Hotel Santarena, Las Catalinas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Mornings at Hotel Santarena start with the hush of the Pacific and the clink of cups along Las Catalinas’ car-free plaza.

With 45 tropical, boutique rooms, this beachfront hideaway folds Mediterranean-style architecture into Costa Rica’s blue bays—terracotta underfoot, bougainvillea on balconies, and the ocean just a sandy stroll away.

What Makes It Special

• Steps from the sand and the lively beachfront paseo of car-free Las Catalinas
• Rooftop pool & terrace for sunrise laps and sunset swims over the bay
• Borrow-a-beach-life: cruisers, paddleboards, and trails to hidden coves
• Locally rooted flavors: bright ceviches, just-picked fruit, coffee roasted nearby
• Intimate scale: 45 keys means easy smiles, quick service, and a house-party vibe

A Day at Hotel Santarena

Morning

Sea breeze through French doors, a plate of pineapple and papaya, and the aroma of dark Costa Rican coffee. You wander the paseo barefoot to the tide line; pelicans skim the water like slow arrows.

Afternoon

Trade sandals for a bike and follow shaded trails to a lookout, dust tasting faintly of salt and sun. Back at the rooftop, the pool is glassy; a sprawl of islets sits on the horizon. Lunch is lime-bright ceviche and a cold lager.

Evening

Lanterns glow along the plaza; guitars drift from a café. You share grilled mahi with charred citrus and listen to waves stitch the shoreline.

Night

Ceiling fan purls, linen is cool against sun-warmed skin, and the surf becomes a lullaby.

Insider Tips for Hotel Santarena

• Chic coastal boutique, not a full resort — perfect if you want a quiet, design-forward base inside Las Catalinas’ pedestrian town.
• Expect tranquil days, early nights, and a small-community feel.
• The rooftop infinity pool is the place to be at sunset — arrive early to grab a lounger. Even non-swimmers hang out here for cocktails and photos.
• Las Catalinas is remote and car-free inside town, but you’ll need a car or golf cart to explore nearby beaches.
• Expect limited nightlife — come for peace, yoga, ocean swims, and walks through the car-free village.

Why We Love It (Curated Highlights)

At Hotelagio we hand-pick only stays that feel truly one-of-a-kind. This property made our list because of these rare details:

• Car-free beach town energy—safe, social, and wonderfully walkable.
• Rooftop dips at golden hour—the bay turns molten copper.
• Trails at your doorstep—hike or bike to secret viewpoints in minutes.
• Local flavor in every bite—fruit, coffee, and seafood that taste like the coast.

For Whom

For couples: sunset rooftop swims, balcony breakfasts, moonlit strolls along the paseo.
For friends & solo travelers: easy beach access, SUP/paddle adventures, café-to-cocktail evenings.
For remote workers: breezy nooks, strong Wi-Fi, and a plaza that doubles as your “third place.”

Quick Facts (Luxury Snapshot)

Location: Las Catalinas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica — beachfront in a pedestrian town; ~60–75 min from LIR (Liberia)
Rooms: 45 rooms & suites (some with balconies/terraces)
Rates: From USD 199 — great value for a stylish beach base in a car-free community
Best for: Beach lovers, design-savvy travelers, hikers/bikers, slow-down escapes
Style: Boutique Tropical—Mediterranean lines, Costa Rican soul