Hotel Las Tres Banderas

“The Three Flags Hotel” pulls inspiration from the Polish owner’s history of having lived in three countries. After opening its doors in 1995, it appears much of the decor -- a mix of design from Poland, the United States, and Costa Rica -- hasn’t changed much. This provides an eclectic, “broken in” vibe that struggles to find a balance between charming and basic. There are notable maintenance issues around the property (e.g. chipped paint, an inoperable pool waterfall) and the landscaping feels haphazard, bordering on neglected. However, most guests are more concerned with nightly rates than upscale amenities. The open-air restaurant and pool keep the limited social scene afloat, but most guests use the hotel solely as a base of operations to explore the nearby beaches and popular national park.

The adjacent Route 618 is a quiet, moderately trafficked thoroughfare thickly lined with tropical vegetation and mom-and-pop hotels. For most area visitors, it’s simply the most convenient means to travel between downtown Quepos (six minutes away by car) and Manuel Antonio National Park (nine minutes). The hotel is sufficiently off the road so that the only sounds most guests will hear are from the abundant wildlife, including macaws and howler monkeys. Several markets and dozens of restaurants are within a 15-minute walk. The hotel can arrange paid shuttle service to and from Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO), the nearest international arrival point for most travelers. It’s often the most convenient and, thanks to the country’s exorbitant car rental insurance, cheapest ground transportation option.

The decor in every room category is bland and dated. Faded white tile floors, minimal wall art, and '90s-era furniture, like pleather sofas and sateen curtains, all exude a distinctly budget feel. The list of amenities in every category is decent, including flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Some guests complain that internet service can be spotty, however. Bungalows add mini-fridges and pebble stone flooring, while Suites upgrade to multi-room layouts with wet bars and larger balconies with hammocks. The flagship Apartment is a spacious, two-story home with a complete list of features including multiple bedrooms, separate living and dining areas, and a full kitchen. Bathrooms are basic in every respect with a mostly '90s-era decor that includes brass accents and a salmon and cream color palate. Walk-in shower stalls and generic wall-mounted dispensers of shampoo are standard.

As a small, budget property, the list of amenities is pretty straightforward. The open-air White Eagle restaurant and adjacent Pura Vida bar are its biggest selling points. The decor is a colorful, but curious blend of traditional Costa Rican furnishings, bold Spanish Colonial architecture, and tiki bar-inspired accents. However, the traditional Polish cuisine is well-reviewed, and both room service and free breakfast are available. The outdoor pool (complete with three flags painted on the bottom surface) is clean and well-maintained. However, the narrow, minimal deck area that surrounds it feels cold and shoe-horned into the space. Wi-Fi and self-parking are free to guests. For a fee, the property is pet-friendly and can also provide laundry service.