The Sunset Shack
Nosara, Costa Rica
Charming boutique hotel in the heart of Nosara, only a five-minute walk to the main break at Playa Guiones.
The Sunset Shack is an intimate and friendly hotel with eight recently renovated rooms and a staff that will make you feel like family. The hotel is in an ideal location in Nosara – a quick stroll to one of the most consistent surf breaks in Costa Rica at Playa Guiones.
Because Playa Guiones is part of the protected Ostional Wildlife Refuge, there’s no development directly on the beach, and Sunset Shack is one of the closest hotels to the water.
The hotel is tucked into lush tropical landscaping and has a small saltwater pool with comfy lounge chairs perfect for post-surf chill sessions. The vibe at the hotel is relaxed and comfortable, and the rooms are simple yet nice with high wooden ceilings and small kitchenettes.
Daily breakfast is included at the restaurant next door, Al Chile, which features Mexican-inspired dishes with seasonal produce. Open to the public for lunch and dinner, Al Chile is a great spot for tasty eats and a cold beer or margarita in the evening surrounded by the glow of string lights amongst the palms.
The Lowdown
VIBE: Tropical surf shack
LOCALE: Short walk to the beach
ROOMS: 8 guest rooms / 4 Garden, 4 Sunset
FAMILY FRIENDLY: Yes
CLOSEST AIRPORT: Liberia International Airport (LIR)
PRICING: from $150 per night + tax
Features
Inside
Rooms have a simple yet sleek, tropical design with colorful accent decor and include kitchenettes with basic kitchen necessities, French press, air conditioning, safe, hot water, strong wifi, and daily housekeeping.
Outside
When you’re not out exploring, enjoy the saltwater pool area surrounded by native greenery where you can often spot monkeys, birds, and other wildlife hanging out. Free parking (with security) is available on site.
Eat & Drink
The on-site restaurant Al Chile makes simple Mexican-inspired dishes from scratch with seasonal produce from its own organic farm. Lunch, dinner, and a full bar is available, and daily breakfast is included in your stay.
The Surf
The Nicoya Peninsula is ground zero for Costa Rica surfing, and Nosara is at the heart of the local surf scene due to the plentiful selection of quality, consistent waves. Beach breaks are the main offering in the area, with the local sand bars providing both barrels and user-friendly walls. The main surf season stretches from April through September, when south swells are more consistent, but the area actually receives swell all year round, making it a great place to visit, no matter the season.
WATER TEMP: 77 – 86 °F (25 – 30 °C)
PEAK SURF SEASON: April – Sept
SHOULDER SURF SEASON: Nov – Mar
SURF EXPERIENCE: Beginner to advanced
Details
Stays include wifi, daily housekeeping, and daily breakfast.
CHECK IN: 2 pm
CHECK OUT: 11 am
Rates
GARDEN ROOMS: from $150 + 13% tax
DELUXE SUNSET ROOMS: from $200 + 13% tax
* based on double occupancy; $15 per additional guest per night
Good to Know
– The friendly front desk crew can help you plan and book any activities that you’re interested in. From mountain biking tours to surf lessons to zip-lining, there’s a whole book of local adventures they can help you coordinate.
Location
Nosara, Costa Rica
Nosara is both a district and a village on the Pacific Coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Known both for its world-class waves and vibrant yoga scene, the village has seen extensive growth over the past decade, but still maintains its quiet Central American charm.
In addition to great surf, there are lots of other activities on offer. Choose from yoga classes, hiking, stand up paddle boarding, river kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, canopy zip-lining, and mountain biking to name a few.
Getting There
The closest International airport is Liberia International Airport (LIR) which is a two and a half hour drive to the hotel, and San Jose International Airport (SJO) is a five-hour drive. We recommend renting a car (an SUV, if possible) for the most flexibility during your stay, or transportation can be arranged from/to the airport.
The Small Print
Terms and Conditions
PAYMENT POLICY
In order to guarantee a reservation, a pre-payment/credit card authorization form must be completed. The credit card on file will be charged 100% of the stay in advance of check-in according to The Sunset Shack’s Pre-Payment Policies outlined below:
(Low Season) May 1st – October 31st. Prepayment of 100% of the amount of the reservation is required 30 days prior to the arrival date.
(High Season) November 1st – December 22nd / January 5th – April 30th Prepayment of 100% of the amount of the reservation is required 60 days prior to the arrival date.
(Holiday Season) 22 December – 4 January Prepayment of 100% of the amount of the reservation is required 90 days prior to the arrival date.
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY
(Low Season) 1 May – 31 October * 100% of the reservation will be charged for ‘no-show’. * If a reservation is cancelled 30 days or less before the arrival date, the reservation will be charged 100%. If cancelled 31 days or before there would be no charge.
(High Season) 1 November – 22 December / 5 January- 30 Abril * 100% of the reservation will be charged for ‘no-show’. * If a reservation is cancelled 60 days or less before the arrival date, the reservation will be charged 100%. If cancelled 61 days or before there would be no charge.
(Holiday Season) 22 December – 4 January * 100% of the reservation will be charged for ‘no-show’. * If a reservation is cancelled 90 days or less before the arrival date, the reservation will be charged 100%. If cancelled 91 days or before there would be no charge.