Hotel Snapshot

Just steps away from the black sand beaches of Guanacaste, Santarena Hotel acts as the heart of the colorful (and car-free) Las Catalinas community. This 45-room property is upscale yet approachable, featuring a scenic rooftop pool, a maximalist lobby bar, and an outdoor Mediterranean restaurant called Ponciana. Whether you’re on a romantic holiday or embarking on the ultimate girls’ trip, Santarena Hotel offers a centrally-located and comfortable stay in one of Costa Rica’s most picturesque towns. 

Design & Character 

On the outside of the hotel, a predominantly white plaster structure is accented by teal window frames that reflect the nearby ocean, while terracotta rooftops add a bit of warmth and character. The check-in desk is located right next to the lobby bar and lounge, which is a maximalist’s dream outfitted with orange and blue furnishings, patterned wallpaper, wicker palm trees, and bohemian accents that tie the stylish yet beachy ambiance together.  

An open-air, Spanish colonial-style courtyard sits in the center of the hotel, connected to a spiral staircase that leads to all of the rooms. On the fourth floor is the property’s crown jewel—a breathtaking rooftop with sweeping ocean views and a modern infinity-edge swimming pool. When you’re not out and about exploring town, this is likely where you’ll be posted up. Certain parts of the rooftop are shaded and feature full-size tables, allowing you to order lunch while catching up on emails or reading your next romance novel. 

The Rooms

Simple yet elegant, the rooms follow a no-fuss approach that is modern without being cold. Cool grey tones are the foundation of the space, but teal throw pillows and accents match the exterior of Santarena. Most of the rooms and all of the suites feature small balconies that look out over the restaurant courtyard or onto the ocean. The mattresses are pretty firm but in a good way, and the pillows have the perfect amount of fluff. In the bathrooms, white marble counters feature zero single-use plastic amenities in alignment with Costa Rica’s eco-friendly properties, and a spacious walk-in shower is tucked behind frosted glass doors. 

The Food & Drink

Ponciana is Santarena’s signature restaurant. Though there are some tables inside next to the bar, most guests prefer to sit on the romantic courtyard under the massive ornament-like lights that hang from the trees—just don’t be surprised if you spot (or hear) a Howler monkey resting on the branches above. The restaurant is open for a buffet-style breakfast that’s included with your stay, along with lunch and dinner. When it comes to cocktails, everything from the ginger beer to the coffee liqueur is made in-house, mirroring the destination's desire to keep things as natural as possible. The food menu leans Mediterranean, with highlights being the fried artichokes, beef carpaccio, and grilled beef tenderloin. If you’re looking for a grab-and-go coffee in the morning, head to the counter at 4 Calle La Ronda for a latte and pastry. 

The Amenities

In addition to standard on-site amenities like Wi-Fi, room service, and concierge assistance, Santarena guests also get access to off-site amenities like the gym facilities at nextdoor Center of Joy and the tennis and pickleball courts located at the nearby Finca La Estancia, which also hosts sunset horseback rides. 

Location & Neighborhood Recs

Las Catalinas is a car-free town that is 100% walkable. Start your morning with the Costa Rican breakfast and a passion fruit smoothie at Nature’s Table before indulging in a soothing massage at Center of Joy. You can spend the early hours hiking or biking one of the many trails that surround Las Catalinas, or simply get lost strolling through town while admiring the colorful Italian-style architecture and quiet courtyards that lie around every corner. I also recommend spending at least one afternoon at the Las Catalinas Beach Club, where you’ll find adults-only pools and sweeping ocean views.  If you don’t feel like dining at the hotel for dinner or lunch, there are several local eateries to check out. Head to Tamaki for sushi, Papagayo Brew House for beers and bar bites, or Celeste for cocktails and coconut shrimp by the beach. Just up the hill is the five-star Casa Chameleon Hotel and Sendito Norte, which is easily the most scenic restaurant in all of Las Catalinas. 

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Fast Facts

Location: Las Catalinas, Costa Rica

Rating: 3-Star

Room Count: 45 Rooms and Suites

Pricing: Rates start around $260 per night

Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The scenic rooftop pool that overlooks the Pacific and house-lined hilltops of Las Catalinas. 

Dining: Ponciana and 4 Calle La Ronda. Plenty of additional restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. 

Amenities: Wi-Fi, rooftop infinity pool, room service, concierge assistance, access to nearby gym facilities and pickleball/tennis courts, 25 miles of hiking/biking trails, Playa Dante.

Nearby Attractions: Casa Chameleon Hotel, Playa Brasilito, Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal, Finca La Estancia, Rincón de la Vieja National Park (2 Hours).

Airport: Liberia International Airport