El Remanso is a hotel for someone that knows they want to stay in the Osa Peninsula. It’s VERY basic. The rooms do not have tv, phones, a/c, etc…not even fans. Fans would be a major improvement because it was quite hot trying to sleep. Many of the rooms do not have screens on the windows either. You can recharge things such as cell phones, laptops, etc. in the rooms as they do have electrical outlets, however, they cannot be used for hairdryers as they use too much power.

The units with ocean views are the 2 suites upstairs and 2 rooms downstairs in the front of Casa Poniente, the 3 cabins, La Vainilla, and Casa Osa. The only units without ocean views are the 2 rooms downstairs in the back of Casa Poniente. Casa Poniente is the newest building and, therefore, I would recommend these rooms over the others, especially the 2 suites upstairs. The 3 cabins have just one open room, with the bed, semi-open shower and toilet all very close to one another. I didn’t like the layout of these. La Vainilla is their honeymoon cabin which has 1 bedroom with queen bed upstairs. It is
totally open air so it’s for someone that really wants to sleep WITH the rainforest. There is another bedroom downstairs with queen bed that is screened in. This is the most private unit, a few minute walk away from the main lodge heading down to the beach.

Casa Osa looks old and run down so I wouldn’t recommend this. However, they are currently working on it during June and July. The pool is simple with a few tables and chairs and some reclining chairs around it. The restaurant was good. For breakfast, you can choose between gallo pinto, huevos rancheros, pancakes, etc. For lunch and dinner, there are no options, just whatever is being served that day. Many meals are vegetarian. They can accommodate special dining requests as long as you let them know in advance.

There are some beautiful trails on the property. We hiked down to the beach and to a spectacular waterfall. We didn’t see another person along the way. The trails
are in decent condition but I would only recommend this to people in good shape. Young children or elderly people would struggle. They offer a good amount of tours such as waterfall rappelling, kayaking, dolphin watching, hiking, etc.

The service was very good and the staff was super friendly, especially Danny the manager. Overall, I had a good time here but, like I mentioned you really need to know what the Osa is all about and want to go there because there are very few amenities here. FYI: I have stayed at Lapa Rios before and this hotel is definitely not a substitute for Lapa Rios.

Review By: Dave Horn

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Filed under: Hotel Reviews on July 31st, 2007