Your stay — El Gran Escape
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The Property — El Gran Escape
El Gran Escape is a cheerful, mid-range hotel just off the main road in Quepos, with a pool, a small bar, and bright, simple rooms. It suits independent travellers and couples who want a clean, quiet base without paying resort prices. The lobby feels like a laid-back surfer’s lounge – open-sided, with ceiling fans and a corner cooler of cold drinks.
Chronicles of Quepos
Quepos began as a banana port in the 1920s, built by the United Fruit Company, and its grid of concrete streets still reflects that functional origin. After the banana industry declined, the town reinvented itself as the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, which opened in 1972. Today, Quepos is a gritty, working port with a growing tourism strip of hostels, sodas and sportfishing charters. Its architecture is low-rise and functional, with colourful shop fronts and a busy marina. Culturally, the town blends a Costa Rican fishing town character with a transient tourist crowd, and retains a lively market and malecón.
Best Time to Visit
Full Quepos guide →Best months
December to April – the dry season, with clear mornings and afternoon clouds, plus full access to park trails without mud.
Peak / festival surge
July is mid-green season, but July 2-3 falls during a quieter local period; however, the week around July 4 attracts US visitors. Hotel prices typically drop 15-20% from dry-season highs, though surge pricing can occur if park capacity is tight.
Budget shoulder season
May and November offer good deals, with lighter rain, fewer tourists, and rates 25-30% below peak.
Weather & packing
Quepos’s Pacific coast sees rain most afternoons year-round, even in the dry season. Pack a light rain jacket or poncho and quick-dry sandals – you will get wet between 2pm and 5pm.
Live City Briefing — Quepos
- The Quepos–Manuel Antonio road widening project is ongoing; expect delays and single-lane traffic near the park entrance, especially after 3pm.
- A new daily shuttle service now runs direct from Quepos bus station to San José airport, costing around $12 per person.
- July is turtle-nesting season on nearby beaches; Matapalo and Playa Gemelas have guided night tours, but book ahead as numbers are capped.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to El Gran Escape, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Rooms on the upper floor (third floor) facing the garden or pool side. These are likely quieter, have a bit more privacy, and benefit from the rooftop terrace access without the street noise.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the ground floor or first floor at the front of the building. The ground floor puts you at eye level with the street and close to reception noise; first floor may catch noise from the bar/restaurant below and street traffic on the main road into Quepos.
Best views
From the rooftop terrace you get a decent view over the treetops towards the Pacific coast. Rooms on the third floor facing the pool or garden give a green, quiet outlook; front-facing rooms look onto the road and parked cars.
Quietest floors
Second and third floors, especially rooms away from the front of the building and the lift shaft.
🔊 Noise notes
Quepos is a busy small town with a main road running past. Expect motorbikes, trucks, and early-morning street sweepers. The hotel’s bar plays music till late; if you’re a light sleeper, avoid rooms above it (front, ground/first floor). Also, the lift and stairs can echo noise up through the building – get a room away from the lift shaft on the upper floors.
Insider tips
1. Park in the hotel’s secure off-street lot, but note it’s small – arrive early if driving. 2. Ask at reception for a room key to the rooftop terrace – it’s a great spot for sunset with fewer people than the pool area.
- 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 — El Gran Escape
Free standard Wi-Fi throughout (speed approx 15 Mbps). Premium tier (50 Mbps) available for USD 5 per day at reception
No lift; two-storey building with stairs only. Ground-floor rooms available on request
No complimentary newspapers; free digital access to local news site via QR code in lobby
Check-in from 14:00, check-out by 11:00. Early bag drop allowed. Late check-out fee: USD 20 until 14:00, after charged half-day rate
Free storage at reception if requested before 10:00
No step-free access; main entrance has two steps. No wheelchair-accessible rooms or lifts. Limited assistance available
On-site parking: USD 10 per night, first-come first-served. Nearest public parking: Estacionamiento Central (200 m) for USD 8 per night. No EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 13% IVA (VAT) included in room rate; no additional city/tourist tax
Deposit & card hold: One night advance deposit required; USD 100 incidental hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción de María (368 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Testigos de Jehová Quepos (733 m · ~9 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Plaza Quepos — 613 m · ~8 min walk
Parque del Mercado — 827 m · ~10 min walk
Teatro Copaza — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 747 m · ~9 min walk
Drs Serrano — 262 m · ~3 min walk
Super Quepos — 101 m · ~1 min walk
Terminal San Isidro de El General — 853 m · ~11 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón, CRC
Use ATMs in Quepos for best rates; avoid airport and tourist bureau exchange desks which take a hefty cut.
Visa and Mastercard widely accepted in supermarkets, restaurants and hotels; contactless is common but some small shops are cash-only.
10% service charge is usually included in restaurant bills so no extra tip required; taxis don't expect tips; hotel staff appreciate 1,000–2,000 CRC per bag or per day for housekeeping.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of filter coffee from a local soda or bakery: around 800 CRC.
Casado (rice, beans, salad, plantain and a protein) at a soda: 4,000–5,500 CRC.
A main course of grilled fish or chicken with sides at a family-run restaurant: 6,000–8,000 CRC.
Look for sodas along the main road in downtown Quepos for cheap casados, empanadas and grilled meats; also good for fresh fruit juices.
AutoMercado and Más x Menos are common budget supermarket chains in Quepos.
Small local clothing stalls and second-hand stores near the central market offer affordable basics.
Shared red buses between Quepos and Manuel Antonio cost 595 CRC one way; from Juan Santamaría Airport take the public bus to San José then a direct bus to Quepos (about 2,500–3,000 CRC total).
Eat sodas rather than tourist-facing restaurants; buy bottled water and snacks at supermarkets like Más x Menos; haggle with tour vendors for last-minute deals on boat trips or national park entry.
Emergency Contacts
QueposCosta Rica uses a single national emergency number 911. For non-urgent police matters in Quepos, call 2777-0250. The hospital (Hospital de Quepos) is on the main road, Ruta 34, open 24 hours.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Quepos, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at El Gran Escape
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 747 m · ~9 min walk — pharmacy · Drs Serrano — 262 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Quepos Bus Terminal → Quepos Central Backpackers
💡 No need to wait—the hostel is a 200-metre walk from the terminal. If you have heavy bags, walk straight down Avenida Central and you’ll see the hostel sign on your right.
San José Airport (SJO) → Quepos Central Backpackers
💡 Use only official red taxis with yellow triangles from the airport rank. Ask for a fixed price before getting in (around $120–$130). Ride takes 2 hours via Route 27 and Costanera—smooth road but dark after sundown.
San José Airport (SJO) → Quepos Central Backpackers
💡 Catch the bus from the airport’s main bus stop (outside arrivals, left side). Get off at Quepos terminal, then walk 2 minutes east to the hostel. Buses are basic but cheap—buy ticket on board, exact change preferred.
Quepos Central Backpackers → Manual Antonio National Park Entrance
💡 Flag any red taxi on the street—it’s a 3 km ride. Bargain to 5000 colones (about $10) for the trip. For a cheaper option, walk 10 minutes uphill to the park gate (steep but doable).
About Quepos
Wikipedia ↗
Quepos (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈkepos]) is a district of the canton of Quepos, in the province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at El Gran Escape?
Rooms on the upper floor (third floor) facing the garden or pool side. These are likely quieter, have a bit more privacy, and benefit from the rooftop terrace access without the street noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at El Gran Escape?
Rooms on the ground floor or first floor at the front of the building. The ground floor puts you at eye level with the street and close to reception noise; first floor may catch noise from the bar/restaurant below and street traffic on the main road into Quepos.
Is El Gran Escape noisy?
Quepos is a busy small town with a main road running past. Expect motorbikes, trucks, and early-morning street sweepers. The hotel’s bar plays music till late; if you’re a light sleeper, avoid rooms above it (front, ground/first floor). Also, the lift and stairs can echo noise up through the building – get a room away from the lift shaft on the upper floors.
Which rooms have the best views at El Gran Escape?
From the rooftop terrace you get a decent view over the treetops towards the Pacific coast. Rooms on the third floor facing the pool or garden give a green, quiet outlook; front-facing rooms look onto the road and parked cars.
What are insider tips for staying at El Gran Escape?
1. Park in the hotel’s secure off-street lot, but note it’s small – arrive early if driving. 2. Ask at reception for a room key to the rooftop terrace – it’s a great spot for sunset with fewer people than the pool area.
What time is check-in at El Gran Escape?
Check-in at El Gran Escape is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does El Gran Escape have Wi-Fi?
Free standard Wi-Fi throughout (speed approx 15 Mbps). Premium tier (50 Mbps) available for USD 5 per day at reception
Is there a city or tourist tax at El Gran Escape?
13% IVA (VAT) included in room rate; no additional city/tourist tax
Where can I eat cheaply near El Gran Escape?
Casado (rice, beans, salad, plantain and a protein) at a soda: 4,000–5,500 CRC.
What is the cheapest way to get around from El Gran Escape?
Shared red buses between Quepos and Manuel Antonio cost 595 CRC one way; from Juan Santamaría Airport take the public bus to San José then a direct bus to Quepos (about 2,500–3,000 CRC total).
When is the best time to visit Quepos?
December to April – the dry season, with clear mornings and afternoon clouds, plus full access to park trails without mud.
Top Attractions in Quepos
💡 Check the noticeboard at the gazebo for upcoming free events. The Saturday market (7-11am) has organic honey and fresh tamales.
💡 Try the ceviche at Soda Kathy's stand – fresh and cheap. Bring small bills for easier bargaining on produce.
💡 Go early morning (6-8am) for best wildlife activity. Take binoculars and mosquito repellent. The path can be slippery after rain.
💡 Walk north 20 minutes to reach the quieter Playa Espadilla Sur, where the crowds thin out and you might spot howler monkeys in the trees.
💡 Visit just before sunset for the best light and to see returning fishing boats. The public art installations change quarterly.