Hotels near Tamarindo Airport - TNO, Tamarindo

Tamarindo is amazing. Villarreal is a small local town nearby. The construction and yard cleaning machines make any stay in these areas a bit noisy. Overlook the noise and commotion and crowds and the area is really fun.

Tamarindo had the most vibrant vibe out of the areas I visited in the area. Its got a great beach, nightlife and many good dining options. I did get propositioned one time (at 7pm) but was probably the only single male walking around (it was off season and few foreign tourists, mostly locals). I politely say no thank you and that was the end of it. I felt completely safe diving and walking around, even at night. I ate a several local restaurants outside my hotel and had great meals at each. Surfing in the main draw here, but there are lots of excursions in the area.

Playa Grande is perfect for running or walking on the beach, however not for swimming, snorkeling or floating. On the other side of Playa Grande (crossing the river) there is Tamarindo, a crazy town full of tourists with its own long beach. If you are looking for a laid back place, Tamarindo is NOT where you want to be. Lots of traffic and tons of people walking in the streets and hanging around. Can't imagine what is like in high season. Stores have beautiful clothes but they are pretty expensive. Definitely a surfing town, everyone walks with a board under their arm...lol.

We left Canada on a snowy day and arrived to 34C heat; very warm. The local people are very friendly and seem to appreciate tourists, even those like us, who don’t speak Spanish. The town is definitely a tourist town with many shops and restaurants. The sunsets can be remarkable and we were surprised to see so many of the locals arriving on the beach to appreciate the sun disappearing and watch the sky’s afterglow that followed.

Playa grande was such a relaxing place. The beach sunsets were amazing! Took an estuary tour with Luis right off the beach - private tour for 2 was only $70 and we saw crocodiles, monkeys and amazing birds. Tamarindo is a fun day trip (taking the water taxi, or asking to be dropped off there after the boat tour). There is a cool food truck court at the end and behind the beach that has an iguana walking about. Tamarindo was nice if you like lots of people and lots of bar and food choices but playa grande was so much more chill of a spot. Loved it and will be back! Cantarana cafe had the best coffee and almond croissants and dinner upstairs was really good. Servers for breakfast and dinner were fabulous! The Tortuga was a great spot - with the most delicious fish bites I’ve ever had! Cafe Mar Azul was so much fun- Sunday night entertainment needs a reservation. Such a good price for amazing fish dinners.

Tamarindo has a nice beach, but way too many tourists. There are a lot of hotels and restaurants in a small amount of space. I felt claustrophobic. Lots of wealth in the area mixed with pobreza. Appears to be mostly Americans and Europeans with the wealth.