Nestled in the vibrant city of Tamarindo, Costa Rica, Dunama Hotel & Casino presents a property with undeniable potential, characterized by its breathtaking views and dedicated staff. However, prospective guests should be aware of certain inconsistencies, particularly regarding its namesake "casino" and room conditions, to set appropriate expectations.
Many guests consistently highlight the hotel's most striking feature: its stunning location and views. Overlooking the beautiful Costa Rican landscape, the property offers "awesome views" and "beautiful scenery" from various points, including the restaurant area and a sought-after private beach below.
A recurring theme in positive feedback is the commendable service provided by individual staff members. Guests like Seth Blackamore praised Nelson for going "above and beyond" to ensure comfort and welcome. Similarly, Marla Gross highlighted Luis at the front desk for his efforts to make guests comfortable and Fabricio, a server, as "the sweetest and always wanted to please."
For peace of mind, the presence of a "security guard all night" and "Armed security all night" was noted, contributing to a feeling of being "very safe" throughout the property.
The hotel boasts "gorgeous" grounds and offers on-site parking. The restaurant and bar are generally well-regarded for their "stunning" views, "reasonable prices" (especially during happy hour from 1 PM to 7 PM), and "plentiful and tasty" portions. While one reviewer found prices high, others appreciated the value, alongside quick and friendly service.
Despite its strengths, several critical points emerged that future visitors should consider:
This is a significant area of concern. Rooms are described as "basic but clean" by some, but others found them "not well kept," suffering from "a lot of humidity" which made "bed and clothes feels wet and smelly." A clogged shower drain was also reported. The overall design of the rooms was felt to be "just okay" and not as aesthetically pleasing as the surrounding land.
Crucially, one reviewer explicitly stated, "There is not actually a casino." This contradicts the hotel's name and primary type, which could lead to disappointment for guests expecting gambling facilities.
Guests traveling with elderly companions should be very cautious about "garden view" rooms, as "there is no elevator and the rooms are all the way down the stairs." Furthermore, some servers unfortunately did not speak English, posing a communication barrier for guests with limited Spanish. Noise from events, such as a wedding with "super loud music til about 1030," was also audible throughout the property.
One guest noted a lack of engagement from the manager, who was observed daily but "never took a moment to ask how we were enjoying our stay." While room rates were considered "good" by one, another cautioned, "don't get cheaper prices fool you!" suggesting the quality might not justify even a low price. The "all inclusive" package was not recommended, with guests advised to explore excellent local restaurants instead.
Dunama Hotel & Casino possesses immense natural beauty and the potential for a fantastic stay, largely due to its unparalleled views, dedicated frontline staff members, and feeling of security. However, it appears to be a property in need of significant investment and renovation, particularly concerning its rooms and overall infrastructure, to match its stunning surroundings. If you are looking for a property with gorgeous views and a private beach and don't mind basic accommodations, or if you plan to explore local dining, Dunama could be an option. However, if modern amenities, consistent room quality, or a working casino are high on your priority list, it may be best to adjust expectations or consider other options in Tamarindo.
Awesome views, awesome customer service especially Nelson. He went above and beyond to make us comfortable and feel welcome. Property had security guard all night. Felt very safe.Good restaurant and bar, although the prices seemed high really high.The private beach below was a highlight. The rooms were good rates and clean enough for my wife and I.
Hi, don’t get cheaper prices fool you! Staff is friendly however rooms are not well kept. A lot of humidity inside the room which makes bed and clothes feels wet and smelly. Shower drain clogged. If traveling with someone elderly be very cautious about getting a room where they say gardens view, there is no elevator and the rooms are all the way down the stairs. This review is not to destroy the place, instead to encourage them to renovate it. A lot of tourists goes to that area. They deserve it better. Restaurant area has a pretty nice view.
So much potential here! The location & views are stunning. The grounds are gorgeous too. Room was just okay, nothing strongly bad or good. The design is just not really nice or as beautiful as the land it’s on. The upstairs common area was in use for a wedding, super loud music til about 1030 clearly audible throughout the whole property. In fairness it was Saturday night, no worries. Did not get to try restaurant/bar. Armed security all night, parking on site. There is not actually a casino. Overall could be a great property with some more attention/investment.
Let’s keep in mind it is a 3 star. The rooms were very basic but clean. Offered shampoo and soap , that’s all. Do not choose the all inclusive as you will probably go crazy.We took the breakfast package which was perfect. We took the opportunity to explore the very good restaurants in the area. What stands out the most was the beautiful scenery! There were two staff that really made our stay special . , Luis at the front desk did everything in his power to make us comfortable . Fabricio one of the servers is the sweetest and always wanted to please. Unfortunately some of the servers did not speak a work of English which is bit difficult if you have limited Spanish. What was also surprising is the manager sat at breakfast area almost daily and never took a moment to ask how we were enjoying our stay. We were only a handle of guests at the time. He was even at the counter when we checked out and did not bother looking our way. It would be nice to show that you care about your guests.All that being said, Costa Rica is amazing and you should go visit!!!
Went for dinner. Noticed some prior bad reviews. Reasonable prices. Happy hour 2 for 1 drinks 1 pm to 7pm. Portions were plentiful and tasty. Service was quick and friendly. Views and location is stunning. Give this place a try.