Fodor's Expert Review The Grateful Hotel

At the eastern edge of the estuary in the gated Palm Beach Estates community, this pleasant hotel (an homage to the band The Grateful Dead) has its own landing for ferrying guests and restaurant patrons to and from Tamarindo (it's a 1 km [½ mile] trip). The hotel forms a 45-degree angle to the curvy pool bordered by a garden. Common areas are dominated by Grateful Dead murals, but you don't have to be a fan of the music to enjoy the rooms with king-size beds and high ceilings. The rooms don't offer a lot of privacy, but they do have orthopedic mattresses, cable TVs, coffeemakers, mini-refrigerators, and other upscale amenities. Sugaree's restaurant and bar serves up meals poolside, and Sunday Funday pool parties mix locals and tourists for live music and flowing drinks.