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The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

4.0 star property
Beach hotel with outdoor pool, near Frog Pad
VIP Access

Photo gallery for The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

Poolside bar
Property grounds
Reception
Restaurant
PREMIUM PLUS 1 KING BED | Bathroom

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Gym
  • Pool
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Room service

Explore the area

View map
Playa Guiones, Nosara
  • Frog Pad
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Playa Pelada
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Nosara Beach
  • Nosara (NOB)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Patio
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Ceiling fan
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Surf Suite

Surf Suite

Surf Suite

Highlights

Patio
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cots/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Blackout curtains
  • 87 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for PREMIUM 1 KING BED

PREMIUM 1 KING BED

PREMIUM 1 KING BED

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Patio
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cots/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Blackout curtains
  • 52 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for PREMIUM 2 QUEEN BEDS

PREMIUM 2 QUEEN BEDS

PREMIUM 2 QUEEN BEDS

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Patio
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cots/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Blackout curtains
  • 52 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for PREMIUM PLUS 2 QUEEN BEDS

PREMIUM PLUS 2 QUEEN BEDS

PREMIUM PLUS 2 QUEEN BEDS

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cots/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Blackout curtains
  • 56 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room

Standard Room

Standard Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Patio
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Ceiling fan
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for PREMIUM PLUS 1 KING BED

PREMIUM PLUS 1 KING BED

PREMIUM PLUS 1 KING BED

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cots/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Blackout curtains
  • 56 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Nosara

A family-friendly stay in Nosara awaits you at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel. You'll find Frog Pad a few steps away and Playa Pelada within a 15-minute stroll. Highlights at this beach hotel include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and free buffet breakfast. .A day of pampering can include deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages and body wraps along with aromatherapy and reflexology. The hotel's own lounge bar and poolside bar are nice places to enjoy a drink. Enjoy the gym, kids' swimming pool and pool loungers as well as access to ecotours. 915 square feet (85 square metres) of event facilities include meeting rooms and a conference centre. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a snack bar/deli and free use of bicycles. Each morning free breakfast is served. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .With a stay at this 4-property class Nosara hotel, you'll be 2.3 km (1.5 mi) from Nosara Spanish Institute and 4.3 km (2.7 mi) from Nosara Beach.

What's nearby

  • Frog Pad - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Playa Pelada - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Safari Surf School - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Nosara Spanish Institute - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • International Animal Rescue Costa Rica - 7 min drive - 4.9 km

Getting around

  • Liberia (LIR-Daniel Oduber Intl.) - 177 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪La Luna - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Sunrise Coffee - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Howler’s Beach Lounge - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Beach Break - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Blue Zone Brewery - ‬2 min walk

About this property

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

Beach hotel with outdoor pool, near Frog Pad
The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel offers its guests a kids' pool, an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, 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 metres) and includes a conference centre. 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
  • Conference rooms
  • 915 sq ft of conference space
  • 85 sq. m of conference space
  • Built in 2018
  • Buffet breakfast (free)
  • Deli
  • Supervised kids' activities (surcharge)
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Towels for the beach
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Conference centre
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff members are 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 a safe. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wired and wireless Internet access.

Bathrooms include a rainfall showerhead, bathrobes, slippers and complimentary toiletries. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones; local and international calls are complimentary (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and an iron/ironing board can be requested.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site 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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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

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

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10 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

Family friendly

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

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Conference centre (915 square foot of space)
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Beach towels
  • Garden
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Spa

  • 2 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Prenatal massages
  • Reflexology
  • Swedish massages

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 lift
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 2 floors
  • Built in 2018
  • Mosquito nets
  • Reception hall
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • 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

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

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.

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-authorise 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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-authorise 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 all 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

What is the cancellation policy at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

Yep, The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

Yep, The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel is a short 3-minute walk from Guiones Beach. Fun beach activities include body boarding and fishing.

Is there a spa on site at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

There's no onsite spa, but this property does offer services like body wraps, body scrubs and facials, as well as deep-tissue massages.

Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel have a pool?

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel has an outdoor pool and a kids' pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying under the shade of an umbrella and with a coldie from the bar.

What makes The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel a romantic place to stay?

Couples spa treatments and a lounge bar, as well as rainfall showerheads in the guestrooms, all help set the scene for a romantic weekend at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel.

Is The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a children's pool, supervised childcare and laundry facilities, it's no surprise that The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel is a hit with families.

Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel serve breakfast?

Yeah, free buffet brekkie is on offer daily from 7:00 AM to 10 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is noon.

Are pets allowed at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

Reviews

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 340 out of 371 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 21 out of 371 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 371 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 371 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 371 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Christian, Miami

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good hotel
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natalya

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great, please!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Whitney

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent stay at this property. The front desk, custodial and housekeeping staff were fantastic. Location was ideal, and yoga class with Hanna was fantastic! Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roger

Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sally

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

10/10 Excellent

Azat

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
excellent!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy, Castle Rock

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing all around!! Loved every minute I was there.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Amanda

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was in a great location and very nice. We enjoyed the included breakfast, the walkability to the beach, shops and restaurants. The staff were very kind and available to help. The gym is only accessible by reservation and only allows 5 people per hour. And we weren’t able to use the yoga room for our own practice on Sunday because it was closed. We felt like we were on someone else’s schedule trying to fit things in. The pool area is beautiful but didn’t seem big enough given how many people were using it. And there were a lot of kids which made the pool area loud and not very relaxing for us. Overall we would recommend this hotel.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sheree

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dawn

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michele, Portland

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

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

8/10 Good

Alexa

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pros We had an excellent stay at the Gilded Iguana. Staff were very helpful and helped us book surf lessons and board rentals as well as a turtle hatching tour at Ostinal. Our room was really nice and clean and all the facilities were beautiful. The restaurant was great and had good food and drinks. The breakfast was more than what you would expect for an inclusive breakfast. I will say there was not a lot of vegan options for breakfast but I was able to easily make changes with the serving staff to accommodate this. Cons The street was under construction and it took us forever to find a way to get to the hotel driving around at night with bad road conditions after a long day of travel. It would have been nice if the hotel had messaged us in advance to let us know about the construction and help us with directions. There is not a lot of parking available at the hotel. We ended up having to park on the street which would have been fine except the street is under construction and in the morning large aggregate trucks were driving past which were dropping rocks. Thankfully we didn’t have any damage. We booked this room for our honeymoon and I accidentally booked a room with two double beds. I totally get this was my mistake but I did specify it was our honeymoon and it would have been nice to be moved to a king room. That being said the staff left us a dessert and kind note to congratulate us. Overall would recommend, excellent stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vishal

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris, Philadelphia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

terry

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Gilded Iguana was a wonderful resort. Staff were friendly and very helpful connecting us with amazing restaurants and experiences in the area. Specifically Coyol Restaurant and Huacas Restaurant provided amazing world class food AND beautiful vistas of both sunsets and the Costa Rican Mountains. A great, relaxing stay
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda Marie, North Hampton

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was beautiful. Wonderful bathroom. Great housekeeping and concierge’s service. 5 stars to Francisco and yoga instructor Juliana.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

John

Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location

10/10 Excellent

Danielle Celine

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

10/10 Excellent

Timothy

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The perfect place to stay! I’ve been visiting Nosara for year, and will keep coming back to the Guilded Iguana!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lorine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
5 Star property and service. Beautiful and peaceful. Walkable to beach, shops and restaurants Highly recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024