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Playa Cativo Lodge

4.5 star property
4.5-star beachfront lodge with snorkeling

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Photo gallery for Playa Cativo Lodge

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Luxury Casita with Plunge Pool | Living area
Two Bedroom Ocean View Villa | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated
Bar (on property)
Two Bedroom Ocean View Villa | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Spa
  • Room service

Explore the area

Map
Playa Cativo, Golfo Dulce, Piedras Blancas National Park, Golfito, Puntarenas, 60701
  • Casa Orquideas Botanical Garden
  • Playa San Josecito
  • Piedras Blancas National Park
  • Puerto Jiménez (PJM)

Room options

View all photos for Ocean Front Casita

Ocean Front Casita | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Ocean Front Casita

  • 861 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Ocean View

Deluxe Ocean View | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Deluxe Ocean View

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Premium Oceanview with A/C

Premium Oceanview with A/C | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Premium Oceanview with A/C

  • 861 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Luxury Casita with Plunge Pool

Luxury Casita with Plunge Pool | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Luxury Casita with Plunge Pool

  • 592 sq ft
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View

Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View

  • 645 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Two Bedroom Ocean View Villa

Two Bedroom Ocean View Villa | View from room

Two Bedroom Ocean View Villa

  • 969 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Golfito

Beachside getaway.Stay at this Golfito lodge and you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Playa San Josecito and 2 miles (3 km) of Playa Cacao. Playa Isidora is 17.2 mi (27.6 km) away.
View more Lodges in GolfitoOpens in a new window

Restaurants

  • Burger King

About this property

Playa Cativo Lodge

4.5-star beachfront lodge with snorkeling
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces.

An outdoor pool, spa services, and a library are also featured at the luxury Playa Cativo Lodge. Self parking is free.

This 4.5-star Golfito lodge is smoke free.

  • 18 guestrooms or units
  • 2 buildings
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (free)
  • Beach lounge chairs
  • Towels for the beach
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Computer for guest use
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Playa Cativo Lodge offers 18 accommodations with laptop-compatible safes and complimentary bottled water. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations have separate dining areas and include desks. Beds feature premium bedding. This Golfito lodge provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include showers, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping is provided daily.
Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages, facials, and body wraps. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy.

Languages

English, Spanish

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  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, 88 reviews
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The price is $218
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Total includes taxes and fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free area shuttle
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Ecotours
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snorkeling
  • Yoga classes

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Separate dining area

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laptop-compatible safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children 7 and younger are not allowed at this property. All guests older than 7 are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Children 7 years old and younger aren't allowed at this property.

Property is also known as

Playa Cativo Lodge Puntarenas
Playa Cativo Lodge
Playa Cativo Puntarenas
Playa Cativo Lodge Golfito
Playa Cativo Golfito
Playa Cativo Lodge Lodge
Playa Cativo Lodge Golfito
Playa Cativo Lodge Lodge Golfito

Frequently asked questions

Does Playa Cativo Lodge have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Playa Cativo Lodge.

How close is Playa Cativo Lodge to the beach?

This lodge is on the beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Playa Cativo Lodge offer free breakfast?

Playa Cativo Lodge offers free cooked-to-order breakfast every day from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Playa Cativo Lodge?

No, there is no casino at this lodge.

What time is check-in at Playa Cativo Lodge?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at Playa Cativo Lodge?

This lodge offers free self parking.

Does Playa Cativo Lodge have a pool?

Playa Cativo Lodge features an outdoor pool.

Does Playa Cativo Lodge have a restaurant?

Playa Cativo Lodge is home to El Gavilan, which features ocean views and a beachfront location.

Does Playa Cativo Lodge have a spa?

This lodge doesn't have a spa, but it does offer body treatments, deep-tissue massages, and aromatherapy.

How close is Playa Cativo Lodge to downtown Golfito?

Playa Cativo Lodge is 9.7 mi away from Golfito.

Playa Cativo Lodge Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 11 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 11 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 11 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Nancy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Playa Cativo Lodge is a wonderful place and the accommodations, food and staff were absolutely perfect. It was nice to be so close to the gulf which was calm, warm, sandy and perfect for swimming. My only complaint was that the entire front area of the lodge has been landscaped with grass and ornamental plants, many of which are not native. Because of this large open area few birds or animals come near the lodge. Bird watching was disappointing compared to lodges that have left the rainforest intact or revegetated. Also with the large, unshaded open area the lodge is blasted with intense afternoon sun making the rooms very hot. Despite this our stay was great and unless you are a hard-core birder and monkey watcher you will love Playa Cativo!!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

J

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2023

6/10 Okay

Jeffrey

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The property is generally good given its environment deep within a rain forest and the staff & management are excellent. The food choice if staying for more than two nights is very limited and the menu does not rotate. The activities around the resort are limited to bird watching and some water based trips such as dolphin spotting. The web site implies you may see a complete range of wildlife including rare sightings of Costa Rica's cats - the reality is you will not and are restricted to birds and an occaisional monkey. Some of the listed activities do not deliver eg AM bird watching is simply a walk around the hotel garden and the Sainos tour includes you stopping after 15 minutes for a drink and some nachos - its not good value as there isnt much to see. The beach at Cativo is not used and so you are restricted to the pool area which is heavily insect infested and so sun bathing or relaxing is difficult. The resort promises alot but doesn't deliver in a number of areas although it is premium priced.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is paradise. Our room was fantastic, we had views of the sea and views of the jungle.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan, The berkshires ,Ma USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The setting is stunning combining the beautiful rainforest with the Pacific Ocean in all their glories. The Lodge purposely blends in with the natural surrounding trying to minimize the intrusion. The team here has a true passion for the ecosystem and ecology . They provided an exceptional level of attention and service.Of note a near perfectly prepared piece of red snapper, an evening massage on my balcony to the music of the rainforest 10 ft away,the first tug of a fish on a hand line, a carafe of fresh watermelon juice placed in my room,sunsets sitting on my balcony.....
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Es, London

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
The lodge is in a stunning location - on the beach but within the rainforest. Incredible scenery, great food, a small but well equipped lodge with rooms with plunge pools. An amazing get away. The lodge offers good value as the meals are included - delicious, healthy and organic. There are various activities and guides available for trips. Our highlight was kayaking in the mangroves. But what really makes this place special are the staff - they are very attentive and nothing is too much trouble. With an attention to detail they made our stay a special one. We would highly recommend a visit and we will be visiting again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

kaitlyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful place

Amazing place and amazing service !
Stayed 5 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Ruth, Annapolis, MD

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Playa Cativo's welcoming, warm and very ( rain-forest) knowledgeable staff ensure you are well taken care of 24/7. Pampered really! The food is exceptional. This eco-lodge, its gardens and organic farm, in one of the most amazing and beautiful biodiverse rain forests in the world, is beautiful, tastefully appointed, peaceful, healing and nurturing. Just sent 12 days there! Non-toxic insect spray is a must in the rain forest.
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025