Hotels in Costa Rica: What are Your Options?
Some people consider Costa Rica small and imagine visiting a hotel on “the” beach. But when they start to investigate, it gets overwhelming. Which hotel? Which beach? Which ocean? We might indeed be small in Costa Rica, but we're plenty big enough and varied enough to cause confusion if you don't know what you're doing!
Costa Rica sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, with hundreds of beaches on each side. They vary in so many different ways.Various colors of sand, shades of water, and types of surf just to start. Do you want a swimming beach or a surfing beach? White, pink, grey, black, or tan sand? Should it have tons of seashells or volcanic rocks? Should it be an artificial one that looks perfect?
And then where to stay on whichever beach. How do you know which hotel or resort to pick?
This is where we come in. We can help determine which area and lodging options suit you and your fellow travelers. Don’t let guesswork play a part in planning a Costa Rica vacation package.
Whether you seek boutique hotels, eco-lodges, or all-inclusive resorts, we have something for all tastes. We pride ourselves on having the expertise to guide you toward the type of hotel and vacation you're looking for.
We’ll find the best of that type in an area suited to the kind of vacation you have in mind, whether you want to be surrounded by nature, all about relaxation, near a tourist hot spot, or full of adventure.
There are many vacation options, from seclusion in the rainforests of the Osa Peninsula to partying in Tamarindo or Jaco, hiking volcanoes, surfing, fishing, golfing, scuba diving, and so much more.
The Best Costa Rica Hotels
Costa Rica hotels come in all shapes and sizes. You can choose anything from boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, and unique jungle lodges to huge, all-inclusive resorts.
To narrow things down, consider the type of property you seek. Cute and rustic? Modern and sophisticated? Do you want true beachfront or ocean views from up high in the hills? A jungle hideaway?
With such unique geography and climate(s), you can find hotels with volcano views, direct beach access, infinity pools overlooking the ocean, or giant windows into the jungle.
Volcano Hotels in Costa Rica
Almost all the hotels we recommend in the Arenal Volcano area have volcano views from the property. Many even have them from the rooms themselves. There’s nothing like sitting in a rocking chair on your patio, watching the clouds move slowly behind the volcano.
Lomas del Volcan offers rustic mountain cabins with volcano views. What could be more convenient and relaxing with an on-site restaurant and hot springs on the property?
Another option with great volcano views and their own thermal hot springs is the upscale Tabacon Resort. This family-friendly hotel has an award-winning spa.
Costa Rica Hotels in the Jungle
Want something a bit different? Try the Nayara Tented Camp, also in the Arenal area. This unique hotel provides extravagant tents with beds, a bathroom, and a private deck with a volcano-heated plunge pool! Daily yoga classes and a complimentary birdwatching tour in this jungle hideaway.
How about a place only accessible by a raft or a helicopter?
Being that remote in the jungle is a fantastic experience The Pacuare Lodge is completely secluded in the wilderness, a place to disconnect amid 850 acres of rainforest to immerse yourself in. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will never forget.
Costa Rica Hotels with Infinity Pools
A clear winner in the infinity pool category is the Three Sixty Hotel in Uvita. The infinity pool is extra special because of the expansive view it gives of the ocean, hence the name of the hotel.
Also in Uvita, Kura Design Villas has an infinity pool that appears to drop from high above down to the ocean. Forbes called this place “the most glamorous, romantic resort in Costa Rica.”
Do I Want an All-Inclusive Hotel in Costa Rica or a Boutique Hotel?
To find the right Costa Rican hotel, here are some questions for you:
- What's the core purpose of your trip?
- Are you looking for relaxation, romance, or perhaps to immerse yourself in nature?
- Are you planning to spend most of your time at the hotel or be out and about on tours?
An all-inclusive resort is an excellent option for those who want everything in one place. A dependable budget and on-site amenities like restaurants, golf, tennis, kids' clubs, fitness centers, and so on. If this is for you, let us know.
On the other hand, many travelers prefer smaller boutique hotels. Boutiques offer a more personalized service and a glimpse at the local culture. Staying at one also feels good because oftentimes you're supporting a family-run business.
Most hotels in Costa Rica fall into the boutique category. In fact, over 80% of hotels in Costa Rica have under thirty rooms. Costa Rica is one of the few tropical destinations that maintains a very authentic and original vibe.
An Eco-Destination that Stays True to its Principles
There is also a plethora of eco-friendly hotel options. Costa Rica has a system of certificates in sustainable tourism for its hotels. And also another ecological program for beaches in communities that take great care to keep them free of contamination, thus awarding them a blue flag.
Many responsible hotel owners in Costa Rica use practices that sustain the environment around them. From recycling bins to solar power, rainwater collection, to on-site wildlife refuges, each little bit helps, and your visit supports their mission and the environment.
A Costa Rica Hotel to Match Your Personality
Alright, so you’ve decided on where you want to be and the type of hotel you want. Now for the “personality”, the vibe. The hotels, resorts, and lodges we offer each have a very distinct personality.
You need a hotel whose ambiance matches the feeling and mood you seek for your memorable trip.
You need a hotel whose ambiance matches the feeling and mood you seek for your memorable trip.
Are you looking for a rustic jungle experience? Or do you want something more refined? Something with modern amenities and sophisticated service? Do you need a hotel that caters to a specific clientele (surfers, birders, yoga enthusiasts, anglers)? How about family-friendly verses intimate and romantic?
Which is the Best Way to Travel?
Once you tell us how you like to travel, we'll share our recommendations on the best of the best Costa Rica hotels in each category to help you out.
When planning a trip, it’s always wise to involve the local experts. We've seen the places firsthand and know which ones live up to the image they portray and which do not.
Costa Rica has something for everyone! But we need to understand what want to help match you up with your perfect vacation.
After all, a bad hotel review is often simply the case of a traveler ending up at a property that wasn’t right for them in the first place. That won't happen here! Travel with us, and we’ll ensure you avoid this mistake!