Hotel Advice for Costa Rica - Insights from local specialists (2024)

Arenal/La Fortuna

Sleep in the jungle at Arenal Manoa, with its sprawling grounds complete with dense vegetation, three eateries, a swimming pool, a spa, and several hot springs pools. Each cabin houses two units, each offering a private terrace hidden by tropical plants. Stroll from your room to breakfast along...

Arenal/La Fortuna

As a luxury resort with a little bit of everything, you'll find multiple bars, eateries, hot springs, spa treatments, and outdoor activities across The Springs Resort & Spa's vast property. The thermal mineral pools feature atmospheric perks like waterfalls, views of Arenal Volcano, and...

Arenal/La Fortuna

You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the jungle at Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa, a luxury resort in La Fortuna. All 42 rooms feature natural tones, wooden accents, and views of the rainforest. Your room rate includes access to the thermal pools (a quick shuttle ride away) with a small area...

Monteverde

Koora Hotel at Monteverde

Sleep among the cloud forest at Koora Hotel, as each bungalow sits on a hill surrounded by trees with vistas out to the coast. The property is expanding, adding new cabins and other perks with its renovations. For now, perks include meals at the restaurant with its circular terrace, outdoor...

Arenal/La Fortuna

Hotel Lomas del Volcán

Stay in cozy wooden cabins featuring locally made furnishings and two balconies, one offering views of Arenal Volcano. The vast and hilly property provides guests with true privacy while surrounded by nature. Other perks include an outdoor pool with a waterfall and hot tub, two on-site...

Manuel Antonio

Hotel Playa Espadilla

You'll find Hotel Playa Espadilla just steps away from both Espadilla Beach and the entrance to the national park. The property offers a pretty cool vibe with an outdoor pool, private cabanas covered in beach grass, and an open-air restaurant and bar with wooden tables under trees and twinkly...

Manuel Antonio

The hotel owner's love of the Spanish aesthetic led to the property's name, as parador means "stopping point" or "resting place." You can expect beautiful grounds with Spanish sculptures, tile work, and decor. The property is one of the most family-friendly in Manuel Antonio, with plenty to keep...

San José

Grano de Oro Hotel

It doesn’t get posher than the Grano de Oro Hotel, known throughout Central America and the Caribbean as a beautifully restored 20th-century mansion turned hotel. Each of the property’s 35 rooms is unique and highlights the hotel’s history while facing a green courtyard. You’ll also find a...

Arenal/La Fortuna

Amor Arenal

Located in the rainforest, Amor Arenal offers rustic luxury. Each of its 31 cabins sits within the jungle and slightly above the trees, giving you privacy and views of Arenal Volcano. Each bungalow features a furnished deck and a private Jacuzzi tub. Amenities include an open-air spa, yoga deck,...

Arenal/La Fortuna

The property at Arenal Springs Resort & Spa hosts 108 rooms, all situated in duplex cabins with warm decor and terraces with volcano views. Enjoy your meals on-site at one of the three restaurants with different themes (Italian, Costa Rican, and Japanese), plus complimentary minibars in each...

Monteverde

Senda Monteverde Hotel

Senda Monteverde Hotel sits near the Aguti Reserve and offers bungalows with one or two units. All rooms feature comfy lodgings with complimentary minibars, private terraces, and twice-daily housekeeping. Besides access to the neighboring nature reserve, you'll find a list of weekly activities to...

Tortuguero

Manatus Hotel

Manatus Hotel is on the peninsula between the two lagoons. Although some of the common areas line the shore, the hotel’s rooms sit back within the property’s gardens. There are only 12 units, each within clusters of four cabins, making the hotel feel a bit more intimate.ProsA small and quiet...

Arenal/La Fortuna

Volcano Lodge is a family-owned accommodation with extensive property and gardens. Rooms are simple, though upgraded units offer private stone plunge pools on the terrace. Guests can enjoy the hot springs complex with several pools and waterfalls, plus an outdoor gym and yoga platform. Other...

Tortuguero

Mawamba Lodge

Relaxed and intimate, Mawamba Lodge contains sprawling gardens extending from Tortuguero’s lagoon to the Caribbean Sea. Wooden lodges feature porches with hammocks, and you can relax in the outdoor pool area. Enjoy the Creole-inspired cuisine at the lodge’s restaurant buffet or book a table at...

Monteverde

Hotel Belmar

Stay in Hotel Belmar, Monteverde's second-ever hotel, a chic mountain lodge inspired by Austrian design. All rooms feature hardwood elements, airy spaces, and balconies or terraces with cloud forest views. Suites add perks like outdoor porch swings, spa-like bathrooms, and indoor gardens. Spend...

Manuel Antonio

Los Altos Resort

Los Altos Resort is a beautiful property set on nearly 20 acres (8 hectares) of land, offering 28 rooms, all with ocean views. The hotel features spacious lodgings with up to 3 bedrooms, full living rooms, and kitchens in the penthouses. Guests can enjoy 24-hour access to the pool, gym, and a...

San José

Holiday Inn Express San Jose Airport

This Holiday Inn Express is a good option for a quick overnight stay near the airport, as it's just one mile from Juan Santamaria International Airport. The hotel is two blocks from car rental agencies and near the Pan American Highway, so guests can easily use the accommodation to start their...

Manuel Antonio

Arenas del Mar Resort

Located in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort is a 5-star luxury property. Situated on an 11-acre (4.5-hectare) private rainforest reserve, guests can fully immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings. The resort offers luxurious accommodations with...

San José

Gran Hotel Costa Rica

The Gran Hotel in San José knows how to mix history, modernity, and elegance, so you get a little bit of everything. Completely renovated, the building originated in the 1930s and is a designated historical-architectural monument. Rooms and common spaces are bright, spacious, and stylish, and the...

Monteverde

Cloud Forest Lodge

Cloud Forest Lodge, nestled in the heart of Monteverde, Costa Rica, offers an experience immersed in nature. After extensive renovations, this all-suite retreat feels bright, comfy, and trendy. Guests can indulge in gourmet dining at the lodge's restaurant, Endemica, which offers views of the...

Manuel Antonio

Hotel Costa Verde

The vibe here is unique but could appear a little quirky depending on your style. Banners, billboards, and old airplanes converted into restaurants and villas (plus grounds covering 20 acres) make it feel like its own town. You’ll also notice walls and light fixtures made from old glass bottles...

Rincón de la Vieja

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín

Stay close to Rincón de la Vieja National Park at Hacienda Guachipelín and enjoy on-site perks like hiking trails to waterfalls and ponds, two restaurants, and hot spring pools built along a river. Rooms are simple, with suites offering perks like in-room soaking tubs and furnished outdoor...

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Hotel Banana Azul

As an adults-only tropical haven on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Hotel Banana Azul in Puerto Viejo offers an authentic experience that blends the warmth of the local culture, the allure of unspoiled beaches, and the richness of the surrounding jungle. The hotel is ideally located just a...

Tamarindo

The Coast Beachfront Hotel

The Coast Beachfront Hotel offers a peaceful location on a swimmable beach, yet within walking distance of downtown Tamarindo. Choose from rooms, suites, private bungalows, and villas, all featuring a private kitchen, as there's no restaurant at the hotel. The property offers rentals and lessons...

Monteverde

Cala Lodge

Staying at Cala Lodge means sleeping among nature, as the property hosts just 18 rooms and suites that feel like cabins in the forest. All have balconies or terraces overlooking the surrounding woodland and come with a free traditional breakfast. When not exploring the area, spend time walking...

Monteverde

Hotel Ficus

Simple by nature, Hotel Ficus established a modest accommodation that took advantage of the property's location atop a hill overlooking the Gulf of Nicoya. All rooms have basic, clean, and comfy furnishings and offer balconies or terraces with coastal or forest vistas. Enjoy strolling the grounds...

Monteverde

With bright and airy rooms, Monteverde Lodge & Gardens offers a restful stay in the forest, complete with an outdoor pool surrounded by dense vegetation. All units feature balconies, terraces, hammocks, patio furniture, and comfy quarters. Enjoy a location within walking distance to downtown...

Manuel Antonio

Nestled in the most exclusive area of Manuel Antonio, Issimo Suites is a unique boutique hotel that offers an adult-only experience. Its prime location allows you to explore the nearby Manuel Antonio National Park and Manuel Antonio Beach, while Biesanz Beach and Playitas Beach are just a short...

Monteverde

Arco Iris Lodge

Arco Iris Lodge is a tranquil retreat in Santa Elena, Monteverde. Just one block off the main road, you'll be surrounded by the lush beauty of the area while still being close to the action. The hotel is a mere 2-minute walk from the center of Santa Elena and is set on 2.5 hectares of planted...

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel

Located in the tranquil Playa Cocles, Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel is the perfect getaway for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. Just minutes away from the bustling town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, this hotel offers an upscale experience nestled in nature. It's easily reachable via a...

6 Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica's Most Beautiful Places

Costa Rica's rainforest and windswept beaches lure travelers from all over the world to practice yoga and enjoy other soul-nourishing activities while communing with nature. Some retreat centers are in the country's remote corners, while others are just outside of major cities—this list covers six of the best.

The Best Luxury Hotels in Arenal / La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a famous mountain town that needs no introduction for those familiar with the cone-shaped Arenal Volcano and its surrounding rainforests, hot springs, and waterfalls. Indeed, this is one of Costa Rica's top destinations, with dozens of accommodations. So, how to skip hordes of tourists? We sought advice from our local specialists and kimkim staff to round up the most luxurious hotels in La Fortuna.

The 5 Best Boutique Hotels in Arenal/La Fortuna

In the northern Costa Rican lowlands sits Volcan Arenal, a monolith that draws visitors from across the globe. The surrounding area is a perfect base for nature excursions, but roughing is unnecessary. These boutique lodging options feature all the tropical paradise, and creature comforts you desire.

The 6 Best Boutique Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio National Park has it all: rainforests, coral beaches, and wild rivers. Make the most of your time in this exceptionally scenic and diverse area with a mix of relaxation and active excursions. To this end, we've compiled a list of the best boutique hotels and ecolodges, all offering unforgettable views and close proximity to the park.

The 5 Best Eco-lodges in the Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula is one of the most remote areas in Costa Rica. In recent years its untouched rainforests and beaches have given rise to a fitting style of jungle accommodation: the ecolodge. Here are your best options for lodging that operates in harmony with the area's delicate ecosystem.

Monteverde is well known for its misty cloud forests, hills with exceptional views, and a nearly endless list of activities to enjoy. You can easily plan your visit with a comfortable mid-range or luxury hotel, and kimkim has quite a few to recommend.

The 8 Best Hotels with Hot Springs in Arenal/La Fortuna

One of the biggest appeals of Arenal/La Fortuna is the geothermal hot spring network, heated naturally by Costa Rica’s famous volcano, Volcán Arenal. Although great for day trips, many of the hot springs in the area have overnight lodgings, so you can fully take advantage of your time soaking in the pools. Kimkim has several recommendations for hot spring hotels in La Fortuna, ranging from standard to luxury.

The 5 Best Family Hotels in La Fortuna

Arenal/La Fortuna is an ideal location for families. Area activities, such as horseback riding, hiking near the Arenal Volcano, soaking in hot springs, river rafting, and touring coffee plantations, appeal to all ages and let you dive deep into the region’s natural environment and culture. To make your trip to the area even better, check into one of kimkim’s recommended family-friendly hotels.

The 8 Best Luxury Hotels in Costa Rica

Epitomizing laid-back travel, Costa Rica has hundreds of hotels, but only a few make the list for luxury. With the help of local specialists, kimkim has narrowed down the best to these eight unique options that choose quality over quantity, simplicity over opulence. Pick one or more and make your next trip to the land of "pura vida" extra special.

With incredible culture, hip nightlife, excellent shopping, and trendy haute cuisine, San José has it all, and you can pair your trip with luxury and boutique accommodations. The city has grown in terms of lodging options, with more than ever before, and with so many high-end and unique choices, you can take your pick of style, neighborhood, and amenities. We've made your decision a little easier with our list of the best luxury and boutique hotels in San José.

The 11 Best Hotels in San José

Culture, nightlife, haute cuisine—travelers are discovering the virtues of San José. And with plenty of lodging options, you can take your pick of style, neighborhood, and amenities on offer. Make your decision easy with this list of the best hotels in Costa Rica's capital.

The 3 Best Boutique Hotels in Tortuguero

If you’re heading to Tortuguero, you’re probably looking for remote solitude surrounded by jungle and wildlife. Getting to this unique region of Costa Rica is half the fun, and you can make it even more enjoyable by staying the night in one of the area’s boutique hotels. These are a great option, as they tend to have little perks, like lush gardens, individual wooden huts, and/or upscale cuisine.

The 6 Best Hotels with Views of Arenal Volcano

The main attraction in Arenal/La Fortuna is the region's famed volcano, a cone-shaped peak often shrouded in clouds. Early morning is the best time to catch cloud-free views, so we recommend staying in an area hotel offering vistas of Arenal Volcano. Enjoy those views from your room with your morning coffee or common areas like open-air restaurants, hot springs, and yoga platforms.

The 6 Best Boutique Hotels in Monteverde

Known for its cloud forests and wildlife—and as the birthplace of ziplining—Monteverde is one of the more popular regions in Costa Rica. Hilly, misty, and dense with rainforest, this area has no shortages of exciting and relaxing experiences to enjoy. And why not pair hiking across hanging bridges, touring coffee plantations, or searching for wildlife with a boutique accommodation?

The 5 Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is a family-friendly destination, chock full of activities and perks adored by all ages. Kids and adults alike will love hiking through the national park and time spent on the beach. Luckily, kimkim recommends quite a few family-friendly hotels in Manuel Antonio, so you can ensure everyone is happily entertained.

The 6 Best Hotels Surrounded by Nature in Monteverde

One of the appeals of Monteverde is its dense cloud forest, so you'll find many hotels surrounded by nature and offering a quiet reprieve in the jungle. You'll have your choice of eco-lodges with organic eateries, bungalows surrounded by protected rainforest, and plenty of options allowing you to watch wildlife right from your room.

The 5 Best Boutique Hotels in Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a beautiful stretch of shoreline on the southern side of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Accommodations are spread out between the towns of Puerto Viejo and Punta Uva, meaning the location caters to the jungle and beach. If Puerto Viejo is known for anything, it’s the unique environment created by the mix of jungle, sea, and reef, plus its African-Caribbean influence, so it’s the perfect place to relax in a boutique hotel.

The 5 Best Luxury Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is one of the most beautiful regions in Costa Rica, as it blends dense jungle hillsides with the scenic coastline of the Pacific Ocean. Many hotels and resorts use the hillside to offer some of the country’s best scenery overlooking the jungle and ocean. Elevate the beauty by staying in one of kimkim’s recommended luxury hotels in Manuel Antonio.

The 6 Best Beach-Access Hotels in Manuel Antonio

If you’re staying in Manuel Antonio, you probably already know about the area’s exceptional beaches. Don’t miss a moment in the sand and surf by booking one of kimkim’s recommended hotels with beach access, a surprisingly unique amenity for the area.

The 7 Best Hotels with Views in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio perfectly mixes sandy ocean beaches with hilly rainforests, so it’s no surprise that many travelers head to the region for its exceptional views. When staying in the area, make the most out of this perk by booking one of kimkim’s recommended hotels with the best ocean and jungle views.

The 5 Best Boutique Hotels in the Gulf of Papagayo

The hidden coves and beaches along the Gulf of Papagayo's rugged coastline offer a relaxing and active stay. Spend your days sunbathing at the beach or enjoy ventures like kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding in the protected waters. And if you're after that beachfront experience, this region offers plenty of options.

The 5 Best Mid-Range Hotels in La Fortuna

Like many travelers to Costa Rica, you might want to visit Arenal/La Fortuna, one of the most beautiful regions in the country. The main site is Arenal Volcano, which sits in the lush Arenal Volcano National Park. To take advantage of your time in the area, consider staying a night or two at one of our recommended mid-range hotels, which offer affordable yet comfortable stays.

The 7 Best Lodges in Monteverde

A cozy lodge is an excellent choice when staying in the misty cloud forests in Monteverde, as many sit in the jungle and offer views within or above the treetops. Sleep in luxury cabins with plush furnishings, area staples operating since the 1980s, or lodges with spas, outdoor pools, and fine dining restaurants.

The 7 Best Boutique Hotels in Tamarindo

Boutique hotels in Tamarindo offer a blend of relaxation and authenticity while in the middle of the buzz on the region's famed white-sand beaches. You can choose from luxury hillside hotels, beachfront villas with bohemian vibes, and standard hotels with unique amenities, like happy hour, surf lessons, and beach clubs.

The 5 Best Beach Hotels in Tamarindo

If you're planning to visit Tamarindo, it's probably for its renowned beaches and coastline. To truly experience this region's famous shores, you might want to stay in a beachfront hotel or lodgings that offer direct beach access. You'll find plenty of options, from luxury hotels with sports equipment to standard accommodation with common spaces right on the sand.

The 5 Best Mid-Range Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Whether you’re traveling to Manuel Antonio for the beaches or national park, you have plenty of options for accommodations. Try one of kimkim’s recommended mid-range hotels in Manuel Antonio. Although you’ll find plenty of luxury lodgings that fit perfectly into this beautiful region, you don’t have to break the bank to find exceptional views, comfort, and those upscale amenities.

Tamarindo's reputation for tropical white-sand beaches makes it an ideal spot for a romantic trip. Couples can enjoy relaxing on the beach and taking in the sunsets or combine their vacation with something more active, like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or learning how to surf. And to enhance your stay, opt for accommodation with perks like private hot tubs, spa treatments, outdoor showers, and beach views.

Monteverde is an ideal location for a Costa Rican honeymoon, with its misty and romantic cloud forest and abundant wildlife. Couples will find intimate properties surrounded by jungle greenery that offer amenities like private balconies, soaking tubs, fine dining restaurants, spas, outdoor pools, and happy hours.

The 5 Best Hotels with Pools in Tamarindo

Though Tamarindo is known for its idyllic coves, inlets, and white-sand beaches, sometimes you need a break from the surf and want to relax by the pool. Tamarindo has several lodging choices that offer swimming pools, including many with multiple pools or areas where you can relax in sunloungers and still enjoy those ocean views.

The 4 Best Lodges in Arenal

Arenal offers several lodges, many featuring iconic views of Arenal Volcano while also sitting within the Costa Rican jungle. Our top picks for accommodation in Arenal maintain an authentic atmosphere while still providing amenities like on-site eateries and hot springs. Enjoy staying in cabins, bungalows, and wooden rooms with warm decor and private outdoor spaces.

Arenal/La Fortuna offers a romantic mix of beautiful scenery, relaxing hot springs, and cultural activities—an ideal spot for a honeymoon or getaway with your partner. Our recommendations for the best hotels for a bit of romance include luxury stays where you get your own private bungalow and plunge pool, plus other properties surrounded by the Costa Rican jungle with fine-dining eateries and secluded hot springs.

The 6 Best Hotels Near Downtown Santa Elena in Monteverde

Santa Elena is Monteverde's hub and is where local restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, and shops are found. If you'd like to stay close to the downtown area, you have several hotel options, and many still maintain those Costa Rican cloud forest vibes.

With such an idyllic setting, Tamarindo offers plenty of beautiful mid-range and luxury boutique hotels to enhance your stay along the region's famed coastline. Choose from luxury hillside hotels, beachfront cabins, villas with private pools, and bungalows with bohemian vibes.

The 5 Best Hotels Surrounded By Nature in Arenal

A popular reason to visit Arenal/La Fortuna is the region's beautiful natural surroundings, which include dense jungle and the famed Arenal Volcano. To really experience Costa Rica's appeal, you may want a hotel enveloped by nature. Kimkim's list consists of the best hotels giving you that experience, from luxury lodges to standard properties with volcano views.

The 3 Best San José Airport Hotels

Costa Rica's capital city has much to offer, from culture to nightlife. But if you have an early flight to catch, you may prefer to stay near San José's airport. Also located near the Pan American Highway, car rental agencies, and a train station where you can catch a ride into the city's downtown, these hotels are excellent options for an overnight stay at the start or end of your trip.

The 5 Best Standard Hotels in Monteverde

Many travelers head to Monteverde for its cloud forest excursions, including ziplining, wildlife viewing, and hiking across hanging bridges. Many hotels offer accommodation right next door to these forests or within private reserves, so you can feel like you’re part of the serene environment, even as you sleep. If you’re on a budget or prefer something a bit more rustic, consider one of our recommended standard hotels in Monteverde.

The 7 Best Standard Hotels in La Fortuna

Arenal/La Fortuna is a popular Costa Rican region, mostly known for the country’s most famous volcano. You’ll also find a sprawling national park and several thermal pools to enjoy. For the budget-minded, choose from one of kimkim’s recommended standard hotels, which still offer a comfy stay without breaking the bank.

The 6 Best Hotels Near Downtown La Fortuna

Staying close to La Fortuna gives you a mixed stay in the Arenal region, combining the area's famed jungle and volcanic views with the culture of its central hub. Our list of the best hotels near downtown La Fortuna includes those right in the action, properties a short walk from local restaurants and shops, and accommodation in the jungle yet just a quick five-minute drive from town.

The 5 Best Standard Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Blending ocean and jungle, Manuel Antonio offers a slew of activities to enjoy, including sea kayaking, snorkeling, mangrove boat tours, wildlife hikes, foodie tours, and more. Budget-minded travelers might want to save on accommodation to splurge on adventures. If that’s you, check out kimkim’s recommended standard hotels in Manuel Antonio, which offer reasonable pricing without compromising quality.

The 4 Best Standard Hotels in Tamarindo

Many visitors choose to stay in Tamarindo for its incredible coastline, beaches, and opportunities for water sports. Surfers from all over the world come here to catch waves, which means there's plenty of entertainment, restaurants, and local shops to enjoy. Some of the best standard hotels in Tamarindo double as surf schools, so you can enjoy the total experience.