A slice of Central American paradise, Costa Rica has long been a favourite of eco-conscious travellers and surfers. Its varied landscape is made up of mountainous rainforests, white-sand beaches and canal-tangled lowlands. From the capital city of San José – itself filled with historic neighbourhoods, age-old mansions and vibrant parks – there’s direct access to Pacific coast beach resorts like Jacó and Tamarindo. Looking for something more adventurous? Then waste no time in heading to Arenal Volcano, which towers over the lively crossroads of La Fortuna. Watch as Arenal spews hot ash, steam and molten rock in the distance, before unwinding in one of the nearby bubbling hot springs. Costa Rica is also rich in wildlife. Go trekking in national parks like Corcovado and Monteverde Cloud Forest for the chance to spot wild animals in their natural habitat. From howler monkeys and white-faced capuchins to coral snakes, red-eyed tree frogs and the brightly-billed toucan, there’s plenty to see. When you’re ready for a change of pace, venture east for a taste of Costa Rica’s laid-back surfing culture. Hubs like Limón and Puerto Viejo are magnets for surfers, with the warm and choppy waters of the Caribbean Sea bringing in big swells all year round. Further north along this unspoiled stretch of Caribbean coastline, you can find Tortuguero National Park, famous for being one of the main nesting sites of leatherbacks and green turtles. There’s ample choice of accommodation in Costa Rica, from boutique hotels and luxury villas to beachside hostels and eco-friendly jungle retreats.
Top picks for hotels in Costa Rica
Try one of these popular and highly-rated Costa Rica hotels
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,454 reviews
Superb · 1,454 reviews
Situated in Uvita, 13 km from Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, Ballena Rey Hotel features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 1,139 reviews
Exceptional · 1,139 reviews
Set in Fortuna, 4.6 km from La Fortuna Waterfall, Cabañas del Rio offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking and a garden.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,711 reviews
Superb · 1,711 reviews
Offering direct access to the beach, Lanna Ban Hotel is located in Puerto Viejo. The hotel features an exotic garden and contemporary Thai architecture. Free WiFi access is available.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,241 reviews
Superb · 1,241 reviews
Rainbow Valley Lodge is located located in Monteverde Costa Rica, in the mountains of Monteverde. It offers lush gardens and rooms with free WiFi and fantastic mountain views.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 2,198 reviews
Superb · 2,198 reviews
Located in La Fortuna town, San Bosco Inn offers an outdoor pool and lush gardens, free Wi-Fi in public areas and rooms with garden views. The Arenal Volcano is 5 km away.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 2,057 reviews
Superb · 2,057 reviews
Located in central San Jose, Hotel Casa 69 offers a garden patio, free Wi-Fi in public areas and individually decorated rooms with cable TV. The National Museum is just a 10-minute walk away.
Located in Coronado, 36 km from Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, Vayu Retreat Villas provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden.
Guest review
This is a little hidden gem. Perfect for the ones who like it quiet , peaceful but modern. Mark the owner is not only interesting but extremely helpful and made our stay special.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 46 reviews
Located in Tigra, 24 km from La Fortuna Waterfall, Guapote Lodge provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar.
Guest review
Nestled in a breathtaking natural haven, this place feels like a botanical wonderland. The serene location, surrounded by lush nature, creates a tranquil escape. The owners are not just hosts but welcoming guides, incredibly helpful and friendly, enhancing the overall experience. The food, a culinary delight, matches the beauty of the surroundings. Every dish is a testament to quality, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable. Highly recommend this gem for a delightful retreat where nature's beauty and warm hospitality come together. A must-visit that exceeds expectations.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 65 reviews
Situated in Puerto Viejo, 2.1 km from Cocles Beach, Colina Secreta - Glamping and Villas features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.
Guest review
This is a gem indeed if you are in Manzanillo - Cahuita. Off 2kms from the coastal road, but no uphill , doable w/normal car. Breakfast tableware, service, food 1st class like Hilton or even better. We took the Belvedere house, has a terrace, w kitchen and tea/coffee amenites. Host family provides service above expectations. Small pool. Tour reservations. Charming landladies. 7 hectares hilside garden with fauna. Absolutely recommended.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.8
9.8
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 423 reviews
Set in Savegre, 46 km from Manuel Antonio National Park, Lapazul Boutique Hotel offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace.
Guest review
What a fabulous experience, from the friendly professional staff, the tranquil nature mountain setting, the sunset view pool, the delicious meals, the yoga deck, to the comfortable rooms, everything was perfect. We definitely wanted to spend a lot of time at the resort/hotel to enjoy it all. We saw toucans, agouti, and a sloth.
Tip: Drive up during daylight for your first time, and use manual 1 or 2 to get up the hills. It gets easier after that!
Thanks for the beautiful welcome, we can't wait to come back again. 💕
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.8
9.8
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 80 reviews
Set in Tamarindo, Les Voiles Blanches - Luxury Lodge offers an outdoor swimming pool, garden and terrace. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and on-site free parking is provided.
Guest review
Owners are super nice people and the facility is really good quality.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 261 reviews
Located in Platanal, 33 km from La Fortuna Waterfall, Contenedores Boutique Hotel provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a terrace.
Guest review
Room was super clean. Beautifully finished container conversion. Cozy little balcony in the back over looking a nice wooded area. Considering the room is only about 100 meters from a main road and a couple of bar-restaurants it is Super quiet. Room is perfect for an individual or a couple. It is equipped with a very comfortable queen size bed, Wi-fi, a desk to work if needed, a coffee maker, coffee, sugar, cream, a small fridge, good size TV, A/C, plenty of plug ports to charge your devices and a beautiful size bathroom. Room is also pretty eco friendly. Pre-check in was great, They provide you with a code to open the door so all you do is park and walk right in.
Located in Chachagua and with La Fortuna Waterfall reachable within 15 km, Arenal Palms Hot Springs provides concierge services, non-smoking rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi throughout the...
Guest review
The pool and garden are nice. Friendly personal.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 33 reviews
Set in Pavones, less than 1 km from Playa Pavones, Casa de STOKE on Pavones Point offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace.
Guest review
Great host. The Place is just a few steps away from Pavones point. Great location for Somebody who surf. Excellent wifi.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
9.6
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 30 reviews
Casa Buenavista is located in Carrillo, 300 meters from the beach. It offers air-conditioned rooms in a tropical garden.
Guest review
Helpful staff to ask anything and to get informationsbout, breakfast was prepared for individual preferences, spacious, quiet and beautiful modern style of facilities
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.8
9.8
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 387 reviews
Nayara Gardens is a luxury boutique hotel and spa set against the panoramic backdrop of the Arenal Volcano, surrounded by Costa Rican Rainforest.
Guest review
Everything. All the staff were amazing, the room was stunning and the bed comfortable. The restaurants were lovely and food delicious. Being able to see sloths from many parts of the property added to the experience. Special mention to Claudia & Isaac who both helped make our stay really special.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 263 reviews
Exceptional · 263 reviews
From US$800 per night
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