Costa Rica's rainforest and windswept beaches lure travelers from all over the world to practice yoga and enjoy other soul-nourishing activities while communing with nature. Some retreat centers are in the country's remote corners, while others are just outside of major cities—this list covers six of the best.
In the northern Costa Rican lowlands sits Volcan Arenal, a monolith that draws visitors from across the globe. The surrounding area is a perfect base for nature excursions, but there's no need to rough it—these boutique lodging options feature all the tropical paradise and creature comforts you desire.
La Fortuna is a famous mountain town that needs no introduction for those familiar with the cone-shaped Arenal Volcano and its surrounding rainforests, hot springs, and waterfalls. Indeed, this is one of Costa Rica's top destinations with dozens of accommodations. So, how to skip hordes of tourists? We sought advice from our local specialists and kimkim staff to round up the most luxurious hotels in La Fortuna.
Manuel Antonio National Park has it all: rainforests, coral beaches, and wild rivers. Make the most of your time in this exceptionally scenic and diverse area with a mix of relaxation and active excursions. To this end, we've compiled a list of the best boutique hotels and ecolodges, all offering unforgettable views and close proximity to the park.
The Osa Peninsula is one of the most remote areas in Costa Rica. In recent years its untouched rainforests and beaches have given rise to a fitting style of jungle accommodation: the eco-lodge. Here are your best options for lodging that operates in harmony with the area's delicate ecosystem.
Epitomizing laid-back travel, Costa Rica has hundreds of hotels but only a few make the list for luxury. With the help our local specialists we've narrowed the best down to these eight unique options that choose quality over quantity, simplicity over opulence. Pick one or more and make your next trip to the land of 'pura vida' extra special.
Incredible culture, hip nightlife, excellent shopping, and trendy haute cuisine, San José has it all, and you can pair your trip with luxury and boutique accommodation. The city has grown in terms of lodging options, with more than ever before; and with so many high-end and unique choices, you can take your pick of style, neighborhood, and amenities. We've made your decision a little easier with our list of the best luxury and boutique hotels in San José.
If you’re looking for an upgrade in Costa Rica, Monteverde is the perfect region. The area feels naturally romantic with its misty cloud forests, hills with exceptional views, and a nearly endless list of activities to enjoy. You can easily pair your visit with a comfortable mid-range or luxury hotel, and kimkim has quite a few to recommend.
Known for its cloud forests and wildlife—and as the birthplace of ziplining—Monteverde is one of the more popular regions in Costa Rica. Hilly, misty, and dense with rainforest, this area has no shortages of exciting and relaxing experiences to enjoy. And why not pair hiking across hanging bridges, touring coffee plantations, or searching for wildlife with a boutique accommodation?
Culture, nightlife, haute cuisine—travelers are discovering the virtues of San José. And with plenty of lodging options, you can take your pick of style, neighborhood, and amenities on offer. Make your decision easy with this list of the best hotels in Costa Rica's capital.
If you’re heading to Tortuguero, you’re probably looking for remote solitude surrounded by jungle and wildlife. Getting to this unique region of Costa Rica is half the fun, and you can make it even more enjoyable by staying the night in one of the area’s boutique hotels. These are a great option, as they tend to have little perks, like lush gardens, individual wooden huts, and/or upscale cuisine.
Arenal/La Fortuna is an ideal location for families. Area activities, such as horseback riding, hiking near the Arenal Volcano, soaking in hot springs, river rafting, and touring coffee plantations, appeal to all ages and let you dive deep into the region’s natural environment and culture. To make your trip to the area even better, check into one of kimkim’s recommended family-friendly hotels.
One of the biggest appeals of Arenal/La Fortuna is the geothermal hot spring network, heated naturally by Costa Rica’s famous volcano, Volcán Arenal. Although great for day trips, many of the hot springs in the area have overnight lodgings, so you can fully take advantage of your time soaking in the pools. Kimkim has several recommendations for hot spring hotels in La Fortuna, ranging from standard to luxury.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a beautiful stretch of shoreline on the southern side of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Accommodations are spread out between the towns of Puerto Viejo and Punta Uva, meaning the location caters to the jungle and beach. If Puerto Viejo is known for anything, it’s the unique environment created by the mix of jungle, sea, and reef, plus its African-Caribbean influence, so it’s the perfect place to relax in a boutique hotel.
Manuel Antonio perfectly mixes sandy ocean beaches with hilly rainforests, so it’s no surprise that many travelers head to the region for its exceptional views. When staying in the area, make the most out of this perk by booking one of kimkim’s recommended hotels with the best ocean and jungle views.
Manuel Antonio is a family-friendly destination, chock full of activities and perks adored by all ages. Kids and adults alike will love hiking through the national park and time spent on the beach. Luckily, kimkim recommends quite a few family-friendly hotels in Manuel Antonio, so you can ensure everyone is happily entertained.
Whether you’re traveling to Manuel Antonio for the beaches or national park, you have plenty of options for accommodations. Try one of kimkim’s recommended mid-range hotels in Manuel Antonio. Although you’ll find plenty of luxury lodgings that fit perfectly into this beautiful region, you don’t have to break the bank to find exceptional views, comfort, and those upscale amenities.
If you’re staying in Manuel Antonio, you probably already know about the area’s exceptional beaches. Don’t miss a moment in the sand and surf by booking one of kimkim’s recommended hotels with beach access, a surprisingly unique amenity for the area.
Manuel Antonio is one of the most beautiful regions in Costa Rica, as it blends dense jungle hillsides with the scenic coastline of the Pacific Ocean. Many hotels and resorts use the hillside to offer some of the country’s best scenery overlooking the jungle and ocean. Elevate the beauty by staying in one of kimkim’s recommended luxury hotels in Manuel Antonio.
The hidden coves and beaches along the Gulf of Papagayo's rugged coastline offer a relaxing and active stay. Spend your days sunbathing at the beach or enjoy ventures like kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding in the protected waters. And if you're after that beachfront experience, this region offers plenty of options.
If you're planning to visit Tamarindo, it's probably for its renowned beaches and coastline. To truly experience this region's famous shores, you might want to stay in a beachfront hotel or lodgings that offer direct beach access. You'll find plenty of options, from luxury hotels with sports equipment to standard accommodation with common spaces right on the sand.
A cozy lodge is an excellent choice when staying in the misty cloud forests in Monteverde, as many sit in the jungle and offer views within or above the treetops. Sleep in luxury cabins with plush furnishings, area staples operating since the 1980s, or lodges with spas, outdoor pools, and fine dining restaurants.
Monteverde is an ideal location for a Costa Rican honeymoon, with its misty and romantic cloud forest and abundant wildlife. Couples will find intimate properties surrounded by jungle greenery that offer amenities like private balconies, soaking tubs, fine dining restaurants, spas, outdoor pools, and happy hours.
Tamarindo's reputation for tropical white-sand beaches makes it an ideal spot for a romantic trip. Couples can enjoy relaxing on the beach and taking in the sunsets or combine their vacation with something more active, like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or learning how to surf. And to enhance your stay, opt for accommodation with perks like private hot tubs, spa treatments, outdoor showers, and beach views.
Though Tamarindo is known for its idyllic coves, inlets, and white-sand beaches, sometimes you need a break from the surf and want to relax by the pool. Tamarindo has several lodging choices that offer swimming pools, including many with multiple pools or areas where you can relax in sunloungers and still enjoy those ocean views.
Arenal offers several lodges, many featuring iconic views of Arenal Volcano while also sitting within the Costa Rican jungle. Our top picks for accommodation in Arenal maintain an authentic atmosphere while still providing amenities like on-site eateries and hot springs. Enjoy staying in cabins, bungalows, and wooden rooms with warm decor and private outdoor spaces.
With such an idyllic setting, Tamarindo offers plenty of beautiful mid-range and luxury boutique hotels to enhance your stay along the region's famed coastline. Choose from luxury hillside hotels, beachfront cabins, villas with private pools, and bungalows with bohemian vibes.
Like many travelers to Costa Rica, you might want to visit Arenal/La Fortuna, one of the most beautiful regions in the country. The main site is Arenal Volcano, which sits in the lush Arenal Volcano National Park. To take advantage of your time in the area, consider staying a night or two at one of our recommended mid-range hotels, which offer affordable yet comfortable stays.
The main attraction in Arenal/La Fortuna is the region's famed volcano, a cone-shaped peak often shrouded in clouds. Early morning is the best time to catch cloud-free views, so we recommend staying in an area hotel offering vistas of Arenal Volcano. Enjoy those views from your room with your morning coffee or common areas like open-air restaurants, hot springs, and yoga platforms.
Arenal/La Fortuna is a popular Costa Rican region, mostly known for the country’s most famous volcano. You’ll also find a sprawling national park and several thermal pools to enjoy. For the budget-minded, choose from one of kimkim’s recommended standard hotels, which still offer a comfy stay without breaking the bank.
Many travelers head to Monteverde for its cloud forest excursions, including ziplining, wildlife viewing, and hiking across hanging bridges. Many hotels offer accommodation right next door to these forests or within private reserves, so you can feel like you’re part of the serene environment, even as you sleep. If you’re on a budget or prefer something a bit more rustic, consider one of our recommended standard hotels in Monteverde.
One of the appeals of Monteverde is its dense cloud forest, so you'll find many hotels surrounded by nature and offering a quiet reprieve in the jungle. You'll have your choice of eco-lodges with organic eateries, bungalows surrounded by protected rainforest, and plenty of options allowing you to watch wildlife right from your room.
Costa Rica's capital city has much to offer, from culture to nightlife. But if you have an early flight to catch, you may prefer to stay near San José's airport. Also located near the Pan American Highway, car rental agencies, and a train station where you can catch a ride into the city's downtown, these hotels are excellent options for an overnight stay at the start or end of your trip.
Boutique hotels in Tamarindo offer a blend of relaxation and authenticity while in the middle of the buzz on the region's famed white-sand beaches. You can choose from luxury hillside hotels, beachfront villas with bohemian vibes, and standard hotels with unique amenities, like happy hour, surf lessons, and beach clubs.
Santa Elena is Monteverde's hub and is where local restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, and shops are found. If you'd like to stay close to the downtown area, you have several hotel options, and many still maintain those Costa Rican cloud forest vibes.
A popular reason to visit Arenal/La Fortuna is the region's beautiful natural surroundings, which include dense jungle and the famed Arenal Volcano. To really experience Costa Rica's appeal, you may want a hotel enveloped by nature. Kimkim's list consists of the best hotels giving you that experience, from luxury lodges to standard properties with volcano views.
Arenal/La Fortuna offers a romantic mix of beautiful scenery, relaxing hot springs, and cultural activities—an ideal spot for a honeymoon or getaway with your partner. Our recommendations for the best hotels for a bit of romance include luxury stays where you get your own private bungalow and plunge pool, plus other properties surrounded by the Costa Rican jungle with fine-dining eateries and secluded hot springs.
Blending ocean and jungle, Manuel Antonio offers a slew of activities to enjoy, including sea kayaking, snorkeling, mangrove boat tours, wildlife hikes, foodie tours, and more. Budget-minded travelers might want to save on accommodation to splurge on adventures. If that’s you, check out kimkim’s recommended standard hotels in Manuel Antonio, which offer reasonable pricing without compromising quality.
Staying close to La Fortuna gives you a mixed stay in the Arenal region, combining the area's famed jungle and volcanic views with the culture of its central hub. Our list of the best hotels near downtown La Fortuna includes those right in the action, properties a short walk from local restaurants and shops, and accommodation in the jungle yet just a quick five-minute drive from town.
Many visitors choose to stay in Tamarindo for its incredible coastline, beaches, and opportunities for water sports. Surfers from all over the world come here to catch waves, which means there's plenty of entertainment, restaurants, and local shops to enjoy. Some of the best standard hotels in Tamarindo double as surf schools, so you can enjoy the total experience.
It doesn’t get posher than the Grano de Oro Hotel, known throughout Central America and the Caribbean as a beautifully restored 20th-century mansion turned hotel. Each of the property’s 35 rooms is unique and highlights the hotel’s history while facing a green courtyard. You’ll also find a...
Hotel Presidente is a modern hotel in downtown San José that blends trendy, industrial design with elements of its historical origins. Enjoy comfortable beds, a range of room options, a hip restaurant, and an outdoor terrace. While staying at Hotel Presidente, you’ll be just a few blocks away...
You’ll find the same color theme here in San José as in any Park Inn by Radisson hotel. Plain and simple, the hotel is no-frills but does offer an outdoor pool, fitness center, a restaurant and bar, and free parking. The rooms are bright and clean—some even include beautiful views of downtown San...
Simple and standard, Hotel Pasatiempo offers relaxed rooms that sleep up to four guests and feature minifridges and air conditioning. Some units, including the private villa, add outdoor spaces. Guests can enjoy meals at the onsite restaurant and bar with a daily happy hour and live music during...
This large hotel sits atop a ridge overlooking the jungle, offering an expansive property with an outdoor pool, hiking trails, and a canopy ziplining course. Rooms and suites feature tall ceilings, large windows, and balconies or terraces and views. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the...
Straightforward and simple, Hotel Cipreses is a place to sleep, eat breakfast, and not much else. It's a good option for those on a budget who want to stay within walking distance of downtown Santa Elena. Besides basic lodgings, there's also a well-maintained garden with tropical flowers and a...
Simple by nature, Hotel Ficus established a modest accommodation that took advantage of the property's location atop a hill overlooking the Gulf of Nicoya. All rooms have basic, clean, and comfy furnishings and offer balconies or terraces with coastal or forest vistas. Enjoy strolling the grounds...
Set on a hillside with views of the Gulf of Nicoya, Hotel Heliconia offers basic rooms and suites with wooden details and shared balconies or terraces. Explore the property's grounds by strolling on hiking trails, relaxing in the orchid gardens, and spotting wildlife. Amenities include a hot tub,...
Sleep among the cloud forest at Hotel Koora, as each bungalow sits on a hill surrounded by trees with vistas out to the coast. The property is expanding, adding new cabins and other perks with its renovations. For now, perks include meals at the restaurant with its circular terrace, outdoor...
Enjoy a warm welcome from the kind staff at Mar Inn, which teams up with the property next door, where you'll find a few amenities to enjoy. Daily breakfast and other meals are available at the sister property, Hotel Don Taco, plus a garden and sun terrace. Back at Mar Inn, rooms are simple with...
Simple yet comfortable, Jaguarundi Lodge offers just eight units set in duplex-style cabins wholly immersed in the Costa Rican rainforest. You won't get any vistas from here, but you will spot wildlife from your room—and might enjoy a tiny insect roommate or two. Spend time relaxing on your...
With bright and airy rooms, Monteverde Lodge & Gardens offers a restful stay in the forest, complete with an outdoor pool surrounded by dense vegetation. All units feature balconies, terraces, hammocks, patio furniture, and comfy quarters. Enjoy a location within walking distance to downtown...
Stay near the beach and tucked into the trees at Cala Luna Boutique Hotel, where you can enjoy the property's many perks, including two onsite eateries, an outdoor pool, a spa, and complimentary yoga and fitness classes. Rooms are bright and airy with relaxing outdoor spaces, and villas offer...
Stay hidden in the trees yet directly on the beach at Capitán Suizo, complete with a restaurant, outdoor zero-entry pool, and bar almost right on the sand. Superior rooms, suites, and bungalows offer a warm ambiance with king beds, air conditioning, and private outdoor spaces. Swim at the beach...
As a basic accommodation, Hotel Luna Llena offers relaxed rooms and bungalows with wooden and tile accents, plus multiple beds. Less than five minutes of walking takes you to the beach, and under 10 gets you to downtown Tamarindo. Relax in the hotel's garden or swim in the outdoor pool when not...
Quiet in both its location and as an adults-only property, Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel offers warm and cozy rooms with a half-board experience, including breakfast and dinner. The menu rotates daily, and those staying more than four days receive access to another restaurant for more options....
This adults-only hotel offers a quiet reprieve from busy Tamarindo, set on a hilltop within the forest. Though 20 to 30 minutes from the beach and area attractions, Los Altos de Eros swaps a downtown location for exceptional ocean views. There are only six rooms, including two suites, with all...
Stay in individual cabins or the beachfront villa at Ocho Artisan Bungalows, all featuring air conditioning, furnished terraces, and kitchens. Units offer multiple beds and sleep up to five or six guests. Enjoy more space and an entirely indoor/outdoor bathroom when booking the villa. The hotel...
Combine sleep and surfing at Pueblo Dorado Surf Hotel—though you don't need to surf to stay here. Surf packages pair accommodation with lessons, classes, and unlimited board rentals. Simple rooms offer various configurations, basic furnishings, and air conditioning. Amenities include an outdoor...
The Coast Beachfront Hotel offers a peaceful location on a swimmable beach, yet within walking distance to downtown Tamarindo. Choose from rooms, suites, private bungalows, and villas, all featuring a private kitchen, as there's no restaurant at the hotel. The property offers rentals and lessons...
Guests who want an all-inclusive experience might enjoy Casa Conde Beachfront Hotel, complete with two restaurants and three bars. You'll find two bars at the pools, offering swim-up service or table seating, and one in the gardens across from the beach. Standard rooms are relatively basic...
Stay close to Rincón de la Vieja National Park at Hacienda Guachipelin, and enjoy onsite perks like hiking trails to waterfalls and ponds, two restaurants, and hot spring pools built along a river. Rooms are simple, with suites offering perks like in-room soaking tubs and furnished outdoor...
Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort opened in 1979 as one of the first resorts in the Guanacaste region. Though the rooms are relatively generic, the grounds and amenities are all about enjoying Costa Rica. You'll be beachfront with a garden and day beds facing the sand, plus have access to multiple...
Hotel Villa del Sueno is about a 5-minute walk from Playa Hermosa, set on a side street and featuring an onsite restaurant with live local musicians on Saturday nights. Guests can relax at one of the two outdoor pools (one reserved for those staying in the suites) or grab a drink at the bar....
A relaxed yet comfortable property, Papagayo Golden Palms Beachfront Hotel offers a quiet location at the end of the beach, far from the downtown area and other hotels. The grounds are large with gardens, a trickling river, tall palm trees, an outdoor pool, and a beach area with hammocks and...
Rio Perdido is a wellness lodge that reflects the surrounding area, complete with natural river thermal pools and mineral springs. The lodging also features an open-air restaurant, spa, infinity pool, yoga platform, and another thermal pool that curves around the property. Rooms are in private...
Sueño del Mar is small and intimate and only offers seven units in a quaint residential area. Choose from rooms or casitas (cabin-like homes), all with authentic decor, like stucco walls, clay floors, and wooden ceilings. You'll be right on a quiet, secluded beach perfect for beachcombing and...
This relaxed beachfront property offers guests simple yet comfortable rooms with microwaves and minifridges. Amenities at Hotel El Velero include direct beach access, beach towels, an outdoor pool open day and night, and an onsite restaurant. Only two rooms offer balconies, but guests can access...
Enjoy a calm, private, and comfortable stay at Hotel Bosque del Mar on Playa Hermosa. Rooms feel hidden among the trees and very spacious, with private terraces or balconies and separate bedrooms. Oceanfront suites feature a Jacuzzi tub on the patio. You'll find two restaurants on the property,...
Monteverde Rustic Lodge sits just north of central Santa Elena and features unique, pastoral accents that blend in to the area’s environment. As a sister property of Poco a Poco, the guests of Monteverde Rustic Lodge are welcome to use the pool and spa facilities at the downtown hotel, about one...
The vibe here is unique but could appear a little quirky depending on your style. Banners, billboards, and old airplanes converted into restaurants and villas (plus grounds covering 20 acres) make it feel like its own town. You’ll also notice walls and light fixtures made from old glass bottles...
Amor Arenal offers a unique experience, as each of its private cabins sits within the jungle and slightly above the trees, so you get privacy and views of Arenal Volcano. Each bungalow features a furnished deck and a private Jacuzzi tub. Amenities include an open-air spa, yoga deck, six different...
Enjoy a tranquil stay within Costa Rica's jungle at Nayara Springs, a sprawling property with private walking trails, hanging bridges, volcano views, an open-air spa, and an outdoor pool. The local vegetation hides each individual cabin, so you'll enjoy privacy on your furnished terrace and...
Shawandha Lodge, an eco-lodge with individual wooden huts built in traditional Caribbean style, offers a bit of luxury. Each comes with high ceilings and porches with hammocks and seating. Enjoy an extensive breakfast buffet at the onsite restaurant, which serves meals throughout the day, and...
Arenal Country Inn is an excellent standard option in La Fortuna, close to the downtown area and all the main attractions, including the national park. The best rooms are those in the bungalows, though all options have air conditioning and terraces. Enjoy a simple breakfast in the morning and sit...
Hotel San Bada’s location is nearly perfect: next door to the national park and a 2-minute walk to the beach on a private path. Though standard in design and amenities, the 67 rooms have jungle or beach views. One family pool has artificial waterfalls, and an adults-only rooftop pool has a bar....
Karahe Beach Hotel is unique in that it has direct beach access—one of the few in Manuel Antonio. The property opened in 1980 as one of the first accommodations in the area and is known for its exceptionally kind and helpful staff. The area’s main (and busy) road splits the property in half, so...
Senda Monteverde Boutique Hotel sits nearby the Aguti Reserve and offers bungalows with one or two units. All rooms feature comfy lodgings with complimentary minibars, private terraces, and twice-daily housekeeping. Besides access to the neighboring nature reserve, you'll find a list of weekly...
Stay in cozy wooden cabins featuring locally made furnishings and two balconies, one offering views of Arenal Volcano. The vast and hilly property provides guests with true privacy while surrounded by nature. Other perks include an outdoor pool with a waterfall and hot tub, two onsite...
Consider Casa Luna Hotel & Spa if you’re interested in a quieter property tucked away from busy roads. Rooms are warm and rustic, set in groups of four so that all have views of Arenal Volcano. There are quite a few onsite amenities, including a delicious restaurant that won’t break your...
Paradise Hot Springs Thermal Water Resort is an excellent option for the budget-minded. With just 25 rooms, it’s a relatively small property with clean, simple accommodations and amenities, but the highlight is the eight onsite hot spring pools (one featuring a swim-up bar). Unlike some other...
You’ll find Hotel Playa Espadilla just steps away from both Espadilla Beach and the entrance to the national park. The property offers a pretty cool vibe with an outdoor pool, private cabanas covered in beach grass, and an open-air restaurant and bar with wooden tables under trees and twinkly...
El Faro Beach Hotel has excellent ocean views, but they require a bit of effort since the property is atop a steep hill. Old shipping containers make up the hotel, creating a simple atmosphere. Although you’ll find basic services here, the hotel gets the job done for budget-friendly travelers or...
While in a lovely, quiet location with direct access to Biesanz Beach, Shana by the Beach Resort and its rooms are a bit dated. Though you can enjoy the Mediterranean vibes with white buildings, terracotta roofs, individual balconies, and stoic columns. Some amenities include two outdoor pools...
Baldi Hot Springs Hotel Resort and Spa is perfect for those looking for a livelier atmosphere. Guests will enjoy tropical gardens, a buffet, an a la carte restaurant, a full-service spa, and 25 different thermal pools certified by the National Water Laboratory. Thanks to a large play area and...
Manatus Hotel is on the peninsula between the two lagoons. Although some of the common areas line the shore, the hotel’s rooms sit back within the property’s gardens. There are only 12 units, each within clusters of four cabins, making the hotel feel a bit more intimate.Pros A small and quiet...
Namuwoki Lodge has 18 simple bungalows built in Caribbean-style, with tall ceilings, wooden accents, and thatched roofs. Although close together, the property’s tropical plants and forest give each room a sense of privacy. You’ll find an onsite restaurant serving local and Spanish-inspired...
The Igloo Beach Lodge has a trendy hipster vibe, thanks to its unique igloo-shaped rooms surrounding an outdoor pool area. The eco-friendly domes are small and minimalist but with warm wooden accents and decor—a bit like a tiny home. The onsite restaurant serves all different foods but steps up...
Relax Natural Village is aptly named; it's a cluster of six wooden cabins deep in nature and surrounded by tropical plants. Although the cabins are next to one another, the greenery conceals porches (which include colorful hammocks) for privacy, so you can keep your sliding doors and windows...
Espadilla Gardens Hotel is the sister property of Hotel Playa Espadilla (about one block away) and shares amenities like an open-air restaurant and garden with a nature path. Although you’ll have to walk to the other location for these services, Espadilla Gardens directly connects to the beach...
With just 11 traditional wood bungalows dotting the property, Azania is an excellent choice for a small, more intimate stay near the beach. The bungalows are Caribbean-style with wooden floors, beds, and decor, plus A-frame ceilings, thatched roofs, and terraces with hammocks. The property is...
Staying at Cala Lodge means sleeping among nature, as the property hosts just 18 rooms and suites that feel like cabins in the forest. All have balconies or terraces overlooking the surrounding woodland and come with a free traditional breakfast. When not exploring the area, spend time walking...
Villas del Caribe is a simple beachside hotel on Puerto Viejo’s popular Playa Cocles. The location is excellent, but the rooms feel a bit dated and need some improvements. When ready for a beach reprieve, you can relax in the outdoor pool area, which includes a Jacuzzi hidden at the top of an...
Relaxed and intimate, Mawamba Lodge contains sprawling gardens extending from Tortuguero’s lagoon to the Caribbean Sea. Wooden lodges feature porches with hammocks, and you can relax in the outdoor pool area. Enjoy the Creole-inspired cuisine at the lodge’s restaurant buffet or book a table at...
Sleep in the jungle at Arenal Manoa, with its sprawling grounds complete with dense vegetation, three eateries, a swimming pool, a spa, and several hot springs pools. Each cabin houses two units, each offering a private terrace hidden by tropical plants. Stroll from your room to breakfast along...
As it’s a hillside property, most travelers stay at La Mariposa Hotel for its incredible views, some of the best in Manuel Antonio. The hotel is updating all rooms, so some are currently better than others, though all have balconies with views. Families and larger groups can enjoy two- and...
Holiday Inn San José-Aurola is easy to spot—a 17-story building with a silvery, retro exterior and large windows. As a family-friendly accommodation, the hotel provides easy access to some of the city’s most popular sites, including the Gold Museum, Jade Museum, and National Theater. Other perks...
Hotel and Spa Poco a Poco has grown “little by little,” starting with just five rooms in 2000 and gradually adding units every few years. Today, you’ll find about 30 warm and simple rooms (some with patios and private Jacuzzis) near downtown Santa Elena. You can enjoy your meals at the onsite...
Tifakara means "waterfall” in Maleku, which is fitting since this hotel is next to La Fortuna Waterfall and within the jungle (offering plenty of bird watching and wildlife sightings). Grab a charming cabin with an outdoor shower, air conditioning, and terrace, and enjoy relaxing by the outdoor...
The hotel owner’s love of the Spanish aesthetic led to the property’s name, as parador means “stopping point” or “resting place.” You can expect beautiful grounds with Spanish sculptures, tile work, and decor. The property is one of the most family-friendly in Manuel Antonio, with plenty to keep...
With a stay at Monteverde Country Lodge, guests can enjoy beautiful grounds with gardens, fountains, and a kids’ playground, plus an onsite restaurant and a lounge area. Although not at the property, you can access the pool and spa services at Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco (the lodge’s sister...
Si Como No Resort is one of those places that you never have to leave unless you want to. Although the rooms feel a little dated, all have balconies with at least partial ocean views, plus views of the jungle. The property features two restaurants, two swimming pools, a movie theater, and a...
Hotel Balmoral is standard accommodation, but its central location in San José makes up for its simplicity. You can easily walk to the main sites, including the Jade Museum, Gold Museum, National Museum of Costa Rica, and Municipal Craft Market. Onsite, you’ll find a restaurant, café, bar,...
Laguna Lodge is one of the largest hotels in the Tortuguero area, with about 100 rooms. Despite its size, you’ll still feel a sense of privacy, as each block of rooms only has four units separated by tropical plants. You’ll find two outdoor swimming pools (one reserved for adults) and a large...
Cariblue Jungle and Beach Resort is a group of lodges with thatched awnings spread among a large property in the jungle. Each lodge has about four to six rooms and two floors. Although not a beachfront property, it’s just down the road from Playa Cocles and not far from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca....
You’ll find Tortuga Lodge & Gardens on the water between two lagoons with 29 rooms (some with air conditioning) lining the shores. Although it’s the hotel farthest from Tortuguero Town, a quick boat ride will get you there—but you might not want to leave the property since its private nature...
Noah's Forest is perfect for travelers seeking solitude, as each separate cabin lies hidden from view thanks to a dense forest and jungle foliage (and some feature private hot tubs). The riverfront property is perfect for wildlife viewing, and you can enjoy the sister property's nightly jungle...
As a standard resort hotel, Magic Mountain offers 105 rooms and suites stretched across three buildings, all with elevators. Each unit faces the mountain, so you'll get volcano views from your own private terrace or balcony. Enjoy your meals at the main restaurant or grab dinner from the rooftop...
Having expanded multiple times over the years, Hotel Eco Arenal gives off a neighborhood vibe with its 58 rooms set in diverse structures. Units are simple with basic furnishings and amenities, though clean and comfortable. Enjoy a traditional breakfast in the morning, dining al fresco with the...
Volcano Lodge is a family-owned accommodation with extensive property and gardens. Rooms are simple, though upgraded units offer private stone plunge pools on the terrace. Guests can enjoy the hot springs complex with several pools and waterfalls, plus a gym and yoga platform. Other amenities...
Set across over 1,000 acres, Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort offers guests numerous activities, including two hiking trails (one leading to an observation deck with volcano views), horseback riding, ziplining, and hot springs. You'll also find eight hot springs pools, two restaurants, and a...
The Royal Corin covers a lot of ground and offers several amenities, but though it feels big, it remains quite intimate with just 54 rooms and suites. Enjoy relaxing in the extensive gardens, where a thermal river connects several pools with waterfalls and hydro massage. You can also enjoy cold...
Simple yet contemporary, La Fortuna Downtown Boutique Hotel offers 20 casual rooms with balconies and air conditioning. The central location is perfect for exploring the city, as you'll be just across from La Fortuna Park. Enjoy amenities like an onsite steakhouse with live music and daily happy...
As a luxury resort with a little bit of everything, you'll find multiple bars, eateries, hot springs, spa treatments, and outdoor activities across The Springs Resort & Spa's vast property. The thermal mineral pools feature atmospheric perks like waterfalls, views of Arenal Volcano, and...
The property at Hotel Arenal Springs Resort & Spa hosts 108 rooms, all situated in duplex cabins with warm decor and terraces with volcano views. Enjoy your meals onsite at one of the three restaurants with different themes (Italian, Costa Rican, and Japanese), plus complimentary minibars in...
With just a few private suites, Iguana Surf Camp is a great option for travelers wanting to surf in Costa Rica. The hotel's official surf package includes numerous perks, including daily lessons, the use of a surfboard, a room, breakfast, and more. You'll be in the downtown area of Tamarindo,...
The Gran Hotel in San José knows how to mix history, modernity, and elegance, so you get a little bit of everything. Completely renovated, the building originated in the 1930s and is a designated historical-architectural monument. Rooms and common spaces are bright, spacious, and stylish, and the...
Casa Chameleon Hotel provides a peaceful retreat on a ridge overlooking Las Catalinas and the area's numerous beaches. Individual cabins and suites offer colorful and comfortable lodgings, spacious bathrooms, private furnished terraces, and unique saltwater plunge pools. When not enjoying your...
Stay in Hotel Belmar, Monteverde's second-ever hotel, a chic mountain lodge inspired by Austrian design. All rooms feature hardwood elements, airy spaces, and balconies or terraces with cloud forest views. Suites add perks like outdoor porch swings, spa-like bathrooms, and indoor gardens. Spend...
Hotel Kokoro is a decent standard option with an onsite Costan Rican-Japanese fusion restaurant and three thermal pools of various temperatures. Enjoy simple and rustic dwellings, opening up to a garden and dense forests where you can go birdwatching and spot critters like sloths on the property....
As a small, family-owned lodge, Los Pinos Cabañas & Jardines offers private cabins in the forest. You won't find breakfast or a restaurant here, but each bungalow has a kitchen for cooking your meals. Most units feature private terraces or balconies, living rooms, and dining areas. Families...
You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the jungle at Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa, a luxury resort in La Fortuna. All 42 rooms feature natural tones, wooden accents, and views of the rainforest. Your room rate includes access to the thermal pools (a quick shuttle ride away) with a small area...
