Best Hotels Costa Rica

At Costa Rican Vacations, we do not promote a hotel we have not enjoyed staying in ourselves. We get to know each property thoroughly before sending anyone else there and we continue to follow up by making visits and checking in with guests about the quality of the stay and services.

Our travel consultants have a map in their minds of their favorite options for each type of traveler and they are ready to direct you to your dream location based on who you’re travelling with and why. Are you coming to relax with friends? Go on fun family adventures? Enjoy a secluded romantic honeymoon? Complete your wildlife spotting checklist? Spend the day on the sea with a beer in hand waiting to reel in your photo worthy catch?

Let us know what kind of hotel you usually stay in and what activities you are into and we will point you in the direction of a hotel and area you’ll love based on your travel personality and preferences.

Best hotels in Costa Rica for families

Many of our guests come with families, so we’ve become experts in the best kid-friendly and teen-friendly options, both in the jungle and by the sea. These hotels and resorts offer plenty of safe excitement for the kids so that the parents can relax on their own for a bit before heading out on a family-friendly adventure everyone will remember for years to come.

Best beach hotels in Costa Rica

Whether you picture an active beach or a private one, one with turquoise, green, or deep blue water, volcanic sand, white sand, or sand made of shells, we have all types of beaches and some excellent hotels near them. What could be better than a room overlooking the sea? There are some near beach towns with great nightlife and others in remote areas all about the environment. Do you hope to see sea turtles or find a secluded swimming hole? Rainforest retreat still near the beach more your style? There’s a beach and a beach hotel to meet each and every traveler’s dream.

Best boutique hotels in Costa Rica

Boutique hotels are set apart from the rest because they offer a unique look into the local culture. Small B&Bs, homes turned into hotels, and Costa Rica luxury boutiques are available as your home away from home. You can expect privacy, impressive views, personalized attention, and world class comforts. Some are adults only. Some focus on being eco-friendly. All are exquisite!

Best all inclusive hotels in Costa Rica

Knowing that you’re in for an all-inclusive stay takes your level of relaxation up a few notches. With absolutely nothing to worry about, you can enjoy time with your travel companions at the pristine beaches, specialty restaurants, in nature, or on adventures. In addition to having your meals and drinks provided, we can also get you access to natural beauties and incredible excursions. There’s one really special all-inclusive that’s actually in a tree house! Keep in mind there are some options that allow you to have some all inclusive days and then other days when you’ll be out and about and eat off site, if that’s better for you.

Best hotels in San Jose, Costa Rica

Most likely, you’ll spend just a day or two in San Jose, if you have a particularly early or late flight. In this case, it makes sense to stay in the capital, near the airport. The Central Valley also offers tourist attractions that can be done in a day. You might choose to see waterfall gardens, hike a volcano, try white water rafting, or indulge in some typical food, coffee, and tropical drinks. Some hotels within an hour from the airport are destinations themselves, where you might enjoy staying on a working coffee plantation or in a cloud forest. There’s a nice hotel just across from the airport with a shuttle service included and another great option in the heart of downtown near all the action and souvenir shops.

Best hotels in Monteverde

You’ll be out of your hotel a lot in Monteverde, as this place is all about nature. You’ll be hiking through the cloud forest, going on adventure tours, like the tarzan swing and hanging bridges, and birdwatching. After a fun day, you can return to your luxurious Monteverde hotel, warm up, and take advantage of all its amenities. Monteverde is a nice add on for a few days before or after another location because of its unique cool climate where you can see different species, breathe the freshest air, and look down over the clouds.

Best hotels in Tamarindo

Tamarindo is known for its spirited nightlife and as a hotspot for beginner surfers. It’s also well-known for the JW Marriott, a 5-star hotel with four restaurants. There are other options nearby for honeymooners seeking something more chic and guests wanting to be close to the parties. Tamarindo is a town with many niches and just as many hotel types.

Best hotels near Manuel Antonio National Park

The swimmable waters of Manuel Antonio are just a few steps from some of hotels we recommend. We have options you can feel good about. Arenas del Mar, for example, is luxurious yet eco-conscious. There are hotels more like a private oasis and others with a resort and spa feel. You can find panoramic views and secluded jungle hideouts.

Best hotels near the Arenal Volcano, in La Fortuna

Arenal has it all, everything from cute rustic bungalows to upscale full resorts. Whether you seek sophistication, views of the volcano, or on-site thermal hot springs, you’ll find it in Arenal. There are options with tons of privacy and options with activities on site. Arenal is a paradise, no matter which hotel type you choose.

Best hotels in Guanacaste

The high-end, ultra luxurious options are found in Guanacaste. Fine dining and modern rooms meet white sand beaches. Imagine it! Exquisite service abounds at The Four Seasons and The Westin Conchal. All inclusive and on the beach, too. What more could one dream of? If you seek something smaller and more intimate or romantic there are boutiques in Guanacaste, as well.

From boutique Ecolodges tucked away in incredible rainforest, to opulent beach suites, if you want luxury and uniqueness then Costa Rica can provide.

Costa Rica’s Best Hotels

The beautiful beaches of the Northern Pacific region are also home to some of the most famous—and some of our favorite—places to stay.

Westin Playa Conchal, arguably best all-inclusive  in Costa Rica, you will find 406 rooms on over 1500 acres of forest and beach. 7 restaurants, huge pools and any number of activities, make the Westin a firm favorite and especially amongst families.

The Reserva Conchal is situated next to the Westin Conchal but offers a luxury condo service. Here you will find great service, amazing scenery and luxury amenities to rival any destination, including an 18 hole golf course.

Further south along the Central Pacific Coast you will find the famous resort of Manuel Antonio and here you can find some of our favorite hotels.

Arenas Del Mar is a stunning boutique hotel offering the highest level of luxury possible in a jungle setting. Jacuzzi’s, private decks and the Las Brisas Spa ensure this hotel is a favorite.

If you desire to travel even further South to explore the more remote area of Osa then you do not have to compromise on your accommodation. Here you can find the Lapa Rios Eco Resort; winner of the Conde Nast award for Hotel’s committed to the environment. Set in a private reserve of over 1000 acres you will truly experience nature on your doorstep.

We hope this gives you an idea as a starting point for your Costa Rica vacation but please call or email us to find out more about all the other wonderful hotels we offer. At Costa Rican Vacations we do not promote a hotel we would not stay in ourselves!