Playa Grande · ★★★
Hotel Bula Bula
Full of tropical colors
Hotel Bula Bula, near the beach at Playa Grande
Hotel Bula Bula is a small, colourful hotel a short walk from Playa Grande, on the Guanacaste coast across the estuary from Tamarindo. It suits surfers and couples who want a quiet base near one of the most consistent beach breaks in the area, with Tamarindo's restaurants and nightlife close by.
Playa Grande is also a turtle beach, where giant leatherbacks come ashore to nest, and that sets the pace here: quiet nights and early mornings.
Why we choose it
- Surf at Playa Grande. The beach is a short walk away, with waves that work for many levels, and it is long enough to find space.
- Leatherback turtle country. Playa Grande is a nesting beach for giant leatherback turtles, and in season we can book a guided night visit to watch them nest or the hatchlings head for the sea.
- Quiet, with Tamarindo close. You sleep away from the noise, and Tamarindo is a short trip when you want dinner, drinks or dancing.
Rooms and views
The rooms are full of tropical colour, with native artwork, soft lighting and a king bed. Each has air conditioning, a TV, a DVD player, a safe, a mini bar or fridge and a coffee maker.
Spa services can be arranged in your room, which is a fine way to end a day of surfing.
On the property
The hotel has a restaurant serving American and Latin American dishes, and a spa for massages after the surf.
From here we can arrange guided wildlife tours in the Tamarindo Estuary, zip lining, a sunset cruise, a visit to Guaitil to see the Chorotega pottery being made, or a day at Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.
Location and getting there
Hotel Bula Bula is at Playa Grande, in Guanacaste, across the estuary from Tamarindo. Guanacaste is the driest part of Costa Rica, which makes this coast a good choice in the green season too.
Most of our clients fly into Liberia and come with a private driver.
Rooms & suites
Our favourite rooms, and why
How it compares
Hotels we book in Playa Grande
From our own hotel records: stars, themes and amenities. Nothing here is a price.
| Hotel Bula Bula | Coco Beach Hotel | Hotel Playa Negra | Hotel Pasatiempo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stars | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Boutique | Not listed | Yes | Not listed | Not listed |
| Spa | Yes | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Team favourite | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Check availability | See hotel | See hotel | See hotel |
On the property
What you will find there
Getting there
Where it is
Your Costa Rican driver waits at arrivals and stops whenever you like on the way: fruit stands, a sloth in a tree, a bathroom.
Also in Playa Grande
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