Tamarindo Diria Hotel is a luxurious Four Star Hotel located right on the beach of the vibrant surf town of Tamarindo. I spent 4 nights here and can testify that The Diria truly embodies the history and culture of Costa Rica.
The resort is broken into four areas; the Sunset Rooms located beachside, the Tropicana Rooms located across the street and closest to the resort’s two main pools, the multi bedroom condos that rise above the Tropicana section, and the neighboring boutique sister property that is adult’s only. Special note, the Diria is great for groups and even has a private group lounge for checkin
That being said, the majority of the Diria’s rooms have incredible ocean and sunset views with direct frontage and access to Tamarindo Beach. Night lights decorating the gardens and walkways will further enhance the beauty of local flora and fauna creating an atmosphere of tranquility and peace. The main beachfront restaurant is something out of a movie scene and features a giant Matapalo tree adorned with stained glass lamps that light up at sunset.
The Diria is a testament to hospitality in Costa Rica and is one of its oldest and most iconic resorts with over 35 years of experience, establishing itself as one of the most successful hotel operations in Tamarindo.
Tamarindo is 1 hour from Liberia International Airport; 5 hours from Juan Santamaria International Airport by land and 45 minutes by air.
Fact Sheet:
- 5 Onsite Dining Options
- Gelato Bar
- 4 Bars/Lounges w/ swim up bar AND a beachfront bar
- Onsite Casino
- 3 Pools: Beachfront Pool, Kids Pool, Tropical/Quiet Pool
- Cold JacuzziÂ
- Kids Club ages 4-10Â
- Onsite Spa Treatments Available
- Onsite Fitness Center
- Onsite Tour Desk
- Wedding Services Available
Notes on Inclusions (this is not an all inclusive resort):
- Access to the largest pools in Tamarindo & resort grounds
- Access to beachfront loungers just inside the resort grounds to avoid the public beach
- Daily beach towel rentals
- Daily breakfast at The Diria Restaurant on the beach
- Access to the Diria’s Commercial Zone (notes below)
- Kids Club access (seasonal)
- Complimentary Wifi
- Resident Howler Monkeys (not really an inclusion but they live in the trees above the Kids Pool)
Notes on the Diria’s Commercial Zone:
The commercial shopping center was specifically designed by the Diria Group for the enjoyment of their hotel guests. Each shop is unique and offers a variety of options that embody the culture of Costa Rica. Located just outside the lobby, this shopping plaza features a variety of clothing shops, international restaurants and cafes, a jewelry boutique, art galleries, a jazz casino, local handicrafts, a dive and surf center, a pharmacy, a spa and a bank – all for the convenience of hotel guests.
Notes on Tamarindo:
The town of Tamarindo is a quite colorful surfer’s paradise with plenty of local ‘Tico’ flavor. A multi-cultural community, Tamarindo boasts several bakeries, coffee shops, an outdoor vegetable market, and more than 40 restaurants and bars. Whether you like to eat vegetarian, ‘Tipico’ Costa Rican, Italian or seafood, you’ll find amazing eats all throughout Tamarindo.
Additional offerings include art galleries, a pottery stores and countless surf shops/boutiques. It is an ideal place for honeymoons and weddings, couples and families looking for a more laid-back destination, and wonderfully suited to eco-adventures. Tamarindo offers first class sport fishing (see Mahi photos below), sailing, surfing, golfing, ATV tours, turtle watching, diving, horseback riding, canopy tours and jungle boat rides.Â
Notes on the Beaches:
The beach is a two-mile stretch of white sand and warm Pacific blue water that is absolutely breathtaking; that being said, it is also a public beach. If you are unfamiliar with public beaches in countries outside of the US; this should read ‘there will be beach venders EVERYWHERE’. I did not experience anyone that was super pushy or made me feel uncomfortable, but just be aware that Tamarindo does not have any private beaches.
In addition to beaches, Tamarindo is surrounded by National Parks to its north and south, and mountains with breathtaking views to its east. Nature is abundant, leatherback turtles lay their eggs in the northern part of the bay. In some restaurants giant iguanas will come up to your table expecting table scraps.
4 Star Resort Category Notes:
I want to highlight, this is a four star resort and not the same as the 5 star resorts I typically sell and visit. For my clients who are used to 5 stars, the Diria might not be for you. That being said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this resort and I LOVED my stay here and would absolutely stay again. Expectations are everything and this is in fact a resort review, so here are some things you might find different from the 5 star luxury experience:
- The hot water didn’t reach blazing hot temperatures in our room and some days it was pretty chilly. This is something that is more common in other countries and was manageable for us but worth mentioning.
- There is not 24 hour room service available but dining options are open late night, you just have to trek downstairs and pick it up yourself.
- Breakfast does not include a waiter/waitress table side; you have staff throughout the breakfast restaurant but no one will be visiting your table so if you need something you’ll have to jump up and grab it.
- There are not ‘towel boys’ around the pools taking orders and handing out towels for guests. Again, if you want either you’ll have to walk to the bar/towel desk to grab it yourself
- This resort is owned by a German family, most rooms feature double beds instead of 1 king bed (not really 4 vs 5 but something to note)
Site Visit Photos:
Travel Aesthetic 