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Reviews of Rancho Pacifico

4.5 out of 5
Rancho Pacifico
1 Rancho Pacifico Road, Ballena, Puntarenas

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lynn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Response from Owner on Apr 4, 2023
Thank you, Lynn, for staying with us!

10/10 Excellent

Glenn

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is stunning and our accommodations in the Tree House was a one of a kind experience. Mark and Marlo were super host and their hospitality sets the pace for everyone else on site; everyone was very friendly and make their guests feel welcome. Breakfasts, which are included, were a highlight as were our dinners which were excellent and reasonable, at a fixed price. Of the three boutique hotels we stayed at, Ranch Pacifico was the most expensive, but like the saying goes, you get what you pay for and I’m my opinion, there was an abundance of value at this very special resort. We’ll be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022
Response from Mark on Mar 13, 2022
Hi Glenn - Thanks so much for your review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience at Rancho Pacifico. We look forward to seeing you again soon! Pura vida.

10/10 Excellent

robert

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful all the way around
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
Response from M on Oct 12, 2021
Thank you Robert! We hope next time you can stay a few more days! Pura vida!

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Response from Mark on Mar 13, 2022
Thanks Charles!

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
What a View!
Had an amazing honeymoon stay at Rancho Pacifico. The property offers an absolutely incredible view overlooking the Pacific and feels very private with hiking trails and even a waterfall which is worth the trek. The service is spectacular (I think guests may have outnumbered the staff when we were there) and helped us plan a few of our activities (gave us an umbrella, chairs, and cooler for a beach day). I would definitely advise renting a 4x4 if you plan on driving to the property since the hill to get there is pretty steep and I'm not sure we would have made it up if we didn't have it.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021
Response from Mark on Jun 28, 2021
Hi Richard - Thanks so much for your review! We are very happy to hear that you had such a great honeymoon here at Rancho Pacifico. I hope we will have the opportunity to serve you again - maybe for an anniversary trip!

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!
Absolutely amazing stay. This is one of the best hotels we have ever stayed at and we travel a lot. Mark and Marlo are the owners and they are onsite every day to ensure that you have an amazing stay. The rooms are awesome, food is phenomenal and the views are to die for. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021
Response from Mark on Mar 5, 2021
Hi Chris - Thanks for taking the time to write a review. All of us here at Rancho Pacifico are delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable stay. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Magical rainforest retreat
This place is truly magical. It is an incredibly unique resort experience. The staff is outstanding and the scenery unparalleled!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2019
Response from Mark on Dec 1, 2019
Hi Jane - Thanks for your review! We are so glad you had the chance to experience the RP magic! All of here at Rancho Pacifico are looking forward to your next visit.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019
Response from Mark on Nov 24, 2019
Thanks for your review!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Aside from the fact that the view is amazing, the whole resort is modern and beautifully designed. The hand selected staff are personable, talented and made our stay special. We loved that Rancho Pacifico is quiet, private, and permitted us to experience living in a two-story home located in the middle of the jungle with our own pool, patio and no else around.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Mark on Aug 30, 2019
Hi Anonymous - Thanks so much for your review! We are thrilled to hear that you had such a nice experience. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Gia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Luxurious & Private
Such a tranquil & magnificent place! I stayed here with my best friend for a girl's getaway to relax. The Rancho Pacifico did not disappoint! We had some trouble getting up the mountain with our vehicle (Make sure you have a 4X4 that can handle steep rocky roads). However, the manager Alex & the staff came to our rescue! They were so wonderful and accommodating after a stressful arrival. They really made us feel comfortable and right at home. The entire staff is lovely & we really enjoyed our time there! Thanks to the owners & the wonderful staff for making our relaxing vacation a dream! Pictures do not do justice for this place! Completely luxurious & private- I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a quiet place to get away in Costa Rica. I will definitely be back <3
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Mark on Aug 13, 2019
Hi Gia - Thanks so much for taking the time to write! We are all so happy that you had such a great experience. Our staff was delighted to help you, and we are all hoping to see you again soon back at Rancho Pacifico.

10/10 Excellent

Sagit, New York, NY

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was our first trip to Costa Rica and coming from NYC we were looking for some solitude, adventure, and authenticity. Rancho Pacifico was all that and more. They truly exceeded our expectations. Set high up on a mountain in the middle of a rainforest with spectacular views of the jungle and Pacific. I could sit and look for hours, listening to the birds singing. Accommodations were open yet private, comfortable, clean and eco friendly. The gracious owners Marlo & Mark, who were there during our visit, have created a classy, modern yet comfortable and relaxing ambience that allows guests to experience the true beauty of the place. The staff; Salome, Hannah, Andrey, Alex and Vianney, were attentive, helpful and consistently went out of their way to ensure that we were taken care of. Thank you all for a wonderful time. Pura vida
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019
Response from Mark on Jun 4, 2019
Hi Sagit - thanks for your review! We are all delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful time at Rancho Pacifico. I imagine it couldn't possibly be more different than New York City! Looking forward to your return visits! - Mark

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely a fabulous property. We enjoyed everything about our stay and cannot wait to go back. I would recommend this to all, but I really want to keep it a secret.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019
Response from Mark on May 7, 2019
Thanks for taking the time to write! We are delighted to hear that you had such a great experience at Rancho Pacifico.

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a first class property all the way. Can't say enough! Staff was attentive, personable and plain friendly. The views are fantastic! You want to have a bucket list experience visit RP! If you aren't satisfied then you are just a complaint searching for a target. We spent 5 nights there and left on 4/8/2019. Pura Vida
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019
Response from Mark on Apr 14, 2019
Thank you for your review Scott! We are delighted that you had a great time here. We hope you make a return trip to RP. Pura Vida!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Response from Owner on Jan 24, 2019
Thank you for your review!

8/10 Good

Farzin, LA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018
Response from Mark on Apr 1, 2019
Thanks for your review!

10/10 Excellent

catherine, Houston Texas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Unique Experience
This was our first trip to Costa Rica and we wanted a different type of stay than the usual all inclusive! We found Rancho Pacifico... WOW is all I can say. The drive up is abit scary the first time but once at the top you are greeted by warm welcoming staff or maybe the new owners Mark& Marlo! We stayed in a treehouse of sorts with spectacular views of the whales tale , sunsets and jungle, we ate every breakfast and supper at the hotel because the food was so yummy the menu changes every night and they really watch for any allergies (I have some weird food ones) it was such a relaxing and adventurous stay we will definitely be back
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2018
Response from Rancho Pacifico on Mar 15, 2018
Hi Catherine - thanks so much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that your experience at Rancho Pacifico was perfect for you. Looking forward to seeing you again soon. - Mark

8/10 Good

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Response from Mark on Jun 4, 2019
Thanks for your review! Ownership of Rancho Pacifico changed shortly after your stay. We are confident if you returned today, we could turn your 8 to a 10!

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
nice hotel but the driveway is really bad
beautiful location high in the forest with gorgeous views. unfortunately, the unpaved driveway is ca. 2 miles long and very! steep. also quite pricey.
Response from Mark on Jun 4, 2019
Hi Anonymous - Thanks for your review. The "driveway" is actually a public road, and it has been improved quite a bit since your visit two years ago. While a 4-wheel drive is still required, it is a safe and scenic drive up to the hotel.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing and stunning.
Couldn't say enough about this breathtaking place. The staff went above and beyond. They even located a sloth up in the trees the last day I was there, knowing I desperately wanted to see one. The food was generous, healthy and yummy. I will definitely recommend and be going back.
Response from Mark on Jun 4, 2019
Thanks for your review!

10/10 Excellent

Nati, SJO

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
BEST TIME EVER AT RANCHO PACIFICO
My boyfriend and I just got back from the most romantic long weekend at RP imaginable. Friends in San Jose have been recommending it for years - and now we know why. The food, ambiance and service are second to none - certainly in CR. The staff is super friendly and accommodating - but professional as well. We already miss the care they gave us. Perhaps what stands out most (beside the view, natural beauty and exquisite design) is the fresh sushi created and served by master sushi chef Hudson. We indulged in it every night - the freshest ever.... Can't wait to g back!
Response from Mark on Jun 4, 2019
Thanks for your review!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
As close to heaven you can imagine
Everything about Rancho Pacifico is unique -- and much of it is one of a kind. It was heaven for us because it is peaceful, beautiful beyond belief and is fully staffed by professionals that make you feel at home. We drank in the views, the solitude -- and a few cocktails (all fresh, creative and fairly priced). We had a private BBQ by a secret waterfall, the best spa treatments ever in the most amazing setting, and met fabulous people (some of which were there for the 3rd or 4th time). Chef Hudson prepared fresh sushi for us in our villa - and it was probably the best we ever had. Manager Alex and Concierge Karla attended to everything. It's important to realize that RP is not a budget hotel - it is one of the most awarded small hotels in the world which is one of the reasons we chose it. As such it is certainly not cheap. But if you can afford it - or it's a special occasion - you will experience the royal treatment - and it is worth every penny.
Response from Mark on Jun 4, 2019
Thanks for your review!

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful view and quiet
Three rugged miles from beach. Hotel transportation available but pricey. Activities at hotel limited to pool and hiking. Staff are very nice and helpful. Dinner menu could be simpler with fresh fish and veggies. Fruit and salad on request were outstanding.
Response from Mark on Jun 4, 2019
Thanks for your review!

6/10 Okay

Melissa, St. Paul, MN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort
Beautiful setting but would not stay again
Amazing setting up in the mountains. Incredible views and wildlife. All the staff were great. A couple reasons why we would not stay again. Because it's difficult to get to due to the hair raising drive, it's easiest to to have all meals there. However, food and drinks while good are really pricey. Do your research on tours as they like to book you on more expensive private tours. Ask if anyone else is going on the same tour as you at the same exact time so you have the option of sharing the tour and perhaps carpooling as the drive in and out of RP is stressful, especially for Nat Geo tour. Our room was way too hot at night for a comfortable sleep and they only provide one extra small fan, which doesn't help much if at all. Ask for a tall fan before you even arrive. Be aware of large bugs in room.
Response from Mark on Jun 4, 2019
Hi Anonymous - New ownership took over Rancho Pacifico in 2017, and we are confident you would have a dramatically better experience if you visited today.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fabulous getaway at Rancho Pacifico
We live in San Jose and have been hearing about about RP for years as the perfect getaway for a busy couple to escape for a much needed break. From the moment we arrived we were treated like royalty - and never left the property for the couple of days we were there. There really was no need to. All of the meals - especially the special private dinner we had at poolside - were extraordinary. It was peaceful, dramatic and unlike any other hotel we've ever visited.....we think the best in Costa Rica.
Response from Mark on Jun 4, 2019
Thanks for your review!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Paradise Found!
Followed the advice of friends who have been raving about RP for several years and now understand what they were raving about! The food, service, cleanliness and hospitality are without doubt the best we have experienced in many travels around the world. And of course the feeling of retreating to a mountaintop in the rainforest overlooking the ocean is other worldly.
Response from Mark on Jun 4, 2019
Thanks for your review!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wow - One of a kind!
3rd time at rancho pacifico- the best so far. A lot of imrovements, even though I didn't think they needed any! Super clean, great staff, fabulous food - amazing service.
Response from Mark on Jun 4, 2019
Thanks for your review!

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice facility but poor service for its price
Great view, friednly staff, large private room... but I wouldn't say this is 5 stars hotel. First of all, I asked them to book a table at the restaurant around 8pm and also told I wanted to do something surprising for my friend's birthday, like a special dessert. I received an email from them confirming my request. But nothing happened. Can you imagine how much I dissapointed? Secondly, I asked them to arrange a private car to go to Sierpe and the price they offered me was wrong. They said 70 dollars but it was not. The lady at concierge told me she would negotiate with the driver but we didn't get any follow-up from the hotel after that. Lastly, the couch in our room was wet and smelled. I know it is very humid in Costa Rica but it was little bit disgusting. I would say, this hotel is totally overpriced. Their service was not what I would have never expected from a hotel of this expense. But all staff was always smiling and welcoming, they were trying to do their best at every moment. I liked it!
Response from Manager on Oct 5, 2015
We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed many elements of Rancho Pacifico but are quite disappointed that you felt less than thrilled. We always make an over-the-top effort when it comes to celebrations - way beyond a free desert. So sorry if this slipped. We have checked the sofa and did not disco

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Mark on Apr 1, 2019
Thanks for your review!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Mark on Apr 1, 2019
Thanks for your review!

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Restaurant caro
Response from Mark on Jun 4, 2019
Thanks for your review!

10/10 Excellent

Christophe, Marseille

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Parfait pour une lune de miel
Une vue sur la baie des baleines magnifique. L'hotel est situé sur les hauteurs d'uvita où on peut admirer la nature et ses animaux dans un calme absolu. Il dispose entre autre d'une piscine pour deux à débordement magnifique. Le chef Alex propose un menu raffiné aux saveurs locales.
Response from Mark on Jun 4, 2019
Thanks for your review!

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel muy bonito pero acceso dificil
El hotel es muy bonito con unas vistas espectaculares sobre el parque nacional Marino Ballena. Las habitaciones tienen una decoración exquisita .Pero para llegar a él hay que conducir durante 5km por una carretera sin asfaltar y con fuerte pendiente. Es obligatorio llevar un coche 4x4 (o se puede pagar un servicio de taxi a 25$ el trayecto).
Response from Mark on Jun 4, 2019
Thanks for your review!