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About
#1 of 20 hotels in Pavones
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
La Ponderosa Beach and Jungle Resort in Pavones offers beach front accommodations in the pristine Golfo Dulce of Costa Rica.
La Ponderosa's established gardens are a great place to see wildlife.
Choose one of our individually designed rooms.
Relax and rediscover your adventurous spirit. Find Pura Vida Relaxation: with on-site private restaurant, massage, swimming pool and game room. Find Adventure: with local activities such as surfing one of the longest waves in the world, yoga, horseback riding, bicycling with a view of the sea, jungle tours, boat tours or great fishing.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Restaurant
Beach
Bicycle rental
Highchairs available
Massage
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Saltwater pool
Shallow end in pool
Breakfast available
Game room
Hiking
Horseback riding
Billiards
Fishing
Table tennis
Board games / puzzles
Non-smoking hotel
Sun umbrellas
Laundry service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Refrigerator
Cable / satellite TV
Flatscreen TV
Walk-in shower
Seating area
Clothes rack
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
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Room types
Ocean view
Pool view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Green
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
136Reviews7Q+A25Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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+1
Spent three days at La Ponderosa this July. Lovely gardens and location steps from the beach. If you are like us and like spending time in remote and off the beaten path and have the entire beach to yourself to walk, this place is for you! (took us 1h40 minutes from Golfito airport by car). We were in the Lapa room. Great space and nice balcony. We keps wine and beer in the fridge to enjoy. Walked 30 min to Pavones to shop in small grocery store and 6 minutes to near by great italian restaurant. Bring your flashlight (thanks to previous reviews), we encountered a 4 feet snake (not venimous :)) on the road at night walking to the restaurant! We enjoyed the pool a lot when the tide was too high to swim safely. Great breakfast, lunch and one choice of dinner meal per night (you have to inform them before 4:00 pm if you plan to dine). Very nice owners. Highlights? Loved walking a long time on the beach at low tide between the big rocks... and looking at the makaws fliying above the pool in the afternoon :) ! …
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Angela M, General Manager at La Ponderosa
Responded 21 Aug 2023
Thank you for your review. I love walking on the beaches here too. The interesting rock shapes, wildlife and views across the gulf never cease to amaze me. We hope to see you again sometime. Pura vida
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Perfect location, people & amenities to enjoy this jungle paradise. The rooms were perfectly equipped & cozy with hooks to hang & dry everything after our ocean fun. The pool was delightful & peaceful. The grounds allowed you to be right in the jungle, with wildlife & flowers abound. To top it off, Angela, Marshall and all the staff, make you feel extra special & spoil you the entire time. The food is delicious & spot on! I'm going to miss my morning fresh fruit plate. We are lucky to have spent our time in Pavones at Ponderosa & even though we just left, we are already looking forward to our next trip back.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Angela M, Owner at La Ponderosa
Responded 21 Aug 2023
Thank you and your family for staying at La Ponderosa. I am so happy to read that you enjoyed your stay and to hear that you are thinking about another trip back! We love to see familiar faces return for another stay. Pura vida
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have been coming to La Ponderosa for several years now, and each time we leave, we can not wait to come back! The setting is a dream...steps form the beach, jungle in the back, and about a mile to one of the world's best surf breaks!! Heaven. The rooms are well laid out, comfortable, and very clean. The staff is wonderful, and so are the owners! Do yourself a favor and stay here!
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Angela M, Owner at La Ponderosa
Responded 3 May 2023
We love to see our guests return year after year, this is what we strive for! Thank you for your return visit and your recommendation. Pura vida
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Where do I start everything from the food, to the pool, to the comfortable beds was amazing, You are rite in the jungle with all the comforts you need. There is a nice sand swimming beach rite out front and you are five minutes from Pavones Point.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Angela M, Owner at La Ponderosa
Responded 3 May 2023
Thank you for your visit and your review. Glad that you were comfortable and enjoyed your stay. We hope to see you again. Pura vida
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This hotel is an absolute dream, located about 10 minutes from the main surf break we rented ATVS to get around for pretty cheap. Since it’s all dirt roads around here this seemed to be a better choice than a car. The pool is perfectly serene with macaws flying overhead, and beautiful hiking trails in the back of the property with stunning views. Extremely nice staff and delicious food provided upon request, everything is clean and quiet. I will never forget this place. Thank you Ponderosa for a beautiful vacation.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Angela McCarthy, Owner at La Ponderosa
Responded 28 May 2022
Awe, thank you for staying at La Ponderosa and for such a sweet review. PURA VIDA
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Best place I have ever stayed at. Full of amenities, the owners and staff were soooo friendly. The place was extremely clean. Beautiful nature trails, amazing pool, and wonderful spot in pavones. No complaints. Didn’t want to leave. Can’t wait to return back Pura vida ❤️
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Angela McCarthy, Owner at La Ponderosa
Responded 28 May 2022
Thanks for the review. I'm glad you had a "best trip ever" experience. We hope to see you again soon. PURA VIDA
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Loved this place. Comfy beds, great views, an actual stones throw to private beaches, and a fair price for a great room. I booked this bc it had a great pool and I’m really glad I did. We’d go from surfing the point back to the pool for a recharge and to escape midday sun. La ponderosa is 5-10min drive from town, allowing maximum relaxation but close to restaurants and town. Scarlet Macaws flew overhead and hung out in trees by the pool. It was a really enjoyable experience.
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: No gas or atm so plan ahead from golfito!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Angela McCarthy, Owner at La Ponderosa
Responded 21 Feb 2022
Thanks for your visit and your review. I love the title "nature-pool-nature-repeat" Pavones is all about being outdoors! I am pleased to know that you liked the room too and had an enjoyable, memorable experience. Pura Vida!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We are a family of four who like off the beaten path Costa Rica adventures. La Ponderosa offered a peaceful, beautiful base in pristine, untouched Costa Rica. My kids ages 10 and 13 played endlessly in the waves out in the front of the hotel where there is a small Sandy section in between the rocks. Our favorite spot however was a mile down the road in Punta Banco. The beaches, waves, snorkeling, and wildlife are incredible at PB. We ate all our meals at LP and were happy. The food can best be described as Costa Rican comfort food. Nothing fancy but hearty and tasty. We stayed in La Lapa room and it was very nice and spacious for the four of us. I really liked hanging out on the screened balcony that faces the ocean. The highlight of the trip for me was watching humpback whales breach for a solid 20 minutes off the beach directly in front of LP. Incredible! You will need a rental car here. We drive down from Golfito. I highly recommend taking the dolphin tour with Phoebe with Changing Tides Tour. Another trip highlight!…
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Angela McCarthy, Owner at La Ponderosa
Responded 5 Jan 2022
I loved reading your review about how your family enjoyed staying at La Ponderosa and experiencing all the area's natural beauty! Thank you for staying with us, we hope to see you again. Happy 2022
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our stay at La Ponderosa was perfect. Our host were great, room was exceptional, food was great, and a short walk to a great restaurant if you want to eat off property. We would fully recommend this resort!
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Date of stay: December 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Angela McCarthy, Owner at La Ponderosa
Responded 5 Jan 2022
Thank you for visiting La Ponderosa and Pavones and thank you very much for your recommendation. We hope to see you again. Happy 2022!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is the most beautiful hotel !!! There is so much amazing woodwork and every detail is perfectly crafted. The staff, the service and the room was superb. I loved the pool, huge game room and the trails. Scarlet Macaws put on daily shows for us. We stayed 3 nights and I wish we could have stayed longer. I will definitely be going back. Thank you so much Angela & Marshall
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Date of stay: September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Angela McCarthy, Owner at La Ponderosa
Responded 4 Oct 2021
Thank you for visiting Pavones, for staying at La Ponderosa and for such a sweet review. We are glad that you enjoyed your time here and we look forward to your next visit! Pura Vida
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
US$125 - US$146 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
cabinas la ponderosa hotel pavones
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Cabinas La Ponderosa
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of PuntarenasPavones
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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Claim Your ListingLA PONDEROSA - Updated 2023 Reviews (Pavones, Costa Rica)
Frequently Asked Questions about La Ponderosa
Which popular attractions are close to La Ponderosa?
Nearby attractions include Pavones Surf Shop (3.8 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at La Ponderosa?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at La Ponderosa?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at La Ponderosa?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to La Ponderosa?
Conveniently located restaurants include La Bruschetta, Cafe de la Suerte, and Tico Mex.
Are there opportunities to exercise at La Ponderosa?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Is La Ponderosa located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.9 miles away from the centre of Pavones.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at La Ponderosa?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Does La Ponderosa have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.
Is La Ponderosa accessible?
Yes, it offers reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.