This was our first time to Costa Rica and my first time traveling with my friend. Given that we don't speak Spanish well and are two females, we were very cautious with our choices to stay. After seeing the great price on hotels's website, we could not help but give this place a try.

We were very pleasantly surprised by the location and views to be at this hotel. The staffs were very nice and even offered the off-beaten path to a local attraction: natural water pool (be cautious of high tides times & don't get stuck when it comes). The room was basic but the view compensated for what the room lacked. Yes, the air conditioner is loud, but try sleeping with the sound of the waves when it is not too hot or humid. Yes, you will see ants but don't leave stuff out that will attract them.

We loved the sounds of wild monkeys, the waves, and no other people around/no traffic noise. If you plan on being out most of the time, you will enjoy the serenity at Carillo Beach nearby, the cheap Dolphin & snorkel tour (see hotel staff), learn to surf at Samara Beach, eat local foods such as fresh cerviche & fried snappers in the town of Samara, or do a day excursion to the beaches up north, where their waves makes Samara's much more manageable.

Hotel staff can also book for you a canopy tour/zip-lining. I highly recommend that.

A nice and comfortable hotel, with spcious rooms. The view on Carillo beach from the rooms and the restaurant terrasse is simply incredible and is worth the stay alone. Nice pool. Friendly service. The quality of the food is fair.

Hotel Guanamar has the best view of Playa Carrillo, my favorite beach in Costa Rica. It's a shame that the hotel is not properly maintained. If the rooms were slightly cleaner and more comfortable, it would have an excellent rating. As it is, it's a good deal for the wonderful view. The restaurant is ok. The employees are not well trained so don't expect much in the way of service; however, the hotel is excellently located and quiet. The airconditioning in the room worked very well.

I did extensive research on Costa Rica, and especially this area. The hotel was nice, the food was above average, and the staff were friendly. The sunsets, as everyone has said, are really beautiful. Hotel is rated at a 3 star, and I would say this is correct. It is definitely not ultra luxurious, but it doesnt pretend to be. Alot of people on Trip Advisor has said that place was dirty...untrue. The grounds were very kept, and nice. The restaurant and bar area are outside, under really nice palm thatched roofs...really cool. Rooms were basic, but clean, and we were barely in them. Only issue is the TV was sub par, but if you watching TV on your trip, you are doing something wrong. Make sure you get an oceanfront..totally worth the extra money.
Samara and Carrillo beaches are beautiful and we would definitely go back. Make sure you rent a 4x4. if you are adventurous and want to explore, you will need one. Most of the roads are dirt, and impassable with a car. Wingnuts canopy tour was great, and I would recommend this too. Use SPF 50 or you will burn. Go to Costa Rica with some knowledge of Spanish. Alot of people do not speak english, and they definitely respect you more if you try to speak their language.