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Playa Cativo Lodge

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Unwind at Playa Cativo Lodge, where the ocean views and warm sunshine set the tone for a serene retreat. Indulge in a cooked-to-order breakfast, rejuvenate with spa services like aromatherapy or snorkel in crystal-clear waters. The helpful staff has left a lasting impression on previous guests.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Spa
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Near the beach
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Outdoor pool
  • Free area shuttle
  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Room service
  • Spa services
  • Terrace
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Coffee/tea in a common area

Feel at home (6)

  • Separate dining area
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
  • Premium bedding

Why we love this property

Sandy beach retreat
This lodge sits directly on a sandy beach along the bay. Beach towels and loungers await, with massages, snorkeling, kayaking, and a beachfront restaurant.
Beachfront dining views
This lodge offers a restaurant with beachfront, pool, garden, and ocean views. Guests can relax at the bar or indulge in free cooked-to-order breakfast.
Nature at its finest
Deep in a national park, this mountain lodge offers ecotours, fishing, and kayaking adventures. A terrace provides the perfect relaxation spot.

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View

A spacious room with a large bed, a piano, and a view of the ocean.

Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Ocean view
  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Luxury Casita with Plunge Pool

A spacious living area with a wooden ceiling, large windows, a sofa, a coffee table, and a hammock outside.

Luxury Casita with Plunge Pool

  • Partial ocean view
  • 55 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Ocean View

A spacious bedroom with a large bed, a ceiling fan, and a view of the ocean.

Deluxe Ocean View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Ocean Front Casita

Ocean Front Casita | Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Ocean Front Casita

  • Ocean view
  • 80 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Two Bedroom Ocean View Villa

A lush garden with a wooden deck and a pool, surrounded by dense tropical vegetation and a view of the water.

Two Bedroom Ocean View Villa

  • Ocean view
  • 90 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Premium Oceanview with A/C

A wooden-paneled room with a bed, a desk, and a mirror.

Premium Oceanview with A/C

  • Ocean view
  • 80 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

Map
Playa Cativo, Golfo Dulce, Piedras Blancas National Park, Golfito, Puntarenas, 60701

What's nearby

  • Piedras Blancas National Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km

Getting around

  • Golfito (GLF) - 8.9 miles/14.3 km
  • Puerto Jiménez (PJM) - 9.5 miles/15.3 km
  • Drake Bay (DRK) - 23.3 miles/37.5 km
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 110.2 miles/177.3 km
  • Free area shuttle

Restaurants

  • Burger King

About this property

Playa Cativo Lodge

  • Situated on the bay, Playa Cativo Lodge is a great choice for a stay in Golfito. Guests can indulge in deep-tissue massages, body wraps, or facials, and El Gavilan serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Other highlights at this luxurious lodge include an outdoor pool, a bar/lounge, and a terrace.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 18 rooms
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
    • Contactless check-in available
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 11:00 AM
    • Contactless check-out available
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
    • Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
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

    • Children (5 years old and younger) not allowed
    • No cribs (infant beds)
DONE

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free onsite self parking
DONE

Offsite

    • Free area shuttle
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast each morning 6:00 AM–9:00 AM
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Coffee/tea in a common area
  • Room service (limited hours)

What to do

  • Yoga classes
  • Ecotours
  • Kayaking
  • Snorkeling
  • Fishing
  • Beach nearby
  • Whale-watching nearby

Working away

  • Computer station

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Wedding services
  • Multilingual staff
  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas

Facilities

  • 2 buildings/towers
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Library
  • An outdoor pool
  • Spa services

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Ceiling fan
  • Bathrobes and slippers

Sleep well

  • Premium bedding

What to enjoy

  • Individually furnished and decorated
  • Separate dining area

Freshen up

  • Shower only
  • Free toiletries
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe (laptop compatible)

Special features

Spa

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages, facials, and body wraps. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy.

Dining

El Gavilan - This beachfront restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.

Fees & policies

Policies

This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club

Also known as

Playa Cativo Lodge Puntarenas
Playa Cativo Lodge
Playa Cativo Puntarenas
Playa Cativo Lodge Golfito
Playa Cativo Golfito
Playa Cativo Lodge Lodge
Playa Cativo Lodge Golfito
Playa Cativo Lodge Lodge Golfito

Frequently asked questions

Does Playa Cativo Lodge offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Playa Cativo Lodge 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 Playa Cativo Lodge?

Yes, there's an outdoor pool.

Are pets allowed at Playa Cativo Lodge?

Sorry, pets aren't allowed.

Is parking offered on site at Playa Cativo Lodge?

Yes, there's free self parking.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Playa Cativo Lodge?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.

What is there to do at Playa Cativo Lodge and nearby?

Have fun with onsite activities like kayaking, fishing, and snorkeling. Additional recreation onsite includes ecotours and yoga. Enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool or use the lodge's other amenities, which include spa services and a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Playa Cativo Lodge?

Yes, El Gavilan offers beachfront dining and garden views.

What's the area around Playa Cativo Lodge like?

Playa Cativo Lodge is located on the waterfront, a short 1-minute walk from Piedras Blancas National Park.

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Reviews

Playa Cativo Lodge Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

10

Staff & service

9.4

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

6/10 Good

Properties located in a rainforest. There is a really beautiful property. Restaurant is great the food is amazing. Stop is really really accommodating and nice. However it is expensive at about $1200-$1300 a night, when you include the food and stay.. The only problem is that it does not have air conditioning. With the hot and humid weather not having air conditioning creates a big problem. When guests are not getting good sleep, they are not able to enjoy their day and that was a problem for us too. Her daughter was under slept the whole week, and she was cranky in the evenings. I would think that a property of this price range should offer air conditioning to the guests. I would not be returning to this property because of that issue.
Akshay, 6-night trip
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Playa Cativo Lodge is a wonderful place and the accommodations, food and staff were absolutely perfect. It was nice to be so close to the gulf which was calm, warm, sandy and perfect for swimming. My only complaint was that the entire front area of the lodge has been landscaped with grass and ornamental plants, many of which are not native. Because of this large open area few birds or animals come near the lodge. Bird watching was disappointing compared to lodges that have left the rainforest intact or revegetated. Also with the large, unshaded open area the lodge is blasted with intense afternoon sun making the rooms very hot. Despite this our stay was great and unless you are a hard-core birder and monkey watcher you will love Playa Cativo!!
Nancy, 5-night trip
Verified review

6/10 Good

The property is generally good given its environment deep within a rain forest and the staff & management are excellent. The food choice if staying for more than two nights is very limited and the menu does not rotate. The activities around the resort are limited to bird watching and some water based trips such as dolphin spotting. The web site implies you may see a complete range of wildlife including rare sightings of Costa Rica's cats - the reality is you will not and are restricted to birds and an occaisional monkey. Some of the listed activities do not deliver eg AM bird watching is simply a walk around the hotel garden and the Sainos tour includes you stopping after 15 minutes for a drink and some nachos - its not good value as there isnt much to see. The beach at Cativo is not used and so you are restricted to the pool area which is heavily insect infested and so sun bathing or relaxing is difficult. The resort promises alot but doesn't deliver in a number of areas although it is premium priced.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Très beau eco lodge placé dans un environnement magnifique face à la baie.
BEATRICE, 2-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Staff muito gentil, quarto bem espaçoso e bonito (sem ar condicionado)
Pedro, 6-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Increible
Peter, 3-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

This place is paradise. Our room was fantastic, we had views of the sea and views of the jungle.
3-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

The setting is stunning combining the beautiful rainforest with the Pacific Ocean in all their glories. The Lodge purposely blends in with the natural surrounding trying to minimize the intrusion. The team here has a true passion for the ecosystem and ecology . They provided an exceptional level of attention and service.Of note a near perfectly prepared piece of red snapper, an evening massage on my balcony to the music of the rainforest 10 ft away,the first tug of a fish on a hand line, a carafe of fresh watermelon juice placed in my room,sunsets sitting on my balcony.....
Jonathan, 10-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

The lodge is in a stunning location - on the beach but within the rainforest. Incredible scenery, great food, a small but well equipped lodge with rooms with plunge pools. An amazing get away. The lodge offers good value as the meals are included - delicious, healthy and organic. There are various activities and guides available for trips. Our highlight was kayaking in the mangroves. But what really makes this place special are the staff - they are very attentive and nothing is too much trouble. With an attention to detail they made our stay a special one. We would highly recommend a visit and we will be visiting again.
Es, 4-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful place

Amazing place and amazing service !
kaitlyn, 5-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Playa Cativo's welcoming, warm and very ( rain-forest) knowledgeable staff ensure you are well taken care of 24/7. Pampered really! The food is exceptional. This eco-lodge, its gardens and organic farm, in one of the most amazing and beautiful biodiverse rain forests in the world, is beautiful, tastefully appointed, peaceful, healing and nurturing. Just sent 12 days there! Non-toxic insect spray is a must in the rain forest.
Ruth, 11-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Thomas, 3-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

J, 6-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

5-night trip