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We traveled to the land of Pura Vida, to stay at a boutique hotel that’s family owned. Las Cascadas the Falls has transformed the way I view accomodations while traveling, and I can’t wait to tell this story of our time here.
I have a confession to make. When I first started traveling in my late teens and early twenties, the only things I looked for in a hotel was the location, and how cheap I could get it for. I’ve slept in hostels more times than I can count, had questionable accommodations in foreign cities that I lived to tell the tale, and ultimately made great memories regardless where I stayed. As I continue to travel, I’ve discovered that my motivations have slowly shifted.
I am beginning to be fascinated with accommodations that can tell a story. Whether it’s a hotel that withstood bombing during the world wars in France, or an eclectic hotel in the French Quarter of New Orleans, or a family owned boutique hotel in the middle of Costa Rica – it feels like an honor to be able to learn these stories up close.
Traveling to Costa Rica
Costa Rica marks our first tropical getaway, just the two of us (ever!). We flew into San Jose, and then picked up our rental car to start our trip.
We wanted to be intentional with our time, and really find a place in Costa Rica we feel good about staying. This is where Las Cascadas the Falls enters the chat.
A family owned and operated boutique hotel, the Las Cascadas the Falls has it all for any traveler visiting Costa Rica. A brief drive from the lush forest and beaches nearby, you will find this hotel in Quepos. From comfortable rooms, to a bar and restaurant located poolside, to regular visitors of monkeys and toucans – the ambiance and cozy feel to this hotel tucked away has been unlike any stay I’ve had.
The family refers to the hotel on their website as their ?little slice of paradise,” and it’s quickly understood why. Below you will find all the reasons I believe you should stay at Las Cascadas the Falls on your next trip to Costa Rica.
Benefits of Staying at Las Cascadas The Falls
1. Personalized Service
Family-owned hotels often provide a more personal touch, with staff and owners genuinely invested in making guests feel welcome. They may offer customized experiences, remember your preferences, and provide a warm, home-like atmosphere. This was true from the start at Las Cascadas, as the whole family is hands on and you’re sure to meet each family member throughout your stay.
2. Unique Character and Charm
Boutique hotels frequently reflect the personal tastes and history of the family, resulting in a more unique, cozy, and often charming environment compared to chain hotels, which can feel standardized and a bit cold. Las Cascadas has two family dogs you’ll see running around property, and the details of the rooms showcase local art and culture; creating an authentic and welcoming atmosphere that celebrates part of the Costa Rican roots.
3. Local Expertise
The family who owns this hotel is the staff, and they have deep knowledge of the local area. They can recommend hidden gems like restaurants, attractions, and activities run by locals that larger hotels might not suggest, giving you a more authentic experience.
The concierge assisted with booking our excursions for us, which alleviated a lot of time and stress deciding which companies to book through. We went to Manuel Antonio National Park, a Paddle9 tour to visit nearby waterfalls, and even booked an in-room couples massage.
4. Support for Local Economy
When staying at a family-owned hotel, you contribute to the local community. Your money goes directly to the family and helps sustain small businesses rather than large corporations, and if anything, this is the greatest reason to stay somewhere local. As I’ve mentioned, Las Cascadas is a family owned hotel and it’s all hands on deck.
I asked Dylan how they broke up duties, and he said, “We each have designated areas of the business, our youngest brother Brandon is mostly in charge of human resources, guests experiences and development. The middle brother is in charge of our reservation department as well as finance and accounting and he manages all the systems we use on the property. I’m the oldest and I’m mostly just in charge of food and beverage and I help around as much as I can.”
*Sustainability is very important for Las Cascadas, and they have taken some big steps towards it. Dylan says, “Recently we have incorporated a solar panel system, we have also installed 22.000 liter tanks to catch rainwater for irrigation of gardens, maintenance cleaning, and our laundry. All our laundry detergent is environment friendly. All our kitchen waste goes to create fertilizer for our gardens.”
5. Flexible and Friendly Policies
Family-run hotels may offer more flexibility in check-in/check-out times, cancellation policies, and special requests. They tend to be more accommodating because of their personal stake in your satisfaction. I recommend booking directly on Las Cascada’s site for the best price and to have breakfast included, and a parking spot guaranteed.
We were warmly welcomed and within 30 minutes of our arrival, we were checked in, changed, and reading by the pool.
6. Warm and Friendly Atmosphere
Family-owned hotels often foster a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests feel like part of the family. There’s often an emphasis on building relationships, making for a more enjoyable stay. The family at Las Cascadas had dinner all together every night once the guests had all eaten, and I found that so special to witness. Speaking of dinner, every meal served here was one of the best meals we’ve had whilst on this trip.
7. Attention to Detail
With this hotel being family-owned, there’s a certain level of attention to detail that isn’t provided in bigger hotels. While in Costa Rica, I unfortunately got a traveler’s bug. When the family learned of this, they made a family/Costa Rican remedy for me to drink to help feel better – a personal care that I’ve never received anywhere else.
Overall, Las Cascadas The Fall is well-maintained and the guest experience is top-notch. The patriarch of the family and owner, had this to say: “What really sets us apart is our service and dedication. Everything we do we do with love and always striving for the best, from our food at the restaurant to the way we clean our toilets every detail counts.”
8. Cultural Connection
Here, you will get the chance to interact with the owners, learn about their family history, and gain insight into local culture and traditions, creating a richer and more meaningful travel experience. These advantages often make staying at a family-owned hotel a more memorable, personalized, and rewarding experience.
The family here aims to give you a “relaxing enjoyable vacation dreamed of many nights after. An experience worth sharing with their families and loved ones in the future. We have guests that came as a couple on their honeymoon and years later with their kids, that for us is such a prize. That’s what we strive for!”
9. Quiet and Relaxed Environment
Family-owned hotels tend to be smaller and less crowded than large chain hotels, offering a more peaceful and relaxed environment. This makes them ideal for travelers seeking a quiet retreat. The luxury of waking up, having breakfast on-site and then being able to relax by the pool was one of my favorite perks of staying here. The breakfast is made in-house and always includes fresh fruit.
I am extremely thankful to the family here, especially Dylan, who communicated with me from our initial booking and was available every time I had a question. I hope for those of you reading that you can one day stay at Las Cascadas The Falls and witness the kindness and dedication the family has in making your experience in Costa Rica wonderful.
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