Banana Azul

This hotel is amazing. The booking process was easy, and we did so online weeks ago. They encourage you to pay in cash by giving you a 10% discount for doing so.

Once we arrived near Puerto Viejo we found the hotel to be a bit off the beaten path. We had to drive down a long, windy, dirt beach road but it was all marked well so it was easy to find.

The staff was amazing. We got a Garden Room which means from the outer area you enter your small room with a bed, television, and AC. You exit out the back to a garden area which is covered from the rain but otherwise open air. This area has a hammock, sunshine, and a cool double person jacuzzi. Connected is a private shower/toilet area.

Breakfast is included but isn't just some rolls. A few eggs cooked to order and some sides, potatoes, bacon, etc. It varies daily and also includes cereal, fruit, coffee, tea, milk etc.

Lunch is reasonably priced and available on site. They have good menu of common items.

Dinner changes nightly and is posted. It too is well priced.

There is a fully stocked bar open until about 10p

The pool is relaxing with sufficient space for all guests to relax at.

Wifi is free and they also have a laptop you can rent. Bicycles are available as well.

Laundry service is available.

The best part is that the hotel backs to the ocean. You can walk out to what is essentially a private beach. It was amazing and we both got sunburned the first day just relaxing out there.

Stayed here on an overnight from from Bocas del Toro, Panama. I found it through TravBuddy.com and after the good reviews and checking the web site it looked good. I emailed them and had a response back very quickly and since my plans were set to be in Costa Rica the next day I booked. They made an exception on the two-night minimum, and with pre-paying (through their PayPal account) online, I got the best room in the house (The Howler Suite) for $89 instead of $149... not bad.

The staff was excellent, the Owners were extremely helpful. They do expect you to "run a tab" for food/beverages/services while you are there, but their prices are reasonable and the food and service was very good. Their is an automatic 13% country tax and 10% service charge on all charges that is added onto your bill.

They do include breakfast with your stay consisting of cooked to order eggs, toast, fresh fruit, cereal, coffee and fresh juice.

The room was very good, the grounds are well landscaped and taken care of, and although small, the pool was very refreshing after a long day traveling form Panama.

Overall if I was going to the area again, I would stay here. 4/5 in my book for a good room, good service and attentive staff and an excellent value for what you get.

I was very sad to leave here. Everyone was so helpful & friendly. We made friends with other guests, ate good food, and enjoyed every minute of our time. The hotel is a little ways away from the town of Puerto Viejo, but this was a perk for me because it meant the beach was quieter.