El Lugar Costa Rica Resort — Hotel in Las Horquetas

We recently visited El Lugar for a wedding, and it truly exceeded expectations. Tucked away in the Costa Rican rainforest, this serene resort is about 2.5 hours from San José Airport. From the moment we arrived, the hospitality was outstanding—El Lugar made the check-in and check-out process completely seamless. They arranged our airport pickup and even provided transportation to Tamarindo after our stay.

We stayed in a two-bedroom casita with a porch that offered breathtaking, unobstructed views of lush tropical greenery. Each morning, I enjoyed a cup of rich Costa Rican coffee while listening to the sounds of birds and monkeys—an unforgettable way to start the day. The casita was well-appointed, with excellent air conditioning to escape the humidity, and the bathrooms were impressively spacious. The waterfall shower, in particular, was a standout—both relaxing and luxurious.

The property is quite expansive, but they offer complimentary golf cart rides by texting through the WhatsApp, which was incredibly convenient. Since we were a bit of a distance from the pool, we used this service regularly and it made navigating the resort effortless.

During our stay, meals were served buffet-style and ranged between $30–$40 per person. While there weren’t snacks available between meal times, this setup may have been specific to the wedding group. The pool area features a swim-up bar, where cocktails like mojitos and piña coladas were on the pricier side ($12–$16) but very well made.

One of the highlights of El Lugar is that you really don’t need to leave the resort. They offer various on-site experiences—like bird watching and horseback riding—for an additional cost, and they’re happy to arrange transportation for any excursions you’d like to take.

It also looks like the resort is continuing to grow, with plans to add more restaurants and casitas in the future, which is exciting.

A few minor drawbacks: No iron provided in the rooms. Bottled water comes at an extra charge. Rooms require a physical key to lock from both the inside and outside. No food options available between meal times.

Overall, El Lugar is a hidden gem offering a peaceful, luxurious escape with outstanding service. Would definitely return—and recommend to anyone looking for a unique, relaxing getaway...

We stayed 4 nights at the El Lugar resort in a Casita Suite (560 USD per night). We were the only guests in the whole resort and I quickly found out why: Right after I had paid at check-in, they announced that the whole forest area was not accessible (bridge collapsed), which was the main reason for our stay. At first, they did not allow us to drive to our remote bungalow by car as they have a kind of shuttle service, but finally - after a complaint - they agreed as an exception. However, it is not possible to leave the resort without calling the reception by WhatsApp, which felt like being locked in for us. The room is smaller than expected but mostly well constructed and designed. The whole park of the resort is nice but still under construction (sometimes construction noise). For breakfast, except for the traditional rice and beans, we got just toast with butter and jam, which seemed not adequate for the price per night (560 USD). Furthermore, we were asked whether we wanted black coffee, cappuccino, or espresso but later found out that everything except black coffee has to be paid for separately. After another complaint at the reception, they adapted the breakfast according to our wishes with pancakes, waffles, and crepes for the following mornings (waffles not homemade)... cappuccino still not included. Bottled drinking water in the room has to be paid for additionally as well. To be fair, the staff is very engaged and friendly but still learning (and you sometimes feel like a teacher, not a guest). After trying to get in touch with the management to discuss all issues I just got the message that her schedule is full (...we were the only guests!). However, I found her a day after (she did not contacted me) and she gave me only 10 Minutes for a feedback which led to an inadequate 10% discount. Please be aware of the main street noise which you can clearly hear during the night. All in all, I would never stay again at El Lugar. It's an underdeveloped 3-star hotel pretending to be a 5-star hotel and asking a respective price. Please carefully read other reviews, compare the wording and maybe you might find out something which I missed...

Review for El Lugar Resort ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I recently had the pleasure of spending a week at El Lugar Resort, and I can confidently say it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The ease of my arrival, facilitated by a smooth driver pickup, immediately set a positive tone for my stay. Throughout my time there, I felt completely taken care of and safe, which is a testament to their excellent service.

One of the highlights of my stay was immersing myself in the breathtaking nature surrounding the resort. The vibrant flora and fauna, coupled with the lively sounds of birds and wildlife, made every nature walk a delightful adventure. It truly felt like a sanctuary where nature thrives.

The culinary offerings at El Lugar were exceptional. Every meal was delicious, and the drinks were equally impressive, enhancing the overall dining experience.

I also had the opportunity to ride horses during my stay. I was pleasantly surprised by how well-trained and easy to ride they were, allowing me to fully enjoy the stunning views without any worries. The staff’s attentiveness during the rides ensured a safe and enjoyable experience.

My room felt like a luxurious 5-star retreat. The bed and linens were incredibly soft, making it a perfect haven for relaxation. The monogrammed towels were a lovely personal touch that added to the overall charm of my stay.

What truly stood out to me were the thoughtful details throughout the resort. Each small element contributed to making my room feel special and welcoming, reflecting the care that has gone into creating a memorable experience for guests.

I left El Lugar with a sense of fulfillment but also a desire to return. There are so many activities and experiences to explore that I couldn’t fit them all into one trip. I’m already planning my next visit to this enchanting...