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The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

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

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Photo gallery for The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

Poolside bar
Restaurant
Property grounds
PREMIUM PLUS 1 KING BED | Bathroom | Rainfall showerhead, free toiletries, hair dryer, bathrobes
Reception

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

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

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
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Nosara (NOB)
    ‪7 min drive‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members
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Room options

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
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for PREMIUM 1 KING BED

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

PREMIUM 1 KING BED

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

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)
  • 569 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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
(4 reviews)
  • 602 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room

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

Standard Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 376 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

About the neighborhood

Nosara

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel places you next to Frog Pad and a short stroll from other popular sights 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 - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Safari Surf School - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Nosara Spanish Institute - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Howler’s Beach Lounge - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Orgánico Bakery - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪La Luna - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪The Restaurant and Bar at The Gilded Iguana - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Olga's Bar & Restaurante - ‬14 min walk

About this property

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

Beach hotel with outdoor pool, near Frog Pad
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 securing valuables, tours or tickets, and dry cleaning/laundry. 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

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.

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.

Is parking available on site 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 deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages, body wraps, and aromatherapy.

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.

Is The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel good for couples?

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

Are there hot tubs at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

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?

Yes, this hotel has connecting guestrooms you can book for your group event or 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 3.8 mi away (15 minutes by car). Another top airport is Tamarindo (TNO), which is around 27.2 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?

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

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. 346 out of 378 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 378 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 378 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 378 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 378 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Albert, new york

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Molly

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

john m

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Drinks barely contained alcohol and were mostly ice and @ $21 each that’s ridiculous. Tips were included but when asked the waiter lied and said no they were not. Hotel attempted to charge me for services I did not receive. Some staff could have been friendlier. The housekeeper was excellent. The food was good. The pool was nice
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy, Laguna Hills

Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debra

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

10/10 Excellent

samuel, Medfrod

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
awesome safe property hot tub was cold
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dr Dorothy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Exceptional quality and customer service

They have customer service now Pat. I have got to be the fussiest traveler and very spoiled because we always stay at a really nice places. There is not one criticism or suggestion I would give the management about our stay. The room was exceptionally clean, large airy high ceilings perfectly working air conditioner fan lovely patio wonderful rainforest shower. They have saltwater pools and fabulous food in their restaurants. All of the staff it provides exceptional customer service especially the front desk staff, the restaurant management and Andres! I don’t know the name of the woman who is at the Apple station for the complementary breakfast but my goodness… She learned after the first day exactly what we order and provided it every time she saw us come into the dining area! Fabulous location because it’s near everything. Loved it and recommended highly❣️
Quinoa chickpea appetizer
Salt water pool and jetted area
Breakfast made at the omelette station for a vegan
Dinner entrée
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

katie

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

10/10 Excellent

Christian, Miami

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with group, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
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

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

10/10 Excellent

Sally

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

10/10 Excellent

Azat

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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