We stayed at Hotel NicolĂĄs and had one of the worst hotel experiences weâve ever had. Breakfast was advertised as a âtypical Tico breakfastâ (gallo pinto, eggs, cheese, natilla, fruit, plantains, tortillas). In reality, it was just gallo pinto, eggs, tortillas, and fruitâwe had to supplement daily. Their salt and pepper shakers even had spiders inside.
The man at check-in reeks of smoke, acts polite, but provides zero customer service. Guests arenât allowed to use the pool unless staying overnight. I asked to pay a fee or add my friend to our room (capacity is 3, we were only 2) but was told itâs âimpossibleâ to adjust reservations after booking.
Rooms donât match the website photosâquality varies wildly. Our first had broken rock-hard beds and a broken AC. We were moved, and though the new room had AC, the beds were still miserable. Towels are rationed: pool towels only 9â5, no using room towels or taking them to the beach, or youâre fined.
The ownerâs dogs bark, growl, and jump on guests. A late checkout wasnât allowed, even though the hotel was nearly empty. Sleeping in past 5am is impossible because most windows have no curtains or just see-through fabric. To top it off, I left two small night lights and returned the next dayâsuddenly theyâd ânever seen them.â Thieves.
Iâve stayed at five properties in Manuel Antonio and never once been disappointedâuntil now. This place is dishonest, uncomfortable, and hostile to guests. Do yourself a favor: avoid at all costs.