Hotel Mar de Luz — Hotel in Jacó

Money does not go far in CR- Costa Rica. However this is the best value. Though this is not a western standard hotel, the real wood construction and real wood furniture give it a superior regal feel. The four small pools of all different temperatures suround by a tropical garden makes it a local resort. The water is chilled in some pools. At the highway a left turn across the bridge and first right street will bring you to the ocean (short pleasant walk). There is a raked beach, fancy restaurant, beach chair rental. Also across the bridge is the start of all the noisy restaurants, shops, bars and general activity of the town for 3km. The other direction (hwy right) is the quiet end town and bus station. The included local CR type breakfast was filling, however, you need to make reservation for serving time. The very weak internet did work in the rooms which is not true for most hotel in Jaco. The bus driver will drop you off at the Airport if you tell him in Jaco CR2920/person. Bus station is across Best Western. "Soda" full plate meals (six items) are CR4000 + 500 drink verses US$25 for 2-topping pizza more typical of town food. Food is not cheap, that is why the hotel breakfast has much more value than normal. This hotel has a prime location for exploring Jaco. It is the center of town. You will hear some night time outdoor music from near by, but it was not a big deal. Filtered water in the lobby. Our second floor 4 person room was big. All room have patios some were private like ours. Noise from the pools till 930pm not...

My family and I rented the apartment option instead of the hotel rooms. The apartment is gated and is located about 50 meters from the reception, so we felt safe as the only way in is with a key. There was a decent sized pool that only those who rented the apartment had access to. They need to pick up some floating objects (coming from the trees) more regularly though.

I wanted to provide some photos as the website fails to provide much details about the complex. At first we were disappointed with the place as it seemed a bit runned down. The shower head in bedroom 1 was broken and was not functioning well so we had to share the shower in bedroom 2. Towels were old and some stained. There was only one AC remote between the living room and bedroom 2, so we had to constantly go up and down if we wanted to change the room temperature. Kitchen items (microwave, blender, utensils, cups, plates, etc) were available but we didn’t feel comfortable using them as they seemed a bit filthy, especially the stove.

By the way, breakfast DOES NOT come with the apartment. It cost about $6 if you decide you want to dine there.

While the place certainly needs an upgrade and some attention, the maids (they came in 5s so they were super quick) and the front desk staff were super friendly. Beds were comfortable enough. We were also super happy with the location. It was quiet and convenient. It’s super close to all the fun in the area. We felt safe throughout our stay. Don’t expect a luxurious space - we somewhat...

I would like to say wonderful things about this hotel, but I can’t. |Here is the good: 1). The location is good. It’s a quick walk or drive to the main street with lots of bars snd restaurants. 2). The grounds and pool area are lovely. The hotel had many Costa Rican families as well as foreign visitors. There were lots of kids who behaved beautifully at the pool. 3). The staff was very nice. Breakfast was not a buffet and there were three daily choices that were the same each day but very good. |The bad: our room was very dated, dark, and filled with old, large pieces of furniture. The bathroom was incredibly ugly and need a total remodel. The towels provided were in terrible condition. A bit of freshening up of this property would go along way to making it a wonderful hotel. It has tremendous potential. |Not the hotel’s fault: a young woman came by our corner room to make a phone call. The rooms are accessed on the outside, and each room has some outdoor seating. She looked into the window as I was dressing, and then proceeded to sit down on my wet clothes outside on the chair drying in order to make a phone call. Really? What was she thinking? This is just a side comment and nothing to do with this hotel. I don’t understand people screaming outside of hotel rooms or running up and down the hall and slamming doors. I always appreciate a soft...