Find all hotels by Independent in Santa Cruz from $56

"I would come back to this resort! Our room was nice and clean, although it had a stuffy slightly mildew smell… That might be partly because of the tropical environment? The beds were comfortable and we slept well and the AC worked well, too. The bar staff was amazing! They were extremely friendly and attentive and gave great service and the pools were all nice and clean. The Japanese restaurant was closed when we were there, and the steakhouse was not good at all, but we were very pleasantly surprised with the buffet options every morning and night! The front desk was attentive and responded to our needs promptly… There was an active hornet nest on our balcony that they removed within hours while we were down at the pool! The RIU Fun events were nice, although they never seemed to start on time. During the day while we were hanging out at the pool bar or lounging that didn’t really matter too much, but it would’ve been nice to know that we didn’t need to show up on time to the evening events because we ended up waiting around. Once we figured out that the timing of things went a little late, we adjusted our plans and had a great time!"

"Our stay at Hotel Bosque del Mar was pure relaxation from start to finish. The grounds and facilities are spotless, surrounded by lush tropical greenery that makes you feel completely immersed in nature. Everything — from the rooms to the pool area — was clean, comfortable, and beautifully maintained. The staff were incredible: friendly, professional, and always ready to help with a genuine smile. They made us feel welcome the moment we arrived and added such a personal touch to our stay. We especially loved spending time in the pool and hot tub, which were both pristine and perfectly placed for soaking up the peaceful surroundings. Each morning, we woke to the sounds of howler monkeys echoing through the trees — an unforgettable reminder that we were in the heart of Costa Rica. If you’re looking for a quiet, scenic escape with wonderful service and a touch of adventure, Hotel Bosque del Mar is the perfect choice. We can’t wait to come back!"

"Perfect spot for just arriving into the country. Steff was amazing "

"We had an amazing time at Margaritaville Playa Flamingo! The staff were absolutely excellent — warm, welcoming, and always eager to help with anything we needed. The food was fantastic, with a great variety of delicious options at every meal. The views were truly breathtaking, and the beach right in front of the resort was beautiful — soft sand, perfect for relaxing. One thing to note is that the tide and currents can be quite strong at times, and it changes drastically throughout the day, which can make the beach look very different depending on the hour. It’s fascinating to watch but something to be mindful of if you plan to swim or take long walks along the shore. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and a great place to unwind. I’d definitely recommend Margaritaville Playa Flamingo to anyone looking for a stunning getaway in Costa Rica!"

"Nice new rooms great view of runway watching planes take off. Good shuttle service and breakfast was basic but more than sufficient."

"Everything about the resort was wonderful, from the staff to resort to the beaches. Staff was always delightful to talk too and very informative. Transportation was always there when needed and on time. I will be back! Thank you!"

"Where do we start with this review? My husband and I had a terrific time at Casa Conde on our first all-inclusive vacation. What truly made our stay memorable were the incredible staff. We were traveling with our 7-month-old baby, and everyone treated us like family—greeting us with smiles each day, helping with our little one, and making sure we were always comfortable. We wish we got everyone's names, but we will give a special shoutout to Kendy, Fernanda, Daniela, Jimena, Anita at reception, and Geovanny for their kindness and warmth throughout our stay. If you’re looking for a 4-star luxury resort with shiny new amenities, this will not be it—but it’s still a beautiful resort - lush greens, clean, comfortable, and full of heart. The food was great, the drinks were made well, the resort is steps away from the beach (Playa Panama), and the overall vibe was relaxed and easygoing. Thanks to the wonderful team at CC, we left with warm memories and would return in a heartbeat. "

"The property was georgious! The staff was fantastic and the views were absolutely amazing. I went on the catamaran tour and it was absolutely amazing. "

"Good vibe, nice atmosphere and calm place to stay! Would love to go back."