Serenity Boutique Hotel Quepos

La Sirena Hotel advertises as a boutique hotel, but that may be a bit of a stretch. Still, the two-story building is clean and freshly painted white and blue on the exterior. Inside, the lobby holds a reception desk, computer for guests' use, television, and a few chairs next to a cooler that holds bottles of water and soda for sale. Guests access the pool, breakfast area, and rooms via a hallway hand-painted with a tropical mural. Local wood railings and rocking chairs with embossed leather seats, along with potted plants, make the hallways and staircase look homey. Rooms are exterior facing, with the first-floor rooms directly in front of the pool and breakfast deck. Guests here tend to be older and respectful, there isn't a party vibe, and it's easy enough to get a decent night's sleep. 

La Sirena Hotel is built about a block from the Pacific Ocean in the touristy town of Quepos. It's the last town before hilly Manuel Antonio, and serves as a hub for visitors and locals; there's much more Costa Rican flavor here than up the hill: grocery stores, soda-style restaurants, a boardwalk in front of the ocean, and a few nightclubs on the outskirts of town. While the ocean is pretty to look at, there's no easily accessible beach or swimming spot nearby. Prices are lower and the vibe is a bit seedier, but still safe and family-friendly. Across the street from the hotel is a tiny pizza joint. There's a bank and ATM around the corner, and the bus stop is just one block away. Street parking is limited, especially spots within range of the hotel's security camera. 

The 14 rooms are divided into two categories: Standard and Superior, with Single, Double, or Triple bed configurations. Rooms on the second floor look a bit fresher and offer more privacy and space than the rooms on the first floor, which generally face the swimming pool and adjacent breakfast area; so curtains will have to remain closed. All rooms come standard with a tube-style TV with English cable channels, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, mini-fridges, and hot water. Built-in closet areas with shelves or wooden cupboards are provided. Rooms are painted white and blue, just like the exterior of the hotel. Bathrooms include a single sink, shower with a fabric curtain, and bar of soap. Thin bath towels are provided. 

Guests start each day on the cozy, open-air breakfast room directly adjacent to the pool. It's set with heavy wooden tables and chairs in front of a wooden bar counter (though there's no alcohol sold on the premises). Strong coffee and fruit are set out as serve yourself, and guests order French toast, eggs, or beans and rice, which are made-to-order. Lunch and dinner aren't available, but there are plenty of dining options within walking distance. The rectangular courtyard pool is deep and small, decorated with murals of mermaids -- La Sirena means mermaid in Spanish. Wi-Fi is free and fast throughout the property. There's a computer for guests to use in the lobby and calls to the United States are free. Staff can arrange a huge variety of tours and excursions.