Really when you stay at La Colina, you're staying at Hans' place, the man, them mystery, the bar's open when he hasn't been partying too hard with his Canadian friends. The rooms are divine, peaceful, clean, like little tree houses with breeze and sunshine, far enough from the tourist trap, but close enough to run up the hill and change clothes if the waves start breaking... very easily.
We lucked into La Colina. No room at the Inn for the family at surf camp, and I will say, this place is leaps and bounds better than any other on the strip.It has a homey, "cheers" vibe to it, by the end of the trip, you know everyone else staying at the Colina, you might have drank a bit too much with a few of them, and you actually stay in touch with a few, after the Colina.
So thankful for Hans, La Colina, and the real truth to living the peace and calm of Tamarindo and Costa Rica. It's a gem and you really can't go wrong.

I ended up at La Colina quite by accident... and what a fortunate accident it was. When I booked my surf school in early November, they were unable to put us up the whole time at their hotel. We stayed two nights in the touristy bustle of Tamarindo, and then transfered up the hill (an 8-10 minute walk) to La Colina. Upon checking in at the outside reception/bar, I realized I'd struck gold, and wished I'd known better to book all my nights there. The apartments are lovely, with large sitting rooms, ocean facing balcony/patios, a stocked kitchenette, WIFI, fantastic water pressure (so nice to have reliable strong hot water to shower in) and separate bedrooms which have gorgeous floor to ceiling, wall to wall teak closets. The pool was refreshing, and the peace and quiet perfectly complimented the unbelievably gorgeous view.
La Colina has charm far beyond it's physical qualities. The owner, Hans, runs this small 18 room hotel with great pride and kindness. He's a fascinating person, and I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations sitting at his bar for sunset (this man knows his beer and has a great selection) or over breakfast mimosas. On a few occasions he generously invited a few of the other guests and I to join him for a delicious Hans cooked meal, and we went through quite a bit of champagne. Then when I twisted my ankle (perhaps I'd had one too many Imperials after a tiring day of surfing), he stepped in to help me as if he were a member of my family. He made sure I had ice packs, and drove me to the doctor and pharmacy since I could not walk. But I was even more grateful that he lifted my spirits and helped me salvage a doomed 'surf vacation'.
This little gem of a hotel is clean, quiet and incredibly safe. When I return to Tamarindo (to pick up my surf skills where I left off), I will only stay at the lovely Hotel La Colina.
Thank you Hans for being a lovely host and creating this special place. I will be back, whether with friends, boyfriends, or family young and old, I look forward to returning.

I love Tamarindo and Hotel La Colina ..This was my second trip to the area and this Hotel and I will be back next year. It is a smaller quaint hotel and I was very comfortable staying there I felt safe and it was close enough to walk to the beach or to many of the fabulous restauants and immenities Tamarindo has to offer. The rooms are very clean and the beds are comfortable and view is fantastic. The rooms have full kitchens so it is perfect for those who want to feel at home and not have to eat out every night . The staff are very friendly and knowledgable of the area and are more than happy to arrange any tours or to recommend one of the many restaurants or hot spots . What I really liked about this hotel was that it was not just hotel room and that it was not all inclusive. Travelling solo it is difficult to find an affordable, comfortable safe clean haven .Hotel La Colina is all of the above and Roni at the bar makes the best Marguritas in Tamarindo. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone wanting a relaxing "Costa Rican" expierence.

Hotel La Colina is your home away from home when staying in Tamarindo. The apartment style rooms give you plenty of room with nearly all the amenities of home. I had a gorgeous view of the ocean and sunset from my patio. It's a short taxi ride or walk up from the main road but it's nice to be away from the sometimes busy life of downtown Tamarindo, yet still close to be able to enjoy the beach during the day. The atmosphere is cozy and private and I felt very safe while staying here. The staff is friendly and if you're interested in doing any excursions, Roni can point you in the right direction and get that sorted out for you - she is a wealth of information (she also makes a tasty margarita). I would recommend this hotel to anyone planning on staying in Tamarindo.