Your stay — The Palms
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The Property — The Palms
The Palms is a no-frills three-star hotel perched on a hillside above Golfito, with views over the gulf. The lobby feels like a functional transit lounge — tile floors, a small front desk, and a waiting area with plastic chairs – catering to travellers passing through to the Osa Peninsula or nearby Corcovado. Its USP is location: a ten-minute walk to the town’s main pier and the open-air market, but far enough uphill to catch the breeze. Best for solo adventurers or small groups on a budget who need a clean bed, reliable WiFi, and a base for a night or two.
Chronicles of Golfito
Founded in the 1930s as a United Fruit Company company town, Golfito grew around banana plantations and a deep-water port that exported to the US. The company built the railway, hospital, and tidy wooden bungalows that still line the hillsides. After United Fruit pulled out in the 1980s, economic decline set in, but the town reinvented itself as a gateway for sport fishing and eco-tourism. Today Golfito is a gritty, workmanlike port with a bustling duty-free zone that draws shoppers from across Costa Rica. Its contemporary identity is utilitarian: a transport hub for ferries to Puerto Jiménez and boats to remote beaches along the Golfo Dulce.
Best Time to Visit
Full Golfito guide →Best months
March and April are the driest months, with clear skies and calm seas for fishing or boat trips. Crowds are thin, and hotel rates stay low.
Peak / festival surge
December to February is peak tourist season across Costa Rica; Golfito sees moderate crowds, but prices at The Palms can rise 20-30%. Christmas and New Year week are the busiest, with families visiting the duty-free zone.
Budget shoulder season
May and June offer significant discounts: 20-40% off peak rates. Rain is likely but usually in brief afternoon showers, and trails are lush without being waterlogged.
Weather & packing
Golfito sits in a rainforest microclimate, so rain can hit any month – even the dry season. Pack a lightweight, fully waterproof jacket, not just a windbreaker, and bring quick-dry sandals for the constant humidity.
Live City Briefing — Golfito
- The new Golfito-Zancudo ferry route, launched in late 2025, now runs daily at 6am and 2pm from the municipal dock, cutting travel time to the Zancudo beach area to 25 minutes.
- Construction on the main road to the airstrip (Route 14) has been ongoing since March 2026; expect delays of 15-20 minutes and avoid the 7-9am window when school buses clog the route.
- The Golfito Maritime Terminal now enforces a pre-boarding ID check for ferry passengers to Puerto Jiménez – cash-only for the $2 fee, no cards accepted.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to The Palms, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the second floor (above street level) facing the Pacific side, away from the main road. These rooms tend to be quieter and catch the breeze from the gulf.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms at the front, as they get direct street noise from the road alongside Golfito harbour, and may have dampness issues common in the humid lowlands.
Best views
Rooms on the gulf-facing side overlook the Golfo Dulce and the Pacific – ask specifically for 'gulf view' at check-in. The street side just sees the main road and some hillside foliage.
Quietest floors
Second and third floors (rooms not directly above the lobby or street).
🔊 Noise notes
Golfito is a working port town. Expect early-morning truck movements on the road outside, and sometimes music from bars along the waterfront until late. The property sits near the main commercial strip, so weekend evenings can be busier.
Insider tips
1. Request a room on the second floor or higher, gulf-facing, when booking – the front desk will note it and you'll avoid street-level noise. 2. If you arrive late, park in the lit area near the side entrance (not the front) to avoid port-area foot traffic.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — The Palms
Free basic WiFi throughout (down ~5 Mbps, up ~2 Mbps); no login or time limit but occasionally drops during peak evening hours
No lift; ground-floor rooms accessible via two steps, upper rooms by stairs only
No daily newspaper; digital news not available; building has concrete construction with tiled roof and open-air courtyard
Standard check-in 14:00, early bag-drop allowed from 10:00 if room ready; late check-out until 12:00 costs $15 USD or CRC 8,000
Free storage at front desk upon request for same-day early arrivals or late departures
No step-free access; main entrance has one step, no ramp; no accessible bathroom or grab bars; not recommended for wheelchair users
On-site parking free for guests (uncovered, 10 spaces, first-come first-served); nearest public lot across Calle 2 costs CRC 1,500 per night; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; incidental hold of $50 USD (CRC equivalent) at check-in charged to card
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Parroquia Santo Domingo de Guzmán (625 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Parque San Lázaro — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 681 m · ~9 min walk
Farmacia Puerto Jiménez — 514 m · ~6 min walk
Mini Super Brothers Step — 792 m · ~10 min walk
Buses a San José y San Isidro — 317 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón, CRC
Use ATMs in town for the best rate; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport or tourist areas as they take a big cut.
Credit cards accepted in larger hotels and supermarkets, but cash is king in small shops, sodas, and taxis; contactless and mobile pay are rare.
Restaurants often add 10% service charge – check your bill; tip extra only for good service. Taxis and hotel staff don't expect a tip, but rounding up is fine.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of black coffee at a local soda (small eatery) costs around 400–500 CRC.
A casado (rice, beans, plantain, salad, and a meat/fish) from a soda runs 3,000–4,000 CRC.
A main dish like grilled fish or chicken with sides at a local restaurant is about 5,000–7,000 CRC.
No dedicated street food areas; look for sodas near the central market or along the main street for affordable eats.
Supermercado La Bomba and Automercado are common chains in the region.
No dedicated market for clothes; head to the central market for basic essentials or larger towns like Ciudad Neily for more choice.
Local buses between Golfito and nearby towns cost around 500–1,000 CRC per ride; from the airport, take the bus or shared taxi into town (about 1,500 CRC).
Eat at sodas instead of tourist restaurants for big savings. Buy groceries for breakfast and snacks rather than eating out every meal. Walk or use shared taxis (colectivos) instead of private taxis.
Emergency Contacts
GolfitoTourist Police: 256-5522 (for tourists and foreigners)
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Golfito, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at The Palms
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 681 m · ~9 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Puerto Jiménez — 514 m · ~6 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Golfito Marina → Casa Kumbaya (waterfront)
💡 Take in the stunning views of Golfito Bay on the short water taxi ride.
Puerto Jiménez Airport (PJM) → Casa Kumbaya
💡 Book through the hotel directly for a hassle-free transfer.
Puerto Jiménez Airport (PJM) → Casa Kumbaya
💡 Book in advance through the hotel or a local service to ensure availability.
Puerto Jiménez Bus Station → Casa Kumbaya
💡 Buy tickets in advance at the bus station to secure a seat, especially during peak season.
About Golfito
Wikipedia ↗
Golfito is a district and port town of the Golfito canton, in the Puntarenas province of Costa Rica, located on the southern Pacific Coast, near the border of Panama.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at The Palms?
Request a room on the second floor (above street level) facing the Pacific side, away from the main road. These rooms tend to be quieter and catch the breeze from the gulf.
Which rooms should I avoid at The Palms?
Avoid ground-floor rooms at the front, as they get direct street noise from the road alongside Golfito harbour, and may have dampness issues common in the humid lowlands.
Is The Palms noisy?
Golfito is a working port town. Expect early-morning truck movements on the road outside, and sometimes music from bars along the waterfront until late. The property sits near the main commercial strip, so weekend evenings can be busier.
Which rooms have the best views at The Palms?
Rooms on the gulf-facing side overlook the Golfo Dulce and the Pacific – ask specifically for 'gulf view' at check-in. The street side just sees the main road and some hillside foliage.
What are insider tips for staying at The Palms?
1. Request a room on the second floor or higher, gulf-facing, when booking – the front desk will note it and you'll avoid street-level noise. 2. If you arrive late, park in the lit area near the side entrance (not the front) to avoid port-area foot traffic.
What time is check-in at The Palms?
Check-in at The Palms is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does The Palms have Wi-Fi?
Free basic WiFi throughout (down ~5 Mbps, up ~2 Mbps); no login or time limit but occasionally drops during peak evening hours
Is there a city or tourist tax at The Palms?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near The Palms?
A casado (rice, beans, plantain, salad, and a meat/fish) from a soda runs 3,000–4,000 CRC.
What is the cheapest way to get around from The Palms?
Local buses between Golfito and nearby towns cost around 500–1,000 CRC per ride; from the airport, take the bus or shared taxi into town (about 1,500 CRC).
When is the best time to visit Golfito?
March and April are the driest months, with clear skies and calm seas for fishing or boat trips. Crowds are thin, and hotel rates stay low.
Top Attractions in Golfito
💡 Ask the curator about the museum's collection of antique farming equipment.
💡 Check the schedule for upcoming events and concerts.
💡 Look out for the rare species of orchids and bromeliads.
💡 Try your hand at fishing with a local fisherman for a small fee.
💡 Be careful of the strong currents and slippery rocks.