Hotel Coco Palms

This hotel is right on the beach, the only one directly on the beach and in town in Playas del Coco. We walked everywhere from the hotel. The room included a microwave and mini-refrigerator that I wasn't expecting - a real plus. The staff was very friendly with a great sense of humor, plus they offered recommendations that were fabulous - I found a couple of little known beaches based on their recommendations. The food was good, nothing to write home about, but that was true of most of the restaurants in the area. A highlight is a great pool - it was a wonderful place to relax by at the end of the evening.

We loved the friendly and helpful staff who made us feel like we were part of the family. They were very knowledgeable about the area and were more than willing to answer our many questions about what to see and do. The food was excellent, the pool was great, the room very comfortable, and we were one block away from the beach, and easy walking distance to many little shops and restaurants. It was sad to have to leave, but we promised to return. This was the perfect place for us.

When I arrived and saw the guard infront of the building and the football field right opposite, I thought it is ubsafe, then I realized there was a 24 hour supermarket. I met Paula at the front desk who give me my keys and a remote. I stuggled with my suitcase up the stairs where the walls were dirty. As I entered the box called a standard room with cabin furniture I immediately returned to the front desk and asked for a room change. She promply informed me that I paid for a standard room. I asked for an upgrade that cost $125. I was given the room opposite and it was better than the standard room at least this one had a refrigerator and microwave. (No coffee pot, plates spoons or nothing) I settled in and decided that I would not want to be here all day so I returned to the desk to book my tours. Paula offered me three tours at $135.00 each and I offered her my credit card and she informed me that I have to pay cash so I paid $280 cash and asked for the location of the bank to make my withdrawal. Upon my return I paid the balance and forced her to write paid in full on my receipt. I went to the two tours on Wednesday and Thursday and decided to cancel the trip to Palo Verde. I did it through the tour company and was told to pick up my refund at the office. When I got to the office the guy was a little hesitant but then give me $95. I quickly informed him that I pais $135 so I went back to the hotel to get my receipt. At the hotel I asked to speak to the supervisor and was pointed to a woman. After stating my concerns she told me I have to wait for Paula to return because it was her day off. I took the receipt back to the tour office and obtained my $135. The next day I saw Paula and went to ask for a phone call and she give me an excuse that did not make sense because the guy at the tours office showed me the price list for the tours. She told me that is what they told her $135. This is something she does every day and she insisted on Cash but I was told that credit cards are accepted. The owner or no one apologised for her behavior. I never recieved the chit for breakfast so I was charge full price. If I am offered their penthouse for free I will refuse.

Well for starters the entrance is a big turnoff. The standard rooms are ridiculous and the upgrade is more spacious but needs work. If you walk up the stairs the there is dirty spots on the wall. A deterrent is the armed guard posted outside and it makes you feel like you are entering a prison. I booked my tours with the front desk clerk and that was a mistake.