The Grateful Hotel
Palm beach Estates Playa Tamarindo, Playa Grande 50309 Costa Rica
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Pool & Beach (9)
Dining (5)
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
#5 of 7 hotels in Playa Grande
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
Set outside Tamarindo in the beach village and national park of Playa Grande. We offer the romantic, the surfer, and the active traveler a tropical oasis amid the tourist stops. Superior rooms with modern amenities compliment the elegant restaurant where exceptional seafood, steaks and local specialties are served. Friendly and attentive staff ensure your stay is a satisfying one.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Pool
Bar / lounge
Airport transportation
Spa
Concierge
Outdoor pool
Restaurant
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Room features
Air conditioning
Safe
Minibar
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Quiet
Languages Spoken
English
Location
44Car recommended
Grade: 44 out of 100
246Restaurantswithin 10 km
46Attractionswithin 10 km
Contact
Palm beach Estates Playa Tamarindo, Playa Grande 50309 Costa Rica
Getting there
Rental CarsSee all Playa Grande car hire
53Reviews7Q+A9Room tips
Reviews
Traveller rating
- 45
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Most Recent
We stayed 4 nights. All the people in the poolside restaurant were Costa Rican friendly (sincere) especially Hank(Rex? sorry!! not sure but I attached a picture below) and Olga. There is a man driving the shuttle boat (Willem?) who was outstanding. Helpful, real, and he did a number of things that were “golden rule”. Tamarindo is expensive and hectic. This place is just cool and relaxed.
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Date of stay: January 2023
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: All rooms looked good.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
The place is magnifique, we walked from tamarindo , using the boat service to cross the river .the service was bad, the server had a bad attitude , we asked for two drinks and the menu ,which we received , he never came back to take our order , was busy talking in the kitchen , we left after 30 min , i guess they not grateful to have tourist there , rude server.
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Date of stay: January 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.
Helpful
We went for a Sunday Funday. Sebastian was playing Service was great ! Tuna tower was amazing. Thank you to all ! They have a pool. Check with the hotel whether you can bring your suit. A dip would have been refreshing. Hotel supplied boat shuttle both ways. Great time.
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Date of stay: January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Phil Eitman, Owner at The Grateful Hotel
Responded 1 week ago
Hey Petra , Thank you for joining us and we are happy to share our vibe, , you can always bring a suit and take a dip!! , See you again !!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The location is serene.. easy walk to a spectacular beach.. staff was super friendly and helpful.. a short boat ride to the bustling town of Tamarindo.. the music was fantastic and new musicians arrive weekly.. A must visit if your in Costa Rica and a Deadhead
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Suzy S wrote a review Nov. 2022
The Grateful Hotel is one of a kind! Such a fun, welcoming place where you immediately feel like you've arrived at a reunion or family party! Very special atmosphere and great live music. So glad I found this place. Will definitely be back!!
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We came for a few drinks in the evening. This place is so cool, lovely atmosphere, nice cocktails and the live band was epic. The location of Playa Grande is great, empty beaches in the day and the surf is spot on.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Highly recommend for breakfast, lunch and or dinner. Food and drinks are excellent and they often have live music which is a great fun night out. Loved the atmosphere too. Owner very friendly.great location and you can take the water taxi to get there or if you are staying in playa grande it’s very easy to get to.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
The best veggie burger I have had in all of Playa Grande! Great environment and great food :) breakfast is especially good! Love the French toast. They have live music 4 or 5 days a week and are great at putting on a fun show with a warm welcome.
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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.
Helpful
+1
This place was so much fun! They only have 8-9 rooms, and they’re all decorated in Grateful Dead style!! Zoilhy got us all checked in….she speaks great English and is funny, kind and helpful. They don’t have a huge menu, but everything we tried was plated beautifully and tasted wonderful! Thank you to the very talented chef. This is a place where everybody knows your name since it’s so small. We hated to leave our “family” there! Nice relaxing pool area with outdoor dining/drinking. There’s a beautiful beach with perfect sunsets close by, too. And I’m saving the best for last….the music! I think the bands switch out weekly, but I don’t think I ever heard the same song twice! It’s helpful to know Grateful Dead music, but not required. Lots of acoustic guitars and “chilax” (chill/relax) music. Phil is the owner. He’s from the US and fits in perfectly with the vibe! He’s really cool and you will see him every night dancing and hanging with the crowd.…
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Spent a long weekend here with my son for our birthdays. The music and food were absolutely fantastic. The hotel went to great lengths to make sure we felt celebrated!! Small and intimate setting makes you feel like you are part of the family.
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
PRICE RANGE
US$91 - US$168 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
bula playa grande
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Hotel Bula Bula
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of GuanacastePlaya Grande
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Grateful Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to The Grateful Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Seven Cave Bar (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Grateful Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at The Grateful Hotel?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at The Grateful Hotel?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to The Grateful Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include L'Estanco El Jardin Escondido, Cafe Mar Azul, and La Kitchen.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Grateful Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does The Grateful Hotel have airport transportation?
Yes, The Grateful Hotel offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.