Villas Sol is one of few large resorts in the Playa Hermosa area. Most hotels nearby are small, family-run places that cater to backpackers and younger budget travelers. Villas Sol is more of a vacation spot, where people check in for a week and never leave. Families and couples lounge by the pools, participate in water aerobics, listen to Adele blasting from the bar’s loudspeakers, and line up for the buffet at lunch time. And though Villas Sol definitely has the atmosphere of a resort, it doesn’t feel like the mega-resorts you’ll find in Punta Cana or Cancun. 

Some travelers may find the hotel’s entrance to be a bit confusing. Located within a secure complex, Villas Sol shares its property with neighboring resort, Condovac La Costa. At the entrance gate, guests will have to specify which property they are checking in to. The Villas Sol lobby, a round, bright and airy room with modern finishes, is one of the first buildings on the right-hand side of the complex.  

Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort is located in the sleepy beach town of Playa Hermosa. Perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, the hotel arguably boasts some of the best real estate in the area. But, with those endless ocean views comes a major catch: The property isn’t close to the beach. In fact the beach is a five-minute drive, or a hilly 25-minute walk from the hotel. However guests choose to get there, the trek is worth it. Playa Hermosa is recognized as a Blue Flag beach, meaning it has achieved the highest standards of beauty, cleanliness, and accessibility in Costa Rica. Besides the beach, there isn’t much to see or down in the town of Playa Hermosa, so guests looking for shops, restaurants, and bars should head to the touristy town of Playas del Coco about 15 minutes away. Liberia Airport is about 35 minutes from the hotel.   

There are two main room categories at Villas Sol: hotel rooms and villas. Hotel rooms are located in a single building in the center of the property. Because of their location, hotel rooms are the most convenient option. Rooms are within walking distance of both pools, the restaurant, and bar, and also afford some of the nicest views on the property. Despite the hotel building’s dated exterior, rooms have been updated with modern decor and amenities. Hotel rooms feature light cream walls, white tile floors, and white bedding with bright green bolsters. A black and tan striped feature wall behind the bed(s) gives rooms a dramatic touch. Marble bathrooms feature textured stone showers and a large counter space with dual sinks. In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers, as well as large balconies -- some of which have sweeping ocean views. 

The resort’s One-, Two-, and Three-Bedroom Villas are located on a completely different side of the property. While more spacious than the hotel rooms, villas are far from the rest of the hotel’s amenities, and located on a steep hill, which means getting around can be difficult. Because Villas Sol is a time-share property, guests shouldn’t be surprised if they are asked to come tour the villas at some point during their stay. Villas are individually owned, and therefore individually decorated, but all feature amenities like fully equipped kitchens, marble bathrooms, separate living and dining areas, and balconies with killer ocean views. Some villas even have private plunge pools.  

It’s fair to say that Villas Sol probably has the nicest features of any hotel in Playa Hermosa. The resort’s two pools are popular spots where the majority of guests hang out during the day. The larger of the two pools is used for activities. There are a volleyball net and a swim-up bar, and American music blasts through the loudspeakers as guests pile into the pool for water aerobics. The smaller of the two pools is located directly in front of the hotel building, next to the restaurant and main bar. This tends to be a quieter spot, and though it’s not designated for adults only, families with children usually choose to spend their time at the other pool. While it offers incredible views, and a bit more peace and quiet, the smaller pool is noticeably older than its companion, and shows signs of age. 

Villa Sol’s only on-site restaurant sits directly across from the main hotel building. The food is mediocre, and can be a bit repetitive for all-inclusive guests, but the restaurant itself is stunning. A dark open-air room with vaulted wood beam ceilings, the restaurant overlooks Playa Hermosa and is the perfect spot for sunset. White tablecloths and small candles adorn the tables at night, giving the space an elegant aura that feels different than its daytime persona. Attached to the restaurant is an octagonally shaped bar, where guests congregate throughout the day for drinks and blissful vistas.  

The spa, though tiny, is a quiet, relaxing escape with spectacular ocean views. (How many times have we mentioned the views on this property? Anyone counting?) Treatment rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the ocean, and a small pedicure station is perfectly situated for watching the waves crash along the shore. There aren’t many treatment options available, but it’s the only place you can get a massage or facial in all of Hermosa.

The small, dark gym is not a high point, and is crammed with older equipment. It’s clear that not much thought was given to the concepts of functionality and usable space. The hotel offers free parking and Wi-Fi for all guests. There is also a free shuttle that crosses hotel grounds, transporting guests from one side of the property to the other.