Shana Hotel & Spa

We were so dissapointed. This hotel was recommended by tour company as 4 star that could accommodate our family during the busy holiday season. It's such a shame because it has so much potential it's a great location beautiful property but has severe deferred maintenance. Some of the staff is super friendly special shout out to Ian, Kevin, Jairo. However much of the staff was untrained or awkward didn't know how to deal with things. Restaurant: breakfast is included. It is a mediocre buffet. Staff is awkward and needs better training. Don't know when appropriate or ask to take plates. When I asked for a small to-go box to take the rest of my food to the room because I had to go I was told that was against policy and I could not take my food back to my room. Room: Toilet was extremely weak. We were told by maintenance we had to hold but down 10 secs until you saw water go down. Despite not being told at the front desk or they're being absolutely no signs anywhere in the bathroom you cannot put toilet paper down the toilet you must wipe and put it in a small receptacle in the bathroom. Totally understandable but it needs to be a better communicated. In any case we had 3 visits by maintenance regarding toilet issues. Our 4th day we woke up to awful smell poop had backed up into our toilet. We basically had to use toilet elsewhere next to office or restaurant, which worked just fine with a simple flush. Very skimpy on towels , there are 3 of us and only 2 towels, wash cloth hand towel provided. We kept having to ask for more towels. It's a large 2 king suite with kitchen. No dish towels. Despite having kitchen, no ice, only two coffee mugs two forks etc. No hand soap at kitchen or bathroom sink. When I inquired I was brought hand soap in a conditioner bottle. Just such a lack of care , not feeling welcome. Most 4 star properties make you feel pampered. Did not feel that here. For 4 star very stingy with towels. Tatered and only have one towel per person and exchange for ticket. Safe was intermittent, which we found annoying and comical given lecture about using it. Maintenance replaced batteries and that corrected problem. I think we were next to adjoining rooms. Could hear every baby cry, loud TV, phone ring in room next door. Front desk will not provide restaurant recommendations. Because "politics" which I assume they meant policy. They do have restaurant on site but really? Never ever in anywhere I have traveled incl Costa Rica has this happened. Lastly, just be aware walking around property is very steep and slippery. To be expected in this area and we were fine. Just be aware if you can't walk or difficulty walking this may not be for you. There are golf carts but not always available. Despite being promised we'd be compensated for not having a working toilet, we never heard back from manager. Again Ian , Jairo and Kevin are amazing...they deserve a raise! 2 king beds were comfortable. Location and views are amazing. Better trained staff and care and maintenance would go a long way. I am hoping to try Tulemar next time.

We loved our stay in Shana by the beach. We saw a lot of animals in the hotel - Even more than in the national park. Many thanks to the friendly and amazing staff. Our daughter had an infection and they helped us with everything so well. We definitely recommend the hotel!

We loved Shana By the Beach. The photos do not do this place justice. It is a tropical paradise. The pool are is extremely nice. The rooms are gigantic and very clean. We loved the monkeys visiting every morning and early evening. The view of the ocean is outstanding. The path to the beach was steep but it was a great walk through the rain forest. All of the staff was very friendly - Ian went out of his way to help us scheduling our visit to the park. The golf carts were available if you do not want to hike the steep walk to some of the rooms. We were so upset we had to leave. One of our all time favorite hotels. Highly recommend staying here.

This is a hidden gem! It's down a very narrow road away from everything but the monkeys. There are two pools. There are plenty of soaps in the shower and the shower has plenty of hot water. Room was large. Bathroom was large. There is frig in the room. The cable TV did not work so we were able to watch youtube. Our room had a great scenic view. Monkeys would frolic on our terrace every morning. Make sure you lock your door, because they know how to open them. There is a great nature trail that takes you down to the beach. Hollowing monkeys will wake you up at 4:30 - 5:30 every morning, which was pretty cool. White-faced monkeys are very prevalent throughout the grounds, but not at night. The property is on a steep part of land and there is a courtesy golf cart that can take you up and down the property. Breakfast was very good. They had an outstanding omelette bar and they really good pancakes. I really enjoyed staying at this place. We were watching sloths and toucans while we were swimming in the pool. The have a two-for-one happy hour drinks and servers were very attentive. There is a public bus that can take you into town or to the Manuel Antonio Park/Beach. It's about a 25 minute walk into town, but it's a steep road and at some places it is extremely narrow...so be careful. Uber works great in the area. Pura Vida!

Ian, who was working at the reception, was great. He was very polite and efficient with all our requests. We felt at home with him! He enjoys what he does and tries his best to make customers happy. If I were his boss, I would promote him to a better position give the fact that he looks very clever and responsible.