"Beach: I’ve read a lot of negative feedback about this beach but we actually quite enjoyed it. It’s black sand so it’s not the beautiful turquoise water you might expect in a tropical area but it’s still beautiful."

"The beach is public and nice, as others have said if you are used to the Caribbean Ocean, this is not it. We spent 1/2 the day at the beach every day we didn’t have an excursion."

"My husband were in the ocean several times and it was beautiful water, the water is clear, warm and so much fun. Vendors on the beach: I saw a lot of reviews complaining the vendors bothered them during their stay."

"Excellent snorkeling with lots of fish, manta rays, porcupine fish. Nature boardwalk through mangrove wetland - lots of birds including parrots, hawks, wading birds - Montezuma oropendula."

"The beach we had heard from a few friends in passing that it was not their favourite so we went in with no expectations. Well, in our opinion the beach was the star of the show."

"David at the beach was the sweetest, friendly and smiley while working himself to the bone. The beach was our favorite part, and the catamaran excursion and deep-sea fishing were both incredible."

"- the beach is huge but ‘just OK’, not dirty but mostly black sand. - ocean swimming was not that great, warm , but not the ideal blue. This is typical of other CR beaches on the Pacific side."

"Many people we spoke with throughout our trip around Costa Rica told us that Playa Conchal was one of the best beaches in the country. It has amazing soft white sand, warm water and mild waves."

"I saw a comment/ review about Beach and that it’s dirty and unusable. The beach is not dirty, it’s just black / brown because of volcanic rocks and pebble. It’s pleasant to walk on - 2 mile round trip."

"The location is right in the center of everything in Tamarindo, and right on the beach. We got messages on the beach for $35 and it seemed like well over an hour, and was the best message I have ever had!"

"Located on the beach, breakfast included was ok. Yoga classes were a bonus and included in your stay, PJ the instructor was absolutely amazing, highly recommend her class. Classes are facing the ocean."

"We were staying in building #1, right on the beach. We picked Arenas Del Mar for their location, and being right on the small beach ( Playitas?) and hearing the waves right outside of our balcony was unbelievable."

"Now the public beach will not get a favorable review. The beach is very public and you encounter all types of things on a public beach. I was not a fan of finding a beach cot and dragging it to a spot."

"Beachy décor with a parrot picture and pillows with quotes from JB songs. We did not have a balcony, but we could see the ocean from our window and at night I could hear the waves coming to shore."

"The beach the hotel is on has rough waters and dark muddy looking sand so you can only swim in the waters that are where the river meets the ocean. Its more of a surfer beach."

"The beach , you’re provided those blue loungers, some have seen better days, as well. There are vendors on the beach, not aggressive, once you express no interest , they move on."

"You can walk for 25 mins down the beach and be in town. The beach isnt crowded at all. There are chairs and loungers on the beach for guest to use. The beach on the property is fairly shaded."

"The property also has a private beach and transportation down and back to the main building. The beach itself is just ok (a little rocky and rustic for our taste) but good to have as an option."

"All the other staff were very attentive, the meals were excellent, and cannot say enough of the beautiful location overlooking the ocean along with the various toucans and monkeys that we saw during our stay."

"Don't know why the resort doesn't put down a carpet or walkway to get over the pebbles to the sandy shore. And people go to the beach to smoke - resort should rake the sand daily."

"The beach is rocky but has a suitable sandy entrance area. The 2 mile beach walk(perhaps less) walk north to Lola's during low tide is great and worth it when you get there."

"the hotel was right on the beach and our room was huge with a sitting room and very very clean and updated nicely. The staff was incredibly accommodating and delightful, Right on the beach in a great location."

"The beach was just down the path, peaceful and the BEST place for sunset. Although the beach in-front in not swimmable, you can walk either direction for a great swimming beach."

"There is also no shade at the beach, just be warned. We had a lot of fun in the waves, body surfing and surfing are great there with a couple rental places right beside the hotel."

"The ocean was a 2-minute walk from our room, and the restaurant and pool were steps away. The ocean was great for small kids--no rip current when we were there, and lots of shallow water with gentle waves."

"In the mornings we would cross the river at low tide and walk along this beach which was absolutely stunning. No development and no tourists. Most local surfers would walk here to surf."

"We’ve been to Costa Rica a number of times in the past, but always to the southern part of the country on the Pacific Ocean. This year we chose the north end, again on the Pacific Ocean."

"The beach is lovely and full of wildlife with monkeys being a regular feature near the hotel and big iguanas visiting for a drink. Having breakfast and dinner right on the beach was lovely."

"The location is right on the water, which was fabulous. Having the kayaks available to use at any time was great, our last evening we used them to access one of the beachfront restaurants for beers."

"Note it is easier to cross the little stream on the beach than to walk to it on the road, although it is of course possible."