"Ok, so after spending 8 days here we can give a very thorough review and comparison to the W that we also stayed at nearby for 3 nights. The staff was amazing!!! Beware!!! The road is ridiculous into the property!! It is a dirt road that has random animals, atv’ers, parked card and other fun surprises. Apparently they are working on a permanent paved road but this one is definitely a problem. It almost made you not want to leave the property. It was exactly 42 min each way to Tamarindo. The grounds were not kept to the jw standard. The gardens were dry and overgrown, the pool chairs had bird poop all over them, and the staff only cleans up the pool area at the end of the day. All the food and drink cups sit out all day. In addition, the elevator had mold all around the top rim, and the food was sub par. We did the all inclusive so we ate everywhere. The best restaurant was the Azul restaurant by the beach. The pool was huge. My kids had a blast. The ocean has full on waves and rocks, so it can be dangerous. There are no water sports like the W has. Also, the JW is in a dry area, there was little go no wildlife (monkeys, bugs, frogs, etc), a plus for me! The W is in a mangrove so its crazy buggy and filled with howler monkeys, lizards, etc.
with all that being said the vibe at the JW was better. The W is built on a hillside and its a shlep everywhere and its not a hotel feel. We loved the W’s room (we had a suite with a jacuzzi outside) we would still choose the JW."
"The resort is beautiful, especially on the ocean side of the street. The pool at the other side is large with a swim-up bar and very pleasant. Front desk and site personnel were great. Concierge not so much. I could tell they just book with the companies they have an agreement with, without any concern for what we are looking for- they were on autopilot and just pointed to whatever was shown on their iPad. I wouldn't recommend doing the ATV forest tour through them. It was mostly farmland with some forest, and saw zero animals. The estuary mangrove tour was excellent, and I would recommend going as early as possible.
The breakfast buffet was excellent, with seating overlooking the ocean.
The rooms are as expected and clean. The view from the oceanfront rooms is gorgeous. No toilet paper allowed in toilets, just fyi.
The restaurants on the "Boulevard" had extra-long waits for food. The servers were all pleasant but either short-staffed or highly disorganized. DO NOT TRY THEIR SUSHI restaurant. Worst sushi ever eaten in our lives. The hotel's gelataria was great and reasonably priced. The lines look long, but they are well-staffed and go fast.
The Bar is good about having pitchers of water to refill water bottles, but otherwise, there isn't a dedicated water refill station. There is a liquor store near the hotel where you can buy bottled water, Gatorade, soda, etc.
Location is NOT secluded but near shops and restaurants, which is what we wanted."
What is Tamarindo like for travellers on a budget?
Tamarindo offers cheap accommodation options and a range of things to see and do, making it a budget-friendly holiday choice. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions such as Tamarindo Beach, Grande Beach and Playa Langosta.
What's the best place to stay on a budget in Tamarindo?
How many inexpensive hotels will I be able to find in Tamarindo?
Expedia has 10 hotels in Tamarindo that are ideal if you are watching your pennies.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Tamarindo?
Weather is probably a major factor when you plan your trip to Tamarindo, but bear in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually April and March, with an average temperature of 28°C, while the coldest months are January and December, with an average of 26°C. The rainiest months in Tamarindo are October, September, June and August, with each month seeing an average of 373 mm of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in Tamarindo?
Tamarindo attracts visitors with its fantastic dining options and sunsets, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the popular local attractions that are highest on your list, such as Tamarindo Beach and Coco Beach, and choose other low-cost activities to fill your itinerary. If you're eager to get outdoors, you can enjoy the natural setting at Grande Beach, Playa Langosta or Avellanas Beach.
How can I get to Tamarindo and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in Tamarindo can help keep you on budget. The most convenient airport is 1.8 mi (2.9 km) away from the centre in Tamarindo (TNO). However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can book a flight to Nosara (NOB), located 25.4 mi (40.9 km) away. Tamarindo might not have very many public transport choices so a rental car could be a reasonable alternative to explore more of the area.