Cafe Playa Negra

Costa Rica , Pacific North Coast / Guanacaste
VEINTISIETE DE ABRIL, Calle Principal De Los Pargos
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50 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2026

Deanna

Fantastic hotel, restaurant, and hospitality. We stayed in a suite... it was clean, quiet, comfortable, and had amazing water pressure in the shower. It was a perfect night sleep. We used the pool, ate at the restaurant for dinner and breakfast, and the ocean is a short walk to a quiet beach! There's a great upper deck to sit and read while sipping coffee or a drink from the restaurant.
The best part was the staff/hospitality. I cannot thank the people taking care of us enough. You were the highlight! I believe the bartender/server's name was Steven(?) and he was awesome. Kind, helpful, and pleasant. The chef was amazing too!
This place is a hidden gem and we will be back to stay again.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

11 Mar 2026

Tim

Super kind staff and very yummy food. Property is small but very tidy. Safe but right on the main drag so it’s a little in your face when you exit. We really enjoyed our stop there

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jan 2026

David , Angela

Its a very pleasant property to look at, clean , with areas to relax. Pool, resturant. Staff are great.
Its only a 5 minute walk to the beach. I really enjoyed staying there and will again.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2025

Andrea

Like a Dream—Warm, Peaceful, and Kind

This was easily one of the best stays we’ve ever had. Café Playa Negra is everything a boutique hotel should be—warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully run. We were greeted like family and offered lime slush drinks that were pure bliss. Our room was spotless and beautiful, the meals were delicious, and the pool was a perfect escape.

Nixon was amazing—so kind and attentive, making sure everything went smoothly.

This place has heart. And by staying here, you’re supporting the real people of Playa Negra—not just a vacation rental owned by investors. We felt good knowing our visit made a positive impact. We’ll definitely be back.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Feb 2025

Adrian

The staff were very friendly and helpful. The area was great. We had good experience.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jan 2025

Ashianna

Amazing property! Lovely room, amazing restaurant and first class service!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2025

Emily

Highly recommend!

Loved this hotel! So modern and clean in a great location. Very friendly staff

Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Dec 2024

Paula

Definitely the nicest hotel close to the beach! Only a quarter mile walk to the beach. The food was terrific (locals swing by for dinner to go!) and the staff goes out of their way to make everyone comfortable

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

01 Aug 2024

Nicholas

👍

10/10

Exceptional

31 Mar 2024

Natacha

Lovely hotel. The staff were amazing, very helpful and friendly. The food was delicious. Short walk to the beach to watch the sunset. Beautiful property.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2024

Carolyn

This place is much better than the photos! The people are amazing. So cute! Extremely clean. Only 8 rooms in the whole hotel so it does book up in advance. There is a lovely shaded courtyard with a bar and lights and live music. Bright fresh airy rooms with high ceilings. I love this place! I got to meet the owner, it was his birthday and he was celebrating with friends and still went out of his way to welcome me. Roxy is the beautiful manager who is extremely thoughtful and welcoming as well. Great place!!

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2023

Meinolf

Excellent choice in Playa Negra

Beautiful and well managed place. Just a perfect little luxury spot you want to be. I highly recommend the place

Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Jan 2023

Dan

Worth the stay

It was a great stay!!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jun 2022

Doug

Great spot

Staff was great, as was the restaurant. The location is right on the main drag through town so it can be a little loud. But we loved the place and hope to return.

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2022

Juli

Great little property. The restaurant and staff are outstanding and you can walk to the beach in about 7 minutes. Great value and wonderful stay!

10/10

Exceptional

28 Feb 2022

Lucinda

The staff were brilliant and it had a chilled relaxed vibe. Great spot with nice food. We had to leave early in the morning and they kindly provided breakfast fruit the night before. We would definitely go back.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jan 2022

Camilo

Simple, convenient, clean, great food.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jul 2021

Verified traveler

This was a great little fine if you don't mind not having a TV in your room. I thought it was great. The place was very clean and affordable. The staff waited around for me to ensure that I received the key because they were not receiving my responses to them attempting to communicate with me over the Whatsup app and Expedia app do to my phone service while driving there. Food as great in the morning and appreciated everyone's smiles.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jul 2021

David

Thumbs up

Excellent newish hotel with pretty courtyard and excellent ceviche restaurant

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2019

MaríaAlvarez

Excelente Lugar, desde que llegamos nos atendieron de lo mejor y nos sentimos como en casa. Mi esposo y yo realmente disfrutamos muchísimo, especialmente la comida, es deliciosa y que decir de los postres.
Gracias Café Playa Negra

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jul 2019

CharlesDupont

Thank you so much hosting our family! We enjoyed our night with you! Our room was perfect - very clean, and we loved the special touches. The staff were very friendly and the ambiance was relaxing and inviting. We enjoyed the pool and loved our short walk to the beach. Your ceviche is among the best we have ever had! We will have already booked our next stay with you! We can’t wait to be back at the Cafe Playa Negra.

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

31 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Ok but poor value

A very basic set up without a door to the bathroom and very expensive for what you get. Better suited to multiple people sharing the rooms in more of a hostel style.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Absolutely a stunning place to stay. You won’t fins a better place in Playa Negra!

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2018

Steve

Great staff, lovely clean hotel

A great hotel accompanied with a lovely Cafe downstairs. The rooms were clean and spacious and had a lovely relaxing feel to them. The hotel (cafe) staff were friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend eating in the Cafe, the food is delicious!! Unfortunately could only stay only one of my two reserved nights because my friend had an unfortunate surfing incident and needed medical attention in San Jose. The manager, Carlos was very understanding of this and we are very thankful to him.

8/10

Excellent

08 Jan 2018

Verified traveler

Great hotel

Great hotel, nice room. Only down side was the \"included breakfast\" which was only bread and coffee. Otherwise great place!

8/10

Excellent

11 Sep 2017

Verified traveler

Hotel was closed!

Unfortunately Expedia had not informed the owner that we had reserved (and paid for) a room. We arrived their and were informed the hotel was closed for renovations for one month. Work was to begin the next day but since we were only looking for one night, the manager was kind enough to rent us the room anyways. The hotel was very clean and the staff were more than accommodating. The food at the restaurant is very expensive though.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2017

keithc

This place has the buzz of a younger crowd

I am guessing the young, energetic staff mostly cater to a younger crowd but they took good care of this old guy including an early breakfast on my day of departure. The place has a nice vibe. Surfers are bound to find fellow riders but everybody is made to feel at home.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2017

Dale

Beautiful clean accommodation right near the beach

I had the most amazing stay at cafe playa negra. I felt welcome from the minute I arrived, the staff are all really friendly and helped answer any questions I had. The beach is only a 5 minute walk away with beautiful white sand and amazing waves. The hotel has an awesome little pool to relax in post surf and I loved the big screen projector in the cafe for surf films during dinner and breakfast. The food is also really good, the surfers tacos being my favourite after a long day in the water. My room was a nice design and very quiet and relaxing. The hotel manager, Daniel is very committed and passionate about making the place and your stay the best it can possibly be and it shows in every way. Looking forward to my next trip to Cafe Playa Negra already!

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2017

Steve

Quaint hotel with a laid back vibe

Absolutely loved this place! Extremely clean and close to the beach (10 minute walk) the staff were extremely friendly and helpful and especially daniel.. also the food at the restaurant was some of the best we had while in Costa Rica.

8/10

Excellent

29 Feb 2016

Raul Camacho

Nice and well located hotel!

Excelent hotel well located. Very secure and peaceful!!! Next to the Playa Negra Beach!

8/10

Excellent

24 Feb 2016

Geis

Excellent

A perfect place to escape the city.
People is warm, food is delicious, and the beaches are awesome.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jan 2016

Suzanne

Nice newer hotel

Although this hotel is not on the beach it is well within walking distance. The staff, especially Lily, are friendly. Located at the same location is Lulu's and there you can get all of your tours booked for the area. I went on the turtle watching tour, which was amazing! The only thing I say about Negra is make sure you bring enough cash as there is no ATM in town. Café Playa Negra also has a fantastic restaurant, I highly recommend this hotel.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2014

Verified traveler

Great hotel close to good surf.

Great find! Not much around here but surfing, some horseback riding. If that's your thing, this is the place! Very clean, nice comfortable room with hot water & AC and good food in the area. The restaurant here is a great value for really tasty food, also other good options nearby. You need a car in this area. For such a remote location, we were impressed by the quality of room and food. Owners Carlos and Andrea really care about the quality they provide.

10/10

Exceptional

19 Aug 2013

Verified traveler

Surfers' Paradise

Carlos, the owner, is very personable & helpful. We enjoyed our 2 night stay but wished we hadn't made plans at another hotel & had stayed longer at Playa Negra. Playa Negra is a sleepy surfers town; just what we wanted.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

14 Aug 2013

Verified traveler

All in one

Food was good but expensive. I gave room comfort a 3 because the bed was too hard (although all the beds I slept in while visiting Costa Rica were hard) and the pillows weren't good. The staff in the restaurant were great!

4/10

Poor

17 Dec 2012

Verified traveler

Disappointing at Cafe Playa Negra

Man that welcomed us was not pleasant and a terrible first impression. They advertise free WiFi but know that you must sit at the router and you can not obtain access from your room or the lovely sitting area on top floor. Dogs bark throughout the night making it difficult to sleep at times. The worst part is that you can not flush toilet tissue down the toilet but must place the toilet tissue in a basket which can create a smell.
Do not confuse Cafe Playa Negra with Hotel Playa Negra, Hotel Playa Negra is on the beach, owner extremely nice, better place to stay. The only asset for Cafe Playa Negra is a young man who I believe was Frederick, extremely helpful and pleasant.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Feb 2012

Stephanie

Thumbs Up!

I stayed at Cafe Playa Negra for a week in February and had a great time! Though it is off the beaten path a little bit the staff kept you plenty entertained and made me feel right at home. David, the bartender and Lula, Lula's Tours are very kind, helpful and FUN! If you are staying for more than 2 or 3 days I would recommend renting a car(Lula can help with that#.

The beach is a short walk#10 minutes) and there are other restaurants even closer. When I return to Costa Rica I will know exactly where to stay!

Thanks guys!
Stephanie

8/10

Excellent

09 Jan 2012

Verified traveler

Ideal for surfer types, good for most

Rooms/Hotel: The rooms are nicely designed and spacious and there is a good large balcony area to chill.

Restaurant/Bar: The restaurant / bar has a good vibe and surfer theme and is a decent place to have a drink. The one dinner we had there was fantastic - something like a fish casado meal if I remember. The complimentary breakfast is scant - a pile of toast and some fruit and coffee, but how can you complain? Although the food was good we ate at another restaurant a block away most of the time since there was a bigger menu and there seemed to be more happening, and the service was better. The restaurant / bar area at Cafe Playa Negra is nice, but we didn't have the best vibe from the employees - they were certainly helpful but seemed a bit indifferent towards us.

Location: The \"town\" near Playa Negra consists of a few small hotels and restaurants, shops, homes and a tiny market along a dusty dirt road. It feels pretty remote, which can be a cool thing. The walk to the beach from Playa Negra is about 8-10 minutes down that dusty (in the dry season) dirt road. Seems like most other people in the hotel had cars and they drove to the beach from there. Saw a lot of other people on ATV's or bicycles.

Final analysis: It's a great place to stay room and food wise, and probably a great place to hang out for drinks and food if you happen to have good connection with the folks running the place - maybe if you are a surfer.

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jul 2011

Pauline

Fabulous

What a great hotel,just perfect for the surroundings.Low key,everyone helpful and friendly,and the food was delicious.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2026

Luis

El personal super atento para que todo estuviera en perfectas condiciones. La habitación estaba en perfectas condiciones con el AC funcionando.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2025

ANA CARLA

El servicio y el hotel de 10, todo excelente

El servicio y el hotel de 10, todo excelente

Business

8/10

Excellent

23 Feb 2025

Nicole

The standard is good, everything is clean and working and the bed was comfortable.The food is good and the place is around 10 minutes in walking distance to the beach. The staff is both professional and very friendly - Thank you to Nixon, Fiorella,Michael, Randall and the others!
If I was to stay at Cafe Playa Negra again, I would probably try to get a room that was not directly above the restaurant, as it can be a bit noisy in the evenings.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Feb 2022

Juan Diego

Excelente el lugar muy bonito cómodo y limpio, 100% recomendado

Partner

2/10

Poor

22 Mar 2020

Esteri

Nous avons trouvé l’hôtel fermé et le propriétaire nous a littéralement chassé sans aucune aide.
Difficile de noter donc...

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Aug 2019

Mariajose

El internet no llega a los cuartos, por lo demás muy bien

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jul 2019

Thomas

Que bonito!

Que lindo el hotel. Es un oasis en la selva, un lugar para descansar y recuperar después de tomar sol y bañarse en la playa. La ubicación es excelente-como 10 minutos de la playa.

Partner

2/10

Poor

08 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Péssimo atendimento e falta de estrutura profissional. Sensação de um hotel abandonado. Tinha dias que tinha ninguém para atendimento.
Passamos por uma situação que faltou luz e água e ninguém para atender.
No dia seguinte, após passar por tantos desabores a atentende nos disse q teríamos q tomar café da manhã as 7:30 pontualmente. Pois nas terças feiras não teria funcionários.
Sem falar na arrumação que quando chegamos tinha resto de comidas podres dentro do frigobar.
E no dia subsequente tinha um pano sujo de limpeza esquecido pela arrumadeira em cima de nossas roupas.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

07 Jan 2018

laurence

Pura vida peruana

Tres bon accueil, nourriture peruvienne excellente. Hotel confortable, tres propre, eau chaude, wifi et surtout tres grande amabilite du personnel. Tres proche d une tres jolie plage avec son parking surveille pour 2 dollars.

8/10

Excellent

02 Jan 2018

France

Jolie adresse mais ridicule petit déjeuner

Une jolie Hacienda où le béton ciré et une ambiance apaisante règne. Une bonne cuisine locale lors du repas du soir. Un accueil chaleureux. Seul bémol, pour un Bed and Breakfast, le ridicule petit déjeuner compris dans le prix de la chambre (170 US$ pour 3 personnes) : 4 petites tranches de pain grillé, une noisette de beurre et une petite cuillère de confiture ... les compléments étant en extra. Dommage car jolie adresse.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Mar 2016

Marcelo

Ótimo hotel

Funcionários do hotel muito simpáticos, pessoas que facilitam tudo! Ambiente agradável. Café da manhã simples, mas muito bom! Jantamos no hotel 2 noites... Comida excelente! Nossa ideia era ficar somente 2 noites, Mas acabamos ficando 4 noites no Café Playa Negra... Nos sentimos em casa neste hotel!

Partner