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About
4.5
#1 of 3 small hotels in Playa Grande
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
SURF GRANDE If you're a surfer you've probably already done your homework and are headed to Playa Grande because it's one of the best surf breaks in Costa Rica for consistency and swell direction. The main peak is a two minute walk from our front door with fun hollow peaks that break left and right over the sandbar. Mid to high incoming and outgoing tide bring the best waves. If you want to surf all day long you can hit the low tide at the Tamarindo river-mouth at the south end of Playa Grande. Avellanes, Langosta, Playa Negra and Junquillal are all within a short drive from Playa Grande is you crave a different wave every day. Witch's Rock/Ollie' Point is a great full day trip and they will pick you up at the hotel. For those of you who haven't experienced the joy of surfing vet we have great beginner lessons available with experienced surf instructors. You'll start off down the beach in small waves in a fun and safe learning environment. They want you to love it!
250 Meters South of Minae, Playa Grande 50308 Costa Rica
El Reinas by Sugar's Monkey
180 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
We enjoyed 5 nights at Sugar’s Monkey in January. It’s in a great location, just a short walk to the beach. We stayed in the deluxe queen room, and although the rest of the rooms appear to be just a step above a hostel(they do call it a poshtel for a reason), our room was awesome. It was huge, with a large bathroom, very clean, and the bed was beyond comfortable....I slept like a baby. We very much enjoyed our private patio way up on the third floor, overlooking the pool. We would spend our afternoons lounging between the pool and our patio. Oh, and the monkeys! We got to see and hear them several times during our stay, which I loved! My husband appreciated the small workout/fitness area. Things to be noted are: it’s not luxury by any means, but it’s clean and comfortable. The Deluxe queen room is on the third floor, so there are several steps to climb in a hot stairway. We didn’t mind, but older or mobility challenged people may have trouble going up and down them. I feel the price of the rooms reflects those minor things, and we feel we got a great value here. Adding a picture of the view from the bed in our room to the private patio we enjoyed.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip 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.
Just got back from a 3 night stay at Sugar's Monkey and we loved it! We stayed in the deluxe queen room (#13). Room and bathroom were clean and bed was super comfortable. The room is up a couple flights of stairs so be aware of that if stairs are an issue for you. There is a small shaded deck attached to the room where we could sit on the bean bag chairs and catch the afternoon breezes. We ate dinner at the restaurant a couple times, pizzas were good as was the fish burrito. Menu is a la carte and prices are reasonable. Staff very friendly and helpful. 5 minute walk to the most beautiful beach! We loved the easy laid back vibe at Sugar's Monkey, and hope to be back someday!
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Date of stay: March 2022
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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.
We had such a wonderful stay at El Reinas! It's so relaxing. The staff is sooo friendly and accommodating. Every space was very clean. Such a great value for the price! Direct beach access. The only advice I have if you're staying here is to bring a sound machine. There is some construction in the area (it's wonderful to see the area growing!) and our room was on the first floor right off the common area. We had a sound machine and it helped drown out any noises for better sleep and naps :) We stayed here on a kid free trip, but it is very family friendly and we can't wait to bring our kids next time!
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
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Trip 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.
My wife and I spent 6 days at SM to celebrate 40 years together and loved it. We have stayed at other places in Playa Grande, and we have stayed at a whole range of hotels around the world. We loved SM's laid back vibe, proximity to the beach, and the chill pool right in the middle of the property. Good WiFi, good music, good wine, and good AC in the room. Enrico stocks a nice variety of Italian reds and white wines. The kitchen cranks out an amazing selection given its small size, and there are other food options close by, but coffee by the pool in the morning was grand and small pizzas at night hit the spot. Live music on Fridays. A constant parade of international and Tico guests filters through, with a mix of oldsters and youngsters, and Enrico is always willing to engage in a philosophical discussion! We hope to go back soon.
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Date of stay: April 2022
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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.
Was there on my first solo trip. I was very friendly welcomed from the whole staff and met fast new people. Everyone was gently always asking if I‘m fine or if I need something. The food and especially the smoothies were delicious! Can highly recommend the „Coco Loco“. The area was cleaned every day. It‘s a simple but very cute place to stay. It‘s just a short walk to the beach to surf or watch incredible sunsets. By night you can hear sounds of wild animals - you feel like beeing in the jungle. The hostel also offers bike rentals and surf lessions.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
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.
The essence of “pura vida” is here in the beautiful surroundings across from the beach, with a pool and delicious restaurant. The staff are incredibly gracious and the rooms are large and comfortable. Includes a gym and multiple outdoor lounging areas.
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip 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.
Only thing left in Playa Grande when we booked. Room was ok - but !! NO DOOR TO THE TOILET!?? Not nice.. A lot of noice from the kids that live permantly on the property. The owner was a bit rude upon check out. Location very close to beach.
Food was too expensive for average food - go next door to Ripjjack inn. It was amazing there!
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Date of stay: February 2022
Value
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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.
Response from Sugar's Monkey, Proprietario at El Reinas by Sugar's Monkey
Responded Jun 10, 2022
We are very sorry that we were the only choice left in Playa Grande, for the bathroom door problem if you had asked for help at our reception we would have done everything possible to solve it, the children who populate our hotel are our gifts for a better world, our food is of a much higher quality than the competition and our prices are not higher, but we realize that not everyone has the refinement to understand it. Usually the owner is a polite and kind person, sometimes his behavior reflects that of whoever is in front of him.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I loved my stay at El Reinas. The owner and staff were so lovely and helpful. I felt like a princess. Even though there was a wee complication in the booking process (not El Reinas fault at all) it all became a blessing. I wound up staying in the family room which was a beautiful space. So grateful for every moment there. Will return. Thank you El Reinas.
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Enjoy!
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.
Friendly staff, good food, great cocktails, air conditioned rooms. Very close to Playa Grande's main beach and surf break. Enrico and his team all work to make your stay memorable. Make sure you watch the Sunset on the beach everyday, spectacular!!!
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:ground floor rooms in the wooden part of this hotel are noisy as people walk across the balcony
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.
5/5…Enrico, his family, and staff are awesome. Made us VERY welcome. Top notch food and smoothies, and the prices are extremely reasonable. Excellent service and clean rooms. Anyone giving this place a bad review needs to get over there self. Best place in playa grande! See you in August, Angelo!
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip 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.
Sorry guys for delay, we have an excellent internet at Sugar's, to ensure continuous service we have two internet provider with different cable technology each one, when some tree fall down and cut one cable usually we are able to stay connected with the other line, anyway to check our wifi speed look our web site under session sleep.
There are more places to choose from in the Playa Grande area.
PRICE RANGE
C$83 - C$103 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
playa grande hotel playa grande, hotel playa grande
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Playa Grande Inn
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of GuanacastePlaya Grande
NUMBER OF ROOMS
13
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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