The Surfers Guide to Costa Rica says:

...starting with one of the best surfer hotels anywhere, the Tamarindo Vista Villas, aka Best Western Tamarindo.

The Vista Villas combines location, ambiance, cleanliness, amenities and the best view of the surf to make this the perfect surfer resort. There's a good reason why the Vista Villas achieves that status: The old SurfnMoose. (Yep, that's his name.) In the early 90's SurfnMoose, a surfer/chiropractor from Santa Cruz fell in love with Costa Rica on his first trip and bought the land the hotel sits on on a whim. At the time Tamarindo was truly an outpost, nothing like what it is today. SurfnMoose had a vision to build the perfect surfer hotel. It also helps that the SurfnMoose is an outgoing, service-oriented guy, as his personality is reflected in the atmosphere and the great treatment you get from the staff. As a surfer, the SurfnMoose built the hotel brick by brick with surfers in mind, and that thoughtfulness is reflected everywhere. For example, most rooms have a closet just for surfboards. Where else do they have that?

As I said, there are lots of options in Tamarindo. Pick the Vista Villas as the best surfer social scene hotel with the best view of the surf. It's got everything you need: Pool with a swim-up bar, great restaurant, the Robert August Surf Shop, board rentals (including great selection of Robert August models), surfing lessons, tours, Witches/Ollie's trips, TVs with VCRs and video rentals, kitchens in room (some rooms) with a big fridge, lots of space, big bathrooms, patios with surf views and a poolside patio for gathering at day's end to watch sunsets. The crowd here tends to be a bit older (than say the Doly) due to prices , which while higher than most hotels in Costa Rica is really a good value. There's live music and karaoke at the poolside Monkey Bar on some nights, which has also become one of the hot spots in town and the place to have a drink with (buy a drink for) surf legends. The Vista Villas is great for families, couples or a dude trip, especially if you like the camaraderie of fellow surfers. I really can't say enough about the Tamarindo Vista Villas. I just hope they have room for me!

'E' Entertainment:

Tamarindo Vista Villas was proud to host not one but two 'E' Wild On filmings in January 2003!

Chad Gajadhar, producer from 'E' stated "of all the places we have been in over 42 countries around the world we would rate Tamarindo and Vista Villas in the top 3! Vista Villas made us all feel right at home. We had an incredible "Pura Vida" experience. We are already planning our next trip back to Costa Rica and Vista Villas".

We at Tamarindo Vista Villas all have one common goal for all our guests. To make you feel like you are part of our famly and to share our "little piece of paradise". To make your stay with us fun and your best vacation ever!