Buena Onda

Cockroaches + no sleep at night + no privacy + no hot water We wanted to love this place because in photos it looked like an amazing jungle retreat but what we found was cockroaches in the room, in the kitchen, and around the property. Our long awaited vacation turned into a nightmare. We could not sleep because neighboring roosters started crowing at 2am and their coop was just 5 meters away from our room. It was LOUD. There was also lack of privacy in the bathroom as there is a 2 story house with windows which can see directly into the shower. Also, rooms had thin see-through curtains which let in outside street lights at night, and made it hard to change. After the first night of no sleep and chasing cockroaches from the room, we notified the property management asking for a refund. They declined it stating that they cannot control outside noise and that cockroaches are normal part of jungle. After leaving the property and renting another one just down the street we found no cockroaches there and could sleep in silence. DO NOT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE AS US AND RENT ROOMS HERE, there are much better options in town.

Stayed in 2 of the gorgeous bungalows here; mnimalistic but exactly what we were after, situated a little outside all the action of Santa Teresa. Very friendly owners and some friendly dogs. Lovely outdoors shower (bamboo was a little sp**** so occasionally felt quite exposed to the entrance). Would maybe have appreciated the room to be cleaned once during our 4 night stay. Other than that, highly recommend this place!

Staying at the Buena Onda is a truly unique experience. The bungalows are very nice on the eye, but quite basic. Expect a camping style stay. The compact complex consists of 6-7 (can not recall exact number) bungalows along a path and it has a central wooden covered platform with a table where a group of people can sit. No more, no less. Buena Onda is located at the north end of Santa Teresa, but it is easy to walk on the road (or along the beach, which is a 5min walk away) to reach the center of town. There is an armada of roosters next door that wake up around 4 in the morning. They seem to have dedicated their lives to making sure that no one in the neighborhood sleeps longer than they do. This is naturally outside of the Buena Onda control, but worth knowing. By the way, the Italian owners are super friendly and very service minded!

Had a great experience. I love the location on the northern end of town, which is a bit less busy and less crowded, close to La Lora where waves break best for surfing. Next to Al Chile Viola, Osa and El Facon and Cafe El Patio and Cafe Cafca to great breakfast/brunch spots. Bungalows are simple but stylish, comfortable and well equipped. Wifi is fast which was important for me for remote working. Hosts are very warm and welcoming and helped me with all my needs. I definitely recommend them if you want a cozy spot, next to great spots in the least crowded part of town.

I went to Costa Rica for a surf/ tourist trip and This place is next level amazing. It has the total jungle beach vibe you go to Costa Rica for with the amenities of a hotel. It is right across the road from an amazing beach break and it is set in the most beautiful garden setting. The owners, Margarite and Eduardo, are absolutely incredible. I had to make some changes to my reservation right before I went and they worked with me immediately and were happy to do so even though it was a bit confusing as I booked through ******* and my time fir changes had run out. They arranged for everything I needed when I was there from my taxi from the airport to my ATV rental to my horseback riding and waterfall trips and covid test. I just messaged them what I wanted and boom it was done. I’ve traveled a ton and I’ve never experienced anything like the service I got from them. My bungalow had ice cold air conditioning and was clean and super cute! The bed was comfy (maybe memory foam?) and you have a little kitchen with a fridge, cooking plate and dishes and a sink plus a little patio with a table and hammock. The water got as hot as you could want it and stayed that way. I’m also weird about water pressure in the shower and it was great! There were monkeys right over my room sometimes! The location is perfect too. A 3 minute walk to a grocery store and restaurants right next door but it’s not right in the hustle and bustle so you can actually sleep at night. You don’t need a car or bike but if you want one the owners will arrange for one. It’s super safe and gated which I always care about as a woman traveling alone. The owners know everyone and I even went surfing with Eduardo and we all went out to dinner on the last night. You really feel like family here. And you really can’t beat the price. I seriously cannot stress enough that this is the best place ever. Like I said I have traveled A LOT and this was the best vacation I have had so far (better than the Maldives!) and I think it’s in big part because I stayed here. I can’t say enough about this place and can’t wait to bring my mom back! Buena Onda is the best! Thank you Margarite and Eduardo!!!!