Outdoor pool, sun loungers

Reviews of Esencia Hotel & Villas

3 out of 5
Esencia Hotel & Villas
2 Km North of Cruce de Playa Carmen, Santa Teresa, Cóbano, Puntarenas

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 88 out of 184 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 59 out of 184 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 21 out of 184 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 184 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 184 reviews" "

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Edward

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The villa was super cute, very clean, and the area very walkable. They had security as well, which was an added plus. Two things that could be improved— internet speed was ridiculously slow or nonexistent at times. I also asked for an iron at 6pm and they just told me, sorry housekeeping is gone until tomorrow. So the service lacked a bit there…
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Seif, EL CAJON

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Javier was super awesome !!! The place is cool. Nice swimming pool.and super convenient to the beach and also to a store and many restaurants nearby

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very peaceful. Staff was very helpful
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Nov 23, 2023
Thank you so much for stay with us

10/10 Excellent

Victor

Business traveler
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It’s a very nice an beautiful property, and the owner and staff are very good people.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Mar 30, 2023
Thank you so much for stay with us

10/10 Excellent

Barb

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Mar 17, 2023
Thank you so much for stay with us

2/10 Terrible

Jennifer

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
One major problem was the bed bugs, they were very bad. It almost ruined our trip, and it might still if we can’t get them out of our luggage.
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2023
Response from Hotel Manager on Mar 2, 2023
Dear Jennifer,we are really surprised to receive such a bad review from you!During your 12 days stays we never received your complaint or request to solve problems in your room.We didn't receive any complaint from other guests next to your room during that period, so it is weird to hear that it happened into your room only...Bugs all around the bed and luggage for 12 days? Did you inform our staff about that? Are you sure they were not already in your luggage when you arrived at the hotel?We both lost the opportunity to make your stay a pleasant one since you didn't made anything to inform us, except to write this review here.I permit to suggest you to report any situation in the future to avoid another "ruined trip".Pura Vida

6/10 Okay

Yotam

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Aging hotel in a good location
The hotel is located in what is probably the best part of town, with relatively easy access to a good surf point (it's still a walk and a half to get to the water, but that's always the case unless you are right on the beach). Rooms are large, but their age shows. Showers offer either good water flow or hot water, but not both. I had to basically hike to my room that was located at the top of the hill. The hotel lacks the charm and cool factor of Somos, that's right next door. It is across the street from the only "disco" in town, but the place seemed to be a bit of a dive. The hotel doesn't offer late checkout at all, which I found problematic.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Response from Hotel Manager on Apr 2, 2023
Thank you for your feedback, we accept all opinions because it is important to know different points of view; we can start from those to improve our services and enviroments.We are sorry you had found some problems with the shower.Concerning the lack of charm we permit to observe the different style between Esencia and Somos: our property is located in a lush garden with plenty of plants and trees, swimming pool with view to the hill and open air, we only use local products for furnitures like wood for chairs, tables, doors ceiling roof.Our style is a kind of country style whom can be more or less appreciated by our guests.Somos hotel is a small 3 floor bilding with a completely different style and located on the street.Sincerely,

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice, neat little property. Stayed in small hotel room. Clean with simple and pleasing teak decor and tended grounds. A/C and patio or porch with chairs, table and hammock. Staff has been kind and helpful. Not a resort. A good value. Enjoyable pool area. Close to restaurants. Short walk to beach.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Feb 20, 2023
Thank you so much for stay with us

10/10 Excellent

Marlene

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was beautiful, Beds and pillows were comfortable. I had a coffee maker and fridge in the room. Had a Hammock on our front deck to lay in. Pool was fantastic. Would gladly stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Feb 14, 2023
Thank you so much for stay with us.

10/10 Excellent

Leonardo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Feb 14, 2023
Thank you so much for stay with us

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Sweet bungalow with kitchenette. Nice décor and porch with teak furniture and hammock. Attractive pool area, and restaurants within short walk. The air conditioning makes for good sleeping as it’s hot and humid. Staff has been warm and welcoming.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Feb 14, 2023
Thank you so much for stay with us

10/10 Excellent

Ron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Mar 14, 2023
Thank you so much for stay with us .

8/10 Good

Alonso

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great for kids, locaton is ideal.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Feb 4, 2023
Thank you so much for stay with us .

10/10 Excellent

Odinney

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No issues good place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Jan 28, 2023
Thank you so much for stay with us .

10/10 Excellent

Laurier

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Jan 25, 2023
Thank you very much for stay with us

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Jan 7, 2023
Thank you for choose Esencia & Hotel & Villas.

10/10 Excellent

Janelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I LOVED my stay at Esencia. The people were absolutely amazing that worked there. Very friendly, helpful, and kind. The property itself is in the most perfect location - right across the street from the beach, walking distance to everything, and was clean and wonderful. I very much enjoyed my stay there.
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Dec 31, 2022
Thanks for stay with us and choose Hotel Esencia & Villas .

8/10 Good

Diane

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a unique town with a very laid back vibe. We loved the ease of it all. The only down side was that the room did not have an iron or hangers (we were there for a wedding). The front desk Clerk Annabelle was wonderful and very helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

Justin, Long Beach

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was nice. We traveled with young kids and liked having the private villas and the pool was very nice. Staff was friendly and welcoming. The beds were very firm and made sleeping through the night difficult. There is a noisy night club near by that goes late into the night but the villa keeps most the noise out. I think if the beds were more comfortable we would never even had known how late the night clubs run. Like most of Santa Teresa there is a dirt road out front which during the rain season is very muddy. But the beach is a very short walk away. Overall this stay was okay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Janice

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2022
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Mar 25, 2022
Thanks for stay with us

10/10 Excellent

jeff

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Greet basic place well Located good pool
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Mar 13, 2022
Thanks for stay with us

10/10 Excellent

Timothy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very pleasant place to stay! Close to all things we came there for, beach, dining, music and pool!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Mar 5, 2022
Thank you so much for the review and stay with us.

6/10 Okay

Damien

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Our Esencia Villa Experience
Staff was very friendly, parking was convenient, and the property was clean. Our only issue was that we had the villa closest to the street. This wouldn’t have been a problem accept for the fact that there is a disco tech right across the street. The loud music and crowds on the street kept us up late into the night (or should I say early morning?) There were also restaurants on both sides that played live music late into the night. The villas set further back on the property may not have experienced this problem.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

Nicholas

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location to walk to beach
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Jan 18, 2022
Thanks for stay with us

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel property right in the heart of Santa Theresa. Staff are very helpful. Nice peaceful retreat from the hectic main road. We had a family Villa that slept 4 and had a full kitchen. Nice to be able to eat a meal or two in the rom. Restaurants in the area can be quire expensive.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Jan 10, 2022
Thanks for stay with us

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Basic but comfortable , great helpful , friendly staff. Excellent location
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Jan 7, 2022
Thanks for stay with us.

10/10 Excellent

Yuval

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Jan 4, 2022
Thanks for stay with us .

2/10 Terrible

Fiorella

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Christy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2021
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Nov 24, 2021
Thanks for stay with us .

10/10 Excellent

Jose Antonio

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excelente lugar para estar en familia
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Nov 22, 2021
Gracias por escoger Esencia Hotel and Villas como su lugar de descanso , lo esperamos pronto

6/10 Okay

James, Rio Vista

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pretty view from the balcony. The unit could have used some little amenities like coffee for the coffee maker. Wifi signal was very weak and sometimes didn't work at all.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2021

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort
Great location for surfing! Front desk was very nice and helpful with everything I needed. Bed was very firm and uncomfortable. Blanket was more like a table cloth and not very soft. Shower head needs to be replaced. Very slow water power. Breakfast was very basic.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
We found several earthworms in our bed and in the room. Apart from that, it has a good location.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Para el momento de la recepción fuimos atendidos adecuadamente, el joven de la recepción muy atento pero no se nos indicaron instrucciones en caso de tener que abandonar las villas antes de tiempo y se presentó la situación que tuvimos que retirarnos en la madrugada, y dejamos las llaves con el guarda. Al parecer alguien extrajo de la habitación productos del bar y se hizo un reporte falso de que faltaban productos que nosotros no consumimos.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Carley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Jun 25, 2021
Thanks for stay with us .

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location, service and grat amenities. ill definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Jun 25, 2021
Thanks for stay with us , we waiting for you again

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Traveled with group, Business traveler, Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
We booked a bungalow. Upon arrival, we were given a "2nd floor bungalow". There is no such thing; a bungalow is, by definition, a single story detached dwelling. it does not have other stories. Any 2-unit complex is, by definition; a duplex - not a bungalow, which is what we booked and paid for.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021

8/10 Good

Leyna

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location, near everythign, but tucked away
We stayed in one of the villas, and it was perfect for our group of 3. Basic kitchen essentials, desk for working, plenty of space, nice pool. We even had the water heater go out during our stay and it was replaced the same day. Great service, beautiful spot, conveniently located.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Feb 19, 2021
Thanks for the review and stay with us

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stay
The staff was very helpful and made my stay smooth. They reserved a cab for me for the morning of my departure. The property was quiet and beautifully landscaped. The pool area was nice and has lots of lounge chairs. I would have liked wifi in the room.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Feb 16, 2021
Thanks for stay with us and always welcome .

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Worst Hotel Experience of my life- beware!
Let me start by saying that I have been to over 30 countries in the past three years- I'm comfortable with anything from budget accommodations to high-end lodging. I have a small service dog that accompanies me everywhere. I contacted the hotel immediately after booking to let them know and said I would happily send over her paperwork. They assured me there would be no issue. We arrive in Santa Teresa, planning to stay at Escencia for two weeks and they kicked us out after one night, claiming a "no pet" policy even though they had agreed. Turns out, they are simply greedy and were attempting to charge us for 2 weeks of lodging that we did not use. They have agreed after weeks of hassle to refund only a few nights and charge us for 10 nights when we were there less than 24 hours. They knew that they would be able to book the vacancy immediately (high-season) and thus make double money. Locals in the area are aware of their penchant for kicking people out for no reason and hiding behind a no-cancellation policy. Book at your own (high) risk. -As an aside, the rooms are also quite mildew-filled and the appliances are completely rusted over, and the hotel manager is incredibly rude. There are many beautiful places to stay in Santa Teresa- anywhere from $50 a night to hundreds. This was terrible by every account possible.
Stayed 14 nights in Dec 2020

2/10 Terrible

LHY, Charleston South Carolina

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We booked this reservation at 3:40 PM we arrived one hour later and were told they could not take the reservation and he tried to contact us even though we had no email text or phone calls from this property. He said we do have a room it’s in our other property on the other end of the island I believe it was a scam. I think this guy took a reservation knowing he didn’t have a room at his seemingly nice looking resort and sent us to the next best place with literally a bed in a room PERIOD!!!! A bed in a room AC that only works with a key so you cannot cool your room down before. They say breakfast and at 7:30 am there was not even coffee. The pillows were foam pieces and the bed was just horrible. Booking a room at The Esencia means nothing!!!!! You will NOT get what is represented or shown on their website. BUYER BEWARE!!!!! This is a scam!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021
Response from Stefano on Jan 28, 2021
dear sir, we would like to respond you in order to defend our position against your false accusations. first of all, after 30 minutes you made the reservation you have been contacted by our message written directly on expedia.com to your reservation file. we also sent a whatsapp message to your phone number indicated on your reservation (the same number you used for writing me your messages during that day and the day after...). by the way, since the beginning I admitted my error and I apologized for that, we found you another accomodation because we were fully booked. we know it was not enough to solve the problem (fortunately it doesn't happen so often) so we decided to OFFER that night without charging ANYTHING to you. The alternative accomodation you described like the worst hostel in the world is absolutely not that bad, but when you decided to write this false feedback you put all yourself on it. Scam is the word you used to describe the hotel... I don't permit to describe you, I am not at your same level, I am sorry sir. I only hope you can get in the future a little bit more of PURA VIDA (relax, enjoy the life!) Warm wishes,

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Mar 10, 2020
Thanks for stay with us

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Feb 2, 2020
Thanks for choose us and stay with us .

8/10 Good

Brittney, Saskatoon, Canada

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay here was overall quite good. The path to the beach is kitty corner from the hotel so that was convenient. It was a bit of a walk up a hill to our room which could be challenging for some, but we had no issue with it. Breakfast is delivered to the room each morning which was a nice touch, super nice to eat breakfast on the deck with a view of the gardens and pool! I found the bed to be quite hard which I didn’t love, but my partner had no issue with it so just depends on your preference. The blanket for the bed was basically just a bed sheet, which I didn’t feel was enough due to how cold the AC was in the room. The staff were super helpful and informative with booking tours/taxis/shuttles, and the place was clean. Walking distance to many different restaurants. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2020
Response from Hotel and Villas Esencia on Feb 1, 2020
Thank you so much for your comments and stay with us .

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice and quiet. Right across from the beach. I liked that breakfast was brought right to your room. Very nice pool area.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Jan 26, 2020
Thank you so much for your coments and choose Hotel & Villas Esencia

6/10 Okay

Angie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Room comfort
Basic Villa ... Very loud dance club across the st
We rented one of the Villas and got the first one upon entering the grounds. Quite far from the pool but seemed ok until the nighttime. There is a club with very loud music that can go on till 3/4 am. Unfortunately we heard it first hand. The villa is basic. It needs a Reno especially the washroom. Found some bugs and a work on the floor but not surprised. The only bonus is gated at night with security guard so you feel somewhat safe. Great sushi place next door 😀
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good stay, good value.
Very nice stay. The rooms were comfortable and attractive. We enjoyed having a balcony and overlooking the pool. The pool itself was beautiful and clean. Breakfast was adequate, but not stellar - just quite basic, a few more options and better coffee would go a long way. We did have one service issue, which I thought was pretty slow in being addressed, but it was resolved to our satisfaction. Overall we enjoyed our stay and found this to be a good value and good location. I would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019
Response from Hotel & Villas Esencia on Jan 13, 2020
Thanks for choose Hotel & Villas Esencia and for the review .

8/10 Good

Okivia, Fort Collins, co

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place was good. I would stay here again and recommmend it to my friends
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019
Response from Hotel Esencia & Villas on Jan 3, 2020
Thanks for stay with us and for the review .

8/10 Good

Jerry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice hotel close to the beach with many options to eat and walking distance to the beach and supermarkets
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019
Response from Esencia Hotel & Villas on Dec 20, 2019
Thanks for your stay at Esencia Hotel and Villas and for your review .

10/10 Excellent

Weston

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice place to stay
This was a great experience for my family. Santa Teresa Beach is loud and dusty with all the traffic on the main road, but this place is sprawled up the hill and gives a little more privacy. The staff were great to us and helped us arrange what we needed, and the pool was very relaxing. The cottages had everything we needed and stayed cool at night with the A/C.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2019
Response from Hotel Esencia on Dec 10, 2019
Thank you very much for your visit and review .