El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa

Every aspect of the hotel -- from the motel-style architecture to the faded linens and flooring to the heavily lacquered wood furniture -- smacks of ‘90s-era budget resorts. However, the property’s age and affordability have made it a mainstay with locals and many tourists love the authentic and laid-back vibe. Spanish Colonial architecture has a certain appeal. The atmosphere is bustling year-round with Ticos (Costa Ricans) who flock to its popular thermal hot spring pools in droves. With several pools and many rooms offering multiple beds, it’s especially popular with families. The two tiny bars -- one inside the restaurant, the other adjacent the main pool -- provide a bit of adult-centric social space. However, the property still feels shuttered after dark.

Situated on a quiet road on the outskirts of Juan Castro Blanco National Park, the hotel feels more remote than it actually is. There’s little within walking distance. Ciudad Quesada is less than 20 minutes away by car. The capital city is home to dozens of restaurants, shops, and markets. The adjacent national park is less popular among tourists, but still offers plenty of hiking, bird watching, and opportunities for nature lovers. The nearest major airport, Juan Santamaria International (SJO), is more than two hours south by car. Hired shuttles are the most convenient mode of transportation to and from the airport. However, shuttles can prove expensive for travelers looking to regularly venture off-property during their stay. Rental cars are the most convenient way to get around, but Costa Rica’s mandatory third-party insurance guarantees sky-high rates and the country’s roads are notoriously poor.

Like most of the common areas, the rooms at El Tucano are dated and dingy. The decor incorporates lacquered wood furniture, dowdy curtains, little wall art, and faded pastel tile work -- all reminiscent of popular hotel design aesthetics of the 1990s. A general lack of attention to detail includes clear maintenance issues with noticeably chipped paint and moldy curtains. Standard and Junior Suite category rooms offer modest, studio floor plans. A handful of Master Suites serve as de facto honeymoon suites with basic private terraces and other subtle upgrades. Given the hotel’s three-pearl status, the list of in-room amenities is surprisingly thin. Aside from small flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and spotty (though free) Wi-Fi, there’s little of note. Most rooms also lack sufficient access to power outlets. Bathrooms are equally dated, and all include generic, pump-style amenities and walk-in shower stalls (Master Suites upgrade to hot tubs).

Features are the main reason to book this hotel. The spa is among the largest of its kind in Costa Rica and is the hotel’s most outstanding amenity. The decor is bright and airy but ultimately dated and forgettable. The menu of services is exhaustive with almost every imaginable treatment available: traditional and specialty massages, mud baths, steam rooms, saunas, hydrotherapy, and hot tubs. A private outdoor pool provides additional relaxation space exclusively for spa guests. The large, attached salon also features a full list of beauty treatments for hair, skin, and nails.

Two thermal pools and a hot tub collectively serve as the main social hub. Both pools are fed by the area's naturally occurring hot springs, ensuring the water is rich in dozens of minerals. Like the rest of the hotel, the atmosphere primarily caters toward families. A small bar adjacent to the main pool serves a full list of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, plus a menu of finger foods.

The only full on-site restaurant, La Foresta, occupies a tall, open space with indoor and alfresco dining. The latter is served on a wide terrace with lovely river views. In keeping with the resort’s family-friendly vibe, the space is only semi-formal with crisp linen tablecloths adding a hint of sophistication. Every meal is offered either a la carte or buffet-style with a schedule that changes regularly. Many guests criticize the buffets for their lack of options and mediocre quality.

The tiny mini-golf course adjacent to the pool area is dated and looks like an afterthought. Self-parking is free. However, the lot overcrowds quickly given the hotel’s popularity. Wi-Fi is free in all common areas and we found it faster and more reliable than in the rooms.