Must-see hotels in Costa Rica

  • Horizontes de Montezuma

    Montezuma

    This gem is situated about 2km north (and uphill) from Montezuma, in a colonial-style building surrounded by spectacular blooming gardens. Rooms are crisp…

  • Zephyr Palace

    Central Pacific Coast

    On the same property as the elegant Villa Caletas, its over-the-top sibling takes the decadence to another level of luxury. At this marble palace, seven…

  • El Pequeño Gecko Verde

    Playa Sámara

    A hidden slice of heaven. Contemporary and classy, these bungalows have beds dressed in plush linens, artisanal carvings on the walls, private terraces…

  • Hotel Ave del Paraíso

    San José

    Decorated with beautiful mosaic tiles and a yard full of interesting art, this hotel run by an artsy family is set back from the busy street just far…

  • Rio Celeste Hideaway

    Northwestern Costa Rica

    Five-star elegance, about 1.5km from the park gate. Huge, 90-sq-m thatched casitas (cottages) with wooden floors, pastel paintwork and antique furnishings…

  • Villa Cacao

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    Escape from the dust and into this cozy, quiet boutique featuring just a few accommodations set before a relaxing pool and surrounded by tropical…

  • Senda Lodge

    Monteverde & Santa Elena

    This resurrected collection of bungalows has been freshened up with contemporary decor and local art, and surrounded by newly planted foliage. Add to that…

  • Monteverde Rustic Lodge

    Monteverde & Santa Elena

    Funny thing about the Rustic Lodge: it’s not that rustic. The tree-trunk posts and furnishings play along with the theme, but remodeled rooms are spotless…

  • Colours Oasis Resort

    San José

    This longtime LGBTIQ-friendly hotel occupies a sprawling Key West–style complex in the elegant Rohrmoser district (northwest of La Sabana). Rooms and mini…

  • Casa Marbella

    Tortuguero Village

    In the heart of the village, with a spacious and delightful canal-side deck, this B&B owned by naturalist Daryl Loth is a convenient in-town option…

  • Cabinas Tropical

    Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

    Ten spacious rooms – two with air-con – decorated with varnished wood and shiny tiles surround a primly landscaped garden at the eastern end of town. The…

  • La Marejada Hotel

    Península de Nicoya

    Hidden behind a bamboo fence, this stylish nest has eight elegantly understated rooms with stone-tile floors, rattan and wooden furnishings, and queen…

  • Tortuga Lodge & Gardens

    Tortuguero Village

    This elegant lodge is set amid 20 serene hectares of private gardens, directly across the canal from Tortuguero's airstrip. The 27 demure rooms channel a…

  • Bungalows Aché

    Cahuita

    In Nigeria, Aché means ‘Amen,’ and you’ll likely say the same thing when you see these three spotless polished-wood bungalows nestled into a grassy yard…

  • Ylang-Ylang Beach Resort

    Montezuma

    Walk 15 minutes north along the beach to this lush property, complete with beautifully appointed cabinas and bungalows, and a palm-fringed swimming pool,…

  • Aracari Garden Hostel

    Tortuguero Village

    This tangerine-colored hostel on the south side of the soccer field has eight sparkling rooms and relaxing shared spaces surrounded by fruit trees. A new…

  • La Botella de Leche

    Playa Tamarindo

    With a relaxed vibe, this congenial spot – aka 'the Bottle of Milk' – is recommended for its warm and attentive management, plus fully air-conditioned…

  • Rancho Cannatella

    Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa

    About 2km toward Punta Banco, this former surfer's haven has been turned into a luxurious four-room retreat, complete with maid service, fully stocked…

  • L&L Aparthotel

    Península de Nicoya

    Tucked between Montezuma and Cabuya, these tidy little chalets look like Lincoln log cabins in the tropics. They're equipped with living rooms, kitchens,…

  • Bosque del Mar

    Península de Nicoya

    Perched on the sand at the southern end of the beach, this lovely all-suite hotel offers a stunning location. Guests relish the gorgeous gardens, private…

  • Hotel Luamey

    Playa Tamarindo

    Simply exquisite, this boutique hotel is an oasis of serenity and beauty in the midst of Tamarindo chaos. Spacious cabaña suites are decorated in soothing…

  • Hotel El Silencio del Campo

    La Fortuna

    This lovely lodge about 5km west of town has 23 stand-alone cabins that are luxurious without being showy. The property’s pièce de résistance, though, is…

  • El Encanto B&B

    Cahuita

    This pleasant B&B, only about 200m northwest of downtown Cahuita, is set in landscaped grounds dotted with easy chairs and hammocks. Demure bungalows have…

  • El Cactus Hostel

    Playa Sámara

    Brightly painted in citrus colors, El Cactus is a great option, especially for those who prefer serenity over revelry. Fresh rooms have wooden furniture,…

  • Escape Caribeño

    Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

    Charming owners keep these bungalows spotless. Some bungalows sit on the beach side, others in the garden across the road, 500m east of town toward Playa…

  • Luna Llena

    Montezuma

    On the northern edge of town on a hilltop overlooking the sea, this budget option is delightful. The 15 rooms and two dorms are simple but stylish,…

  • Cabinas Riverside

    Cahuita

    This tidy budget place just around the corner from Kelly Creek ranger station offers nine simple rooms with mosquito nets and hot showers; five units that…

  • Río Indio Ecolodge

    Caribbean Coast

    In San Juan de Nicaragua, this ecolodge has 27 spacious polished-wood cabins, a restaurant and a bar. Fishing is the forte, but you can also go hiking or…

  • La Casona

    Tortuguero Village

    Cute rooms with rustic touches, fans and hot showers surround a lovely garden at this family-run spot. Sit back and relax in one of the hammocks and watch…

  • Sámara Palm Lodge

    Playa Sámara

    An inviting little Swiss-owned lodge on the edge of town. Eight spotless rooms feature tropical decor, with stained-wood furniture, tiled floors and bold…

  • Indra Inn

    Península de Nicoya

    It's not too fancy at Indra Inn, but the grounds are blooming with fruit trees and hung with hammocks. Rooms are freshly updated (the old bar has been…

  • Hotel Aranjuez

    San José

    This Barrio Aranjuez hotel consists of five nicely maintained vintage homes, strung together with a labyrinth of gardens and connecting walkways. The 35…

  • Room 2 Board Hostel & Surf School

    Jacó

    In a modern white-and-green complex a few minutes' walk from the beach, this hostel is spacious and professionally run. It has a buzzy pool-side cafe,…

  • Arenal Observatory Lodge

    Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal

    High on the Arenal slopes, this sprawling lodge is the only accommodation in the national park. Rooms range from La Casona’s rustic doubles without…

  • Casa Surf

    Península de Nicoya

    Casa Surf looks a bit tired but still tropical, with a bamboo exterior and palm-thatched roof. Inside, you'll find simple, clean rooms – brightly painted…

  • La Carolina Lodge

    Northwestern Costa Rica

    Flanked by a roaring river and tucked into the trees on the volcano slope, this isolated lodge is also a working cattle ranch. Cabins are rustic and…

  • Hostel Pangea

    San José

    This industrial-strength hostel – 25 dorm beds, 25 private rooms, and five cushy suites – has been a popular twentysomething backpacker hangout for years…

  • Bahia Rica

    Península de Nicoya

    Run by a couple of adventuresome Norwegians, this fishing lodge has a Swiss Family Robinson vibe in its jungle lodge and private bungalow, both tucked…

  • Hotel Cristal Ballena

    Uvita

    About 7km south of Uvita, surrounded by 12 hectares of private nature reserve and with sweet views of the coast from its hillside location, this blue and…

  • Fiesta Resort

    Central Pacific Coast

    Formerly the Double Tree Resort by Hilton Central Pacific, this all-inclusive, family-friendly resort comes with four restaurants, seven bars and an…

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