The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
Playa Guiones Del super Las Delicias del Mundo 100 metros Sur, Nosara 5233 Costa Rica
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Room & Suite (73)
Dining (12)
What is Travellers’ Choice?
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What you can expect during your stay
- All linens sanitised in high-temperature wash
- Face masks required for staff in public areas
- Floors marked for social distancing
- Hand sanitiser available to guests & staff
- Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
- Staff required to regularly wash hands
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Updated 30/08/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
A note from The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
Updated 30/08/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
About
#4 of 21 hotels in Nosara
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
The landmark at the beaches of Nosara, Costa Rica. The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel & Restaurant is a historic town icon; over the last 40 years it has served as a gathering point where travelers and locals come together to share awesome stories, music, drinks, waves, and good times. The Iguana is located right in front of the main acces to Playa Guiones, one of the most consistent surf breaks in the world. The Hotel and all of the new rooms and facilities have been designed with surfers and outdoor lovers in mind. One of the most famous and well loved vacation destination hotels in Nosara the hotel for surfers, families, expats, and experiential travellers. **NEWS** - Gilded Iguana has been totally renovated and relaunch open March 15th, 2018 .
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Yoga classes
Bar / lounge
Beach
Bicycle rental
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Secured parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Shallow end in pool
Yoga room
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Fitness classes
Personal trainer
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary welcome drink
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Poolside bar
Bicycles available
Hiking
Horseback riding
Snorkelling
Water sport equipment rentals
Bicycle tours
Canoeing offsite
Fishing
Table tennis
Tennis court offsite
Walking tours
Board games / puzzles
Kids pool
Highchairs available
Airport transportation
Car hire
Taxi service
Body wrap
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Massage
Neck massage
Open-air bath
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Currency exchange
Gift shop
Outdoor furniture
Shops
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Allergy-free room
Blackout curtains
Air conditioning
Additional bathroom
Desk
Housekeeping
Coffee / tea maker
Walk-in shower
Soundproof rooms
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Safe
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Electric kettle
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Pool view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Centrally Located
Modern
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish
Location
Full view
77Somewhat walkable
Grade: 77 out of 100
23Restaurantswithin 0.5 km
1Attractionwithin 0.5 km
Contact
Playa Guiones Del super Las Delicias del Mundo 100 metros Sur, Nosara 5233 Costa Rica
Getting there
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219Reviews10Q+A31Room tips
Reviews
Traveller rating
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+1
I think i have never visited a hotel where the rooms felt so comfortable. everything was just right. The materials used were also very attractive. Everything was simply very spacious and clean. staff very nice and helpful. We had to move on because of our schedule but we would have loved to stay! Thank you so much 🦋🙏pura vida
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We stayed here in the middle of the pandemic, but the hotel was still sold out, it is very popular! The pool was packed with American children, which we don’t mind, just something to note. Out room was very cool and comfortable, and we loved the open layout of the large tile shower with the window looking out in to the jungle. I would recommend staying on an upper floor if possible, for this elevated jungle view. The restaurant was my favorite at any location in all of Nosara (and we stayed at 3 locations and explores many restaurants)—cocktails delicious, breakfast expansive and the dinner menu exceptional. They also offer surf lessons and have surf camp down the road, which we also participated in for one afternoon. If you are looking for a safe, chic, and quality boutique hotel the Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel is for you!…
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Iveth Badilla, Sales at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
Responded 5 Jun 2022
We really appreciate your comments. We hope we can welcome you again in Nosara and The Gilded Iguana surf hotel. Thank you for staying with us and best regards.
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We had a blast taking salsa lessons with Yelle! He is a fantastic instructor and we will be sure to be back on our next visit to take more lessons. Yelle is patient, meets you right at your skill level (and my husband and I have A LOT to learn as true beginners!) and makes the lessons fun and engaging. Yelle gave us some simple practice moves to do at home so we will be ready for more lessons when we return. We also enjoyed a delicious meal before our lesson at the Gilded Iguana Restaurant and had tasty cocktails after! Thank you Yelle!
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Date of stay: December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Iveth Badilla, Sales at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
Responded 5 Jun 2022
We will make sure to pass your comments to our Coach Yelle. We are happy to know he have made an impact on you and that you will remember him and our hotel. We will be super happy to welcome you again at The gilded Iguana for more Salsa Lessons.
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My husband and I stayed at the Gilded Iguana for 6 nights. I can’t say enough great things about the hotel itself and its fantastic staff. The property is immaculate. There’s no shortage of staff maintaining the hotel to perfection. The staff working behind the front desk are always willing to help and never without a smile. They are so welcoming and friendly, and make you feel right at home. The pool area is gorgeous and relaxing, with a boutique feel. The restaurant food is delicious, fresh and has many healthy options. We loved it here!
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Date of stay: May 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Iveth Badilla, Sales at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
Responded 5 Jun 2022
Thank you for taking the time to review our hotel and for your comments regarding the areas and the service of our staff. We are happy to know you loved your stay and we hope to welcome you again soon.
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+1
Gilded Iguana has a perfect five star rating for a reason. This hotel is perfect in every way - they’ve truly thought of every last detail, from surfboard lockers outside each room, to delicious healthy breakfast included each morning. My friend and I are both scared of bugs and were worried about staying in a boutique hotel in the jungle, but somehow the staff manages to keep each room absolutely spotless every single day. We slept like babies and never saw more than a fly inside. Mariana at the front desk was especially amazing in welcoming us, arranging multiple rounds of transportation, and booking an amazing ATV tour.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Book a three day private surf lesson - we improved so much every day and week down to 9’ boards...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Iveth Badilla, Sales at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
Responded 5 Jun 2022
Thank you for sharing your comments. We will make sure our staff knows about it and we will continue offering the best service and lodging in Nosara. Regards!
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This is a review for surf lessons, specifically their promoted “Surfer Boost” program. My experience was very negative. I came to Nosara looking to level up my surfing as a beginner who had surfed a little before. I received almost no feedback from my instructor during my entire 3 day program, which is not what I expected as the program promotes 45 minute video review sessions for the purpose of receiving feedback. I asked for more support/instruction in the water numerous times and still my instructor didn’t provide significant help. I only received 2 video review sessions as, per the cameraman, the video malfunctioned during my last session. There were also safety issues…I decided to end my last lesson early when after my instructor lost control of her board and it almost hit me. (This was after having to ditch her board a number of time and having trouble with the paddle out overall.) I really, really wanted to learn more about surfing and improve and the program was expensive so this was all super disappointing. There seem to be many other lesson options in Nosara so would encourage others to research and go elsewhere. I emailed the surf school manager directly with this feedback and never received a response, which was also disappointing. Very poor customer service.…
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip: Look elsewhere for quality surf instruction in Nosara.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Donovan Garcia, General Manager at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
Responded 1 Jul 2022
Thank you for letting us know about this. We will make sure to correct this and we will contact you directly to resolve.
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This hotel is absolutely amazing. The rooms, the pool, the spa, the staff, the food -everything was fantastic. The hotel arranged a horse ride and an ATV ride which we would highly recommend. We ate in the hotel on two nights and the food and drinks were superb. I also had a massage at the spa and it was unbelievable, the setting was pure luxury and the massuese fantastic. It's perfect for families and couples alike and is in the best location in Nosara. I would definitely recommend this hotel.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Donovan Garcia, General Manager at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
Responded 22 Apr 2022
High standards and honest service is a key element in our organization. Thank you for your review and nice comments.
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We had an incredible stay at the Gilded Iguana and wished we could have stayed longer. Location is perfect (a few minutes from the beach and near many other restaurants and shops), the rooms are spacious and well designed, and the staff is great! Recommend their surf club too, we had a great lesson there.
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Date of stay: March 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Donovan Garcia, General Manager at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
Responded 22 Apr 2022
Space is not a problem at the Gilded Iguana. Our rooms and areas are open and welcoming. Thank you for your comments about the surf club and our staff. We will make sure they know and we hope you return soon.
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Yelle was the best and most fun dance instructor we have ever had. We learned to salsa, merengue and bachata all in one hour. Yelle broke down the steps and made it fun to learn. He gave great cues and tips to help us learn the dances and recommended local places and times where we could practise. So fun and entertaining at the same time. We thoroughly enjoyed our lesson. !Muchos gracias Yelle!
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Donovan Garcia, Director General at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
Responded 16 Mar 2022
Thank you for your comments. We will make sure Yelle knows. We are proud of him and the surf club staff and we will be happy to welcome you again soon.
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What a wonderful stay at the gilded iguana. The service, the location and everything about this hotel has made our stay in Nosara simply magical! An easy walk to the beach and surf lessons made this a great location for teenage kids to walk everywhere.
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Donovan Garcia, Director General at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
Responded 16 Mar 2022
Nosara is a paradise in Guanacaste and we are proud and happy to be part of it. Thank you for sharing such nice comments. We hope you come back soon and continue enjoying Playa Guiones and the Gilded Iguana.
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PRICE RANGE
$342 - $637 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of GuanacasteNosara
NUMBER OF ROOMS
29
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Bar El Zarpe (0.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, an additional bathroom, and blackout curtains.
What food & drink options are available at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a poolside bar during their stay.
Is parking available at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include 10Pies, La Brasa Guiones, and Pacifico Azul.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, fitness classes, and locker rooms available in the fitness centre during their stay.
Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel have airport transportation?
Yes, The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French.
Is The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access, reduced mobility rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.