Bahia Esmeralda

2.0 star property
Bayside hotel with beach bars and an outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Bahia Esmeralda

Beach nearby, white sand, 2 beach bars
Outdoor pool, open 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Superior Room, Garden View | View from room
Front of property
View from room

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included

Explore the area

Map
100 metros Este de la Plaza Deportiva, Tempate, Guanacaste, 50308
  • Penca Beach
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Playa Potrero
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Flamingo Beach
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Liberia (LIR-Daniel Oduber Intl.)
    ‪60 min drive‬

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Room options

Economy Double Room

  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 431 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 King Bed

Comfort Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Garden View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 269 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Economy Quadruple Room

  • 323 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Superior Room, 1 Double Bed, Non Smoking, Garden View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 431 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Double Bed

Superior Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Classic Villa, 2 Bedrooms, Kitchenette, Garden View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 646 sq ft
  • Sleeps 7
  • 2 Double Beds and 2 Twin Sofa Beds

Deluxe Villa

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Superior Room, Garden View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 431 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Family Suite, 3 Bedrooms, Kitchen, Garden View

  • 969 sq ft
  • Sleeps 7
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Double Bed, 1 Twin Trundle Bed and 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Potrero

Penca Beach is a short stroll from Bahia Esmeralda, and other popular attractions like Playa Prieta are within a mile (2 km). This 18-room hotel has a restaurant along with conveniences like an outdoor pool and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Penca Beach - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Playa Potrero - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Playa Prieta - 3 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Flamingo Beach - 7 min drive - 3.1 miles
  • Danta Beach - 12 min drive - 2.8 miles

Getting around

  • Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport (LIR) - 63 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Coco Loco Bar & Restaurant - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Las Brisas - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Amigos Tacos y Beer - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Gracia Mar Vista - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Soda Marcell - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Bahia Esmeralda

Bayside hotel with beach bars and an outdoor pool
Guests of Bahia Esmeralda enjoy features like an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and express check-out. You can take advantage of free parking, along with an airport shuttle for a fee. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with luggage storage and concierge services. Additional amenities include a communal living room, a garden, and a water dispenser.
32-inch flat-screen TVs come with cable channels. Beds sport premium bedding and down comforters. Other standard amenities include ceiling fans and wardrobes or closets. Change of towels is available on request.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool.

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

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free secured, uncovered self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee: CRC 4,500 to 10,000 for adults and CRC 4,500 to 10,000 for children
  • 2 beach bars
  • A restaurant
  • Hosted evening meal available on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for a fee of CRC 10,000; reservation required

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the bay
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • 1 floor
  • Built in 1996
  • Communal living room
  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoke-free property
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 8 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Breakage deposit: CRC 62000 per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately CRC 4500 to 10000 for adults, and CRC 4500 to 10000 for children
  • Hosted evening meal: CRC 10000

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 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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include window guards
  • Check-in: 2 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking out is easy with express services. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (fees apply). 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit or credit 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 major credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include window guards.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Pool access available from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Bahia Esmeralda Aparthotel
Bahia Esmeralda Aparthotel Potrero
Bahia Esmeralda Potrero
Bahia Esmeralda Costa Rica/Playa Potrero
Bahia Esmeralda Santa Cruz
Bahia Esmeralda Hotel Potrero
Bahia Esmeralda Hotel
Bahia Esmeralda Hotel
Bahia Esmeralda Tempate
Bahia Esmeralda Hotel Tempate

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see close to Bahia Esmeralda?

This hotel is located in Tempate, a short 13-minute walk from Playa Potrero and also 12 minutes on foot from Penca Beach. You'll also find Flamingo Beach and Playa Brasilito within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Bahia Esmeralda?

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

Does Bahia Esmeralda have a casino on the premises?

No, Bahia Esmeralda doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Bahia Esmeralda?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. Guests have pool access between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.

Is Bahia Esmeralda a good place to stay for couples?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this hotel, including 2 beach bars, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant.

Are there hot tubs at Bahia Esmeralda?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Bahia Esmeralda feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Bahia Esmeralda serves a cooked-to-order breakfast each morning for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Does Bahia Esmeralda allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Bahia Esmeralda.

Does Bahia Esmeralda have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

What is the closest airport to Bahia Esmeralda?

The closest major airport to Bahia Esmeralda is Tamarindo (TNO), which is 14.1 mi away (36 minutes by car). Another top airport is Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport (LIR), which is located 24.7 mi away (63-minute drive).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Bahia Esmeralda?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer either a furnished balcony or a deck where guests can enjoy garden or pool views.

Bahia Esmeralda Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 65 out of 125 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 41 out of 125 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 12 out of 125 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 125 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 125 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sylvia

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Within walking distance of 6 beaches. Easy uber access to local attractions. Clean, comfortable and friendly. Grocery store and fresh fruit/ veg market across the street.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff is very friendly! The location is a short distance from the beach, and in the middle of local restaurants. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. This is not a high-end location. The rooms, surroundings and pool are just enough. Practical and reasonable. Not intended for higher-end tastes. Great location and staff to have an understanding of the local community. Feels like a mom-and-pop business. Welcoming.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nathanael

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Joselyne

Liked: Cleanliness
Lugar tranquilo, pero se ve mejor en fotos. En las habitaciones hace falta un espejo grande. El personal de la cocina podría mejorar en servicio al cliente.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elvia, Alajuela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Tranquility
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Roy Bonilla

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

robert

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice people
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andreina

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We really enjoyed our stay here. Cute hotel. Confortable beds. All we needed to tour around Potrero area. The pizzas were fabulous!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Ramona

Traveled with family
I had high hopes for this property, but it was very average. The bar was completely closed, no refrigerator in the rooms and the breakfasts were marginal. We won't be returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jorge

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous place and affordable, not far from Las Catalinas which prices a bit higher. Walking distance from supermarkets and Liquor stores. Holler monkeys will give you a show at night and will wake you up in the morning but it’s safe specially if anyone is traveling with kids which I did. You will need a Car to go out if you’re planning to have a decent night out but it’s only 13 minutes away. Love this place I’m definitely coming back in December to enjoy the beginning of the summer and scape the winter here in NY.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diego

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place nice garden.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Cory

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nadine

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff was friendly and helpful Breakfast was ok
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Naomi Siqiniq

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Walter

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved the landscaping and the very clean pool. Our room was made up each time we asked; very nice. We wish there were hammocks, pepper at breakfast, a bar. The cats are special
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

Gerry

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

William

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

Very nice

Very nice place to stay, really enjoyed it.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

David Gonzalez

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

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

Terrible Experience at Bahia “Hormigas”

I normally don’t write negative reviews but … you couldn’t pay me to stay at Bahia Esmeralda ever again. Should be called Bahia Pura Hormigas. Property looks nice in the pictures but unfortunately we couldn’t wait to leave this place. Terrible customer service. Terrible breakfast. Terrible insect problem. Terrible beds. Needs a lot of maintenance. Our room was full of bugs; particularly a ridiculous amount of large ants to the point where we didn’t feel comfortable sleeping under the covers or leaving our clothes out of our suitcases. And the beds were very uncomfortable and mattress was super thin. I could’ve dealt with the insects if the rest was good but it wasn’t. My family is from CR so I get that it’s a rainforest and can deal with some critters, but it was that bad. On top of it all the management was incredibly rude to my family, including my senior mom and gave us a hard time for the silliest things. We even got scolded for having my brother drop us off and assist my mom to the room while we carried stuff. And, after commenting on the treatment received, we were approached and confronted by staff. Super unprofessional and uncomfortable. The only positive was outside the rooms where the pool is is nice but we didn’t even use the pool during our 3 night stay because we avoided the hotel as much as possible. Do yourself a favor and pay a little extra to stay elsewhere.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Donald, Boulder

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff and service were excellent with everything. Very clean and well maintained. Quiet. Nice typical breakfast, if not much variety. Dining area has a nice new bar but it was never open. Would have been nice to have a place to sit and have a drink. Car is needed. Las Brisas was only walkable dining option, great local place. Good thing we liked it.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Denice

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eduardo Rodriguez

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Muy buen anfitrión y explicación!! Y las habitaciones muy limpias y confortables.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Richard

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property, great location for a chill vacation. Easy walk to sodas, beach, a small super. Room was in great shape, service was friendly. We wanted a relaxed vacation and it was perfect for that. There are a few things that were odd, all very minor but would be easy improvements 1. They had us wear wristbands the whole visit. This was odd - it wasnt a HS spring break trip. I don't like having to wear something making me obviously a tourist for security. We didnt see any other hotels doing this 2 - There were any washcloths. We bought one, but it was odd since towels were provided 3 - Our unit had a small kitchen (well appointed) but it would be nice if they provided some basics - salt, pepper, maybe sugar for coffee. The local supers don't sell super small quantities for travelers.

10/10 Excellent

Hugo

Business traveler
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very clean. Appropriate. Great price. Very short distance to Penca beach. Very close to good restaurants.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ricardo

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023