The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

4 stars
Mon 11/17
-
Tue 11/18
1 room, 2 guests
Deals from
$172
/Cheapest rate per night
Room type
Provider
Nightly total
Standard room
$172
King room
$219
Queen room
$342
Overview
Prices
Amenities
Reviews
Location
When to book
Tips & FAQs
Nearby stays

Overview

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel is located in Nosara, Costa Rica and sits directly along the gorgeous white sands. It is unique among the “surf” destinations as it has not been developed and is like a time capsule from the early years of the surf trend in the 1960s. That is not to say that the hotel is a time capsule, too.

It is simply that guests get to savor the natural beauty of the region, as the hotel sits only a few hundred feet from Playa Guiones, a top surfing beach protected by firm environmental laws. The hotel is also dedicated to eco-friendliness and offers an off-the-grid destination.

The hotel is meant to be an authentic destination, and because of that it has all that guests need for a stay. There is a popular restaurant, free WiFi, daily breakfast services, outdoor pools for all ages, a Jacuzzi, event spaces, a concierge, a gift shop, shuttle services, and an array of options for active guests. These include surf school, mountain biking tours, and more. There is also the spa and yoga classes to enjoy.

The restaurant and bar at the hotel have been popular in the area since the 1980s and focus on live music, unique drinks, and fresh, local foods. Vegetarian and vegan foods are always an option and there are even days when brunch is available. For those who want to relax in their rooms, the restaurant delivers to hotel guests.

Rooms range from Surf rooms to Premium and Surfer Suites. All are designed with indoor and outdoor showers, separate living spaces and direct access to the outdoors.

If getting away from it all and enjoying world-class surfing appeals to you, the Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel in Costa Rica is a good choice.

8.8
Very good rating
Based on 326 verified guest reviews

Latest deals for The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

Mon 11/17
Tue 11/18
Queen room
2 queen beds
$342
nightly with fees
2 queen beds
$351
nightly with fees
2 queen beds
$367
nightly with fees
Standard room
bed type unknown
$172
nightly with fees
bed type unknown
$190
nightly with fees
bed type unknown
$233
nightly with fees
King room
1 king bed
$219
nightly with fees
1 king bed
$230
nightly with fees
1 king bed
$341
nightly with fees
*Total includes estimated local taxes & fees payable on check out.
Prices are based on 1 night, including fees but not including taxes.

Amenities at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

  • Snorkeling
  • Outdoor pool
  • Fitness center
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Room service
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Tea/coffee maker
  • Coffee machine
  • Free parking

Basics

  • Mobile hotspot device
  • Wi-Fi available in all areas
  • Internet
  • Fan
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Free toiletries
  • Smoke alarms
  • Air-conditioned
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Linens
  • Towels
  • Shampoo
  • Body soap
  • Trash cans
  • Conditioner

Dining

  • Electric kettle
  • Grocery deliveries
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Minibar
  • Snack bar
  • Tea/coffee maker
  • Kettle
  • Coffee machine
  • Dining area
  • Dining table

Bathroom

  • Hairdryer
  • Open-air bath
  • Public bath
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Shower cap
  • Additional toilet
  • Toilet
  • Toilet paper
  • Walk-in shower

Things to do

  • Gift shop
  • Eco tourism
  • Beach access
  • Fishing
  • Board games/puzzles
  • Cycling
  • Snorkeling
  • Evening entertainment
  • Horse riding
  • Water sport facilities (on site)
  • Hiking

Services and conveniences

  • Car rental
  • Wake-up service
  • Concierge service
  • Meeting/Banquet facilities
  • Mini-market on site
  • Room service
  • Tour desk
  • Foot massage
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • 24hr front desk
  • Safety deposit box

General

  • Family rooms
  • Interconnected room(s) available
  • Lockers
  • Storage available
  • Seating area
  • Sofa
  • Soundproof rooms
  • Telephone
  • Tile/marble floor

Accessibility and suitability

  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Hypoallergenic pillow
  • No smoking
  • Designated smoking area
  • Increased accessibility
  • Roll-in shower
  • Accessible parking
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs

Health and safety

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Face masks for guests available
  • CCTV in common areas
  • CCTV outside property
  • Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
  • Mosquito net
  • 24-hour security
  • First-aid kit

Pool and spa

  • Infinity pool
  • Spa
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool towels
  • Saltwater pool
  • Massage

Outdoor

  • Outdoor furniture
  • Garden
  • Terrace/Patio
  • Beach chairs
  • Beach towels
  • Balcony

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Ironing service
  • Laundry service
  • Pants press
  • Drying rack for clothing

Bedroom

  • Fold-up bed
  • Socket near the bed
  • Alarm clock
  • Clothes rack
  • Wardrobe or closet

Parking and transportation

  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free parking
  • Shuttle service (additional charge)

Family friendly

  • Cribs available
  • Child pool
  • Kids meals

Media and entertainment

  • Radio
  • Smartphone dock

Workspace

  • Laptop safe
  • Desk

Fitness

  • Fitness classes
  • Fitness center

Reviews of The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

8.8
Very good
326 verified ratings
Wonderful
269
Very good
24
Good
18
Okay
10
Fair
5
Mediocre
0
Poor
0

Summary of reviews

Guests say
Guests generally appreciated the hotel's location, cleanliness, and amenities like the saltwater pool and good breakfast. However, some expressed concerns about the service quality and the overall value for the price, feeling that certain aspects were overpriced.
AI-Generated from customer reviews
Location9.5 out of 10
Cleanliness9 out of 10
Amenities8.5 out of 10
Service3 out of 10
Value for Price2.5 out of 10
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Location

Playa Guiones, Nosara 05233

What's nearby

  • Frog Pad81 yd
  • Playa Guiones0.3 mi
  • Safari Surf School0.4 mi
  • Nosara Beach0.5 mi
  • Nosara Wildlife Rescue2 mi

Policies

Check-in/Check-out

Check in anytime after 3:00 PM, check out anytime before 12:00 PM

Cancellation/prepayment

Cancellation/prepayment policies vary by room type and provider.

Essential information about The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

Low season

High season

Average price (weeknight)

Average price (weekend night)

July
February
$377
$1,545
Cheapest month to stay with an average 51% drop in price.
Most expensive month to stay with an average 150% rise in price.
Average Sun - Thu price over the last 2 weeks.
Average Fri & Sat price over the last 2 weeks.

When to book a room at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

Price per night. Prices are not fixed and may vary with time.
Average nightly price per month
Average nightly price

KAYAK's top tips for your stay at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

  • If you’re after a cheap room at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel, then you should consider staying during the low season. The cheapest deals can generally be found in July and June.
  • Prices can also vary depending on which day of the week you stay. For the best room deals at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel, plan to stay on a Thursday or Sunday. The most expensive day is usually Friday.
  • The cheapest price a room at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel was booked for on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $993, while the most expensive was $993.
  • How long should you stay at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel? KAYAK users usually book their rooms here for 4 days.

FAQs when booking at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

  • Is the Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel accessible to people with limited mobility?

    If you are traveling and you or a friend are disabled or have reduced mobility the Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel ensures that you will have a smooth experience at the hotel. The hotel features accessible rooms with roll-in showers and accessible bathrooms. Additionally, the hotel features wheelchair-accessible parking and a well-lit path of travel. It's important to note that you can rely on the hotel staff to provide high-quality services whenever needed.

  • What options does the Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel offer to those with kids?

    The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel offers children-friendly facilities for those traveling with families. The hotel features rooms with separate bedrooms and will provide infant and rollaway beds at an extra fee. The hotel also offers complimentary supervised childcare, a children's pool, and laundry facilities. For entertainment, The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel offers flat-screen TVs with premium channels, complimentary bicycles, and ecotours that kids may enjoy.

  • What types of rooms are available at the Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

    The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel features four room types: surf rooms, premium rooms, plus rooms, and surfer suites. The surfer rooms feature two beds and are perfectly sized for people who want to make the most of the waves. Premium rooms are larger and contain one bed. Premium Plus rooms come in two configurations: the premium plus king rooms with one large bed, and the premium plus double queen rooms with two beds. The surfer suites are the largest, and feature a king bed and two bunk beds. These suites are ideal for a group of friends or large families.

  • What services are available at the Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel spa?

    The full-service spa at the Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel provides a variety of options for individuals and couples alike. Along with traditional rooms, the spa features a couple's treatment room and outdoor treatment areas. They offer body wraps, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, iguana surfers massage, body scrubs, waxing, facials, sports massage and back, neck and shoulders massage. Additionally, there are mind-body treatments, including aromatherapy, ayurvedic, reflexology, and exfoliation. The spa only uses organic products to replenish and cleanse your body.

  • How can I travel from the airport to the Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

    Nosara Airport (NOB) is 2.3 miles away from the Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel. To travel from the airport to the hotel, you can get a taxi, bus, shuttle, or rent a car. For those who prefer taking a taxi, you will find various taxi providers at the airport, including Hoppa, Kiwitaxi and TaxiTender. You can use public transport by bus if you want the cheapest way to travel from the airport to the hotel. You can book a shuttle if you want to get to the hotel faster but still on a budget. If you want to enjoy the flexibility of driving, you can consider renting a car at the airport. You will find various car rental providers, including RentalCars, Holidaycars, Europcar, and Sixt.  

  • Where is The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel located?

    The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel is located at Playa Guiones, 2.6 miles from the center of Nosara. Frog Pad is the closest landmark to The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel.

  • When is check-in time and check-out time at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

    Check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out time is 12:00 PM at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel.

  • Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel offer free Wi-Fi?

    Yes, The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel offers free Wi-Fi.

  • Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel offer free parking?

    Yes, The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel offers free parking.

  • How far is The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel from the airport?

    The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel is 2.3 miles from Nosara Beach. The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel is 27.2 miles from Tamarindo.

  • Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel have a pool?

    Yes, The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel has a pool onsite.

  • How does KAYAK find such great The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel hotel deals?

    KAYAK scours the web for all room deals available at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel in Nosara and lets you compare them to find the best rate for your stay. Many different travel sites will offer discounts or deals at different times for rooms at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel and KAYAK will provide you with prices from a huge range of travel sites. That means that you can always find a great deal for The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel.

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Good to know

Value for money

Distance to city center

Nearest Airport

Distance to airport

7.5
2.6 mi
Nosara Beach
2.3 mi