Pelican Beachfront Hotel
100 Meters From Landing Strip, Esterillos Este 60901 Costa Rica
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About
#1 of 3 Specialty lodging in Esterillos Este
Location
Cleanliness
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Pelican Beach Front Hotel is your perfect Costa Rican get away! With its colorful decor and friendly staff this boutique hotel sits on the ‘Riviera of the Central Pacific.’ Because of the unique geographic positioning of our 11-mile long, chocolate-colored sand beach, this is one of the a few places in the world where you can enjoy amazing sunrises and beautiful sunsets as well. It’s where the jungle meets the sand, and you’re right in the middle of it. Relax on the beach or let our staff help you plan a day filled with adventure: zip lines, canopy tours, surfing lessons, waterfall tours, catamaran cruises, mangrove monkey tours, sports fishing, kayaking, horse back riding, massage or yoga classes, and so much more! Afterward, return to our beachfront paradise for the Daily Sunset Happy Hour. Our casual patio restaurant is open 7am until 10pm to serve you breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our varied menu includes the best coconut curry on the planet. The hotel has 14 rooms and two private homes, a full bar and restaurant all located on Playa Esterillos Este, conveniently located just 30 minutes from Costa Rica's most popular tourist destinations, Jaco, Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park and only 90minutes from San Jose airport
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Beach
Hiking
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Massage
Wifi
Outdoor pool
Private pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Horseback riding
Billiards
Fishing
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Sun terrace
Clothes dryer
Laundry service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Private beach
Safe
Iron
Bath / shower
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish
Location
100 Meters From Landing Strip, Esterillos Este 60901 Costa Rica
Getting there
Car HireSee all Esterillos Este car hire
186Reviews3Q+A38Room tips
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+1
If you want a basic, worn down, clean room on the beach, this is your spot. The location is fantastic, but the property is dilapidated, worn down, and unkempt. Our room for a family of four was tiny with 1 twin and 1 full bed, a thin blanket on each bed and 3 pillows total. I could barely open the door to the bathroom to use it because it would get stuck. At least there is warm water, which is not necessary since the room is so hot. The air conditioner is blowing, but not really cool air. The only place to hang towels is in the bathroom. There are no other towel hooks around the room, even though we’re at the beach. Our room only came with two towels, and two tiny soaps. There were no more towels available until the next day either! No wash clothes, hand towels, etc. There is not even a mirror in the bathroom, or anywhere in this room. Back to the water. Yes it was warm, but can you count on regular running water?...No! Several times, over a period of 3 days, when we tried to shower, there was no water....at all! It even went off in the middle of when my husband was showering. We would have to wait a few hours before it came back on. On top of that, the room we rented for my MIL flooded with sewer water from the toilet. The cleaning staff apologized, but nothing was said by management. Thankfully, she is understanding, because that is just gross! Her room also did not have regular running water, and was dilapidated. The “kitchen” included a dirty fridge, sink and old, dirty toaster oven. Wifi did not work in her room, only ours by the pool....when it was actually working. There were electrical issues also. The pool is tiny, and there is no light in it at night that I can see. There are literally 3 worn out plastic lounge chairs around the pool. The door to our room did not lock properly. The door knob locked, but all you had to do was push the door, and even though “locked”, it would open. The food is decent and priced a bit on the higher side. The restaurant was also way understaffed. There was usually only one waitress, so it took 45 minutes or more to get our food. On the same note, they did not have many of the items on the menu. It was like a game every day to order and see if they would have an item or not. The location is great, however the rest is not. I wasn’t expecting luxury, or high end, but definitely more than what we paid for. Save your money, and go stay somewhere else further on down the beach.…
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
We spent a few days in November. It was quite empty and the weather wasn’t great. The staff were really friendly, especially Paula and Byron. We had a problem with the AC in the room, and we mentioned it to Paula, it was sorted out immediately The room was quite basic but clean and comfortable. The food was fantastic, although we felt a bit pressured to eat early. There were lots of chairs in the garden to sit and watch the waves, the beach was beautiful, but not much to do in the area. We were invited to go to a nearby beach to watch baby turtles being released into the sea.
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Date of stay: November 2019
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
We ( my wife and I) stay a weekend there in the Pelican Hotel. The staff is very friendly and you can stay freely with your pet enjoying the beach. Restaurant was pretty good, bar cocktails were perfect.
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Debbie C, Owner at Pelican Beachfront Hotel
Responded 11 Jul 2019
Thank You Vicente Your comments are very welcomed We do try to keep this little piece of paradise perfect Hope we see you again Debbie
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
I’ve stay a weekend there in the Pelican Hotel. The staff is very friendly and you can stay freely with your pet enjoying the beach. The food is ok, the rooms are less comfortable than I expected, but it worth because of the pets.
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Date of stay: April 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Debbie C, Owner at Pelican Beachfront Hotel
Responded 15 Apr 2019
Thank You for your comments we will try to accomadate as best we can sorry you were not happy with your accomations Debbie
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our family of 6 adults stayed at the hotel-owned Beach House w/ 4-BRs, 3.5 BAs. The house is 50 feet from the hotel's oceanfront outdoor restaurant restaurant-bar at which we dined 5 of the 7 days of our stay. Property manager team of Mikey & Diana are superb human beings: They care deeply about making sure their Guests feel very welcomed, are super accommodating, and are pro-active in recommending and arranging awesome tours, securing car-van service, you name it. The hotel bar-grounds felt like Jimmy Buffet stayed here when he wrote "Margaritaville." Very laid back, unpretentious atmosphere with staff and guests alike all super friendly. The hotel's location to major attractions is a huge plus. We can't wait to go back!
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Date of stay: January 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: The hotel property includes 2 adjacent houses, a 4-BR, 3.5-BA house plus a 2-BR, 3-BA house. ...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from mikeyndiana, Owner at Pelican Beachfront Hotel
Responded 31 Jan 2019
Thank you Ed for sharing your kind words. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your time here. It was a true pleasure hosting you and your family. You are welcome back anytime. Pura Vida
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed here for 6 nights in January and it could not have been a more perfect place for us. It’s a small hotel w/ only about 14 rooms so it’s much more intimate and you get to know a few guests and the staff. Rooms were comfy but we didn’t stay in there much. Great bar and full kitchen! Plenty of mixed drinks and frosty beers. The free breakfast was outstanding! Orange eggs:), fresh local fruit, Tico R&B. We had many meals here and all the food was of local flavor, fresh and amazing. Right on the beach yet very secluded from the hustle and bustle of Jaco or Quepos. After all, we went on vacation to get away and relax! Not to go hang out with Gringo’s. Beach is beautiful black sand, which descends slowly into the ocean, perfect for kids but yet still had great surfing waves. I was swimming at sunrise and sunset in the warm ocean water – and you can see BOTH from this beach as it faces directly south! Staff was friendly, local and most spoke English. The managers Diana & Mikey (Americans) were super cool and hooked us up on local tourist attractions at discounted rates. They can give you advice on local attractions for any budget! One of our best days was just driving around to see free sites. Manual Antonio National Park is a must!!! D&M also hooked us up w/ a great guide who helps you see and get pictures of all the animals in the park. Most amazing cove beaches I’ve seen. We are coming back in the summer w/ the kids and planning a Christmas trip. Thanks Hotel Pelicano Staff!!!…
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Date of stay: January 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from mikeyndiana, Owner at Pelican Beachfront Hotel
Responded 26 Jan 2019
Thank you Ted for sharing your kind words. We're happy to hear everyone enjoyed their time here and had fun on the tours and activities It was great meeting and hosting your family. You and your family are welcome back here anytime. We look forward to hosting you again. Pura Vida, Mikey and Diana
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pelican Hotel has everything you need to enjoy this beautiful country. It is located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean were you can walk for miles along pristine beaches, or jump into the warm ocean water and play in the waves. Pelican Hotel has an outdoor restaurant with a view of the ocean and palm trees that line the edges of the beach. The restaurant serves delicious Costa Rican food. The waitress, bartender, and all staff are very friendly. The managers, Mikey and Diana have a great relationship with the staff. Mikey and Diana can assist you in finding the best places to visit close by. Within about an hour drive or less from the hotel, you will be able to find tropical hiking adventures, zip lines, horse back riding, quad rides, and more. Prices are very reasonable. They have one bedroom rooms with huge showers that my girlfriend and I liked. Rooms are very clean. Maid comes everyday. They also have two nice homes on the property if you need a larger place to stay, or share with several friends.…
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Date of stay: September 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Ask for second floor for a better view of ocean.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from mikeyndiana, Owner at Pelican Beachfront Hotel
Responded 22 Sep 2018
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are happy to hear you both enjoyed your time here at The Pelican and in Costa Rica. We strive to ensure our guests experience is positive and it's comforting to know we succeeded. We look forward to hosting you again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Whenever I feel I am at the end of my rope, I head for the Pelican. The first day I shed my tension, the scond day my soul drinks in the beauty of the beach and sea. By the thrid day, I feel whole and ready to face the world again. For some it may onlty a beach hotel, but for me it is where I go to heal.. Least I forget to mention, it is a excellent botique hotel run by wonderful people. And the owners don't rest on their laurals. Year after year, it gets better and better. All I can say is thankyou for creating such a place.
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Travelled solo
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from mikeyndiana, Owner at Pelican Beachfront Hotel
Responded 15 Aug 2018
Thank you for taking the time to share your kind words. We are happy to hear our hard work to create a peaceful,comfortable and relaxed setting is successful. It's a pleasure hosting you and we look forward to hosting you again soon. Thank you, Mikey and Diana
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Pelicano is a great small resort with a friendly staff, excellent food and a beautiful beach location. The rooms are clean, modern and have excellent a/c for when the ocean breeze fades away. It is located in the perfect spot for access to outdoor activities and scenic natural wonders that make CR such a good vacation destination. I am positive you will love it.
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Debbie Carnohan P, Owner at Pelican Beachfront Hotel
Responded 11 Jul 2018
Thank You We do feel we have one of the prettiest beach in Costa Rica You are differently in Paradise
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stopped by the hotel twice during a recent visit to take horseback riding tours. Each time, the Pelican staff was a pure joy to engage with. So friendly, warm, and inviting. While we had a beautiful home in the mountains for the week, I seriously thought about ditching that to stay at the Pelican because the staff, location, and look of the hotel just drew me in! In addition to the fantastic staff, the location was pristine. Right near the warm Pacific water - I loved every minute of my time at the Pelican!
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Debbie Carnohan P, Owner at Pelican Beachfront Hotel
Responded 11 Jul 2018
Thank You so much for your kind words We do strive to make everyone feel at home
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of PuntarenasEsterillos Este
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
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Frequently Asked Questions about Pelican Beachfront Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Pelican Beachfront Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Playa Bejuco (1.7 km), The Permaculture Country Club (4.9 km), and Esterillos Cigar Shop (3.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Pelican Beachfront Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
What food & drink options are available at Pelican Beachfront Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Pelican Beachfront Hotel?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Pelican Beachfront Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Los Almendros Restaurant, El Chiringuito, and Pelican Hotel and Restaurant.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Pelican Beachfront Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Is Pelican Beachfront Hotel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.1 km away from the centre of Esterillos Este.
Are any cleaning services offered at Pelican Beachfront Hotel?
Yes, laundry service and a clothes dryer are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at Pelican Beachfront Hotel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Pelican Beachfront Hotel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French.
Does Pelican Beachfront Hotel have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.