05 Our story
Built by a family, one floor at a time.
Villas Jacquelina began as a family dream: a place that feels personal, peaceful and connected to nature, rather than a traditional hotel.
-
01 The build
Built mostly by hand
Villas Jacquelina was founded by Steven Acedo and his son Esteban. Steven worked as the general contractor and built most of the building himself — and guests were already renting rooms before the construction was finished.
-
02 The name
Named for Jacquelyn
Steven’s daughter Jacquelyn lived in Costa Rica during part of the construction. Her influence on the place is why it carries her name.
-
03 Classrooms on the roof
First, a school
When construction wrapped up in 2011, the still-raw building was rented to a TEFL language school: students slept in the bedrooms and the rooftops and common areas became classrooms. The school moved on after a couple of years.
-
04 The hotel
A pool, and covered rooftops
Steven and Esteban reinvested in the property: a swimming pool, covered living spaces on the rooftops and many small changes. “When we opened the doors at Villas Jacquelina in 2012,” as Steven put it, “for the past 10 years our family has continued to build on that base by bringing the jungle into indoor and rooftop spaces.”
-
05 The remodel
A pause, then plants everywhere
The pandemic closed the hotel for six months. Esteban, who had taken over the running of the place, used the time for a remodel: new curtains, light features, blackout shades and — most importantly — a great many indoor plants.
-
06 Today
Still a family affair
The family runs the hotel and its sister travel company, Pura Vida Traveling. Recent additions include the Pura Vida Plunge sauna and cold plunge (2024) and the Bird’s Nest, a new penthouse apartment right next door.
The building
Open-air terraces, gardens, natural airflow and treehouse-style architecture, so guests feel immersed in the jungle while still enjoying comfort. Climb the red stairs and you pass terrace after terrace — the reception level with its long community table and hammocks, then the upper terrace for yoga and workouts, and above them the netted bird’s nest and El Palomar, open to the sky.
Why guests choose it
-
Genuine hospitality
The team loves helping guests discover the best of Quepos and Manuel Antonio.
-
Exceptional cleanliness
One of the most common compliments in the hotel’s reviews.
-
An affordable experience
Boutique character at prices that work for budget-conscious travellers.
-
Community & connection
Shared spaces that feel social without feeling crowded or noisy.
Take the virtual tour
The hotel’s own 2022 walk-through, from the entrance to the rooftops. Loads from YouTube when you press play.
YouTube @VillasJac
Small things, done daily
Practices the hotel lists on its sustainability page (2023), in its own words:
- Energy-efficient bulbs on timers and motion sensors; a ceiling fan in every room
- No single-use plastics
- Recycling, composting and a herb & vegetable garden
- Breakfast from the local farmers market, with free-range eggs
- Local staff employed year-round, local suppliers and tour operators
- Neighbours’ kids invited to the pool and terraces in the off-season
The hotel doesn’t claim a sustainability certification.