The Gilded Iguana, Nosara ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Key details

About the Hotel

Playa Guiones, Nosara, Costa Rica, 05233

Near the beach

Great

8.5

/10

4.7

4.2

Loved by The Gilded Iguana Hotel guests

Responsive staff
Clean rooms
Well kept grounds
Concierge service
Beautiful pool area
Excellent food

"Amazing salt water pool ."

Andrade from Ecuador

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"The pool area is gorgeous and relaxing, with a boutique feel."

Arianne A

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"The food ranges from American standards like burgers and fries to seared ahi and ceviche."

Bryan B

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Location

The Gilded Iguana is located just 200 meters from Playa Guiones, known for its consistent surf break and warm waters. This prime position provides guests easy access to one of Costa Rica's top surfing destinations. Nosara, recognized as one of the Earth's Five Blue Zones, offers fresh air and organic cuisine, enhancing the travel experience.

Rooms

The hotel offers a variety of thoughtfully designed rooms that cater to travelers and adventure seekers. Options include Surfer Rooms with surfboard racks and private terraces, and Premium Rooms featuring outdoor showers and personal surf lockers. Accommodations can host from two to six guests, ensuring a comfortable stay for individuals, families, or groups.

Surf Club

The Gilded Iguana Surf Club provides expert guidance for both beginners and experienced surfers. Members have access to high-quality surfboards, personal board caddies, and convenient lockers. Various surf lessons and rentals are available to enhance the surfing experience at Playa Guiones.

Dining

The on-site restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced meals and handcrafted cocktails daily. Guests can enjoy a menu that caters to all dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options. Live music and themed events enhance the dining atmosphere while celebrating local culture.

Children's Amenities

The Gilded Iguana offers a Kids Club for children aged 4 to 10, allowing parents to unwind while their children engage in creative activities. Daily sessions include nature treasure hunts and beach games, fostering a sense of adventure. The club ensures a safe and supervised environment for children to explore and enjoy.

Highlights

Location: Steps from Playa Guiones surf break

Surf Club: Expert surfing guidance and rentals

Dining: Fresh, locally sourced meals and cocktails

Children's: Engaging Kids Club for ages 4-10

“This hotel stands out as a social hub, fostering connections between guests and locals through live music and themed markets. A comprehensive surf club and proximity to Playa Guiones-just across the street-cater to surf enthusiasts, while on-site fitness and wellness programs add balance. I think this hotel offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, especially appealing to families and wellness seekers.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Sports & FitnessSurf's Up!

The surf club offers boards and lessons. I avoided airline hassle by renting one of their boards and hit the waves daily.

Jake from United States

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DiningFood, Fabulous Food

Breakfast and dinner were awesome. The restaurant food ranged from burgers and fries to seared ahi and ceviche.

Mike from Canada

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Room FeaturesPerfect Start/End

The room was well-appointed and clean. I liked that there was no TV. Mattress was firm and comfortable.

David from Australia

Review on

BedroomSuper Comfortable

Our double queen room had comfortable beds and a large balcony overlooking the inviting pool area.

Megan from United Kingdom

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Select your room type

The Gilded Iguana Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Standard Double Room

2 persons

380 sq. feet

2 Double beds

Shower

Air conditioning

room details

Premium Queen Beds

2 persons

560 sq. feet

2 King Size Beds

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Premium Plus Queen

2 persons

605 sq. feet

2 King Size Beds

Shower

Balcony

room details

Premium Plus King

2 persons

605 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Facilities

The Gilded Iguana Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Locker room
Hairdresser
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Snorkelling
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Yoga class
Sports trainer
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Grocery shopping service
Shops/Commercial services
Welcome drink
Happy hour

Dining

Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Cots
Board games
Children's menu
Children's pool

Spa & Leisure

Infinity pool
Saltwater pool
Beach access
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Spa & wellness centre
Waxing
Body scrub
Facial
Treatment room
Body wraps
Back massage
Head massage
Full body massage
Foot massage
Open-air bath
Public Bath

Room features

Air conditioning
Mini-bar
Soundproofed rooms
Sitting area
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

AM/FM alarm clock

The Gilded Iguana Hotel Location

Playa Guiones, Nosara, Costa Rica, 05233

Map view

Playa Guiones, Nosara, Costa Rica, 05233

City landmarks

Landmark

Nosara Refuge for Wildlife

1.6 mi

Landmark

SIBU Wildlife Sanctuary

2.2 mi

Landmark

MAEL's ABSTRACT ART GALLERY

2.6 mi

Nearby

Mall

Gabi's Place

1300 ft

Restaurants

The Gilded Iguana Restaurant

300 ft

Playa Guiones 50 m south of Mini Super Delicias Del Mundo

IO Artisan Food

400 ft

100 metros norte del hotel The Gilded Iguana

LuvBurger

800 ft

In front of mini super Las Delicias del Mundo

10Pies

1000 ft

From Giordino Tropical Restaurant 200 meters West 500 meters North 25 meters West Nosara

Guiones Brew

900 ft

200 oeste y 500 norte del hotel Gardens. Contiguo al mini super las delicias del mundo.

El Jardin Cafe

1000 ft

Restaurant

Peruana

1000 ft

Guiones Norte Next to Mini Super Delicias del Mundo

La Brasa Guiones

1200 ft

North Guiones

Howler's Tacos & Cocktails

1300 ft

Surfo's Surf Shop

La Casa

1900 ft

Mango Street

Pacifico Azul

1700 ft

Playa Guiones Playa Guiones frente al skina skate park

El Local

2300 ft

Main Road

Explore Nosara

Activities and Dining Around Playa Guiones

Nosara Refuge for Wildlife

30 minutes' walk

Wildlife sanctuary focusing on the rehabilitation of local species. Offers educational tours about Costa Rica's biodiversity.

SIBU Wildlife Sanctuary

40 minutes' walk

Conservation area for injured animals, providing an opportunity to see sloths and monkeys in a nurturing environment.

MAEL's ABSTRACT ART GALLERY

45 minutes' walk

Gallery showcasing contemporary abstract art by local artists, offering insights into the region's vibrant art scene.

Surfing at Playa Guiones

10 minutes' walk

Famous surf spot with consistent waves suitable for all levels. Rentals and lessons available nearby for a thrilling experience.

Yoga Classes

5 minutes' walk

Multiple yoga studios in the area offer classes for varying skill levels, perfect for relaxation and wellness.

The Gilded Iguana Restaurant

2 minutes' walk

Casual dining with a diverse menu, including fresh seafood. Great for families and known for its tropical ambiance.

LuvBurger

3 minutes' walk

Vegan and vegetarian options galore. Known for delicious plant-based burgers and a cozy atmosphere, accommodating dietary needs.

IO Artisan Food

2 minutes' walk

Specializing in homemade dishes with local ingredients. Offers a relaxed vibe and caters to various dietary preferences.

Guiones Brew

4 minutes' walk

Charming café and bar featuring live music events. Offers a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for unwinding with craft brews.

Gabi's Place

5 minutes' walk

A cozy spot for live music and local performances, creating a fun atmosphere for all ages with weekly events.

Getting around

City Centre

Nosara7 min · 2.6 mi

Airports

Nosara Airport (NOB)8 min · 3.0 mi

Tamarindo Airport (TNO)102 min · 42.3 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

from 01:00-12:00

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

At the hotel The Gilded Iguana guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Gilded Iguana Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 53 verified reviews

8.5/10

Great

84%

Recommend

Breakfast

10.0/10

Cleanliness

9.3/10

Comfort

9.6/10

Facilities

9.4/10

Free Wi-Fi

9.2/10

Location

9.4/10

Staff

8.6/10

Value for money

7.5/10

Pros

Prime location

Helpful staff

Comfortable rooms

Cons

Slippery floors

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Questions of the users

About The Gilded Iguana

Are there any accommodations at The Gilded Iguana that feature private pools for guests?

5 January 2024

The property boasts a public pool accessible for all guests; however, there are no room options that include private pools.

What kind of transportation options are available for airport transfers?

10 January 2024

Airport transfer services can be arranged, including an SUV Suburban for $300 USD + taxes per way for up to five people, and a Mini Van Hiace for $160 USD + taxes per way. These services are private, ensuring no additional passengers are in your vehicle.

Which airport should I use when traveling to The Gilded Iguana, and how far is it from there?

15 January 2024

The nearest international airport is Daniel Oduber (LIR), which is approximately a 2.5-hour drive to the hotel. Alternatively, Nosara Airport (NOB) is closer, only a 15-minute drive away, but it accommodates only local flights.

Is it possible to check in before the designated check-in time?

20 January 2024

Check-in starts at 3:00 PM. Guests arriving early can leave their luggage with the staff while enjoying the hotel facilities until their room is ready.

Are surf lessons offered at The Gilded Iguana, and how far is it to access the surf?

25 January 2024

Yes, surf lessons are available through the Surf Club, which is just a 200-meter walk from the hotel to Playa Guiones beach, known for its great waves.

Can children stay at The Gilded Iguana, and are cribs available if needed?

30 January 2024

Yes, children can stay, and when making a reservation for a king-size room, it is recommended to mention that a 3-year-old child will be accompanying you. A crib can be requested as well.

Is there an option to request a rollaway bed for additional guests in a room?

5 February 2024

Rollaway beds can be requested, but availability may vary depending on the room type chosen, as the hotel has a limited inventory.

Is there a day pass available for access to the hotel pool?

10 February 2024

Day passes for pool access are not offered, as the pool is exclusively for guests staying at the property.

What fitness facilities and classes are offered at The Gilded Iguana?

15 February 2024

The Gilded Iguana features an Athletic Center with two locations: The Studio and the Gym, providing access to group classes, professional equipment, and trained instructors to enhance your fitness experience.

Are there any local events or activities that guests can participate in during their stay?

20 February 2024

The Gilded Iguana organizes various local events, inviting musicians, artists, and comedians, creating an engaging atmosphere for both guests and locals to connect and enjoy.