streets and villas, although at times I believe I was trespassing onto private streets. The room itself was pleasant and fit the villa style of the community, but it did not feel particularly luxurious. The television never worked during our stay despite staff attempting a repair, and there was no follow-up or alternative offered. Not the end of the world missing a TV for a week. We also booked a sunset sail through the concierge. After hearing nothing for two days and finding there was no record of our request, we booked the excursion ourselves directly and later received an apology from the hotel. The all inclusive Sunset sail out of Marina Flamingo is worth the sights and time. Overall the front desk was slow to respond or follow through - I will say that the several times I grabbed an employee directly in the section of the hotel we were staying, they were quick to respond and helpful. During our stay, a wedding with approximately 200 guests closed the main restaurant and bar for a day. Alternative dining options were offered, and while the reception band played directly across from our room, the music did end promptly at 10 PM. The rooftop pool was definitely boutique and small, with limited lounge chairs, but nice. While the community is on a beach, it is definitely not a typical resort style beach, it more of a rustic, black lava sand, and full of tree branches. Lots of hiking trails though. There is a beach club in the community that has a day pass you purchase, which has a few pools, lounge chairs, drinks and food service. Very nice. There is a local market, but with the isolation be prepared to pay a premium of at least 50% to 300% markup over average USA costs.

− Overall, Las Catalinas is visually stunning, be prepared for some isolation, although Playa Flamingo is about 20 minutes away by taxi. For us, while we were grateful for our experience, the community and the architectural style villas. It is limited in shops and restaurants. Las Catalinas has its many positives and certainly worth some research.

Guest review

10.0

Muy lindo el lugar, el personal súper amable!! Lo recomiendo muchísimo

Excellent service and hospitality

10.0

The people and service were incredible.

Muy bonito

10.0

Todo

Our stay at Santanera was truly unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and cared for, but what made

10.0

What I loved most about this hotel was how peaceful and beautifully designed everything was. The property is stunning, with incredible views, thoughtful architecture, and a relaxing atmosphere that made it easy to unwind. The rooms were comfortable, clean, and well-appointed, and the staff was warm, welcoming, and always willing to help. Every detail felt intentional, from the landscaping to the overall guest experience. The location in Las Catalinas is also unbeatable—it’s the perfect place to disconnect, explore the charming town, and enjoy the natural beauty of Costa Rica. I would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing and memorable getaway.

− I liked everything