Trip Advisor Popularity Index: #1 of 31 Hotels in Puerto Viejo

Tripadvisor.com

“Great!” — Timequaker, Ann Arbor Michigan — We stayed for 5 nights in mid-late September 08. As you can see from this site, people have great things to say about the place and they all appear to be true. more

“Amazing Place to Stay in C.R.!!!!” — smarieh, Atlanta, GA — This place is paradise. That's all there is to it. The hotel is beautiful; the food is fantastic; the beach is gorgeous. I can't say enough good things about it. It's the perfect way to spend a birthday or honeymoon!! more

“Staff and owner are lovely” — petitbella, Dallas, TX — Great place, awesome location, and the staff are sooo kind and nice, especially the bartender of the hotel and Roberto, one of the owners, he is the sweetest guy ever. The rooms are neat! and the beach is right there. more

Lonely Planet Costa Rica - 9th Edition - Published Oct 2008

Lonely Planet Pick for Puerto Viejo!  Lost in the jungle at the far end of Playa Negra this wonderfully wild hotel is right on the cusp of a dramatic black-sand beach and sloth-filled rain forest. Each wood-paneled room has a hammock-swinging balcony looking onto the Caribbean only meters away. At night the isolated location means guests are serenaded by howler monkeys, macaws, and crashing surf.

Frommers Costa Rica 2009

Highly Recommended
FIND Special Finds -- Only Places that insiders know about

Located on the northern end of Playa Negra on the north end of town, this newer hotel is earning fast friends and hearty praise. Rooms abound in varnished hardwoods, Inside they are quite simple, with minimal furnishings and amenities, and an overhead or floor fan. Most are on the second floor of the main lodge building, and open onto a broad veranda with ocean views. The end-unit Howler Monkey suite is the best room here. The garden bath suites are larger units, with satellite TVs and a large open-air bathtub in their private garden—hence the name. Filling breakfasts are served in the common lounge area, and drinks are available throughout the day. An almost private section of beach sits just in front of the hotel, and stretches for miles north, all the way to Cahuita National Park. No children 15 and under are permitted.

Conde Nast - The Coast of Utopia - Sept 2007

One of only 3 places recommended in Puerto Viejo in this luxury market travel magazine

Budget: On the other side of Puerto Viejo, Banana Azul Guest House is just off the beach (2750-2035; bananaazul.com; doubles, $50–$95).

sarah laccabue from San Francisco, California     November 16, 2008

for the past two days i have basically been back in arcata (minus the overcast gross weather). everywhere i go there are hippies and some of the streets smell like weed. right back at home!

it is beautiful though. hot weather, sun and ocean. we are staying at the banana azul in puerto negro and the 13 room hotel basically has a private beach so yesterday we all layed out and played in the warmest ocean water i have ever been in. i layed on the hammock and read my book. it was perfect!

Rob Yablonski from Manitoba Canada     November 10, 2008

Colin and Roberto...Just wanted to say Hi and see how things are going....your business card fell out of my Spanish dictionary the other day...lol Is Rick working out there again???

Thought I'd check and see if you hired a massage therapist yet???

Give me a shout back and lets keep in touch...

Roberto the Canadian

Jennifer & Ken Bool from Courtenay, BC, Canada     November 08, 2008

Our 15 day stay at Banana Azul was not long enough. This is truly a tropical paradise with amazing hosts, Colin and Roberto, friendly and most accommodating staff and the landscaping is truly a work of art thanks to Rick. The included breakfasts were varied and excellent; best hamburgesas and sandwiches for lunch; the dinners were all fabulous. In fact, they were so good we only ventured into Puerta Viejo once for dinner and only because the restaurant is closed on Sundays . . .not one meal was a repeat. They arranged a river raft expedition not to be missed (still pumped from it) and an overnight trip to Tortaguero which is a remarkable jungle adventure. This was one fantastic holiday and if you are planning on going to Puerta Viejo, Banana Azul is unique, comfortable, very clean and the place to stay. WE LOVED IT!

Rickey Broussard from Ingleside Texas     October 19, 2008

I cannot imagine that a stay in Peurto Viejo with Roberto and and Colin as the keepers of any vacation cannot be anything but perfect.
We celebrated a birthday with the best of touches, our trips and excursions were flawlessly planned, and the entire thing was a dream vacation. We intend to return. Why stay five star when you can get down to the basics at Banana Azul. I hated to return home.

The Gordons from San Diego     October 12, 2008

We were in complete awe at the fact that we were literally in the middle of the jungle. We pulled up to our hotel gate, no radio and windows rolled down. You could hear a combination of the end of a tropical thunderstorm, the waves and the loudest bugs/crickets we’ve ever heard.

We strolled up to the open air common area and checked in. Nina checked us in and took us up to our rooms. The 12 room hotel is newly built, all wood and very open and airy – almost a hostel like feel. Our room has large doors out to our massive patios with our table, chairs, relaxing chair and hammock. From our bed with the doors open you can hear the distinct sound of calm ocean waves lapping against the shore. Then Nina said a magical phrase that was music to our ears – “When you’re ready head down to the bar for your welcome drink.”

Shamistra Barathan     October 03, 2008

I can't recommend enough Banana Azul. Hidden amongst the rainforest ,on the edge of the Carribean Sea, stood this idyllic and gorgeous hotel made of natural resources. The team are from Canada and serve your every need, including a special request to have dinner on our terrace. Truly a memorable moment, dinner with Frederique and Julia , a couple from the states , also ex students of Maximo Nivel. Under the stars with the sounds of the ocean..with the occasional yell from a mosquitoe bite...ahh...muy romantica..heheh.. Don't worry, no marriage proposals for our Amy!!!
Read full blog entry

Cassie     August 25, 2008

I stayed at Banana Azul with my brother for three days and it was amazing. The staff was awesome, the rooms (garden bath suite) was beautiful. All the detail they put into this hotel made it an outstanding experience. The locations is perfect, nice and quiet yet close enough to the town of puerto viejo. You get the best of both places. The only negative thing was having to leave! I will for sure be back.

cardigan shipman     July 09, 2008

Colin and Roberto it took me while to write you and tell you how special you made my last trip to Costa Rica. Its been 2 years and I think about it constantly. my day on the black sand beach and nights in the hammock with the ocean tickling my ears. The bats and the monkeys. Your and Robertos Hospitality is more than I could have hoped for. It is my Most favorite memory. I hope the construction is done and there will be room for me again some time soon. I now have the link and will send a few friends your way.

Siamak Christian und Yvonne (Germany)     April 11, 2008

Wir waren letztes Jahr (2007) in Costa Rica. Das Banana Azul gehört definitv zu den empfehlenswertesten Häusern an der Karibikküste. Besonders gut war das Frühstück. Der Strand ist prima und wenn man im Frühsommer da ist, hat man ihn auch so ziemlich allein. Tagestouren von hier ins Inland sind ebenfalls eine großartige Sache. Für eigene Trips sollte man auf jeden Fall einen Geländewagen mieten (durchgängige Straßenschäden).

Amy from Seattle     April 03, 2008

Sean & I just got back from our spring break trip to Costa Rica! We went to Puerto Viejo, and stayed in a beautiful hotel called Banana Azul. Before I left, I was telling my mom about the hotel, and the Canadian guy Colin who runs it. She said, "Oh, is Colin your friend or Sean's friend?" And I said, "Neither. I just read his blog."

Wouldn't that be funny if we could speak hyperlink? Anyway, the hotel was just as amazing as I'd dreamed!!

Peg & Steve     March 19, 2008

Just returned from paradise....Banana Azul is simply amazing! Not enough superlatives to describe our stay. The scenery--breathtaking. The food--scrumptious. The people--kind, helpful, and so much fun. Colin & Roberto are the consummate hosts. Their place attracts the most wonderful people. We will be back! Thank you for an unforgettable vacation.

Inka     January 21, 2008

When we arrived at Banana Azul, we first couldnt believe this place is "real". It is in the rainforest and as well at the beach, the view to the garden and to the sea is fantastic and the sound of the birds and the other animals just amazining! We have never found such a great place before. Colin and Roberto are the so unbelievable frinedly and helpful, the food is fantastic and Puerto Viejo is a very nice town with good restaurants and great beaches nearby!

Cash and Jordana     January 15, 2008

What a find! We were faced with a canceled cruise and found Banana Azul on accident searching Google. Roberto and Colin are the nicest people you could ever want to spend a week with, and the property itself is the best blend of inactivity and adventure one could ever hope for. The food, the service, the tours, and especially the staff made this one of the best vacations we have ever taken. Even as we drove back to the airport, we knew we would be back soon. See you guys in a few months!

Kate and Roy     November 27, 2007

When we arrived home after our wonderful week at Banana Azul, all we wanted to do was turn around and go back to Colin and Roberto's wonderful lodge. We miss the sound of the birds in the trees, the pounding of the surf, the hammocks, the morning coffee and great breakfasts...There is so much that is wonderful about Banana Azul! Going to The Bridge with our donations and meeting some of the BriBri children was inspiring to our son. Hiring Marcos as a guide to show us all the hidden spots (and the little red frogs!) was great; we loved our hike and swim in the waterfall. The river rafting was awesome - we did it twice! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Diane Gunter     October 15, 2007

I and 3 family members were recently at Banana Azul and were awe-struck by the hospitality and services provided. Although all of Costa Rica is a treasure, the caribbean coast and the friendliness of Colin and Roberto was something no one should miss out on. The guest house was perfect, food wonderful, sites and tours memorable and the staff were all there to make sure you had a great time... can't say enough good things about this place. Please consider staying at this guest house if you are ever in the area -- you won't regret it! Thank you for a fabulous time Roberto, Colin and staff!!!!!

Noah and Bonim 07 From Camp Laurelwood     October 05, 2007

Our tour group stayed at the Banana Azul for four nights and staying there was amazing. It was easily one of my favorite hotels that we stayed at during our 3 week adventure in Costa Rica. If anyone is near the Banana Azul I recommend that you stay there.

Pura Vida and good times at the Banana Azul

Andrew and Sarah     October 05, 2007

Here's a summary: Absurdly beautiful location, just far enough out of town to be quiet and peaceful, yet still only a short walk away; simple -- yet elegantly constructed -- open rooms that feel like the most comfortable treehouse imaginable; companionable dogs and a particularly adorable kitten; exemplary owner and staff.

That last point deserves some elaboration. Everyone associated with the place is faultlessly friendly and helpful. While we were there, we experienced a bit of bad luck (the kind which can happen to any traveler, anywhere), and the entire staff dropped everything to help us out. You'd be quite hard pressed to find better hosts than Colin and Roberto.

And did I mention it's gorgeous? Even the photo galleries here don't quite do it justice.

Alan     September 01, 2007

I stayed here for 2 nights, and it was by far the most amazing place I have ever stayed away from home!

A+++

The hospitality is amazing, extremely clean quarters, right on the beach, and the breakfast there is amazing!!!

If you are visiting Puerto Viejo, stay at the Banana Azul.

Rahul Sanghrajka     August 08, 2007

Words cannot describe how wonderful Colin and Roberto treated me and my family. This past July was my 2nd stay with them and I sustained a serious knee injury on a moped. If it was not for their continuous help and overall positiveness I do not know how I would have made it back to San Jose. I do not know how to fully thank everyone at Banana Azul for their help during my time of need. It was indeed a trying time and appreciate all of their efforts, positive vibes, and help. I do not now where I would be without their assistance. I will forever be indebted for their selfless acts of kindness. I wish that one day I will be able to repay their kindness in some way. I will definitely be back their once I am fully operational.

Pura Vida

Sherri     July 26, 2007

This August I will be staying once again at Banana Azul. Reasons for coming back? Colin and Roberto are warm and wonderful people and great hosts! The cabinas are lovely/spotless and next to the water. The breakfasts are sumptuous. Alfredo is adorable! The walks on the beach with the resident four-legged friends are a great form of meditation :)

This part of Costa Rica is my favorite place to visit; it's laid back, still out of the way of heavy tourist traffic and there are a lot of opportunities to enjoy nature.

Pura Vida!