Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel

From the remote location to the lush, dense vegetation enveloping every area of the property, the atmosphere here feels entirely secluded. The decor is a tasteful blend of modern tropical and rustic elements. While most common areas are thrown open to the surrounding jungle, interiors are decorated with dark, carved wood seating, thatched cathedral ceilings, wicker lamps, and tribal-inspired sculptures and wall decor. The large lobby building serves as the hotel’s main social hub, with an open-air restaurant, a Turkish-inspired bar, and a reading lounge with a fireplace. A single pool constitutes the property’s entire outdoor social scene. However, we found that most guests spend their time at the nearby volcano park, leaving the area mostly vacant during the day. The overall atmosphere is casual, relaxed, and sophisticated. The undeniable romance of it all guarantees that plenty of couples pass through, though families are also frequent guests as well.

The hotel sits on a remote mountain road, a five-minute drive from the entrance to Tenorio Volcano National Park. Within the park there are plenty of trails and hikes, and it's especially well known for its cerulean blue Rio Celeste and waterfall plus natural hot springs. This is an undeveloped part of the country and requires a good real of work to reach to take in the natural beauty (don't come here expecting bars and nightlife). While technically accessible via any sedan, the road is extremely rough and rocky, and a 4x4 truck or SUV is strongly recommended.

The nearest airport -- Liberia International (LIR) -- is about two hours away while Juan Santamaria International (SJO) requires a three-and-a-half-hour drive. The hotel can arrange roundtrip airport transportation for a fee. However, travelers comfortable with haggling can typically find better prices by booking private shuttle service on their own. Rental cars are also available in both airport terminals.

Like the lobby and common areas, rooms offer a modern take on tropical, rustic decor. Polished wood floors are set with heavy, hand-carved hardwood furniture, while bamboo paneled ceilings soar overhead. Bold wall colors like lime green and peach are complimented by throw pillows and fabrics, and walls are hung with tribal-inspired art. Four-poster beds and proper seating areas add an extra dash of class, making each room feel like its own hideaway within the hotel. 

Both room categories are large, especially when compared to other hotels in this category. All offer an excellent list of modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, 32-inch flat-screen TVs with DVD players, safes, air-conditioning, and minibars. Casita Standard rooms offer one-room floor plans with a private, garden-view balcony. Casita Suites are virtually identical, but with the addition of a spacious, rainforest-view balcony. We did spot some wear on outdoor furniture in some rooms. Both categories are available in single king or two-queen bed configurations.

Bathrooms are spacious and sharp. All feature dual sinks on large granite counters, tile floors, spacious closets, and a private outdoor shower garden. Indoor shower/tub combos are typical and tubs in suites have jets, but some Casita Standard rooms offer only a walk-in shower stall. ProTerra-brand soaps and shower products are standard in all rooms.

Highlights of the many features here include an open-air restaurant, an outdoor pool with three whirlpool hot tubs, and a tiny, full-service spa. However, the hotel’s proximity to the volcano park and rainforest hiking trails is its most notable feature.

The single outdoor pool is surrounded by a curved line of resin lounge chairs on both sides of the pool. While one side is completely exposed to the sun, the other is shaded below a small canopy. The pool also features three hot tubs integrated into its design. Each can accommodate six to eight guests comfortably. A small swim-up bar (Luna Azul) serves a full liquor menu of beer, wine, and cocktails. Poolside drinks and light lunch service are also available in the afternoon.

The hotel’s only restaurant, Kantala, serves buffet breakfast and a la carte lunch and dinner. Breakfast is included in all packages, and selections are typical of a continental breakfast, with some additional hot items available. Lunch and dinner menus change frequently, but consist mostly of seafood-centric and traditional Costa Rican fare. The food quality and selection both receive positive reviews, though food is pricey. The adjacent Cantina Delirio is a full-service bar with a decor reminiscent of a dark, Turkish hookah lounge.

A tiny, one-room spa is situated in what appears to be a large, renovated guest suite with only two beds. The decor consists of dark wood, boldly painted walls, and a tall, thatched roof. The full menu includes specialty treatments such as couples, Swedish, deep tissue, and aromatherapy massages.

The property’s main draw is its proximity to Volcan Tenorio National Park and the Rio Celeste river. A number of rainforest hiking trails that crisscross the property connect directly to both attractions. Daily guided tours that depart from the hotel are also available for a fee. Freebies at this hotel included Wi-Fi and parking.