Shana Hotel & Spa

Amaizing location with monkeys, aras, tucanos.. Good breakfast a super service from Javier at restaurant

Shana by the Beach was a beautiful stay. We had an ocean view room and loved every moment we spent on the balcony. We saw scarlet macaws, toucans and so many white faced monkeys, just from our balcony. The sunsets were gorgeous, and the staff was really kind.

Come here for the hospitality, laid back guests, beach access to Playa Biesanz and beautiful pool views. The food and drinks.. eh.. mediocre. Location isn't too far from restaurants but the steep hill the hotel is at the bottom of really isolates it and removes your dining options unless you take a cab. We did, it was fine. The rooms are clean but in need of some minor renovations. Pool was never crowded but the adult pool was. Luckily the adult pool is separated from the main pool by the bar and not visible to anyone in the main pool. quite a few honeymooners making out over there. Aside from that, the staff is what makes this place shine. I have forgotten most of their names but literally everyone was so helpful and more than just pleasant as if they really did love their jobs (their shirts said so). I didn't feel awkward as I usually do when someone waits on me, it was more as if they were all our friends - sincere, not put on. Special shout out to Kevin and the 2 young guys who run cocktails and food orders to all the loungers by the pool. Guest services - sorry I forgot your name - he was amazing! booked us a tour last minute and saved us from a transport pickle we got ourselves into. The woman at the breakfast buffet who makes eggs to order - rock star! I gave her a few bucks each morning because its not that easy to make eggs that perfect. The perfectly over easy eggs and gallo pinto were my favorite part of the Shana restaurant. Pizza was good too. If I were to return I would get a top floor ocean view room. that would make a huge difference. Our room was at the very bottom with no view. Last day the monkeys came to our balcony - finally!

Shana by the Beach provided us with a wonderful experience. Staying at the studio suite jungle view, it was quiet, clean, with a large kitchen and, most importantly, a nice view of the rainforest. The Pacific Ocean can be seen at a distance of ca a mile or so. While sitting on the balcony we could count on capuchin monkeys visiting us every morning, casually walking behind our chairs, climbing along the railing or consuming food that they found on neighboring balconies. One omission that needs mentioning is the lack of towel racks. There’s a walking path down to a very nice beach that doesn’t have any road access. Hence, it offers a nice and relaxed atmosphere. One can rent beach chairs and sun umbrellas. There are even some food and drink vendors at the beach. Shana by the beach has two pools that are well maintained and allow for a good workout. It’s best to go swimming early to get some good laps in. Food and beverage selections are good. We especially enjoyed the breakfast buffet with a broad variety of offerings, traditional Costa Rican fare, as well as muesli etc. and eggs, omelettes with accoutrements. Breakfast service was swift and friendly. Xavier, Ellieth and Sidney were our favorite servers: very friendly, efficient and welcoming. They gave you a heads-up if you choose to sit near the railing that capuchin monkeys or birds might partake in your breakfast if you left the table to go for refills. Even iguanas would occasionally show up to search for food at edge of the restaurant If one needs transportation around the resort it was always there at moments notice, especially Jairo’s golf cart rides and all-around services were superb. Jadelle, at the front office also deserves mention, he’s friendly, competent and efficient. If you head for Shana by the beach, be prepared to walk up and down hilly terrain, be it from your room to the restaurant, pool or front desk. Because of the terrain, Shana by the beach isn’t a big bulky building, but fits in very nicely with its surroundings. We very much enjoyed our time there.

Loved the stunning location, carved into the rugged hillside between a pristine, quiet beach and the national park wildlife preserve. Hotel is classy, safe and comfortable. The staff are professional, friendly and super helpful. Our bellman, Jaiyo, was amazing! He made sure we had everything we needed to enjoy our stay. We'll be back!