The Howler Monkey Hotel is a beachfront lodge situated in Cabuya, 6 kilometres from Montezuma and next to the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve. This family-friendly hotel offers wooden bungalows with private porches, hammocks, and BBQ facilities, plus an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and various watersports equipment rentals, alongside organised tours including canopy tours and horse riding.
8.6 776 reviews
Costa Rica
27/12 – 02/01
$292/nighttotal: $1752 (6 )
Hotel El Bambu
2 7
hotel , SarapiquÃ
Hotel El Bambu, a 3-star establishment in SarapiquÃ's Huetar Norte region, is situated near the Sarapiquà River and approximately 40 kilometres from the Poás Volcano. This family-friendly lodge offers 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, a swimming pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, bar, fitness centre, and free Wi-Fi, plus organised trips and a games room with table tennis.
8.3 865 reviews
Costa Rica
10/08 – 11/08
$60/nightfor 1 night
Hotel Casa Tago
1 2
hotel , Alajuela
Hotel Casa Tago is located in Alajuela City, just 3 kilometres from Juan SantamarÃa International Airport and within walking distance of the Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium. The hotel is well-rated, receiving very good reviews for both its location and overall experience. This one-bedroom guesthouse offers a private garden, a terrace, and a swimming pool for relaxation. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking, and a continental breakfast, as well as take advantage of the tour desk to explore the area.
9.5 2472 reviews
Costa Rica
13/09 – 20/09
$213/nighttotal: $1491 (7 )
Hotel Plaza Yara
1 3
hotel , Manuel Antonio
Hotel Plaza Yara is located near Quepos, a short 3km drive from Manuel Antonio National Park. The hotel offers a range of amenities including an outdoor pool, sun terrace, and a kitchenette in each suite, ideal for families or groups.
8.0 83 reviews
Costa Rica
19/12 – 30/01
$157/nighttotal: $6594 (42 )
Hotel La Cascada
2 4
hotel , Puntarenas
Hotel La Cascada in Puntarenas offers a convenient base, situated a 0.8km walk from Montezuma Beach and a 1.3km walk from Montezuma Waterfall, 19 miles (30.6km) from Tortuga Island and 9km from Cobano Airport. This family-friendly guesthouse provides one bedroom and one bathroom, free Wi-Fi, room service, a terrace, and a garden, plus easy access to local tours.
8.5 697 reviews
Costa Rica
11/01 – 14/01
$125/nighttotal: $375 (3 )
Hotel Margarita Sierpe
2 4
hotel , Sierpe
Hotel Margarita Sierpe in Sierpe offers convenient access to local attractions and is a short distance from the town centre, though the precise distance isn't specified. This guesthouse provides one bedroom, one bathroom, free Wi-Fi, parking, and air conditioning, making it a suitable base for exploring nearby wildlife reserves and mangrove estuaries.
Mountain Faro Hotel in Monteverde, Costa Rica, enjoys a convenient location, approximately 1.3km from the Monteverde Orchid Garden and 1.3km from the Monteverde Cloud Forest. This one-bedroom, one-bathroom lodging offers free Wi-Fi, room service, free private parking, and proximity to adventure parks such as Sky Adventures Monteverde (4km) and Selvatura Adventure Park (6km).
9.7 102 reviews
Costa Rica
03/01 – 03/02
$157/nighttotal: $4867 (31 )
Casa Calocita
1 1
hotel , Santa Teresa Beach
Casa Calocita, in Santa Teresa Beach, offers convenient access to both Santa Teresa and Carmen beaches, a short 4-minute walk away. This guesthouse provides air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, a shared kitchen, and a BBQ, plus a paid airport shuttle to Cobano Airport (12km).
9.3 245 reviews
Costa Rica
27/06 – 04/07
$199/nighttotal: $1393 (7 )
Alborada Boutique Stay
1 2
hotel , Uvita
Alborada Boutique Stay, a 5-star hotel in Uvita, is located 2.1km from Uvita Beach and 2.9km from Hermosa Beach, offering convenient access to Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary (14km) and Nauyaca Waterfalls (29km). This Uvita lodging boasts 24 square metre rooms, each with a bedroom, bathroom, and amenities including free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a complimentary gluten-free breakfast option; an outdoor pool and free private parking are also available.
8.8 446 reviews
Costa Rica
12/07 – 15/07
$214/nighttotal: $642 (3 )
Esencia Hotel And Villas
1 4
hotel , Santa Teresa Beach
Esencia Hotel and Villas is located in Santa Teresa Beach, Costa Rica, just 100 metres from the beach and 8 kilometres from the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve. This 3-star hotel offers air-conditioned rooms and villas with private terraces, a swimming pool, spa, restaurant, bar, and room service, plus free toiletries and on-site breakfast.
Best Costa Rica luxury hotels (4 and 5 stars)
Among the 4684 accommodations in Costa Rica, here are the 4 best luxury hotels
Jaco Laguna Resort & Beach Club is located directly on Jacó Beach, a short walk from the town centre and approximately 39 miles from Juan SantamarÃa International Airport. This 4-star hotel receives consistently high ratings from guests for its location, cleanliness and overall experience. The resort offers a range of facilities and activities, including a swimming pool, spa, restaurant and bar. Guests can also enjoy water sports, learn to surf or simply relax on the beach.
9.5 104 reviews
Costa Rica
27/06 – 04/07
$1278/nighttotal: $8946 (7 )
Kura Boutique Hotel Member Of The Cayuga Collection
1 2
hotel , Uvita
Kura Boutique Hotel, a member of the Cayuga Collection, is situated in Uvita on Costa Rica's Southern Pacific Coast, 19 kilometres from Playa Hermosa and 23 kilometres from Dominical. This adults-only hotel features a private beach, an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant serving Caribbean and seafood cuisine, a billiards room, and a spa.
9.3 25 reviews
Costa Rica
01/07 – 31/07
$142/nighttotal: $4260 (30 )
Hotel De Montaña Gema Del Bosque
1 2
hotel , Copey
Hotel De Montaña Gema Del Bosque, a 5-star establishment in Copey, is situated 11.7km from Cerro de la Muerte and 76km from La Managua Airport. This 24-square-metre lodging offers one bedroom, one bathroom, and accommodates up to three guests, including an a la carte breakfast and private bathrooms with showers.
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Best Costa Rica hotels with a pool
Among the 4684 accommodations in Costa Rica, here are the 4 best hotels with a pool
8.0 473 reviews
Costa Rica
01/07 – 31/07
$220/nighttotal: $6600 (30 )
Hotel Pochote Grande
1 4
hotel , Jacó
Hotel Pochote Grande in Jacó, Costa Rica offers direct beach access and is situated 6.1 km from Rainforest Adventures Jaco and 24 km from Catarata Manantial de Agua Viva. This 3-star guesthouse features 25 square metre rooms with a private bathroom, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a balcony, plus an on-site restaurant, bar, swimming pool, garden, and free parking; children under 12 stay free.
The Hilton San Jose La Sabana is located in the La Sabana district, just 1 kilometre from the National Stadium of Costa Rica and 3 kilometres from the TobÃas Bolaños International Airport. This 4-star hotel receives very good user reviews for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience. The hotel offers a range of modern amenities, including a fitness centre, indoor pool, sauna, and business centre. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast every morning and dine at the hotel's restaurant, as well as unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool.
8.5 615 reviews
Costa Rica
20/11 – 21/11
$104/nightfor 1 night
Hotel El Paraiso Escondido - Costa Rica
1 2
hotel , Jacó
Hotel El Paraiso Escondido, a 3-star establishment in Jacó, Costa Rica, is located 0.35km from Jaco Beach and 0.15km from various international restaurants. This guesthouse offers air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV, a swimming pool, barbecue facilities, free Wi-Fi, and on-site luggage storage; local tour and horseback riding assistance is also available.
There is a wide range of hotels to be found in Costa Rica. Like any country with a tropical climate and gorgeous beaches, you'll find an abundance of all-inclusive luxury resorts with their own spas, swimming pools, restaurants and more. Business travelers can stop in the urban corporate hotels, while those traveling for pleasure can stay in a cute boutique hotel or bed and breakfast.
What are some must-do activities?
Ziplining through the rainforest canopy is a classic Costa Rican adventure. White-water rafting on the Pacuare River is thrilling, while surfing lessons in Tamarindo are a popular choice. For a more relaxed experience, consider exploring the cloud forests on a guided hike, or taking a boat tour to spot wildlife like dolphins and whales. Birdwatching is also incredible, particularly in areas like Monteverde and Tortuguero.
One type of accommodation that's especially brilliant in Costa Rica is the ecolodge, which you can find in the jungles and other stunning settings. You can find another type of hotel accommodation: the cabina, a locally owned, one-floor establishment with doors opening directly outside.
When is the ideal time to visit?
The dry season (December to April) offers the best weather for most activities, with sunshine and lower humidity. However, it's also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. The green season (May to November) has more rain, but also fewer tourists and lower prices. It's still possible to enjoy many activities, and the landscapes are lush and vibrant.
What are the best family friendly hotels in Costa Rica?
If you're visiting Costa Rica for the first time, then Manuel Antonio is a good place to start. It's one of the country's most popular destinations due to its beautiful beaches and surrounding nature, and cute sloths. Alternatively, La Fortuna is another popular tourist spot, famous for the Arena Volcano National Park. Costa Rica is all about nature. If you're visiting this lush country, you'll want to visit some of its gorgeous natural parks, like the Manuel Antonio National Park, the Arenal Volcano National Park, or Monteverde and the Cloud Forests. For beaches, head over to Dominical, Tamarindo, Jaco, and Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. If you're looking for museums and culture, then stop by the capital of San Jose.
Which neighborhoods or areas are best for spending a week?
For breakfast, try Gallo Pinto, a rice dish mixed with black beans, served with natilla (sour cream), scrambled eggs and fried plantain. Casados, a rice and bean dish, is often served for lunch with some meat or fish and a salad with fried plantains, white cheese and corn tortilla. Arroz con pollo, rice with chicken, is another commonly served dish, often served with local vegetables like yucca, chayote, and camote. Try arroz con leche, a local and traditional rice pudding from Costa Rica.
Which parts are perfect for a weekend getaway?
If you're short on time, consider a weekend trip to Pacuare River Lodge for white-water rafting, or to Manuel Antonio National Park for beautiful beaches and wildlife viewing. The Poás Volcano National Park and nearby Doka Estate Coffee Plantation make for a fantastic nature and coffee-focused weekend. Alternatively, explore the beaches and nightlife of Jaco.
What are the best hotels with jacuzzi in Costa Rica?
How easy is it to get around in Costa Rica without a car?
The best way to get around Costa Rica is by bus. Buses are reliable, navigable, inexpensive, and you can pick up many services in the capital, San Jose. It's safer and easier to get around by bus rather than driving yourself, as there are many potholes and confusing intersections.
Is renting a car recommended for exploring?
Renting a car can be beneficial for exploring at your own pace, especially if you plan to visit multiple locations. However, the roads can be challenging in some areas, and driving can be stressful. Public transportation and organized tours are also viable options, depending on your itinerary and preferences. Consider your comfort level with driving in unfamiliar conditions and the type of experiences you're seeking.
What are the best hotels with a swimming pool in Costa Rica?
Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas, especially larger hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's always a good idea to carry some colones (CRC), especially in smaller towns and rural areas, as some smaller businesses may only accept cash.
Are there any unwritten rules of behavior visitors should know about?
Costa Ricans are known for their 'pura vida' lifestyle, emphasizing relaxation and friendliness. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases is appreciated. Being respectful of the environment and wildlife is crucial. It's also polite to be punctual for appointments and to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
What local specialties should you try?
Gallo pinto (rice and beans) is a staple breakfast dish. Casado is a hearty lunch plate with rice, beans, meat, salad, and plantains. Try the fresh seafood, especially ceviche. Olla de carne is a flavorful beef stew. And don't forget to sample the delicious Costa Rican coffee.
What are the most common travel mistakes tourists make?
Underestimating travel times between destinations is a common mistake. Not packing appropriate clothing for varied climates (rain gear in the green season, layers for higher elevations) is another. Failing to learn basic Spanish phrases can also limit interactions. And finally, neglecting to plan for potential insect bites and taking precautions against them is a frequent oversight.
What are some hidden gems to explore?
The Corcovado National Park in the Osa Peninsula is a remote and incredibly biodiverse area. The Tenorio Volcano National Park, with its stunning Rio Celeste river, is another lesser-known gem. The beaches and wildlife of the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge are also worth exploring for a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
Best Costa Rica hotels with parking
8.5 7750 reviews
Costa Rica
05/01 – 16/03
$185/nighttotal: $12950 (70 )
Inn On The Park
1 2
hotel , Manuel Antonio
Inn On The Park is situated in Manuel Antonio, just a 400-metre walk from Espadilla Beach and a 1.6km walk from Espadilla Sur Beach. This family-friendly hotel offers a range of amenities including a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a terrace, a garden, a spa, a restaurant, a bar, a fitness centre, and free parking.
9.1 138 reviews
Costa Rica
16/11 – 15/12
$62/nighttotal: $1798 (29 )
Velaz Guesthouse
1 2
hotel , Alajuela
Velaz Guesthouse in Alajuela offers a convenient base, situated a 3-minute walk from Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium and 4 kilometres from Juan SantamarÃa International Airport, with Poas National Park approximately 29 kilometres away. This family-friendly accommodation provides 30 square metres of living space with one bedroom and one bathroom, featuring air conditioning, complimentary WiFi, a garden, terrace, and a shared kitchen, with valet and private parking also available.
8.6 1654 reviews
Costa Rica
27/06 – 04/07
$221/nighttotal: $1547 (7 )
La Posada Jungle Hotel
1 2
hotel , Manuel Antonio
La Posada Jungle Hotel is located just a five-minute walk from Espadilla Beach and near the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park, making it ideal for exploring the area's natural beauty. The hotel offers a range of rooms, a peaceful pool area surrounded by rainforest, and a variety of amenities including a restaurant, bar, and spa.
8.5 53 reviews
Costa Rica
29/07 – 03/10
$210/nighttotal: $13860 (66 )
Hotel Torre Fuerte
3 4
hotel , Venecia
Hotel Torre Fuerte, located in Venecia, offers convenient access to natural attractions, being 24 kilometres from Catarata Tesoro Escondido and 29 kilometres from La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This hotel provides a fitness centre, complimentary private parking, a terrace, an on-site restaurant, and free WiFi, with rooms featuring air conditioning and private bathrooms, and some boasting balconies.
Best hotels in Costa Rica with a gym
9.4 2630 reviews
Costa Rica
05/01 – 16/03
$1743/nighttotal: $122010 (70 )
Hotel Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
2 2
hotel , Fortuna
Hotel Arenal Springs Resort & Spa is located in Fortuna, a 20-minute drive from the Arenal Volcano site, offering stunning views of the volcano and surrounding rainforest. This five-star hotel receives excellent user ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience. The resort features a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, hot springs, a spa, and a fitness centre. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including an Italian restaurant, an international cuisine restaurant, and a sushi bar, as well as a yoga deck and a tour desk to help plan excursions.
The Gaia Hotel & Reserve - Adults Only is situated in the rainforest, just 3 kilometres from Manuel Antonio Beach in Costa Rica. This adults-only hotel offers 18 suites, a three-tier infinity pool, a spa, and a restaurant, as well as access to a fitness centre and the nearby Manuel Antonio National Park.