Northern Pacific, Nicoya Peninsula
Villa del Sol B&B

Location: Playa del Coco, Playa del Coco
Phone 866/793-9523 in the U.S., 670-0085
Fax 670-0085
Room Information 13 units, 11 with private bathroom
Prices $55 double; $65 studio apt. Rates include full breakfast for rooms only, not studio apts. Rates lower in the off season, higher during peak periods
Credit Cards AE, MC, V
In Room Amenities No phone

This small bed-and-breakfast, located 1km (1/2 mile) north of Playa del Coco village, is a friendly family-run place. There are seven rooms in the original building here. All are spacious and clean and receive plenty of light. Several have the option of air-conditioning for an extra $5.

The most interesting room has a round queen-size bed, high ceilings, and views of the gardens. Still, the nicest rooms here are the six studios, each with a small kitchenette, a private bathroom, air-conditioning, a television, and a telephone. Those on the second floor even have a bit of ocean view from their shared veranda.

There's an inviting small pool with a covered barbecue area. Tasty dinners are prepared nightly for guests from a small menu of European-influenced dishes. For me, the hotel's greatest attribute is its location on the quiet northern end of Playa del Coco. To find the hotel, turn onto the dirt road just beyond the Coco Verde Resort, before you hit the beach.

Facilities: Restaurant; small pool; tour desk