Tamarindo Diria Beach and Golf Resort

I could not have imagined a better place to get married! Tamarindo is the most traveler-friendly of the Costa Rican beach towns, and El Diria is the most upscale, convenient and beautiful hotel in Tamarindo proper. The scenery is gorgeous, the room options are diverse, the pools are fantastic, the included buffet breakfasts are an awesome little luxury. The size and layout of the hotel are also particularly conducive to a wedding, with a centrally located bar and poolside hangout areas as well as plenty of space for a couple to be on their own if they choose. As for the wedding itself, the beachfront ceremony was stunning, the cocktail area's wrought-iron tables are out of a Hitchcock film, and the food was better than at any wedding I've ever been to. The service at the hotel in general is a little inconsistent; however, the front desk folks are mostly lovely, the food manager was the loveliest, most accommodating man. And I was relieved to note that people were not at all in our face about rules and such: our guests staying in other hotels were allowed to lounge by the pool with us, we could park our car in reception during a lengthy loading period, etc. The highlights: - impressively well-laid out hotel - spacious, deep, picturesque pools - yummy, affordable food available poolside - beachfront location (with surf out front for the boys) The drawbacks: - The rooms and drinks can be a little pricey, but they did offer online specials during the end of low season. - They nickel-and-dime you a bit, even charging for wireless internet access! - I'm also sad to report that my mom had 100 euro swiped from her bag room when their stuff was packed and in their room before they left, but I don't think that hazard is unique to El Diria, or even Tamarindo. Use safes. I'm partial to family-run boutique hotels, so the rugged traveler in me feels a little guilty for loving such a resort-y place, but it really is that wonderful.

The staff were great...very guest focused. We had a room facing the ocean, very beautiful. The breakfast buffet ws excellent too! Great hotel...definitely would like to go back.