Places to Stay
Value, Comfort & Adventure
The 'Places To Stay' is now separated by towns. Click on the town to get recommendations for that area.
We find it easier to navigate when using actual town names. Many of the provinces/cantons crisscross each other and often times you don't realize which one you are in. Every place will be listed by town but the description will have the province so there is no confusion. This way we can add more recommendations in the future. It will include small towns or villages near to the larger towns listed. Click on the town to see what is recommended for that area.
These are all places that we have stayed and consider them the best of the best. We will continue to add recommendations and expand to different areas of Costa Rica as time goes on.
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It's best to go directly to the website of any of our recommendations to make sure they still offer what you are looking for. Over time, what is offered at these locations will change so verify with the property before booking.
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If you’re not sure which one to pick, have questions, need advice or would like to give us feedback please email us today. Click Below!
Hotel El Mono Feliz - Ojochal,
Puntarenas Province
Hidden Secret
Hotel El Mono Feliz is located in the small town of Ojochal, just a short drive south of Dominical. This hotel is a hidden gem kind of place. It really couldn't have a better location. It's close to amazing beaches (too many to list), crazy great food that the area is known for, and wonderful hospitality.
The entire property is surrounded by beautiful lush landscape, a small stream is the middle of the property and a river that borders it's edge.
The gardens and landscapes are manicured each day by the local gardener bringing income to a local family. You really feel like you are on the edge of a jungle and not in this quaint hotel.
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There are a few rooms off the eating area and next to the pool and three bungalows on the back of the property connect by large deck. We prefer the bungalow area for more privacy but you can't go wrong with whatever you choose.
The eating area has great views of a variety of birds, especially hummingbirds. You can sit and enjoy them racing around as you eat your breakfast, which is included in your stay (check with Claire to be sure).
It's best to book directly through the website. You will get a quick response from Claire and any questions can be answered through the website.
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Oh did I mention the hotel is next to a restaurant & bar (Los Gatos Locos) that you'd never know was there. See Food Section for more information. Claire put in a gate you can walk through from the hotel property.
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Click below to go to Hotel El Mono Feliz website.
Adventure
Adrenaline, Fun and Excitement
It wouldn't be a true trip to Costa Rica if you didn't add a little adrenaline into your visit.
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As is our mission, Scarlet Tours will stay out of the way of the large businesses that have more than enough money to promote themselves. You will recognize what businesses we mean when you visit Costa Rica. These businesses are vital to the tourism industry of Costa Rica and employ countless Ticos which helps those communities. They just don't need us to promote them.
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What we will do is recommendation small Tico run businesses and start ups that offer a safe, enjoyable and unique experience.
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If you have any questions, need advice, or would like to give us feedback please email us today. Click, "Get in Touch"
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If you would like advice on some of the larger tourist attractions we are here to help and can chat on the side.
Dominical Adventures
Your Next Adventure in Costa Rica
As you can see from their sign Dominical Adventures offers a wide variety of excursions. This is a family run business Their small shop is located downtown in the heart of Playa Dominical. The downtown is only one road so you can't miss it!
Dominical AdventuresÂ
Dominical
So this is one of those adventures that Jen & I have not experienced first-hand. Our teenage daughter and her boyfriend took the adventure and did a whitewater rafting tour with Dominical Adventures. This is second-hand knowledge about the adventure but first-hand knowledge about a father sending his daughter off with a tour company.
These guys were very professional from the start and looked out for the safety of all their clients. They made many reassurances that all would be safe and that they would take good care of our daughter.
The kids returned safe and sound and had a blast! They love their adventure!
Not only did they experience the rush of whitewater rafting they also swam at a waterfall and learned a bit about the Costa Rican culture.
If you are looking for adventure in the Dominical area we would highly recommend Dominical Adventures.
Click Learn More below to go to Dominical Adventures Website
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Check out the gallery below!
Reserves, Hiking, Waterfalls & More
Nature, Wildlife, Relaxation
Costa Rica tourism is based on the eco-logical diversity that the country has to offer and the way they maintain, invest and protect their diversity.
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It would be impossible for any guide, conservation group, tour agency or Costa Rican to highlight all the rich diversity that this small country has to offer. There is literally something around every corner, in every town or even in someone's own backyard that is worth a visit.
As is our mission, Scarlet Tours will stay out of the way of the large businesses or tourist attractions that have more than enough money to promote themselves. You will recognize what businesses we mean when you visit Costa Rica. These businesses are vital to the tourism industry of Costa Rica and employ countless Ticos which helps those communities. They just don't need us to promote them.
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What we will do is recommend small Tico run reserves, hiking, waterfall and personal properties that offer a safe, enjoyable and unique experience.
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If you have any questions, need advice, or would like to give us feedback please email us today. Click, "Get in Touch"
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If you would like advice on some of the larger tourist attractions we are here to help and can chat on the side.
Eco Chontales Waterfall
The Best Kept Waterfall Secret
This is by far one of our favorite waterfalls that we have come across in all of Costa Rica. They are located on private land and run by the family that owns the land. This is one of those places that is pure Costa Rica. It's simply amazing and very few tourist will venture to this place. You can swim in the river and there are several smaller waterfalls down the river. The area gorgeous and the family that owns the property is extremely friendly.
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It you call ahead they will also cook you a homemade Tico lunch and they offer snacks. Check out their Facebook by clicking the button below to get more information and directions.
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Don't be intimidated by the drive to get there...it's all part of the Costa Rica adventure. When you arrive you'll be rewarded.
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Chontales, Baru, Perez Zeledon Costa Rica 11909 San José, San José Province, Costa Rica
Los Gatos Locos
Ojochal, Puntarenas Province
My wife Jen was following the Facebook page of Los Gatos Locos and wanted to stop in when we made our way down to Ojochal. To our surprise the restaurant was located right next door to Hotel El Mono Feliz, where we were staying.
How convenient it turned out to be.
Restaurant/Bar/Entertainment
Fun Up in the Trees
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This is a hidden gem in Ojochal!
Steve and Kerrie are wonderful hosts and employ friendly locals to serve up fantastic fresh food, friendly service and cold drinks.
The atmosphere is awesome and they have many different levels to this place. You often feel like you are hanging out up in the trees.
They routinely have live music from musicians around the area. If you are a musician yourself you might find yourself up on the stage on certain nights or afternoons.
The patrons are as friendly as the owners and staff. There's no way you won't walk out of there without a new friend.
This is a must stop if you are anywhere close to the Ojochal area.
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Make sure to follow them on Facebook
Restaurants
Food, Entertainment or a Refreshing Cocktail
These recommendations are restaurants and/or bar with or without entertainment that we personally have been to and really enjoy. We hope that you have the same fun and enjoyment as we had at these establishments.
We will continue to add and expand as time goes on. Eventually, as our content grows the recommendations will be displayed by the different regions of Costa Rica. Making it easy for you to search.
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For any place it's best to go directly to their social media page to make sure they still offer what you are looking for. Over time, things obviously change.
Scarlet Tours will always make it a point to have a direct link at the bottom of each recommendation when it's possible.
If you’re not sure which one to pick, have questions, need advice or would like to give us feedback please email us today. Click, "Get in Touch"