Hotel RipJack Inn

Hotel RipJack Inn is spread across two neighboring plots. Colorful hand-painted wooden signs direct guests to the restaurant and section of guest rooms on one side, or toward the reception, pools, and additional guest rooms on the other. The office-like reception area sells jewelry, handmade soaps, and brightly patterned clothing. Stone paths curve through the grounds shaded by green vegetation, and terra-cotta-hued building facades overlook a few cozy outdoor sitting areas, pools, and hammocks. Echoing the low-key surrounding town, the hotel’s ambiance is relaxed and peaceful. The yoga shala and uncrowded surfing beach set the tone for vacations focused on activities rather than nightlife. The hotel is popular with families, as well as couples and groups of friends who prefer to skip Tamarindo’s party scene. The energy picks up in the restaurant during the evening, but it doesn’t stay open late. 

Hotel RipJack Inn is set less than a two-minute walk via a wooded path to the wide, sandy Playa Grande, one of the top surfing beaches in Costa Rica (waves are typically too powerful for swimming). The beach is also an important nesting site for the giant leatherback sea turtle and part of the Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas de Guanacaste. The area’s minimal development is part of the appeal for most visitors, but guests will find a few restaurants and other hotels within walking distance of RipJack Inn. The entertainment and nightlife of Tamarindo is a half-hour drive away, as is popular Playa Flamingo. Liberia’s airport is about an hour’s drive away. 

Rooms at Hotel RipJack Inn are simple and inviting, with most featuring bold teal accent walls and white bed linens with red throw cushions. Each room is individually decorated with artwork ranging from wall hangings to vividly hued paintings of pineapples. All rooms include Cuisinart two-cup coffeemakers and personal safes. Most rooms have small private terraces with hammocks and/or patio furniture. Deluxe Rooms are larger than Standard Rooms and include flat-screen TVs. Some also have mini-fridges. The Bungalow has a separate living area, while Family Suites have kitchenettes with toaster ovens and fridges. Unfussy bathrooms feature pedestal sinks and custom-made organic bath products with nice scents such as papaya tangerine. Some have glass-doored showers, while others have shower curtains. 

Hotel RipJack has amenities that reflect its personality as a charming, casual, activity-focused property. The hotel has two outdoor pools, each of which is surrounded by a concrete deck and a handful of lounge chairs. The capsule-shaped lap pool is overlooked by one of the hotel buildings (which was under construction during our visit), while the smaller pool is bordered by lush plants. 

A breezy, second-floor restaurant offers views of the surrounding leafy greenery (which mostly obscures the ocean in the distance). Furnished with wooden tables and chairs, this casual restaurant is one of the best in Playa Grande, but it's on the pricey side. There are daily happy hour specials, along with special menus for kids ages 12 and under.  

There’s also a freestanding yoga shala, with teak wood flooring and big glass windows. A variety of classes are offered here, including restorative yoga, hatha, and dynamic flow. There is a fee for classes, but props and mats are provided. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and there’s free parking on-site. The hotel also offers free local calls as well as long distance calls to the U.S. and Canada. Babysitting services are available with advanced arrangement, and airport transfers are also offered for a fee.