Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
What time is check in?
3:00 pm
What time is checkout?
11:00 am
Can I check in early?
If your room is available, we will happily let you check in early. If your room is not ready, we are more than happy to store any luggage until your room is available.
Is the hotel kid friendly?
Fermata is a family-oriented hotel where children of all ages are warmly welcome. From little ones discovering the beach for the first time to teens joining surf lessons, we strive to create an environment where every member of the family feels at home. Our team is happy to provide recommendations and assistance to help make your family’s stay as seamless and memorable as possible.
Are pets allowed?
We are happy to offer dog-friendly lodging. We allow one dog per room, each under 70 pounds, with a nightly pet fee of $50 plus tax per dog. Please note the weight, breed and name of your dog in the “Notes” section when booking. To ensure the comfort of all our guests:
- Dogs are welcome in outdoor common areas while on leash, but are not permitted in interior public spaces, such as pools, pool decks or indoor restaurants.
- Pets may not be left unattended in guest rooms.
- If unregistered pets are found in a room, or if a pet causes stains or damage, a $250 cleaning/damage fee will be charged.
What are your cancellation policies?
High Season: Nov 1 – April 30
Full payment is required at the time of booking. Cancellations or modifications within 60 days of arrival are 100% non-refundable.
Green Season: May 1 – October 31
Guests may choose from two options at the time of booking:
1 – Prepaid Discount: 100% of the stay charged at booking, non-refundable, with a 15% discount on the room rate.
2 – Flexible Option: 50% deposit charged at booking, with the balance due at check-in. Cancellations or modifications within 30 days of arrival are 100% non-refundable.
All Seasons
No-shows will be charged 100% of the reservation total. In the event of an early departure, unused nights from the original reservation are non-refundable.
How do I make a reservation?
You are welcome to make a reservation on our website by clicking on “Book Your Stay” in the top right corner or by sending us an email to reservations@hotelfermata.com.
Where is the hotel located?
We are located in Santa Teresa, just south of Playa Hermosa and directly across the street from Somos. We are an oceanfront property, set right on the iconic La Lora surf break.
Here is a link to our google maps location.
How do I get to Hotel Fermata?
You can fly into either San José International Airport (SJO – Juan Santamaría) or Liberia International Airport (LIR – Daniel Oduber Quirós). Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach Fermata:
From San José (SJO)
- Local Flights: Sansa Airlines or Green Airways offer multiple daily flights from San José to Cóbano (ACO – Cóbano Airport). The flight takes approximately 30 minutes. We recommend allowing at least two hours between your international arrival and domestic connection.
- Private Charter Flights: Private charters are also available from San José to Cóbano or other nearby airstrips. Rates start at approximately $1,350 USD each way, depending on route, aircraft, and travel dates.
- Drive: About 5 hours, including a 1.5-hour ferry crossing from Puntarenas to Paquera. Available on SUV, shuttle, or rental car.
From Liberia (LIR)
- Local Flights: Sansa Airlines or Green Airways operate seasonal flights from Liberia to Cóbano (ACO – Cóbano Airport) and other nearby airstrips. Schedules vary by time of year, so we recommend checking availability in advance.
- Private Charter Flights: Charters are available directly from Liberia to Cóbano or nearby airstrips. Rates start around $2,250 USD each way, depending on route, number of passengers, and aircraft type.
- Drive: Approximately 4 hours by private SUV, shuttle, or rental car.
We’re happy to help coordinate your transportation from any point in Costa Rica directly to Fermata, whether by ground or air.
What is the electricity/voltage of the hotel?
Costa Rica uses 110 volts, the same as in the United States. Plugs are the two flat parallel pins.
Is there parking available?
Fermata offers private parking for guests at a rate of $25 per night, plus tax. Spaces are limited, so we recommend reserving in advance.
Do you offer all-inclusive packages?
While we do not offer all-inclusive packages, we provide a wide range of amenities to enhance your stay including our in-house surf school, restorative wellness offerings, a full-service restaurant, and a dedicated concierge team ready to coordinate tours, activities, and transportation.
FOOD
Do you have a restaurant?
Yes, we have a full service restaurant, Fermata Kitchen, open from 7am to 10pm daily.
At what time are meals served?
– Breakfast Menu: 7am-11am
– Lunch Menu: 11am-3pm
– Snack Menu: 3pm-5pm
– Dinner Menu: 5pm-10pm
– Room Service 7:30am-10pm
Is breakfast included?
Breakfast is not included in the room rate, however, guests can enjoy our complimentary coffee station offering coffee, tea, fresh fruit and baked goods each morning.
Do you offer pool service?
Yes, we offer drink and food pool services from 8am to 6pm daily.
What is the Surf House?
Fermata Surf House serves coffee, smoothies, local beers and light bites from 6am to 6pm. The Surf House also acts as a private members-only club space that serves as a surf amenity and social outpost for Santa Teresa’s surf community.
ROOMS
Do you have wheel chair accessible rooms?
Yes, our accessible rooms are designed in compliance with Costa Rica’s Law 7600 to ensure comfort and accessibility for guests with reduced mobility.
Is smoking permitted in rooms/common areas?
We are a 100% smoke, vape, and flame-free property. To maintain a healthy environment for all our guests, a $250 cleaning fee will be applied if smoking (including e-cigarettes), vaping, or burning candles/incense occurs in guest rooms or anywhere on the property.
Is there internet in the rooms?
Yes, complimentary internet is available in rooms and throughout the hotel property.
Is there laundry service available?
Yes, we do offer laundry service. Please note, we use biodegradable products and our service is a wash, dry and fold service only. We cannot handle anything that requires special care, dry-cleaning or is color fast.
TRANSPORTATION
Can we coordinate transportation from the airport to Fermata?
We would be happy to arrange your transportation from any point in Costa Rica to Fermata.
Where can I rent an ATV/golf cart?
We work directly with rental companies, and are happy to make a reservation for you.
Are charter flights available?
Yes, private charter flights are available from most airports in Costa Rica. We are happy to make an reservations on your behalf.
TOURS & MASSAGES
What tours and activities can we book and how?
Fermata offers several tours and activities, ranging from water activities like surfing, fishing, scuba diving and paddle boarding to hiking, horseback riding and ATV tours. We invite you to come by our front desk to get more information and book the tour of your choice directly with us.
Where can I rent an ATV and what other options are available?
You can rent a car, ATV or Side-by-Side through Fermata’s front desk.
OTHER
Do you have special packages for honeymoons/special occasions?
We are happy to create a custom package for you. Please send us an email to reservations@hotelfermata.com for more information.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes. Tap water in Costa Rica is generally safe, and at Fermata all water on property is additionally filtered.
Is it easy to get around Santa Teresa without a car?
Fermata is located in the northern part of Santa Teresa, near Playa Hermosa, with restaurants, shops and convenience stores within walking distance. However, as Santa Teresa stretches along a long coastline, a vehicle is often the best way to reach landmarks and activities farther away. Our team will be happy to arrange transportation whenever needed.
Do you have a surf school?
We have an on-site Surf School, Chorotegas. They offer board rentals, surf lessons and surf photography.
Where is the closest ATM?
The nearest ATM is located just 300 meters north of Fermata inside Super La Hacienda. Another option is about 1 km south at Plaza Pochote.
Where is the closest pharmacy to the hotel?
The nearest pharmacy is Farmacia Amiga, located just 100 meters south of Fermata in Plaza Kahuna.
Where is the closest doctor?
Lifeguard Costa Rica, a 24/7 medical clinic, is located 400 meters south of the hotel next to the church. If you prefer, our team can also arrange for a private doctor to provide an in-room consultation at Fermata.
Where can nannies be booked / can they come to the hotel?
Yes. We can arrange nanny services upon request, and nannies may come to Fermata at pre-arranged times. This service is subject to availability and must be booked with at least 24 hours notice.
Can customers bring additional guests to stay overnight that were not initially intended to stay?
No, only registered guests may stay overnight at Fermata.
How can you get a SIM card?
SIM cards are available for purchase at local supermarkets.
Does Fermata have blow dryers for guests?
Yes, every room at Fermata is equipped with a blow dryer.
What Is the Resort Fee and Donation Fee for?
Donation Fee: $15 per night directly supports non-profit organizations in Santa Teresa that rely on private funding.
Daily Resort Fee of $75 includes:
– Use of beach bikes (subject to availability)
– Premium Wi-Fi throughout the property
– Morning coffee and fresh baked goods
– Afternoon cookies and seasonal fruit
– Evening turndown service
– Access to our saltwater swimming pool