Unwind in style at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel, where the sun-kissed beach and poolside bar set the tone for a relaxing getaway. Bask in tranquility with yoga classes, or rejuvenate with spa treatments like a body wrap or massage. Enjoy continental breakfast, free WiFi, and helpful staff that have left a lasting impression on previous guests.
International Animal Rescue Costa Rica - 7 min drive - 4.9 km
Getting around
Nosara (NOB) - 15 min drive
Tamarindo (TNO) - 104 min drive
Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport (LIR) - 177 min drive
Airport shuttle (surcharge)
Area shuttle (surcharge)
Restaurants
La Luna - 11 min walk
Sunrise Coffee - 19 min walk
Howler’s Beach Lounge - 1 min walk
Beach Break - 3 min walk
Blue Zone Brewery - 2 min walk
About this property
The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
With access to onsite surfing/body boarding, The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel is a great choice for your beach stay in Nosara. Guests in the mood for pampering can indulge in deep-tissue massages, body wraps, and aromatherapy, and the outdoor pool provides a splash of fun. The restaurant is a great spot for a bite to eat and cold drinks are served at the bar/lounge. A poolside bar, a fitness center, and a children's pool are other highlights. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff.
Languages
English, Spanish
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
29 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is noon
Contactless check-out available
DONE
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Children
Babysitting*
Supervised childcare*
DONE
Pets
No pets or service animals allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi and wired internet access in public areas
Free WiFi and wired internet access in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
DONE
Transfers
Airport shuttle (available 24 hours)*
DONE
Offsite
Area shuttle*
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free buffet breakfast each morning 7:00 AM–10 AM
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Poolside bar
Room service (late night)
Snack bar/deli
Traveling with children
Children's pool
Supervised childcare (surcharge)
What to do
Yoga classes
Ecotours
Surfing/body boarding
Beach nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Horse riding nearby
Fishing nearby
Working away
Meeting rooms
Conference center (915 square feet of space)
Services
24-hour front desk
Concierge services
Tour/ticket assistance
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Luggage storage
Wedding services
Multilingual staff
Free bicycle rentals
Beach towels
Pool loungers
Pool umbrellas
Facilities
Built in 2018
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Terrace
Television in common areas
Mosquito nets
Fitness center
An outdoor pool
Spa services
Massage/treatment rooms
Reception hall
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible pool
Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
Accessible airport shuttle
Stair-free path to entrance
Room amenities
Home comfort
Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
Ceiling fan
Minibar
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Bathrobes and slippers
Iron/ironing board (on request)
Sleep well
Blackout drapes/curtains
Soundproofed rooms
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi and wired internet
Free international and local calls
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Connecting/adjoining rooms available
Special features
Spa
Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. There are 2 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages, facials, and body wraps. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and reflexology.
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 180.00 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)
Area shuttle service is offered for an extra charge
Children & extra beds
Supervised childcare is available for an extra charge
Babysitting is available for an extra charge
Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation
Policies
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Also known as
Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel Nosara
Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
Gilded Iguana Surf Nosara
Gilded Iguana Surf
The Gilded Iguana Surf
The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel Hotel
The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel Nosara
The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel Hotel Nosara
Frequently asked questions
Does The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool and a children's pool.
Are pets allowed at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?
Sorry, pets and service animals aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?
Yes, there's free self parking.
Is airport shuttle service offered by The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 180.00 per vehicle one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. Check-out time is noon. Contactless check-out is available.
What is there to do at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel and nearby?
Have fun with onsite activities like surfing and cycling. Additional recreation onsite includes ecotours and yoga. Enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool or use the hotel's other amenities, which include a fitness center and spa services. The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel also has a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel?
Yes, there's an onsite restaurant.
What's the area around The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel like?
The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel is a short 3-minute walk from Guiones Beach and 12 minutes' walk from Safari Surf School.
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The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
10/10
Cleanliness
9.8/10
Staff & service
9.6/10
Amenities
9.8/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.8/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Service staff
Room
Restaurant
Beach
Food
Breakfast
Location
Amenities
Store
Spa
What guests liked
Breakfast was delicious with many options, including fresh fruit, pastries, and a Moringa bowl. (9 reviews)
The property is located a short walk from the beach, offering a convenient and relaxing beach experience. (10 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Jun 14, 2025
Very good hotel
Christian
Christian, 3-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 12, 2025
Everyone was super friendly and helpful would definitely go back
Debra
Debra, 5-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 18, 2025
Loved the SPA
katie
katie, 3-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 4, 2025
awesome safe property hot tub was cold
samuel
samuel, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Aug 9, 2025
Drinks barely contained alcohol and were mostly ice and @ $21 each that’s ridiculous. Tips were included but when asked the waiter lied and said no they were not. Hotel attempted to charge me for services I did not receive. Some staff could have been friendlier. The housekeeper was excellent. The food was good. The pool was nice
john m
john m, 5-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Mar 14, 2025
Beautiful hotel.
Sally
Sally, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 13, 2025
Great, please!
Natalya
Natalya, 4-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Feb 28, 2025
Amazing all around!! Loved every minute I was there.
Tracy
Tracy, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Nov 12, 2024
Very kind staff and amazing food!
Danielle Celine
Danielle Celine, 4-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Nov 17, 2024
Beautiful location
Karen
10/10 Excellent
Dec 23, 2023
Wonderful stay in nosara. Hotel is lovely and very conveniently located.
meridith
meridith, 6-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 20, 2024
This was a perfect place to get away- beautiful grounds, a short romantic walk to the beach. The staff is extremely helpful and satisfied all our needs.
Eliana
Eliana, 4-night trip
10/10 Excellent
May 31, 2024
The property and staff are amazing kind and beautiful. Fairly remote location, had a beautiful stay!
Sarina
Sarina, 6-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Dec 7, 2024
The room was beautiful. Wonderful bathroom. Great housekeeping and concierge’s service. 5 stars to Francisco and yoga instructor Juliana.
Rhonda Marie
Rhonda Marie, 7-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Sep 30, 2022
Very friendly staff and a beautiful hotel. The restaurant and the pool were my favorite spots!
Donna
Donna, 4-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 5, 2024
Wonderful stay
We had a wonderful stay at the Gilded Iguana - the service was wonderful, the room was very comfortable and the overall vibe was great. We particularly loved the outdoor shower in the jungle rooms. Breakfast was good.
Duncan
Duncan, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Nov 22, 2023
Perfect location! Walkable to beach, shopping, and restaurants. Wonderful staff and breakfast was incredible.
Natalie
Natalie, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 6, 2024
Love this hotel. Perfect place in Nosara.
Absolutely amazing hotel, nicest people there, beautiful and clean rooms, and super close to the beach. Restaurant and food is incredible as well!! It's a 11/10....just amazing. We'll go there for sure when we're back in Nosara.
Nilay
Nilay, 5-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 16, 2024
Highly recommended
Outstanding location and setup….the team were all very helpful and organised..faultless and couldn’t recommend highly enough
Rhydian
Rhydian, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Mar 28, 2023
It truly was exceptional! We loved our time here!!
Janice
Janice, 6-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Nov 1, 2024
Lindisima
Andres Guillermo
Andres Guillermo, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
May 31, 2024
Only place I’d stay in Nosara.
I’ve spent over 100 nights in Nosara over the years and the past few vacations at Gilded Iguana are going to ensure me coming back. This place just keeps Getting better every year. All the women at the front desk are super helpful and make sure your stay is amazing.
Jeff
Jeff, 3-night trip
10/10 Excellent
May 28, 2024
Beautiful property, friendly and helpful staff, incredible food with many gluten free accommodations, and wonderfully working AC in the room (a must for me in warm climates). The concierges were super helpful in arranging dinner reservations, excursions, and transportation.
Susanne Claire
Susanne Claire, 5-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Feb 25, 2023
This place was excellent in every way. I would love to return.
Jeff and Rebecca
Jeff and Rebecca, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 10, 2023
Very clean and delicious food. Close to beach. Staff truly friendly.