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

Name: The Gilded Iguana, Nosara
Address: Playa Guiones, Nosara, Guanacaste, 05233
Price range: US$711+
Rating: 9.1

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The Gilded Iguana Hotel Nosara Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Playa Guiones, Nosara, 05233

Near the beach

Perfect

9.1

/10

4.8

4.3

Loved by The Gilded Iguana 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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4-Star Surf Hotel in Nosara with Local Vibe

Location

The Gilded Iguana is situated just 200 meters from Playa Guiones, known for its consistent surf breaks. Nestled in one of the Earth's Five Blue Zones, this area offers fresh, organic cuisine and clean air. The hotel is a blend of jungle and coastal landscapes, providing guests with direct access to nature and adventure.

Accommodations

The hotel offers various room types catering to surfers and outdoor enthusiasts, including the Surfer Room with a surfboard rack and terrace. For couples and families, the Premium One King Bed and Premium Two Queen Beds rooms provide extra comfort along with outdoor showers. The Surfer Suite accommodates up to six guests, featuring a spacious living room and dining area.

Dining

The restaurant at The Gilded Iguana serves locally sourced gourmet meals, ensuring options for everyone, including vegetarian diets. Guests can enjoy fresh meals and handcrafted cocktails while listening to live music. Additional dining events celebrate local culture and gastronomy.

Surf Experiences

The Gilded Iguana Surf Club offers access to surfing facilities with expert instructors for all levels, making it easy for beginners to catch their first wave. Equipment rentals and a personal board caddy service are available for convenience. This club is a hub for sharing stories, music, and camaraderie among surfers.

Kids Club

The Gilded Iguana has a dedicated Kids Club for children aged 4 to 10, offering programs that include nature treasure hunts and beach games. Supervised sessions prioritize safety and provide fun learning experiences to foster creativity. This allows parents to relax while kids engage in adventures tailored for them.

Highlights

Location: 200m from Playa Guiones

Accommodations: Surfer Room with surfboard rack

Dining: Local gourmet cuisine with live music

Surf: Gilded Iguana Surf Club access

Kids: Fun activities at the Kids Club

“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.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.6/10Review 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

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

Standard Double Room
2 persons
35 sq. feet
2 Double beds
Air conditioning
Shower
room details
Premium Queen Beds
2 persons
52 sq. feet
2 King Size Beds
Air conditioning
Coffee machine
room details
Premium Plus Queen
2 persons
56 sq. feet
2 King Size Beds
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

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

Facilities: Perfect

9.6/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
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 Location

Playa Guiones, Nosara, 05233

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
Nosara 7 min · 2.6 mi
Airports
Nosara (NOB) 8 min · 3.0 mi
Tamarindo (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 the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs USD 20.0 per person.

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 from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 413 verified reviews

9.6 /10

Perfect

95 %

Recommend

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Comfort

9.7/10

Facilities

9.6/10

Free WiFi

9.5/10

Location

9.6/10

Staff

9.0/10

Value for money

7.6/10

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?</question>

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.