Azul Hotel & Retreat

Hotels
Independent
8.6 (101 reviews)
3 km South of Marbella, Santa Cruz, Cuajiniquil, Guanacaste, 50306 , Cuajiniquil , CR

Facilities

Free breakfast
Fitness facilities
Area shuttle (surcharge)
Arcade/game room
Health club
Free WiFi
Terrace
Garden
Luggage storage
Continental breakfast
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Cons:
Dirty beach
High breakfast charges
Limited food options
Unpleasant experience due to bugs and humidity

Categories

Cleanliness
5.13
The beach is dirty, nobody cleans.
Service
10
Standard service standard for a hotel of this rating.
Location
9.6
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Room Quality
9.64
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Amenities
9.59
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Value for Money
9.12
Charged more than expected for breakfast.
Food and Beverage
7.08
Limited breakfast options and additional charges.
Overall Experience
8.63
Disappointed with overall experience due to cleanliness and food issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-09 10:38

Property Description

Discover a sanctuary of relaxation and adventure at Azul Hotel & Retreat, where your dream vacation awaits.

Unwind in Opulent Comfort
Indulge in our luxurious accommodations featuring air-conditioned rooms, private balconies, and plush pillowtop beds adorned with Egyptian cotton sheets. Every detail, from the rainfall showerheads to designer toiletries, is designed for your utmost comfort.

Culinary Delights Await
Savor international cuisine at our on-site Blue 47 restaurant or enjoy the convenience of room service. Sip refreshing drinks at the poolside bar as you bask in the sun, all complemented by our complimentary continental breakfast served daily.

Recreation and Relaxation
Enjoy exclusive access to a private beach, health club, and outdoor pool. With concierge services and free Wi-Fi, every moment is tailored to enhance your experience.

Book your unforgettable stay at Azul Hotel & Retreat today and embrace a world of luxury and leisure!

Important information:

  • Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Airport code: LIR

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets not allowed

  • Pets

    Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

  • Children and extra beds

    No rollaway/extra beds available

  • Noise policy

    Noise-free rooms not guaranteed

  • General

    Cashless transactions are available

See all policies

Location

Guest Reviews

8.6
Based on 101 reviews
Cleanliness: 5.13
Service: 10
Location: 9.6
Room Quality: 9.64
Amenities: 9.59
Value for Money: 9.12
Food and Beverage: 7.08
Overall Experience: 8.63
A
Alina family
4
Pros:

The beach is dirty, nobody cleans. The ocean is not suitable for swimming , waves and cold current. Mosquitos. Stuffy and humid. Nothing interesting to do. I booked the hotel because the breakfast was included. In reality they charged more than 50$ extra!!!!! Because they give you a menu to choose and you can choose one dish per person. For example, only eggs, or only pancake. But you cannot take eggs and pancake together))))) you will be charged extra. The most stupid conception I have ever seen. Disappointed.

2025-07-29 via Nuitee
G
George partner
10
Pros:

This resort was beautiful. A good bit off the beaten path but what a jewel when you get there! The rooms were quite spacious and lovely. There was a welcome gift when we arrived of fresh fruits. No matter where you are on the property, you can hear the waves crashing and it is glorious! The resort felt very exclusive and was populated but not crowded at all. Each time I went to the pool or any of the many options for laying out I felt like I had my preference. They had so many options of shaded or sunny spots to relax and enjoy the tropical surroundings. There were several iguanas on the property that loved sunning themselves by the pools as well. We enjoyed the breakfast each morning that was included in our stay but our favorite was lunch. The guacamole was fabulous and paired with the chicken quesadillas it was perfect! This resort was excellent for relaxing. We also took advantage of the spa. The couple's massage with the sound of the ocean was fantastic! Easily one of our favorites of all time and we love a good spa day!! As I stated in the beginning, Azul hotel and retreat is off the beaten path and you will need to rent a car. I'd suggest flying into Liberia Airport but it will still be a long drive to ANY of the resorts, but a lot longer if you fly into San Juan like we did. I loved the Azul Hotel and Retreat and I'm very glad we found such a great place to stay with wonderful employees that took great care of us!

2025-04-07 via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler
10
Pros:

We always love staying at this resort. Service and amenities are great. However, Hotels.com needs to update the description because it is no longer an adults-only property.

2025-03-24 via Nuitee
F
Fatih partner
6
Pros:

Staff, service, rooms were amazing. The tiny pool, non-maintained beach, absence of a store or anything close by, the same menu every single day, the coffee at the breakfast, no where to go or do anything were horrible.

2025-03-23 via Nuitee
B
Brian partner
10
Pros:

Excellent hotel and staff! We also enjoyed the amazing food and drinks…

2025-03-19 via Nuitee
J
Jean friends
8
Pros:


This was in a remote area. There was only a shuttle to a small town at 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. You had to pay if you wanted to go at any other time. It is not really walkable to anything. The staff was very pleasant however the serivce in the dining room was very slow.

2025-03-18 via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler
10
Pros:

Great little beach oasis managed by a tremendously professional and gracious staff. Great facilities and well-above average restaurant.

2025-02-18 via Nuitee
V
Vonetta partner
8
Pros:

Clean and quiet

2025-02-15 via Nuitee
F
felecia
10
Pros:

I really like free yoga sessions! That was a great addition to tranquility of the property, the staff were very friendly and helpful. The kayaking tour guide was awesome!

2025-02-06 via Nuitee
E
Emmanuel
10
Pros:

Superbe hôtel !

2025-01-28 via Nuitee
L
Lora
10
Beautiful
Pros:

We had an amazing stay! Wish we had more time here!

2025-01-05 via Nuitee
J
John
10
Great experience!
Pros:

Super environment in which to relax…

2024-12-05 via Nuitee
E
Edward partner
10
Pros:

A wonderful gem of a resort ideal for total relaxation!
Pros: beautiful location on the coast, well-appointed rooms, excellent staff, great dining. This is the perfect place to bring a couple books and spend languid days listening to the ocean.
Cons: the resort is VERY far from everything over some tricky roads. It's no exaggeration that a 4X4 is a must- we were there during a long period of rain making travel and/or sightseeing treacherous. It is approximately an hour drive to Tamarindo, probably an hour and a half from the Guanacaste airport.

2024-11-12 via Nuitee
F
Flavio partner
10
Pros:

The hotel is in a very nice place in the middle of the nature, very well maintained, great staff and landscape …

2024-08-02 via Nuitee
N
Naved
10
Pros:

Amazing , wonderful superb food . Only thing is to get to there is a bit of a challenge and you don’t want to drive after sundown .

2024-07-01 via Nuitee
K
kirk partner
10
Pros:

Stunning location, One of the cleanest hotels I’ve ever stayed in. The food was epic!

2024-05-27 via Nuitee
T
TIMOTHY
10
Exceptional Retreat In Paradise
Pros:

Beautifully designed and maintained boutique property on the ocean. Expansive sandy beach great for walking and exploring with exquisite sunsets. Pool is wonderful if surf is up. Nearby reef protected beaches for calm swimming minutes away. Food and service is top notch. Definitely will return.

2024-03-24 via Nuitee
K
Kaley
10
Beautiful, relaxing resort
Pros:

We loved our stay at Azul Ocean Club. It was very quiet and relaxing. The staff are so friendly and attentive. The pool is wonderful, and there are many comfortable spots to lounge. The waves in the ocean are a little rough for swimming, but would be great for boogie boarding. The beach is very private and beautiful. Room was very comfortable.

2024-02-16 via Nuitee
M
Michael family
10
Pros:

Clean beach front property with great staff. Room was 1 of the best I have experienced in th 20 years I ave been coming to Costa Rica

2024-01-18 via Nuitee
E
Emil
10
Excelente hotel
Pros:

El hotel es hermoso, perfecto para relajarse y disfrutar del sonido del mar.
El personal del hotel es sumamente amable y atento en todo sentido.
La playa al frente del hotel no es una playa apta para estar pero playa San Juanillo que queda a solo 15 minutos en auto es preciosa.
Solo un detalle no relacionado al hotel en si, tener en cuenta que la calle no está en las mejores condiciones y es recomendado usar un carro alto.

2023-09-04 via Nuitee