Overview
A 500 ft walk to Playa Grande's surf break, an authentic Italian restaurant, and an outdoor pool shaded by jungle-el reinas by sugar's monkey delivers the essentials and little more.
Surf, Dine, and Unwind in Playa Grande
El Reinas by Sugar's Monkey places guests 500 ft from the main surf break at the center of Playa Grande. A short shaded path runs from the property directly to a 3-mile stretch of Pacific beach, putting the sand and waves steps away. The hotel's location also puts it within walking distance of several restaurants and local attractions. The on-site restaurant is the property's standout. Run by Italian owner Enrico, the kitchen serves homemade fettuccine, hand-stretched pizza, and fresh bread, attracting diners from beyond the hotel. Guests repeatedly describe the food as comparable to what they have eaten in Milan, and the restaurant draws return visits from locals and travelers alike. Beyond dining, Sugar's Monkey offers an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers, a fitness center upstairs, and water sport facilities on site. The front desk arranges surfboard rentals and lessons, and staff can set up nighttime visits to a nearby turtle beach. An airport shuttle, free parking, laundry, and currency exchange round out the services.
The Details
Guests stay in rooms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and daily housekeeping. Several units open to patios or balconies. The restaurant serves Italian cuisine with homemade fettuccine and hand-stretched pizza. Guests call owners Enrico and Pameluna, plus manager Vladimir, the property's biggest asset. Staff members organize surf lessons with Aitor, arrange visits to a turtle beach at night, and help book local tours. The outdoor pool is open all year and surrounded by sun loungers. The fitness center occupies the upper floor. Beach towels are provided at the pool. The hotel is a six-minute walk from the beach through a forested path. It sits in a quiet area of Playa Grande, roughly a five-minute drive from Tamarindo. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Parking is free on site, and street parking is also available. The property has a restaurant, a bar, and a garden. Luggage storage, express check-in/check-out, and a tour desk are available. Laundry and ironing services are offered for a surcharge. Airport shuttles operate on request.
El Reinas by Sugar's Monkey in Playa Grande
El Reinas by Sugar's Monkey has one of the most direct routes to Playa Grande's best surf break, sitting just 500 ft from the beach. The property runs a small, repair-focused operation with a strong local following for its authentic Italian restaurant. The restaurant serves homemade fettuccine, hand-tossed pizzas, and fresh bread, all prepared by an Italian chef-owner. A dinner service runs six nights a week. Guests staying at the hotel consistently rate the breakfast as among the best they have had on a Costa Rica trip. The staff, especially manager Vladimir, handles more than the standard hotel requests. They arrange trips to watch sea turtles at night, book surf lessons with a local coach, and organize shuttles to Tamarindo or the airport. The outdoor swimming pool is solar-warmed and set in a garden with sun loungers. The fitness center occupies a separate structure near the pool. Water sport facilities include surfboard and stand-up paddleboard rentals.
Facilities
The outdoor pool is open year-round and surrounded by sun loungers. The fitness center sits upstairs. Water sport facilities on site include surfboard and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Guests can arrange surf lessons through staff. The restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine, including homemade fettuccine, wood-fired pizza, and fresh bread. The kitchen is run by Italian owner Enrico, who has built a reputation for food that rivals many restaurants in Milan. The breakfast includes fresh fish dishes and is served daily. A concierge service handles tour bookings, restaurant reservations, and airport transfers. The tour desk can organize visits to a nearby turtle beach. Private bathrooms come with hot-water showers. Rooms have ceiling fans, and air conditioning is available in every unit.
The Experience
The hotel sits 500 ft from the main surf break at Playa Grande, a 3-mile strip of sand with strong waves for experienced surfers and calm sections for beginners. A footpath leads from the property to the beach in about two minutes. The restaurant is the hotel's engine. A team led by Italian owner Enrico serves handmade fettuccine and pizza from a wood-fired oven. The food has won a following among guests and has drawn praise from Italian travelers who say the cooking matches what they get at home. The breakfast features fresh fish and local produce. Staff members handle the details. Vladimir, the guest relations manager, books turtle-watching excursions at night, arranges surf lessons with a local instructor, and helps with plans for nearby parks. The property has a small bar that pours local craft beers and fresh juices. The pool is set in a garden and is open all year. Guests can use the fitness center, which faces the garden. The hotel provides towels, sun loungers, and a luggage storage room. A free parking lot is adjacent to the building.
- Located 500 ft from the surf break at the center of Playa Grande, with a shaded footpath leading from the property to a 3-mile stretch of Pacific beach.
- On-site Italian restaurant run by Italian owner Enrico, serving homemade pasta, hand-stretched pizza, and fresh bread recognized by guests as among the best in the region.
- Outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers, plus a fitness center upstairs and water sport facilities including surfboard rentals and lessons.
- Staff arrange after-dark visits to a nearby turtle beach and organize local tours through the tour desk.
- Each room includes air conditioning, a private bathroom, and daily housekeeping; laundry, airport shuttle, free parking, and currency exchange are available.
Rooms and availability
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Max:4 persons
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Bed options:2 Single bedsSleeping arrangements for 4 persons
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Shower
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Air conditioning
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Max:2 persons
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Bed options:1 King Size Bed
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Shower
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Coffee machine
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Max:2 persons
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Bed options:2 Single beds1 King Size Bed
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Shower
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Balcony
Facilities
Main facilities
Off-site parking lot
Bar/ Lounge area
Restaurant
Paid airport shuttle
Fitness center
Outdoor swimming pool
Sports & Fitness
- Fitness center
- Snorkeling
- Sports trainer
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Tours/Ticket assistance
Dining
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
Spa & Leisure
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Beach access
- Sun loungers
- Garden area
Room features
- Air conditioning
- Patio
- Garden furniture
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Essential information about El Reinas By Sugar'S Monkey Hotel
| 💵 Lowest room price | 35 US$ |
| 📏 Distance to center | 200 yd |
| ✈️ Distance to airport | 8.7 mi |
| 🧳 Nearest airport | Tamarindo, TNO |
Location
- City landmarks
- Nearby
- Restaurants
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