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The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

4.0 star property
VIP Access

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Photo gallery for The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

Poolside bar
Property video
Property grounds
Restaurant
Lobby sitting area

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Playa Guiones, Nosara
  • Place, Frog Pad
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Guiones Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Playa Pelada
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Airport, Nosara (NOB)
    ‪12 min drive‬
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Room options

View all photos for PREMIUM 2 QUEEN BEDS

A hotel room with a bed, a view of the outdoors, a bathroom with a shower, and a patterned floor.

PREMIUM 2 QUEEN BEDS

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for PREMIUM PLUS 2 QUEEN BEDS

A bathroom with a toilet, a window with blinds, a towel rack, and a patterned floor.

PREMIUM PLUS 2 QUEEN BEDS

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for PREMIUM 1 KING BED

A bedroom with a large bed, a desk, and a view of the outdoors.

PREMIUM 1 KING BED

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes

Standard Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 377 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for PREMIUM 1 KING BED

A modern hotel room with a bed, bedside table, lamp, and a desk with a chair.

PREMIUM 1 KING BED

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • 560 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for PREMIUM 2 QUEEN BEDS

PREMIUM 2 QUEEN BEDS | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes

PREMIUM 2 QUEEN BEDS

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 560 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for PREMIUM PLUS 2 QUEEN BEDS

PREMIUM PLUS 2 QUEEN BEDS | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes

PREMIUM PLUS 2 QUEEN BEDS

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • 602 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Room

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a red shelving unit, and a view of the outdoors.

Standard Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 376 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for PREMIUM PLUS 1 KING BED

PREMIUM PLUS 1 KING BED | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes

PREMIUM PLUS 1 KING BED

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 602 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Surf Suite

Surf Suite | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes

Surf Suite

  • 936 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 4 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Nosara

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel places you next to Frog Pad and within a mile (2 km) of other popular attractions like Playa Pelada. This 29-room, 4-star hotel welcomes guests with free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • Frog Pad - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Guiones Beach - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Playa Pelada - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Safari Surf School - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Nosara Biological Reserve - 8 min drive - 2.9 miles

Getting around

  • Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport (LIR) - 161 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sunrise Coffee - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪La Luna - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Rolling Waves - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Howler’s Beach Lounge - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Posada Margherita - ‬5 min walk

About this property

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel features an outdoor pool, a children's pool, and a gym. There's free parking, and an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 180.00 per vehicle one-way. Multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk can assist with dry cleaning/laundry, securing valuables, and luggage storage. Other amenities at this beach hotel include free WiFi in public areas, meeting rooms, and a conference center.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and wired Internet. Bathrooms offer rainfall showers, hair dryers, and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include minibars, coffee makers, and free international calls.
An outdoor pool and a children's pool are on site. Other recreational amenities include a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite 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 transportation

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

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 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 center (915 square feet 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 elevator
  • 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
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • 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 available

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The property will be renovating from April 24 2027 to May 1 2027 (completion date subject to change). The following areas are affected:
  • Guestrooms
During renovations, the hotel will make every effort to minimize noise and disturbance.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 180.00 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

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-authorize 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, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • 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, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services and spa treatments. Contact the hotel at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.

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

Are free cancellation options available at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. For additional details, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

As of Jul 19, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel on Aug 18, 2026 start from $200, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What can I see within easy reach of The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

This hotel is located in Nosara and just steps from Guiones Beach and Frog Pad. You'll also find Playa Pelada and Safari Surf School less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Is there a spa available at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

Spa services at the hotel include Swedish massages, prenatal massages, reflexology, and couples treatments.

Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel feature a casino at the property?

No, The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What amenities will couples enjoy at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this hotel, including a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a poolside bar.

Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel serves free buffet breakfast each morning from its restaurant.

Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel.

Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel have connecting rooms available?

Yes, you can book connecting rooms at this hotel for your group or family vacation.

Where is the closest airport to The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

The closest major airport to The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel is Nosara (NOB), which is 3.3 mi away (14 minutes by car). Another top airport is Tamarindo (TNO), which is around 27.2 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer either a balcony and a patio.

Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel have a wedding venue on site?

If you plan to exchange vows during your trip, consider the wedding services available at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel.

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 376 out of 410 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 410 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 410 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 410 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 410 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leeza

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Great hotel
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lorne

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Great place
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Meredith

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Incredible property and location. The staff at the surf Club were incredible. The staff at the hotel weren't as friendly. I'd go back for the location and beauty.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kerstin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great place with greta ambiance. Nice staff and clean rooms. Close to fantastic surf beach!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Myah

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful pools and grounds, the staff had excellent customer service. In particular Francisco and Donovan really made the experience stellar. The rooms were clean and comfortable, a really well thought out space.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gordon

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly attentive staff, comfortable nicely air conditioned room, lovely pool area and gardens.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kerstin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Close to the best surf beach! We love surfing. Clean and nice hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel nice staff
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was wonderful and bright. The staff did an amazing job at cleaning it and keeping it fresh. the entirety of the gilded iguana staff was kind and helpful. the breakfast was delicious and there was a variety of good eat options. the whole resort was well air conditioned and we never felt hot for a second while in our room. The kids club is amazing and the pool is pristine and the perfect temperature. and it is only a five minute walk away from a stunning beach. i definitely recommend the gilded iguana.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice, clean, property with a friendly staff who are very attentive!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sunil

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic location! Staff was courteous and helpful. Very clean and welcoming. Would go back in a heartbeat.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christian

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good hotel
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emily Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was perfect from beginning to end. I would HIGHLY recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Nosara.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sally

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

10/10 Excellent

Clifford

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff. Great amenities. Love the garden room with little patio and outdoor shower!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Albert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Repeat guest, we love it.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Danielle Celine

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

6/10 Okay

Johan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Disliked: Staff & service
The room was nice but dark. I suppose the rooms on the second floor are nicer. The staff didn’t seems to like their job. Or tired of girats maybe. Nice pool area. Note that this is a family hotel. It is not a calm romantic place. Breakfast was poor. I think that americans are the target for this hotel.
Pool area
The Beach is on a 5 min walk
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was so comfortable. Just what you want for a beach stay. An incredible shower and big spa like bathroom. A private poolside patio area for reading,eating and gear drying. The common areas are stunning and immaculately kept. The staff is friendly and helpful and the food was fresh and fantastic! My favorite part was the 3 minute walk to the breathtaking beach! The hotel was also only a 15 minute walk to downtown Guiones. I looked at hotels that were more expensive and higher rated and I would stay here again for sure!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

katie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the SPA
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debra

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everyone was super friendly and helpful would definitely go back
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elein

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were amazing! Very friendly and accommodating. Aerial yoga class was lot of fun and the instructor was knowledgeable. Hotel amenities were beautiful and had everything you need. Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

meridith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful stay in nosara. Hotel is lovely and very conveniently located.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen

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