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The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

Property class: 4
4-star beach hotel near Playa Pelada

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

A pool area with lounge chairs and umbrellas, a bar area with seating, and a thatched-roof structure.
Property video
An outdoor seating area with wooden furniture and a woven ceiling light fixture.
A staircase leading to a building with wooden railings and a sign indicating room types and numbers.
A modern outdoor seating area with a sofa, potted plants, and a view of a building and greenery.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Playa Guiones, Nosara
  • Place, Frog Pad
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Guiones Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Playa Pelada
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Airport, Nosara (NOB)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for PREMIUM 2 QUEEN BEDS

A hotel room with a bed, a view of the outdoors, a bathroom with a shower, and a patterned floor.

PREMIUM 2 QUEEN BEDS

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for PREMIUM PLUS 2 QUEEN BEDS

A bathroom with a toilet, a window with blinds, a towel rack, and a patterned floor.

PREMIUM PLUS 2 QUEEN BEDS

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for PREMIUM 1 KING BED

A bedroom with a large bed, a desk, and a view of the outdoors.

PREMIUM 1 KING BED

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Double Room

A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a chair, a red bookshelf, and a large window with a view of greenery.

Standard Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 377 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for PREMIUM 1 KING BED

A modern hotel room with a bed, bedside table, lamp, and a desk with a chair.

PREMIUM 1 KING BED

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • 560 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for PREMIUM 2 QUEEN BEDS

A hotel room with two beds, teal walls, a large window, and a painting above the beds.

PREMIUM 2 QUEEN BEDS

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 560 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for PREMIUM PLUS 2 QUEEN BEDS

A bedroom with two beds, a large painting, and a view of the outdoors.

PREMIUM PLUS 2 QUEEN BEDS

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • 602 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Room

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a red shelving unit, and a view of the outdoors.

Standard Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 376 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for PREMIUM PLUS 1 KING BED

A bedroom with a large bed, a wooden headboard, a nightstand with a lamp, and a view of the outdoors through a sliding door.

PREMIUM PLUS 1 KING BED

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 602 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Surf Suite

A modern bedroom with a large bed, a wooden wardrobe, a built-in shelf unit, and a ceiling fan.

Surf Suite

  • 936 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 4 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

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  • Pool
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About the neighborhood

Nosara

Seaside stay .You'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Frog Pad and 2 miles (3 km) of Playa Pelada with a stay here. Nosara Spanish Institute and Nosara Beach are also within 3 miles (5 km).

What's nearby

  • Frog Pad - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Guiones Beach - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Playa Pelada - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Safari Surf School - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Nosara Biological Reserve - 8 min drive - 2.9 miles

Getting around

  • Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport (LIR) - 161 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurante Chirriboca - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Sunrise Coffee - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Rolling Waves - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Howler’s Beach Lounge - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Posada Margherita - ‬5 min walk

About this property

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

4-star beach hotel near Playa Pelada
The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel offers its guests a children's pool, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and complimentary bicycles. There's a restaurant on site, as well as a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces.

Event space at this hotel measures 915 square feet (85 square meters) and includes a conference center. Spa services, a terrace, and multilingual staff are also featured at the family-friendly The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) and an area shuttle are available for a fee. Free self parking is available.

This 4-star Nosara hotel is smoke free.

  • 29 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Meeting rooms
  • 915 sq ft of conference space
  • 85 sq m of conference space
  • Built in 2018
  • Buffet breakfast (free)
  • Deli
  • Supervised childcare (surcharge)
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Towels for the beach
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Conference center
  • Dry cleaning
  • 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
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gift shop
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel offers 29 accommodations with minibars and safes. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wired and wireless Internet access.

Bathrooms include rainfall showerheads, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones; local and international calls are complimentary (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. There are 2 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages, facials, and body wraps. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and reflexology.

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  • Parking included
4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, 62 reviews
Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Supervised activities for children (surcharge)

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Children's pool
  • Ecotours
  • Free bicycle rentals
  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool
  • Surfing/bodyboarding
  • TV in common areas
  • Yoga classes

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • No elevator
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Slippers
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Late-night room service
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Ceiling fan
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Free international calls
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The property will be renovating from April 24 2027 to May 1 2027 (completion date subject to change). The following areas are affected:
  • Guestrooms
During renovations, the hotel will make every effort to minimize noise and disturbance.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 180.00 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel Nosara
Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
Gilded Iguana Surf Nosara
Gilded Iguana Surf
The Gilded Iguana Surf
The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel Hotel
The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel Nosara
The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel Hotel Nosara

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel to the airport?

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel is 3.3 mi (14-min drive) away from the Nosara (NOB) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

As of Aug 17, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel on Aug 23, 2026 start from $197, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel have an airport shuttle?

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel offers an airport shuttle 24 hours a day, for a charge of USD 180.00 per vehicle, one-way.

How close is The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel to the beach?

This hotel is a short 3-minute walk from Guiones Beach and 1.8 mi (13-min drive) from Playa Pelada. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel offer free breakfast?

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel offers free buffet breakfast every day from 7:00 AM to 10 AM.

Is there a casino at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

Is there free parking at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel have a pool?

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel features an outdoor pool and a children's pool.

Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel have a spa?

This hotel doesn't have a spa, but it does offer facials, reflexology, and deep-tissue massages.

How close is The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel to downtown Nosara?

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel is 2.6 mi away from Nosara.

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 380 out of 414 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 414 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 414 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 414 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 414 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sergio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful pool and restaurant! Perfect place and beautiful Sunset!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lisa Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The food all was good, the staff was friendly and welcoming… the room was always cool and well maintained during our stay…
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lysandre

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is my go to surf Hotel in Costa Rica! I love everything about it! Can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Centrally located and could walk the Main Street and to the beach. Hotel was very clean and staff were extremely helpful and friendly. Rooms were clean and had all the amenities needed to enjoy your stay. Breakfast was nice and had enough variety! We would stay there again!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Leeza

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Great hotel
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is in a great location, very close to the beach ( a short walk down a pathway), excellent staff, and fabulous breakfast that was included in the price for our room. We had a two queen bed room on the second floor with high vaulted ceilings and a beautiful balcony looking out into the forest. The staff was absolutely fabulous. we definitely would love to return for another stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Still great place as usual! Not my first and still wonderful desk crew and seevers
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lorne

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Great place
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Meredith

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Incredible property and location. The staff at the surf Club were incredible. The staff at the hotel weren't as friendly. I'd go back for the location and beauty.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kerstin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great place with greta ambiance. Nice staff and clean rooms. Close to fantastic surf beach!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gordon

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly attentive staff, comfortable nicely air conditioned room, lovely pool area and gardens.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel nice staff
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Myah

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful pools and grounds, the staff had excellent customer service. In particular Francisco and Donovan really made the experience stellar. The rooms were clean and comfortable, a really well thought out space.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kerstin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Close to the best surf beach! We love surfing. Clean and nice hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice, clean, property with a friendly staff who are very attentive!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sunil

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic location! Staff was courteous and helpful. Very clean and welcoming. Would go back in a heartbeat.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was wonderful and bright. The staff did an amazing job at cleaning it and keeping it fresh. the entirety of the gilded iguana staff was kind and helpful. the breakfast was delicious and there was a variety of good eat options. the whole resort was well air conditioned and we never felt hot for a second while in our room. The kids club is amazing and the pool is pristine and the perfect temperature. and it is only a five minute walk away from a stunning beach. i definitely recommend the gilded iguana.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Christian

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good hotel
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sally

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Emily Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was perfect from beginning to end. I would HIGHLY recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Nosara.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Danielle Celine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very kind staff and amazing food!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Clifford

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff. Great amenities. Love the garden room with little patio and outdoor shower!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Albert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Repeat guest, we love it.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

meridith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful stay in nosara. Hotel is lovely and very conveniently located.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

katie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the SPA
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025