This was our 6th trip to Costa Rica, and our stay at Buganvillea Resort was meant to be a relaxing end of a busy week after my husband completed the very difficult mountain bike race "La Ruta de los Conquistadores". We had stayed at a wonderful mix of eccentric hotels and B & B's across the country and this last stop was meant to be a time of quiet recuperation.

The room was a huge disappointment. We were initially given a room that overlooked a lovely forested area. However, the room was so small it barely fit the bed and we couldn't envision spending 3 nights there. We were able to get a larger room that was adjacent to the pool area. While the room was larger, the standing portable AC unit did not work to cool the room down. Cross-ventilation was not possible either, because there was only a screen door to a back walkway, and no other windows. The bed was VERY uncomfortable, and the pillows were thin and lumpy.

There were no places to really sit in the room, and we didn’t want to anyway since it was dark, unwelcoming and felt like being in a cave. Instead we used the sitting areas around the pool. These sofas and chairs look lovely, but were very uncomfortable and the ashtrays always seemed to be dirty. The one nice feature of the hotel was the pool. It is a partially covered pool, clean and relaxing.

The other big disappointment for us was the fact that there was no restaurant on the property, although there is a menu in their book, which was very misleading. It appeared that we could have had a private dinner if we had made arrangements in advance, but since no one had informed us of this, we were out the luck (the management was rather indifferent on the subject – in fact, they were indifferent in general). We were directed to a small “soda” (eatery) down the hill, but they were not serving food that evening. We were able to find a so-so Italian restaurant on the main road. Since we had no car, we were not looking forward to 3 days of constantly figuring out how to get a meal.

Breakfast was included, but was nothing special - a basic continental breakfast with toast, cereal and some fruit, and some cheese and meat. There was a pan of very dry looking eggs that I didn’t try.

We could not wait to leave. In the morning, we were online with TripAdvisor to find alternative accommodations. We called Hotel Banana Azul, north of Puerto Viejo. Although they had no rooms, they did have a rental home available for the next 2 nights and we would have access to all the hotel facilities and the restaurant. It turned out to be a great choice, which I will review separately.

We did not attempt to discuss a refund of the two nights we did not use with the management. Instead, we waited until we left and brought it up with the travel agent who booked our trip. I haven’t decided who to be more disappointed in – the Buganvillea Resort for refusing us a refund – or the travel agent for blaming me, since I chose the hotel he recommended (after all – he did give me three recommendations from which to choose.)

My sister and I stayed at Buganvillea for a week in March. I can warmly recommend this hotel to any one, especially if you have a car. The hotel is located pretty much in between Puerto Viejo and the beautiful beach Puerto Uva, a bit up in to the jungle from the main road. We got around by taxis or bikes that we could rent, but the roads are very bump and mostly unpaved, so if you have a car this is the perfect place to stay. It's secluded up in the jungle and it has all the necessities you need, like Internet, pool and even a home meal cooked just for you if so want! If you bring your own laptop, there is also a cord by the pool, so you can get access to the Internet, no wireless though.

The owner Andrea, Gabriella working for him and all the other staff are very nice and most helpful and allot of activities could be booked with their help. I do want to mention that for the sloth tour to a local rescue center is very over charged by tourist companies- 50 US dollars. If you have a car and can drive there your self it doesn't cost more then 15 dollars. So since this is a place that is most suitable if you have a car, going there by your self is a very good idea.

All in all this is a beautiful and very quiet place with cozy little rooms. You are surrounded by the jungle and all it's inhabitants and still have access to all of the outside world!

Our friends recommended this excellent place on the Caribbean side. Great place and location with beautiful threes surrounding the resort. Excellent service and food. The rooms are of high quality and with a great view into the forest. The owner Andrea and his assistance Gaby gave the best of the best service. The food is cocked on the grill and they use the best of the local ingredients. Lobster is highly recommended but all was fantastic. We ate almost every night there. We stayed 5 nights and will stay again. They helped us with activities and have a great staff at your service. The swimming pool is prefect and a threat and refreshing after a long day. Bikes at the property. A top place to stay.

We arrived in the area with no reservations anywhere so we stopped at about 6 different places checking out rooms and rates. No other place even came close to the Buganvillea. The rooms with a/c are set on the edge of a forest - very quiet and serene sitting on the patio. The rooms are comfortable and the bathroom modern with a large shower. The pool area is outstanding. The pool is heated and we stayed in it for almost 2 hours one evening, floating on noodles drinking Rock Ice Limon. Enjoyed watching a toucan in the tree above the pool for about 20 minutes. Half the pool is covered in case of rain you can still enjoy it. There was a laptop for free internet use, an open room with a big screen t.v. and comfy couches by the pool to lounge at. They have a large variety of sodas, beer and water for purchase along with bottles of wine. In the morning you arrive at the pool area for breakfast and the tables are all set out for you. The first morning was the typical ham, cheese, tomatoes, cereal, fruits, coffee and juices. The next morning was a delicious frittata. The staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful and called us by name everytime they saw us. As for food, we highly recommend the El Sol del Caribe down the road towards Puerto Viejo. Sand floor, cheap beer and great food.

I can't say enough good things about this place and I don't think if we went back to the area we would consider staying anywhere else.