As part of our travels throughout Costa Rica we stayed over a week in Hotel Esperanza.
We had chosen this hotel and location to get married. It was to be an intimate ceremony with a dozen guests.
Our decision was quicly confirmed when we saw how helpfull the hotel owners and manager were at helping us set the stage for our very special day!
They helped us find and reserve a notary public. They catered a beautiful and delicious meal, organised live local music.... and all the little details that really count!
We were married on the beach at sunset, then enjoyed the evening celebration at the hotel!! All of our guests for the wedding were guests at Hotel Esperanza.

It is a small 7 room hotel, beautiful 2 level pool... with a delicious breakfast! The a/c is no luxury because it got quite hot in the afternoons... it was nice to hide in our beautiful room and watch a movie in a cool room... before heading down to the beach for the remainder of the day!

We have 2 daughters: 11 and 5 that did not want to leave... what wih the pool, a beautiful beach 5 minutes walk away that is fairy tail-like: not crowded at all ( we often felt like we were alone) , lots of soft sand, beautiful shells, safe waves to jump and play in, colorful fish to dicover when wearing a mask and snorkel, and of course a perfect spot for our wedding!!

We will keep a special place in our hearts for this hotel, its beautiful location and helpful and friendly staff... we would highly recommend it!!

We loved staying at this quaint little hotel just minutes away from the beautiful beach of Carrillo. The rooms were basic but comfortable and the landscaping was lush and beautiful. We had breakfast there every morning and the few dinners we ate there were delicious. I think what made the experience so memorable was the great staff who were extremely accomadating and friendly. Since we didn't rent a car, it was easy to catch a bus right from the hotel to Samara, the next closest town. The beach, which was a 2 minute walk away, was long with mild waves and very clean with no seaweed in the water. I thought my 2 young adult girls would be bored there but they both had an enjoyable time, we all did!

We have just returned from a week in Playa Carrillo Costa Rica. The hotel was very relaxing and tropical, the manager was very accomodating and very helpful, he took a personal interest in our needs. The overall service we recieved was excellent we couldn't ask for anything better. The weather was good, not too much rain, but being from Florida it was just like home. After some GREAT fishing we went back to the peace and tranquility of the hotel. The Hotel Manager also helped in planning our activities by arranging for a tour-guide come to the hotel and talk with us so we could decide on what sight-seeing we wanted to do and also arranged to have a couple different fishing captains come by to set up some fishing trips. The concierge service was great.

The restaurant was very good, lots of fruit, the surf and turf is the house special. We liked the fact that they cooked the fish we had caught that day and had it for dinner that same night , they did a wonderful job in cooking the fish. We caught so many fish one day and took it back to the hotel for them the use since we couldn't bring it home. The icecream was yummy.

Overall I would say we couldn't have asked for better service. It is our understanding since the hotel is under new management there are some improvements being made like adding a pool, tv etc. just remodeling all together I can't wait to see it.

See you next year, I hope.

My wife and I visited Hotel Esperanza in April 2005. Our stay was fabulous. We found Guy and Marissa to be very lovely and warm hosts who went out of their way to make our stay wonderful. We had weather delays in the States causing us to miss our initial flight. We arrived in CR a day late, but Marissa was very gracious and willing to work with us.

The hotel is very basic but very adequate for our needs. The room has no AC, but we were very comfortable in the evenings with windows open and fans going. Breakfast was average, but we found having breakfast in the garden a very relaxing way to begin our day. We enjoyed our one dinner at Esperanza and Guy is a WONDERFUL chef.

The beach at Playa Carillo was so incredible. The weekend had Ticos visiting but the weekdays we practically had the beach to ourselves.

We did find restaurant availability in Carillo to be a challenge, but we ventured into Samara for two dinners and thoroughly enjoyed it. Marissa can easily call a cab for you into Samara.

We also stayed one night at Southland Guanamar and we prefer Esperanza, hands down.

If you are looking to be pampered, this is not the place. But if you are looking for an out-of-the-way place with no Americans and that's very laid back and friendly, this is the place for you.

Overall, our trip to Carillo was one we will never forget. We want to go back soon and we will definitely pay Guy and Marissa a visit.

Pura Vida.