Zulu Surf Hotel

2/10

Poor

21 Jul 2026

Chris

There was ants in the bed (crappy double bed at that). Bath amenities were bad. Staff was no existent, literally no one there to get help just WhatsApp and that experience was terrible. We left after the first night even though we had booked for 4 nights. We asked for a refund but the difficulty of working between the hotel and hotels.com

Stay away from this crappy hotel

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jun 2026

Mark

Extremely well located. This is a budget hotel, simple, clean and self checking. The AC worked and the shower water was hot. You will receive the check in information on your cellphone the day off. If you are not used to Tamarindo, the hotel is right next to a mini mall smack in the center of town and just a 5 minute walk to the beach. Everything was functional the only thing is that the breakfast/coffee if there was one, starts at 8AM. A bit late. There is some street noise but nothing major and I slept well.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2026

Richard

Right in the heart of Tamarindo. Convenient location close to beach and restaurants. Nice clean rooms with lots of space. Bed was very comfortable. We had everything we needed within a block of the hotel. Tons of restaurants and shops right there. Be aware that it is in a busy area so some noise is to be expected. Also the bar was not open but maybe because it was shoulder season. Otherwise it was a great place to stay.

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

02 Jun 2026

Karen

Room was clean. Location was great. Walkable to restaurants and bars.

Partner

2/10

Poor

24 Apr 2026

STEVEN

Great location with clean room and great staff

Family

6/10

Pleasant

23 Apr 2026

Amaninder

The hotel is neat and clean. It gives a hostel kind of vibe. There was no front desk and we had to call on number provided to receive checkin instructions since we were not able top open our booking app to see the instructions. Room was clean and AC was working. We did not have any beach view since it on the other side of the road but the location is very convenient. Its locates right in the middle of the town center and all restaurants and beach is 5 min walk.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2026

Ken

Excellent location. Plus they have a discount at a great breakfast/brunch restaurant connected to the hotel.

6/10

Pleasant

16 Apr 2026

Alona

The only benefit of this property is the location.
It’s outdated , there is no reception it’s very noisy inside the rooms because there’s no insulated windows
Very tiny bathroom.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

13 Apr 2026

Ebani

We loved the location, our room was very stylish and the beds were SO comfortable. This is my second time staying here and I don't imagine I would stay anywhere else in Tamarindo in the future. Thank you Zulu!

10/10

Exceptional

09 Apr 2026

Alexandra

Truly amazing! It’s the perfect location and I cannot recommend this spot enough! Great staff and perfect room!

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2026

Karly

Air con was great felt like a fridge in our room. However we stayed for 7 days and after 5th day has to request room cleaning. Should be done at least every 3 days.

8/10

Excellent

03 Apr 2026

Jessica

Great location. Clean rooms and strong AC. A nice place to land, but no amenities. Staff was kind and helpful!

Self

8/10

Excellent

01 Apr 2026

Karen

The location was amazing… you could park for days and not need your vehicle. The security ensured you always had a parking space. Towels were provided but no kitchen linens. Highly recommend to stay here if you want to save some money

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2026

Janet

Hotel is right where you want to be to enjoy Tamarindo! Great food options within a minute walk including a food court where you can find all types of menus for all budgets right across the street! A short walk from the beach and shops including a grocery store right around the corner. I don’t know why anyone would stay anywhere else!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2026

Juliana

Great location and very clean!

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2026

Andres

Everything was steps aways. Beach across the street, restaurants, shops, you name it its only steps away. Staff was very nice and accommodating.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

02 Mar 2026

Benjamin

Right in the heart of the city. Can walk to the beach and dinner.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Feb 2026

Michael

Clean room. Had a nice sized bar fridge to keep things cold. Very close to the beach (2 minutes away)

Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 Feb 2026

John

Centrally located, friendly and helpful staff. Connected to Sol Bakery Cafe that has excellent pastries, coffee, and Taco Tuesday.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

16 Feb 2026

Nisreen

Room itself wasn't bad, even somewhat comparable to other fancier, pricier hotels BUT the noise is significant. Windows and doors aren't well insulated and you can hear every word of the music from the neighboring establishment. Once that place calls it a night, the thumping bass from another place continues. You can also hear the hotel gate opening and closing throughout the night. In short, not bad but really noisy. Receptionist was nice, also gave me an extra blanket when I asked for one. Decently clean, spacious and comfortable. Very central location, with the beach across the street and lots of restaurants and bars around.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2026

Ashley

Location was perfect. Just a few steps from beach and near lots of bars and restaurants. Tatiana from the front desk was so kind and helpful. She made us feel welcome and was always so pleasant. I would recommend staying. Rooms are clean and great value.

Leisure Friends

4/10

Poor

10 Feb 2026

Javier

This is a very simple property with limited amenities. The standard room was on the smaller side, and there was an unpleasant odor in the bathroom during our stay. The air conditioning worked well, and cleaning can be arranged upon request.

4/10

Poor

10 Feb 2026

JAVIER

The property is quite basic and offers very limited amenities. We stayed in a standard room, which was small but functional. Unfortunately, the bathroom had a strong sewer-like smell during our stay, which was unpleasant. On the positive side, the air conditioning worked well and was appreciated. Housekeeping is available upon request.

Friends_and_family Friends

2/10

Poor

06 Feb 2026

Peter

If you like gettin

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2026

Kurt

A little was needed but overall perfect

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2026

Lia

Clean rooms, friendly staff! I would definitely stay here again!

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2026

Janet

We visit Tamarindo often and this was the first time we stayed at Zulu Surf Hotel and it was perfect! Close to everything and very clean and comfortable rooms!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jan 2026

Georgia

I was a solo female traveler and I absolutely love this hotel. I felt safe and welcomed. I had a few scheduling hiccups and Tatiana at the front desk helped me out with all them and took care of everything. She’s the best! The hotel is in a great location, literally in the center of everything and Tamarindo Beach is across the street. I highly recommend 10 out of 10!

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

23 Jan 2026

Sofia

great location and decent location. was very quiet and was expecting more liveliness

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2026

Andrii

Great place and experience. 3 beach spots are close. Better to have a car to go around.

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

20 Jan 2026

Warren

We walked away from a two week pre-paid booking after the first night. Unbelievable noise!
Drapes don’t properly cover windows. TV doesn’t work. Kitchen poorly equipped. Bathroom plumbing broken. Half hearted attempt to cover window beside door provides no privacy. Part time check in/check out person lovely. Housekeeping lovely. Believe the reviews that say don’t accept front rooms.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Jan 2026

jeanne

Very friendly staff. Close to everything’s

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jan 2026

carl

Hotel was good, staff friendly, room was nice

8/10

Excellent

13 Jan 2026

Daniel

Great location and staff, if you want to really feel Tamarindo and the surf vibe stay here. Bring ear plugs if you go to bed early. Location, location Location !!

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

04 Jan 2026

Yousef

No proper reception, I sanitized room, at night discovered cockroaches, left hotel next morning and did not stay next day of my reservation. Put a complain and requested refund but hotel ignored my concern and did not refund.

8/10

Excellent

02 Jan 2026

Kyle

The location of this place was the biggest benefit. You’re right in the middle of Tamarindo so having access to everything was perfect. Our room itself was okay, but the door wasn’t properly sealed and had two huge gaps on top and bottom, check in wasn’t very clear, and was confusing when checking in. The AC worked but not very well. The blinds to the room were see through. And parking was a pain-but we did come at a busy time. Otherwise was an awesome stay!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Dec 2025

Taras

Great location, amazing staff, clean and cozy. Highly recommend!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

27 Dec 2025

Talisha

Loved this hotel! Close to everything in Tamarindo, great for the price. The only thing I would have to say is compared to another hotel we stayed at in Tamarindo, it was a but loud at times at night. But that is not the hotels fault, I think it really is just because it’s a busy street. But if you’re looking to be in the center of the party, this is the place to be. Easy self check in and parking right at the entrance of the hotel. Would 100% go back and recommend.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Dec 2025

Lisa

Very cute place to stay in Tamarindo, gated and safe. Close to everything. Staff are lovely and very helpful. Highly recommend.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

26 Dec 2025

colton

Very welcoming staff and the other guests were awesome to meet! Pura vida!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Dec 2025

JASHWANTHREDDY

It says hostel by name but we got a private bedroom which was super clean and nice.

Very cute, clean and well maintained rooms.
The staff is super friendly. This place is right in the middle of Tamarindo around all the happening places.

They have no parking available but you can find a parking lot just few 100 meters away. Can also park your vehicle in front of the hotel(if you find a spot). You can find a lot of good food and shopping places around the hostel.

Business_and_leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Dec 2025

Robin

What a beautiful property and awesome room. Kinda romantic! It was spotless, quiet, great location, lots of areas to hang out if you were tired of exploring the endless things to do around you. Staff were helpful and i was able to store my luggage early before check in and take a surf Lesson

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Nov 2025

Paula

This hotel is perfect for a stay in Tamarindo! I was with just myself but would have been great with my husband as well. My room was a single and had a full size bed, shower and a separate room foe the toilet and sink. It also had a mini fridge. Room was spotless. Staff was great. A water bubbler in the lounge to fill my bottle, coffee out in the morning. A nice lounge stocked with games where you can feel the vibe but not be in the mix. Great food nearby and super close to the beach. I had originally booked for one night but liked it so much I stayed for 4 more! Highly recommend.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

20 Nov 2025

wenzheng

We had suite studio which is very spacious. The hotel owner was very helpful and responsive to our WhatsApp message and allowed us to check in early. We had a good time here and will stay here again next time. We also like the restaurant called Soda El Buen Comer with walking distance from the hotel, seafood fried rice is very delicious.

6/10

Pleasant

06 Nov 2025

Jose Luis

Shower burnt smell, not hot water. Leak on the ceiling of the 1st room we were allocated

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2025

Jennifer A

Room was clean and had all we needed to be comfortable. Mini-splits in both areas worked well.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

15 Sep 2025

Scott

Not quite. Many rules at check in. No staff on site most of the time.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

29 Aug 2025

Kim Seng

Nice hotel in the middle of everything and walking distance to the beach area

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

23 Aug 2025

sheila

Beautiful room with lots of windows; unfortunately, the locals in this town don’t believe in sleeping. It’s 4 a.m. and they’re still at it. Motorcycles ripping up and down in front of the hotel. If you want rest and relaxation, it’s not the place for you. We booked a second night before we slept here. We wouldn’t have if we only knew.

6/10

Pleasant

18 Aug 2025

Mayela

Not bad

Noise around early in the morning. Shower not very good. Air conditioning too loud and air straight to the bed. But it is bear the beach and many places around.Safe.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

11 Aug 2025

Abderazak

it was nice

4/10

Poor

11 Aug 2025

Archie

There is essentially no staff that works there, even during what they call lobby hours. There is a locked gate that controls entrance and exit from the lobby of the hotel. They give you one key so if there are 2 people staying in a room you have to come and go together. If someone takes the key to leave the hotel the other party is trapped in the hotel.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

03 Aug 2025

Eden

Really good deal for the area! Right across the street from the beach. Staff was really responsive via WhatsApp. There is an amazing bakery right downstairs. Bed was comfortable and it was nice to have a smart TV in the room.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jul 2025

Jeremy

Very nice property with helpful staff, close to the beach, and attached to el mercadito with lots of food options.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2025

Luis

Really enjoy Zulu Surf Hotel.

8/10

Excellent

08 Jul 2025

Aaron

Great location

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2025

Edita

perfect location! near lots of restaurants & excursions

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jun 2025

caroline

I loved this property! My first time in Costa Rica and the staff was very communicative with me when my flight was delayed. It is beautiful and in the center of everything. It had everything I needed! I would stay here again for sure.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

17 Jun 2025

Manli Joelle

+ Nice staff, have the basics (fridge, nice terrasse, free coffee, a and water), walkable distance from beach and restaurant, clean
- loud traffic noise in room, broken stuff (blinds fall off easily, no shelf in bathroom, only one towel hook for two, a leaking leading to ants (we put everything edible in the fridge)

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jun 2025

Ariel Arguedas

love everything

8/10

Excellent

11 Jun 2025

Lexine

Last minute booking the night before our overnight stay in Tamarindo. Staff was responsive when we asked to check in a little early. The location was super central, right across the street from the beach, souvenirs shops all around, and an outdoor food hall right behind the building.

It’s a blessing and a curse though, because the parking in front of the hotel was always packed. Somehow we managed to snag a spot in the evening, only to be pestered by a man telling us to pay him for parking there. Once we clarified that we’re staying at the hotel and showed him our hotel bands, he left us alone.

Otherwise great experience! The aesthetic was super cute and we felt pretty safe there. I don’t really have pictures of the hotel itself, but I included some of the area around it.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2025

Ankit

This was a great location very central to the town. You can get to restaurants, souvenir shops, coffee and the beach within a few steps. Parking is convenient.

Should be noted that if your there after normal check in there is a number you can call someone can let you in as it’s a gated building- but easiest to arrive during normal hours.

Rooms were small but adequate for sleeping and showering.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 May 2025

Coty

Check into to our room was easy and seamless, I am glad that I called ahead of time to make sure that our room was ready otherwise I don’t know if anyone would have been there to check us in when we arrived. We stayed for 5 nights and I only saw staff on property 3 times, but when we did they were always friendly. We opted not to have our room cleaned daily, but it would have been nice to have a broom in the room bc the bugs on the floor got pretty bad by the end of our stay despite me cleaning them up daily. It also took us a couple days to find a worker to refill our toilet paper, we had to borrow some from our friends that were staying at a different hotel!

For the rate that we paid the hotel was great, and it’s located in an awesome location! I highly recommend Sol bakery around the corner, their iced chai was amazing!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

20 May 2025

Angela

My daughter and I stayed 4 nights at the hotel and we loved it! Carla and her staff were very helpful and kind. The hotel is beautiful and very well located

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 May 2025

cheyla

Everything was close and conveniently

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

17 May 2025

Eden

Didn’t like check in problems, everything else was good

8/10

Excellent

14 May 2025

LaTanya

Perfect location across the street from the beach. A little run down inside but the AC works well and it’s not very expensive. Expect to hear music all night. Would stay again

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

09 May 2025

Misty

Well... If you like to party.. then you will love this hotel..! For us.. this was NOT a good place to stay for the week.. We are not party people anymore.. We prefer to get good sleep instead.. but even with earplugs we could hear horrible chaos outside.. :( and the windows didn't close, so good luck sleeping.. we could literally feel our bodies bumping from the music being so loud almost every single night we where there.. all around the hotel.. all night long we heard screaming, crazy motorcycles and what sounded like police chases.. quietest time of the day was probably around 12noon or 1pm in the afternoon.. only 2 positives came from this hotel.. one was the proximity to the beach was nice, and the wonderful air-conditioner.. since the low at night was 82 every night.. real feel during the day above 104° in April.
Aside from those 2 positives.. sadly this just wasn't a great place for us for our 10 year anniversary.. also.. as soon as we stepped foot out our hotel.. EVERYDAY we where asked if we wanted to buy drugs.. 5 or more times every day just trying to walk to the beach from the hotel.. not recommended for young children or even teenagers... exercise caution..

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Apr 2025

Ashley

We were met with a situation where we needed quick accommodations because our prior hotel cancelled on us the morning we were traveling into the country. Staff was quick to assist us via WhatsApp in late check in information, willing to stay and meet us when we arrived, and even changed our dates (per our request) without penalty when our flights were delayed by 24 hours. The willingness to work with us, quick responses, and generosity of this hotel will never be lost on us.. thank you Zulu for saving our trip!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2025

savitri

Great little hotel a little away from the beach front so more peaceful but very walkable. Beautiful little veranda for everyone to share at the top. Comfortable bed and clean rooms. Parking out front on sidewalk area. Lots of shopping and restaurants and bars all around.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2025

Dillon

I loved it there

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2025

Brian

Beautiful small hotel in the heart of Tamarindo. Two minute walk to the beach. Surrounded by shopping and restaurants. Staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Apr 2025

Selena T.

Amazing staff. Nice place to stay if you are on a budget. They have a kitchen with the necessary appliances. The room was huge and the hotel was withing walking distance to everything.

Business_and_leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

07 Apr 2025

Katelyn

It was ok

This hotel was ok. The decorations were nice although the photos online look nicer and good location to the beach.

They had games in a common area and help your self to coffee or tea.

They don't really offer any type of service other then front desk and house keeping. And be careful for the man outside of the hotel who \"helps you park\" and demands money - nothing lower then $5 USD
You might be able to get away from him by telling him your staying at Zulu

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2025

Rebecca

Amazing place! 10/10 recommendations

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Mar 2025

Ward

So great and the people who work here are amazing

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2025

Marie

The room was absolutely beautiful and very clean. Although the toilet ran water all night and my key for the door was very finicky! And there was no one at the desk to help with either of these issues. I was also annoyed at the bar across the street that was very loud till 2am.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

23 Mar 2025

Jeffrey

Great location next to fun food vendor area. Only negative, is that you cannot flush toilet paper down the toilet. However, this is not that uncommon in CR.

10/10

Exceptional

17 Mar 2025

Madison

Amazing location and staff!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Mar 2025

Sidney

An overall pleasant stay. Premises were always kept clean. Good walkable area and not far from the beach. A bit of noise but bearable

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2025

Christopher

Wonderful staff!

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

02 Mar 2025

Ebun

It was a great location and easily accessible to all the bars, restaurants and the beach, which was ideal. The hotel itself was okay - clean and had everything you would need but some parts were a bit outdated and it was noisy at night. Overall, it was good value for money.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

02 Mar 2025

Giancarlo

Q

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

01 Mar 2025

Emily

The vibe is great. Chill, light and bright, community, yoga and surf energy. It’s so central. The heart of the action. Close to the beach and to bars and restaurants. The staff is amazing. So friendly and accommodating. Because it’s so central, it is a bit loud, but it seemed to slow down after about 10:30 pm until about 7 Am when traffic would pick up again. I would stay there again.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Feb 2025

Mark

Perfect for the first time visitor to Tamarindo. It’s in the heart of downtown Tamarindo. My singular complaint was no breakfast except coffee and with coffee they did not provide creamer.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

13 Feb 2025

Dwayne

In a good location with friendly staff and owner. Close to the beach and all the restaurants. Not good if you're a light sleeper like me, but it is Tamarindo.. ;)

8/10

Excellent

12 Feb 2025

Thomas

Clean

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

11 Feb 2025

George

Disappointed in how it went

The room was okay the people were nice but the whole stay was so noisy with loud parties going on upstairs in subrented space with bands and noise every night going till we’ll after midnight, funny after they tell us loud music not allowed after 10 pm, we won’t stay there again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2025

Meghann

This hotel felt more like a hostel BUT it was still very nice. Private room with bathroom and great AC. Staff was super friendly and helpful when we had questions. Great location - pretty centrally located. You only had ~10 min walk any direction to get to the “end” of the where there were shops, beaches, and dining/bars. Would absolutely stay here again if we revisited Tamarindo!

Business_and_leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

29 Jan 2025

Russell

A little noisy at night but worth it for the convenience..close to great restaurants, the beach, and shopping.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2025

Atiya

I will definitely stay here again. Its clean there is places to sit out doors other than the room

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2025

Stephania

Hoping area , great path to beach - staff is so friendly and communication is great ! recommend , great bang for the buck !

Business_and_leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

09 Jan 2025

Bonnie

Very convenient location. Right across from beaches. Easy to walk to shopping and restaurants.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jan 2025

Kelly

Staff were super lovely and accommodating! We got a room exactly for what we were looking for. Thank you!

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

05 Jan 2025

David

Hotel is not well-maintained. During a 3 day stay, my TV and A/C broke (both fixed). The plumbing is old and cannot handle TP, so you throw soiled TP in a trash can. Drapes are too small for windows so you are up at dawn plus the curtain rod falls off if you try to adjust. Shower water was cool. Many broken floor tiles in my room. Tamarindo is full of drug dealers too. Two stars is generous.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

04 Jan 2025

brion

Great location, very clean, friendly staff.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Dec 2024

Christopher

I always have an excellent stay at Zulu!

Self

8/10

Excellent

13 Dec 2024

Brian

A good place for a few nights. A bit loud

Staff was really friendly and the property is in good condition. The terrace is great to get some work done. Beds were comfy. The restaurant discount was a nice touch.

The biggest downside would be the noise level coming in. At night it’s the bars and restaurants. In the morning it’s the truck traffic driving by.

I would again if the price was right.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

12 Dec 2024

Holly

Great spot for a night in Tamarindo!!!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Dec 2024

Maryam

I really enjoyed my stay here. It was all I needed. It’s a basic room but that did the job for me as a solo female traveler. It’s a few steps away from the beach. Clean and just a good vibe. Beyond all the front desk lady helped me immensely with EVERYTHING from changing my room to riding her motorcycle for 15 min to direct me to a path that was not under construction to help with translation and grocery shopping. She was just the best. Just keep in mind, some of the rooms that are closer to street might be noisy at night. If you are a light sleeper like me ask for a more quiet room

Leisure Self