Rare Opportunity to Buy an Iconic Costa Rica Hotel

The La Sirena Hotel in Quepos is one of the jewels of the Pacific coast. It has attracted sports fishermen, adventurers and avid travellers by the thousands, and lies at the gateway to the natural paradise of the Manuel Antonio national park.

Its co-owner, Steve Hodel, has put the property up for sale, to devote his time to his family in St. Petersburg. According to local experts, it is priced to sell, and is a rare opportunity for investors looking for value and stability.”Its time,” says the co-owner, Steve. Now raising a family in St. Petersburg, Hodel admits he cannot dedicate the time required as he once could. “I only wish that I did not make the commitments I did before my brother started his family but I am more than pleased with the trade for the opportunity to have a niece!” says Hodel, “It’s a matter of priorities and fairness, I need to be here in St. Pete and I cannot leave my brother to do all the work, especially with everything he has on his plate.

His brother Rob Hodel, is based in Costa Rica but commitments to Tico Travel and their development Orchid Point Estates, keeps him in the Central Valley overseeing these projects. He first bought the property when it had faded into disrepair. Alongside a group of travel industry professionals, he returned it to its former glory as an oasis of cool and comfort, complete with its signature tropical breakfast and endless fine coffee made fresh. It is more than just a place to stay.

“When I was in the Sportfishing Business we lived by the mantra, you never leave fish to find fish, and in the businesses we have in the San Jose area we have fish (business) that does not make sense for me to be in Quepos anymore, but I will miss it” says Rob, former owner of the Swordfish, one of Quepos’s most well known charter boats.“For the right person or couple, this is not only a good business it is also a great life,” he affirms.

La Sirena is both a local institution, and also an internationally renowned home away from home for world class anglers and divers. Just a minute from the brand new Marina Pez Vela, it boasts an art deco style, a beautiful pool and patio bar, and a location which gives guests easy access to the natural wonders on its doorstep, as well as the many restaurants galleries, shops and bars in central Quepos.

Currently profitable, the hotel still has plenty of untapped potential for increased revenue through higher occupancy, tour and restaurant sales. The hotel is a complete, turn key operation, and sits at the top of the Trip Advisor rankings. It is also recommended by the major Costa Rica guide books like the Lonely Planet and the Moon Guide. It does not require any hotel experience to run, only the ability to interact with travelers over the complimentary breakfast.

La Sirena has 14 quaint rooms with air conditioning, cable television, mini-bar, and are decorated by award winning BBC photographs of Costa Rican wildlife. Adjacent to the hotel is an additional property that could be used for extra rooms or a separate business, but currently hosts the large reception and office center for guests. Facilities include WiFi in all the public areas, cable tv, and air conditioning. In regards to the price of the hotel, Hodel received many opinions before settling on the current figure.

“Some told us that because of the reputation, lack of any competition and its proximity to the new marina, we should ask for top dollar,” he says, “but the people that buy this place are not looking to collect a museum piece, they will need to make a living, and a good living. Costa Rica is a small place and I am planning on being here a long time so its in my best interest that the buyers are successful. hopefully as well as the gentleman that bought the Swordfish from us. Besides, we have decided to sell so the price we put on it hopefully will mean it will sell as fast as the Swordfish, which took just two days.”

The area around the hotel is going through a renaissance of its own. The new 300 slip sports fishing marina and the mega yachts have attracted a new wave of tourists. With a new highway, new bridges, and a redeveloped airport, it has never been easier to get to Quepos. The sheer number of activities and amenities allow travellers to experience the best Costa Rica has to offer, all in one amazing place.

Opportunities like these don’t come along everyday. For an investor who wants to live the dream and still draw an excellent income, than La Serena is a chance not to be missed. Sometimes in life it’s timing that counts more than anything else. For the Hodels the time to sell has come. Is it your time to finally realise your dreams?

For further information emaill [email protected]