What does Cabinas Las Arenas have to offer?
Is camping available at Cabinas Las Arenas?
Cabinas Las Arenas payment policy
Hotel Policy
Cancellations, early check out, no shows and late shows, changes and dispute policy
Check in and check out times?
What is the best mode of transportation from the airport to the hotel?
Are car rentals available?
Can I get a bus to Cabinas Las Arenas?
Should I be concerned about security?
Health Concerns
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
When is the best time for Surfing in Costa Rica?
What is the climate like at the beach in Costa Rica?
What should I bring with me to the beach?
What kind of food do people eat in Costa Rica?
Do you accommodate Pets?
Where is Cabinas Las Arenas located?
Playa Hermosa Beach near Playa Jaco, and are well situated as a central location for the most popular tourist spots and only 2.5 hours (by car) from the capital of San Jose. Please refer to the location page on our web site for directions to our hotel.
What does Cabinas Las Arenas have to offer?
For in-depth details see our website. For a brief description it is important to note that we are located on Playa Hermosa Beach, which is best known for its great waves with the most consistent breaks. We offer budget rooms with private bathrooms. Our surf shop is equipped with all of your surf supply needs. We also buy, trade and sell surf boards. Camp sites are available for backpackers/campers. International telephones, and BBQ area are all available to our guests. Tour packages can also be arranged.
Is camping available at Cabinas Las Arenas?
Yes! We offer an inexpensive beach front location for backpackers and/or campers alike. Showers and a BBQ area all available for use. If requested, we can also secure your important papers, passports, etc. in the hotel safe and lock up your belongings in the reception area of the hotel.
Cabinas Las Arenas payment policy
We accept local currency, Colons, US dollars at par, and Credit cards only.
Hotel Policy
Check in time is 4:00 PM, Check out time is 1:00 PM
Cooking is not allowed in the rooms due to fire hazards.
So that each guest may have a pleasant experience at Cabinas Las Arenas, please respect one another's privacy and keep noise to a minimum after 11:00 pm.
Illegal drug use will not be tolerated!
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy - A "Cancellation" shall be described as a deletion of a booked reservation, prior to check in or arrival.
A 48 hour advance notice is required for any hotel reservation cancellation before the *Check In Date. The cancellation notice must be emailed or faxed,(verbal cancellations will not be accepted). If advance cancellation notice is given, the guest will receive a full refund minus a $5.00 processing fee. If less than 48 hours notice is given, a $100.00 minimum cancellation fee will apply.
Early Check Out Policy - An "Early Check Out" shall be described as a premature departure from the original booked and confirmed *Check Out Date after the guests arrival and/or registration at the hotel.
If a guest decides to shorten the stay from that of the original reservation booked and confirmed a 24 hour notice is required from the new *Check Out Date. The guest may notify CLA management verbally, via email, or phone for a full refund, minus a $5.00 processing fee. If the guest(s) does not provide CLA management advance notice, CLA reserves the right to charge the guest(s) for the original reservation dates that were previously booked and confirmed.
No Show Policy - A "No Show" shall be described as a non arrival of a guest(s) on the * Check In Date.
If a guest fails to register at CLA on the original booked and confirmed *Check In Date, and fails to notify CLA management via email, or fax, (verbal contact is not accepted) at least 48 hours after the *Check In Date; CLA reserves the right to charge the guest(s) for the full amount of the reservation originally booked and confirmed and possibly re rent the room after 48 hours of non contact by the guest.
Late Show Policy - A "Late Show" shall be described as a guest(s) late arrival of up to 48 hours of the original booked and confirmed *Check In Date.
If a guest arrives late of up to 48 hours of the original booked and confirmed *Check In Date and does not contact CLA management via email, fax, or phone indicating the guest(s) intended late arrival; CLA reserves the right to charge the guest(s) for the reservation originally booked and confirmed. After 48 hours late the No Show Policy will apply.
Change of Booking Policy - A "Change of Booking" shall be described as an alternate date from the original booked and confirmed *Check In Date. (This only applies prior to the guest(s) arrival at the hotel.)
If a guest(s) wants to make a change to their original reservation booked and confirmed, the change can be made subject to availability for a $5.00 processing fee. An advance notice of 48 hours, via email or fax is required. (verbal contact will not be accepted). If less than 48 hours notice is given, CLA reserves the right to charge the guest(s) for the reservation that was originally booked and confirmed, and make the change subject to availability.
Dispute Policy - A "Dispute" is described as a disagreement between CLA and the guest in regard to a credit card payment.
If a guest has a dispute with regards to charges billed to their credit card, the guest is advised to contact CLA by email or fax and indicate the reason for the dispute. CLA will review the documents provided and will promptly contact the guest in an attempt to resolve the dispute.
Other Important Information to Note: Some travel agencies booking policies may differ from CLA's policies. If this occurs, the travel agencies policies will take precedence.
* Check In time is 4.00 pm on the booked and confirmed date,* Check Out time is 1.00 pm on the booked and confirmed date.
CLA Contact Information: Email address: aflather14@hotmail.com; Fax Number (210) 764-5675 (USA), Telephone Number (506) 643-7013 (Costa Rica).
Check in and check out times?
Our check-in time is 4:00 pm, however if a guest(s) arrives earlier we will try to accommodate them. Check out time is 1:00 pm.
What is the best mode of transportation from the airport to the hotel?
There are several options available to you, however the easiest, most relaxing way to travel is to allow us to provide you with transportation from the airport to our hotel. If you are interested in this option, please refer to our website and make your reservation accordingly.
If you prefer other alternatives you could rent a car, taxi or travel by bus. If you choose to go by bus, which of course is the most inexpensive way to travel, we suggest that you get a taxi from the airport to the Coca Cola Bus Depot. (Please note the following helpful taxi tips to save you time and money) All airport taxis are orange and all other local taxis are red. If you come across a taxi that is any other color they are probably a bogus cab company. Also note that all taxi's have a meter so insist on the driver using it.
All airport taxis are paid at the airport taxi office in advance. Upon your arrival at the Coca Cola Bus Depot, buy your ticket(s) to Playa Jaco (approximately $5.00 seating is assigned) and request an assigned seat. (This is very important as the bus is very popular and many times there is standing room only) The journey from San Jose to Playa Jaco is 3.5 hours.) While at the Coca Cola Bus Depot be sure to watch your luggage, etc. as this is not a very desirable area of town.
Upon your arrival in Playa Jaco the bus driver will drop the passengers off at Mas X Menos supermarket. From there you need to get a taxi to take you to Cabinas Las Arenas in Playa Hermosa. The cost of this taxi is about $5.00.
Are car rentals available?
Yes, with a major credit card, passport, and a valid drivers license. The maximum rental period is 3 months and most of the major car rental companies are represented in Costa Rica with offices in San Jose, located near the airport. If you are renting in San Jose, you can expect to pay higher rates for the convenience and ease of pickup and drop off near the airport. We (Cabinas Las Arenas) can however, offer competitive rates for car rentals in Playa Jaco. If this is an avenue you would like to explore, please let us know your requirements and we would be happy to accommodate you.
Can I get a bus to Cabinas Las Arenas?
Yes there are several buses that go to Cabinas Las Arenas. All buses start at the Coca Cola Bus Station downtown San Jose, so you will need to get a taxi from the airport to the bus station.The buses take about 2.5 to 3.5 hours and as at April 2008 cost about $5.00. [take care in the bus depot it is well known for its petty theft]
As at April 2008 the buses leave as below;
1 To Playa Jaco, 5am, 7am, 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm At Playa Jaco you will need to get a taxi to Playa Hermosa, ask for Cabinas Las Arenas.
2 To Quepos, 5am, 9:30am, 1:30m, 4pm, 7pm. You will pass through Playa Jaco and after about 5 kilometers will come to Playa Hermosa. Get off at the school/soccer pitch and walk about 400 yards south to Cabinas Las Arenas.
Should I be concerned about security?
Playa Hermosa, Cabinas Las Arenas and Costa Rica in general are considered safe places to vacation. As always, the best advice is to never leave valuables visible and unattended. Always lock your car even if it is for a limited amount of time, as it only takes 60 seconds for a car theft to occur. If you leave your car unattended it could still be subject to theft. We suggest you park in public parking lots or ask a guard to watch your vehicle while it is parked on the street. It is certainly recommended not to leave your car parked on the street overnight.
Other safety tips include: Be aware of your surroundings especially in unfamiliar places and cities such as San Jose. Do not go out alone at night in unfamiliar places. Violent crimes are not normally a serious problem in Costa Rica, however you should treat your security with the same respect you would in any unfamiliar place, including your home country.
As for hotel security, use common sense. Always remember to lock your hotel room. If you have valuable papers, tickets, passports, etc. we would be happy to secure them in the hotel safe.
Health Concerns
For serious emergencies the nearest hospital is in Puntarenas which is approximately 1.5 hours north of the hotel. Playa Jaco (5 minutes from hotel) has a clinic and a Red Cross station which is open 24 hours. Private ambulance companies are also located in Jaco as well as doctor and dental offices. A couple of important health tips to remember are, after surfing it is recommended that you wash and/or shower immediately as bacteria is present in the warm ocean water. It is also suggested that if you cut yourself, treat it immediately and keep it clean because the warm humid climate encourages infection.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
December through May are the best times to visit since this is the dry season. This however is also considered high season so reservations should be made in advance to guarantee availability. This is especially critical if you plan to visit during Easter week as this is the biggest holiday/celebration of the year in Costa Rica.
When is the best time for Surfing in Costa Rica?
Always! There is no bad time of year for surfing in Costa Rica as the surf is always great. One advantage to staying at Cabinas Las Arenas, is that you are only 50 feet from Playa Hermosa Beach which is well known to surfers as having "consistent breaks."
What is the climate like at the beach in Costa Rica?
The climate at the beach is hot and humid. There are basically two seasons, dry and rainy. The dry season begins in December to May. Rainy season begins in June through November with the most rain occurring in October and November. The temperatures are generally a little cooler during the rainy season. Typical temperatures range from 28 to 35 centigrade.
What should I bring with me to the beach?
Caps, hats, beachwear, wraps, t-shirts and scandals. Sunscreen is a must. If you will be visiting us during the rainy season, a folding umbrella is very useful.
What kind of food do people eat in Costa Rica?
The best food in Costa Rica are the various kinds of seafood. The corvina (sea bass) is a personal favorite. The tropical fruit is readily available and fresh. A typical Costa Rican dish includes, casados with chicken, beef, fish or pork chops, beans, rice, platino, and salad. This is an inexpensive dish and is available most everywhere.
Do you accommodate Pets?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept pets at our hotel due to safety concerns for our guests.
If you have a question that was not addressed in the FAQ's, please contact us at info@cabinaslasarenas.com so we can be sure to answer any additional questions you may have.