Best Places to Stay in Costa Rica

If you’re looking for a secluded escape from the world, then Las Caletas Lodge is your place. The only ways to get to this hotel is by boat from Drake Bay, or a walk along the jungle path.

Not to worry, both your breakfast and dinner are included in the price of the room. It’s practically impossible to leave without having released some of your stress, as the lodge oozes peacefulness. Adding to that, only steps away you’ll find the perfectly blue ocean.

• Secluded location in the jungle
• Breakfast and dinner included
• Steps from the sea
• Helpful and friendly staff

Double rooms start from $90 per night

Hotel Finca Maresia is set slightly further back from the beach of Drake Bay. It’s surrounded by lush forest and greenery, where all you’ll be able to hear is the thriving wildlife.

There’s also an onsite bar and restaurant, so you won’t have to venture far for some delicious food or a refreshing drink. The cabin-style rooms with balconies, offer the perfect place to relax and admire the magnificent view. This place gets booked up in advance, so if you want to stay here, you better get booking!

• Onsite restaurant and bar
• Situated within the jungle
• Breakfast included
• Balconies with hammocks

Double rooms start from $90 per night

Visiting Drake Bay and Corcovado is all about surrounding yourself in Costa Rica’s nature. Hotel Jacamar boasts the perfect balance between nature and luxury. Their flourishing gardens make you feel like you’re in the jungle, but their large and clean rooms create a space of comfort.

The staff are extremely hospitable, helping to organise your trip to Corcovado National Park. It’s location also makes it great for exploring the town.

• Large and luxurious rooms
• Beautiful gardens
• Great location
• Beach pick-up from arrival by boat available

Double rooms between $50-$90 per night

Entering Casita Happy Feet, you’ll feel as if you’re being welcomed into Javier and his wife’s home. Javier has been a guide in Corcovado National Park for over 25 years now. Having him as your guide, with his enthusiasm, knowledge and experience, you’re guaranteed an incredible visit!

Every morning, even the early ones, you’ll awake to a delicious and freshly cooked breakfast, perfect for your day of adventures. The rooms are clean and homely.

• The best guide for Corcovado National Park
• Delicious breakfast included
• Great location
• Beach pick-up from arrival by boat available

Double rooms between $15-$50 per night

This place is just wow! It’s the epitome of luxury, all whilst being surrounded by nothing but nature and tropical gardens. This eco-friendly hotel offers a number of outdoor pools, hot springs, spa and a grill restaurant.

After a relaxing treatment at the spa, slip on your robe and flop onto your comfy bed in your spacious room. The staff here are super friendly and will help you with anything they can. You won’t want to leave this private tropical oasis.

• Hot springs and outdoor pools
• Onsite grill restaurant
• Stunning gardens and views
• Includes a very tasty breakfast

Double rooms start from $90 per night

This hotel offers more than just a standard room. You’ll get to stay in a fully equipped apartment, for a very reasonable price. Each apartment has its own sitting area, TV and kitchen. It’s your private space to retreat to after a day of adventure in La Fortuna.

On top of that, you’ll also have access to a great gym that includes most of the equipment that goes way beyond the typical hotel gym! Then after you’ve worked up a sweat, you can relax on the hotel’s terrace, or play a game of snooker.

• Fully-equipped apartments
• Amazing onsite gym
• Great location
• Games area

Double rooms start from $90 per night

Hotel Secreto feels like a mini oasis, surrounded by lush plants and views of Arenal Volcano. There are not many places where you can lounge in a swimming pool, or hot tub, and admire views of a 1,600m volcano. Well here you can!

The large glass doors of the rooms mean you’re never shut away from the glorious views either. They’re large, modern and clean. Every morning you can start the day right by enjoying their delicious free breakfast.

• Outdoor swimming pool and hot tub
• Delicious breakfast included
• Bright and clean rooms
• Stunning hotel landscape and views

Double rooms between $50-$90 per night

The view of Arenal Volcano should already be enough to convince you to stay at Arenal Xilopalo. Enjoy the tasty breakfast with an unobstructed view of the volcano whilst listening to the chirping birds in the trees.

The rooms match the vibe of La Fortuna, boasting a rustic and natural design. Every room is clean, spacious and includes extras like a coffee machine and fridge. The location of the hotel is also perfect.

• Amazing view of Arenal Volcano
• Bicycles for rent
• Perfect location
• Helpful and friendly staff

Double rooms between $15-$50 per night

You can’t really ask for a better location in Manuel Antonio than this one. Millennium Hotel is only 100 metres from Manuel Antonio National Park! That also means that you’re super close to the beach.

The hotel has its own outdoor swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing swim after walking around the national park. The rooms are spacious and offer everything you could need during your stay. A delicious breakfast is also offered for free in a nearby restaurant.

• The best location
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Tasty breakfast included
• Friendly and helpful staff

Double rooms start from $90 per night

Tico Tico Villas tick all the boxes. Swimming pool, beautifully designed rooms and a cosy terrace area surrounded by nature. The location of the hotel is also great! All your needs will be fulfilled here.

Especially thanks to the friendly and helpful staff who will make your stay perfect. You can even enjoy a BBQ as there are facilities available in the hotel.

• Outdoor swimming pool
• BBQ facilities
• Amazing staff
• Close to Manuel Antonio National Park

Double rooms start from $90 per night

Peace of Paradise feels exactly that. All you have to do to see wildlife is sit on your balcony and wait. Before long, you may be able to see monkeys, toucans, birds and maybe a sloth passing by.

The rooms are large and spacious, offering their own kitchen facilities. You can make yourself a coffee or cook a full-blown meal. The hotel has a great location in Manuel Antonio though, not far from bars and restaurants which may be more tempting than cooking your own meals.

• Lots of wildlife around the hotel
• Great location
• Private balconies
• Private kitchen facilities

Double rooms between $50-$90 per night

Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or in a group, Hostel Plinio will suit your needs. There are both dorms and private rooms available, depending on what you’re looking for.

With the outdoor swimming pool and onsite Mexican restaurant, the place feels more like a mini-resort than a hostel. The breakfast in the morning will set you up perfectly for the day ahead, especially the delicious gallo pinto. And don’t forget to try out their tacos!

• Onsite Mexican restaurant
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Shared kitchen
• Delicious and filling breakfast included

Double rooms between $15-$50 per night

This place is a real treat. You can even book a room that has its own private jacuzzi. If you don’t want to splash out too much, you can still enjoy their covered heated pool, spa and beautiful gardens.

After a long day of exploring, head to their onsite restaurant which offers super tasty dishes. They combine both local products from Monteverde and exotic ingredients to create exciting and delicious flavours. The rooms, as well as their staff, are both fabulous too.

• Heated outdoor swimming pool
• Health and wellness spa
• Amazing breakfast included
• Onsite restaurant

Double rooms start from $100 per night

If you’re looking for complete relaxation, Calathea is the perfect place for that! It’s situated slightly further from the main town, but still only a walk away from the main town. That means ultimate peace and quiet.

The rooms are bright, open and comfortable. All with a private patio or balcony where you can sit back and watch the wildlife. The staff are super friendly and will help to organise your activities in Monteverde. They also provide a superb breakfast to set you up right for the day.

• Superb breakfast included
• Friendly and helpful staff
• Bright and comfortable rooms
• Private balconies and patios

Double rooms between $60-$100 per night

Eddy’s Place in a unique and unforgettable place in Monteverde. This small family-run hotel only has 4 rooms, with Freddy the main host, making you feel at home immediately. His breakfast every morning is delicious, very filling and an experience.

The rooms are nice and big, with exceptionally comfortable beds. You’ll definitely be getting a good night’s sleep here. In the morning you’ll wake up to an array of wildlife in the jungle around the hotel.

• Delicious breakfast included
• Exceptionally friendly and helpful host
• Large and clean rooms
• Small, family-run feel

Double rooms between $15-$60 per night

If you are looking for a beautifully designed hotel, with a swimming pool, Black Bamboo B&B is the place to book. The whole hotel oozes a tropical vibe due to its rustic bamboo design. The rooms are tranquil escapes, designed to be bright and comfortable.

The owners welcome you like you’re part of their family, and help you to organise anything you need during your stay in Puerto Viejo. It’s also situated in a great location, close to the town and Playa Negra.

• Close to the beach and town
• Beautifully designed
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Shared kitchen

Double rooms start from $90 per night

Offering both glamping and villas, no matter which option you chose, you’ll be surrounded by comfort and luxury at Colina Secreta. It’s clear that every aspect of the accommodation has been carefully thought about. It’s absolutely stunning and so unique!

The owners are incredibly friendly, and will do anything to make your stay even better. They’ve put so much love and care into their hotel, which you will see in the homemade breakfast every morning.

• Luxury villas and glamping
• Homemade breakfast included
• Beautiful design
• Friendly and helpful hosts

Double rooms between $50-$90 per night

Whether you’re looking for a dorm bed or a private room, Kalunai is a great choice. All of the rooms are colourful and clean, with some of them having their own kitchen facilities.

This place really has a communal feel due to the number of places to hang out and lots of hammocks. The location is great, not far from lots of restaurants, bars and most importantly, the beach

• Sociable atmosphere
• Great location
• Lots of places to relax
• Bicycles available for rent

Double rooms between $15-$50 per night

Barceló Hotel blows most other city hotels out of the water. It has amenities usually only found in resorts, and for extortionate prices. Here you’ll find an outdoor pool, spa, gym, three squash courts and two tennis courts. Plus they offer a free airport shuttle.

If you don’t fancy venturing out of the hotel to get some food, no worries! There are three restaurants and a bar on site offering a variety of different cuisines. The rooms are spacious and clean, providing comfortable beds for a good night’s sleep.

• Outdoor swimming pool and spa
• Tennis courts
• Free airport shuttle
• Three onsite restaurants and a bar

Double rooms start from $90 per night

Isla Verde Hotel is a real gem within the urban jungle that is San Jose. They have so many extras that you wouldn’t expect for the price – a gym, free shuttle to the airport and a great breakfast every morning.

The hotel is ultra-modern, boasting some beautifully designed rooms and seating areas. All of which are very clean and comfortable. If you don’t feel like venturing too far for food, their onsite restaurant serving Cantonese food is highly reviewed!

• Free airport shuttle
• Delicious breakfast included
• Onsite gym
• Modern and clean rooms

Double rooms start from $90 per night

Eco Stay Hostel starts to feel like home after a while, as it has a shared living room, communal kitchen, a lovely garden area, and even barbeque facilities. You can even spend your evenings at the hotel having a friendly competition of snooker or darts.

The friendly hosts add to the welcoming atmosphere. Making sure that your room is clean and comfortable, whilst offering their help in any way that they can. The rooms are basic, but nicely decorated and have everything you could need whilst in San Jose.

• Shared living room
• Communal kitchen
• Good location
• Friendly hosts

Double rooms between $50-90 per night

It’s impossible not to feel relax as soon as you step into this tropical oasis. Everywhere you look in Lua Villas, there’s a piece of nature. There’s also a swimming pool, outdoor jacuzzi, open-air yoga space and even private yoga lessons on offer.

Instead of just a room, here you’ll get villa style accommodation with private kitchens, patios with garden or pool views and plenty of space to make yourself feel at home. The interior is spectacular.

• Swimming pool and jacuzzi
• Yoga deck
• Stunning gardens
• Spacious and beautiful villas

Studio rooms start from $80 per night

After a day of cycling, snorkelling or surfing in Santa Teresa, you want to return home to a place that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. That’s exactly how Cuatro Vientos Lodge & Apartments makes you feel.

The interior of this place oozes tranquility with it’s use of rustic wood, nuetral colours and open-air design. The hosts are incredibly friendly, and welcome you to make use of the communal cooking facilities and terrace areas.

• Beautiful design
• Great location
• Wonderful hosts
• Barbeque facilities

Double rooms start from $50-80 per night

It’s not easy to find budget-friendly accommodation in Santa Teresa, especially somewhere that’s actually nice to stay in. Salty Enthusiasts sits more in the mid-range catergory, but it’s one of the best affordable places to stay in Santa Teresa, and it’s beautiful.

The hotel feels like a massive treehouse, meant for relaxing and providing comfort. You can opt for either a dorm bed or a private room. Both are super clean, comfortable and thoughtfully designed. It’s a great place to meet other people too. They have lots of communal areas to chill out, and a shared kitchen.

• Close to the beach
• Sociable atmosphere
• Choice of dorm or private room
• Shared kitchen

Double rooms between $15-50 per night

Tamarindo is full of luxury resorts, and Les Voiles Blanches is one of the top. Hence the hefty price tag. Throughout the paradise hotel, there are a number of beautiful pools, so you’ll be able to find your own private oasis away from the high energy of Tamarindo.

The hotel offers both normal hotel rooms and tent-style rooms. Don’t worry, there’s no slumming it, the rooms are more like luxurious wooden cabins. Every room has its own terrace, but there’s also stunning communal areas to relax in.

• Multiple swimming pools
• Unique style rooms
• Super attentive staff
• Home-made breakfast available

King rooms start from $90 per night

If Les Voiles Blanches is too far out of your price range, Ten North is another great option. It has a huge array of room options, ranging from double rooms to two bedroom apartments. The pool is a spectacular highlight of the hotel, but it’s the staff that steal the show. They are incredibly friendly. and just love to help you with anything that they can.

The rooms boast a rustic and bright vibe that feels very homely. You won’t want to spend too much time in your room as there’s so many places around the hotel to chill and relax. All whilst being surrounded by nature.

• Outdoor swimming pool
• Incredibly friendly staff
• Beautifully decorated rooms
• Range of room sizes to accommodate everyone

Double rooms start from $90 per night

If you want to be close to the action of Tamarindo, but not too close, then Tee-K Lodge is a great solution. There’s so much nature and tropical gardens surrounding the hotel that you forget about the outside world. Especially when chilling in their lovely swimming pool!

The owners of the lodge will make your stay unforgettable. Going above and beyond to make sure that you’re happy and have the best time in Tamarindo. It’s so good that it’s not uncommon for guests to keep on extending their stay here.

• Incredible hosts
• Exceptional breakfast included
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Beautiful and spacious rooms

Double rooms start from $50-90 per night

Offering both dorms and private rooms, you can pick the type of accommodation that suits your needs. As it’s classed as a hostel, you’ll find a fully-equipped shared kitchen, plus lots of places to hang out and meet people.

Hostel La Botella de Leche has its own swimming pool, outdoor lounge area, shared living room, library and plenty of hammocks. It’s also in a great location, only minutes from the beach.

• Outdoor swimming pool
• Shared living room
• Sociable atmosphere
• Great location

Double rooms between $50-$90 per night

Casa Pelican boasts the perfect location in Tortuguero, only minutes from both the beach and the town. You won’t even need to go to the beach to relax as you’ll find hammocks and chairs on every balcony to chill and take in the view from.

The rooms are modern, clean and homely. The rainfall showers are also a treat. You’ll feel like you’re actually in the rainforest with that.

• Perfect location
• Clean and spacious rooms
• Modern bathrooms
• Hammocks to chill in

Double rooms start from $80 per night

You can’t get much closer to the beach than at Casa Turtle Bogue. You can either relax in a hammock, or soak up the sun on Tortuguero Beach. All of the rooms are clean and modern, offering everything you need. There’s also a seating area for guests to relax in and kitchen facilities.

The owners will do anything they can to make your stay in Tortuguero amazing, whether it be organising tours, or sharing their love of the place with you.

• Right on the beach
• Clean and fresh rooms
• Great and friendly staff
• Air conditioning in the rooms

Double rooms between $50-$70 per night

Pura Natura is exactly what the name says – pure and natural. The whole place feels modern and fresh with its neutral and earthy colour scheme. It only opened in February 2021, so everything’s new and modern.

There are plenty of places to relax, in their garden or on their roof terrace. Make sure to enjoy the sea views too. The owners of Pura Natura, a young couple, are so incredibly kind, helpful and knowledgeable about Tortuguero.

• Modern and fresh design
• Close to the beach
• Young and friendly owners
• Relaxing spaces to chill

Double rooms between $50-$70 per night

An added bonus to this super cheap hotel is the outdoor swimming pool. It’s perfect for cooling down after a day of adventures in Tortuguero.

The rooms are brightly coloured, emanating the vibrant atmosphere of Tortuguero. You can also enjoy the outdoor terraces, or the shared kitchen facilities, if you decide to do some cooking on your own. Summing it up, this place is great value for money!

• Outdoor swimming pool
• Vibrant and colourful rooms
• Shared kitchen
• Helpful and knowledgeable staff

Double rooms between $15-$50 per night