When travelers dream of Costa Rica, many imagine endless beaches, warm ocean breezes, spectacular sunsets, and the soothing sound of waves rolling onto the shore. Yet finding a place that truly delivers this experience—without crowds, high-rise hotels, or commercial strip malls—can be a challenge. This is exactly why Las Tortugas Hotel Playa Grande Costa Rica stands out as one of Nina’s favorite small beach hotels and a true hidden treasure in the northwest region of Guanacaste.
Located right on the beach at Playa Grande, Las Tortugas Hotel offers a peaceful, authentic Costa Rican beach experience where nature, comfort, and simplicity come together in perfect harmony.
Playa Grande: One of Costa Rica’s Most Beautiful Beaches
Playa Grande is one of the most stunning and unspoiled beaches in Costa Rica. Stretching for miles along the Pacific coast of northwestern Guanacaste, this beach is defined by its wide expanse of soft beige sand, dramatic sunsets, and a refreshing mix of strong and mild surf.
Unlike more developed beach destinations, Playa Grande has managed to preserve its natural charm. There are:
- No towering high-rise hotels
- No crowded beach bars or shopping malls
- No noisy nightlife scenes
Instead, visitors are greeted by open horizons, rolling waves, tropical breezes, and peaceful solitude. This is the kind of place where you can walk for long distances along the shoreline and feel as though the beach belongs entirely to you.
Ocean Activities at Playa Grande
Playa Grande is a favorite destination for ocean lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Depending on the time of year and ocean conditions, visitors can enjoy:
- Swimming in calmer sections of the beach
- Boogie boarding
- Surfing (Playa Grande is internationally known for its surf breaks)
- Long beach walks at sunrise or sunset
The surf ranges from mild to strong, making it appealing to both experienced surfers and adventurous beginners. For those who prefer to relax, simply sitting on the sand and listening to the waves is a deeply calming experience.
Las Tortugas Hotel: Right on the Beach
What truly sets Las Tortugas Hotel Playa Grande Costa Rica apart is its unbeatable beachfront location. The hotel sits just steps from the ocean, allowing guests to fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the surf.
This is not a chain hotel, and that is precisely its charm. Las Tortugas is small, family-friendly, and personal, offering guests the opportunity to experience Costa Rica in a genuine and relaxed way.
From the moment you arrive, you feel welcomed—not as a tourist, but as a guest.
Comfortable Rooms with a Beachfront Feel
The rooms at Las Tortugas Hotel are designed for comfort and relaxation, not excess or luxury. What you get instead is exactly what matters on a beach vacation:
- Comfortable beds
- Clean, airy rooms
- Hot water showers
- A peaceful atmosphere
Because the hotel is so close to the ocean, you can hear the waves from your room, day and night. This natural soundtrack is one of the hotel’s greatest pleasures, lulling guests into deep, restful sleep.
A Small, Friendly Hotel with Personal Service
One of the greatest advantages of staying at Las Tortugas Hotel is the personal attention. Unlike large resorts where guests can feel anonymous, here you are known by name.
The staff is warm, helpful, and genuinely interested in making sure your stay is enjoyable. Whether you need advice on local activities, transportation, or dining options, you’ll receive honest recommendations and friendly assistance.
This level of service creates a relaxed, home-like atmosphere that many travelers find far more rewarding than staying at a large, impersonal resort.
Playa Grande and the Sea Turtles
Playa Grande is internationally famous for another reason—it is one of Costa Rica’s most important nesting sites for giant leatherback sea turtles (baulas).
Every year, during the nesting season from approximately November through March, these magnificent creatures come ashore at night to lay their eggs in the warm sand. It is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events.
Because of this, Playa Grande is part of a protected national park area, and development is strictly limited. This protection is one of the reasons the beach remains so pristine and undeveloped.
Guided turtle-watching tours are sometimes available during nesting season and are conducted responsibly to ensure minimal disturbance to the turtles.
Dining at Las Tortugas Hotel
Las Tortugas Hotel features a small on-site restaurant that perfectly complements the relaxed beach atmosphere. The menu focuses on:
- Fresh seafood
- Typical Costa Rican dishes
- Simple, well-prepared meals
Guests often enjoy:
- Fresh fish caught locally
- Rice and beans prepared Costa Rican–style
- Tropical salads
- Flavorful sauces and sides
The food is fresh, satisfying, and reasonably priced—another reason why guests feel so comfortable here.
Rum Drinks and Beach Evenings
No beach vacation in Costa Rica would be complete without enjoying a few tropical rum drinks, and Las Tortugas does not disappoint. The rum drinks are:
- Delicious
- Refreshing
- Reasonably priced
Sipping a rum cocktail while watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean is one of those simple yet unforgettable experiences that stays with you long after your trip ends.
Evenings at Playa Grande are quiet and peaceful. Instead of loud nightlife, you’ll enjoy:
- Star-filled skies
- Ocean breezes
- The sound of waves
This makes Las Tortugas Hotel an ideal choice for couples, families, solo travelers, and anyone looking to truly relax.
Avoiding the Crowds
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Las Tortugas Hotel Playa Grande Costa Rica is the ability to avoid tourist crowds. While nearby beach towns may become busy during peak travel seasons, Playa Grande maintains a calm, laid-back vibe year-round.
This makes it an excellent choice for travelers who value:
- Privacy
- Tranquility
- A strong connection to nature
You can enjoy the beach without competing for space, noise, or attention.
Who Is Las Tortugas Hotel Best For?
Las Tortugas Hotel is ideal for travelers who:
- Want to stay directly on the beach
- Prefer small, non-chain hotels
- Appreciate personal service
- Love nature and wildlife
- Want a peaceful, authentic Costa Rican experience
It may not be the right choice for those seeking luxury spas, nightlife, or all-inclusive resorts—but for everyone else, it is close to perfect.
Exploring Nearby Guanacaste
While Playa Grande feels wonderfully secluded, it is still well-located for exploring other parts of Guanacaste, including:
- Tamarindo (restaurants, shops, nightlife)
- National parks and estuaries
- Wildlife viewing areas
- Surf schools and eco-tours
You can enjoy day trips and return each evening to the serenity of Playa Grande.
Why Las Tortugas Is One of Nina’s Favorite Small Beach Hotels
Las Tortugas Hotel Playa Grande Costa Rica embodies everything that makes Costa Rica special:
- Natural beauty
- Simplicity
- Warm hospitality
- Respect for the environment
It offers the rare opportunity to experience a true beachfront vacation—one that feels personal, peaceful, and deeply connected to nature.
Final Thoughts
If you are searching for a place where:
- The beach stretches endlessly in front of you
- Sea turtles nest under moonlit skies
- The sound of waves replaces alarm clocks
- And hospitality feels genuine
Then Las Tortugas Hotel Playa Grande Costa Rica may be exactly what you are looking for.
In a world of crowded resorts and overdeveloped coastlines, Las Tortugas stands as a reminder that sometimes the most memorable travel experiences come from small places with big hearts—right on one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. 🌊🇨🇷