Located at the base of Arenal Volcano, Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa offers a healthy dose of upscale relaxation and sophistication without a lot of pretense. The pool is a bit small, and there’s nothing within walking distance, but the long list of amenities -- hot spring pools, a large, all-day restaurant with free breakfast, multiple bars, and a full-service spa -- means most guests won’t ever need to leave the property anyway. All 53 rooms feature virtually identical spacious layouts, plus free Wi-Fi, in-room hot tubs, minibars, and two balconies (one with volcano views). The nearby Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa offers the same amenities and a more beautiful thermal pool, but it's hard to beat the quiet natural setting and the views of Arenal Volcano found here.
Located at the base of Arenal Volcano, Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa offers a healthy dose of upscale relaxation and sophistication without a lot of pretense. The pool is a bit small, and there’s nothing within walking distance, but the long list of amenities -- hot spring pools, a large, all-day restaurant with free breakfast, multiple bars, and a full-service spa -- means most guests won’t ever need to leave the property anyway. All 53 rooms feature virtually identical spacious layouts, plus free Wi-Fi, in-room hot tubs, minibars, and two balconies (one with volcano views). The nearby Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa offers the same amenities and a more beautiful thermal pool, but it's hard to beat the quiet natural setting and the views of Arenal Volcano found here.
Croc's Resort & Casino is a four-pearl resort located on the northern end of Jaco Beach. The hotel’s 152 rooms are subtly stylish, and include mini-fridges, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs, but some guests report outside rooms can suffer from nightclub noise and/or musty smells. True to its name, Croc’s showpiece is its casino, but the resort also includes a lagoon-shaped pool with arched wooden bridges, multiple restaurants and bars, a lovely spa, and a modern conference center. It offers little in the way of local character, but guests seeking an upscale resort with plenty of on-site entertainment will likely be satisfied. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities with the nearby all-inclusive Best Western Jaco Beach, which is one of the area’s only other large resorts, but it's less polished overall.
Croc's Resort & Casino is a four-pearl resort located on the northern end of Jaco Beach. The hotel’s 152 rooms are subtly stylish, and include mini-fridges, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs, but some guests report outside rooms can suffer from nightclub noise and/or musty smells. True to its name, Croc’s showpiece is its casino, but the resort also includes a lagoon-shaped pool with arched wooden bridges, multiple restaurants and bars, a lovely spa, and a modern conference center. It offers little in the way of local character, but guests seeking an upscale resort with plenty of on-site entertainment will likely be satisfied. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities with the nearby all-inclusive Best Western Jaco Beach, which is one of the area’s only other large resorts, but it's less polished overall.
Not for traditional types, the shining (hotel) star of Condado Beach -- and, arguably, San Juan -- is this buzzy resort from Marriott’s Renaissance series. La Concha attracts a constant crowd of young patrons -- both guests and locals, who come here often, dressed to the nines. The airy lobby is a chic meeting space by day, and is transformed at night with low lighting and hip music. Trendy restaurants have options like sushi and sake or tapas and sangria; the seashell-shaped Perla has a 4,000-bottle wine cellar. The 232 rooms and suites have bright, sleek decor, and many come with floor-to-ceiling views of the ocean (it's definitely worth the price to upgrade). Food and drink service is provided at the beach and at the three outdoor pools. With long lines for the front desk and slow drink service, the resort can feel short-staffed.
Not for traditional types, the shining (hotel) star of Condado Beach -- and, arguably, San Juan -- is this buzzy resort from Marriott’s Renaissance series. La Concha attracts a constant crowd of young patrons -- both guests and locals, who come here often, dressed to the nines. The airy lobby is a chic meeting space by day, and is transformed at night with low lighting and hip music. Trendy restaurants have options like sushi and sake or tapas and sangria; the seashell-shaped Perla has a 4,000-bottle wine cellar. The 232 rooms and suites have bright, sleek decor, and many come with floor-to-ceiling views of the ocean (it's definitely worth the price to upgrade). Food and drink service is provided at the beach and at the three outdoor pools. With long lines for the front desk and slow drink service, the resort can feel short-staffed.
This 27-acre, upper-middle-range property of 82 one-story bungalows feels almost like its own sprawling town, and the working dairy farm is a highlight -- it supplies the hotel with milk, and guests are welcome to milk the cows. Both hot and cold spring pools with swim-up bars are on offer. The property is not too secluded, however, as La Fortuna is within a 15-minute drive. The rooms are modern (if a bit lacking in local character) and offer plenty of privacy, as each takes up one half of a bungalow; all have terraces with volcano views. Those who want a similar experience that's closer to town may prefer El Silencio del Campo (if they're OK with a hotel that's a little more worn-in) or Arenal Volcano Inn (if they don't need as much privacy).
This 27-acre, upper-middle-range property of 82 one-story bungalows feels almost like its own sprawling town, and the working dairy farm is a highlight -- it supplies the hotel with milk, and guests are welcome to milk the cows. Both hot and cold spring pools with swim-up bars are on offer. The property is not too secluded, however, as La Fortuna is within a 15-minute drive. The rooms are modern (if a bit lacking in local character) and offer plenty of privacy, as each takes up one half of a bungalow; all have terraces with volcano views. Those who want a similar experience that's closer to town may prefer El Silencio del Campo (if they're OK with a hotel that's a little more worn-in) or Arenal Volcano Inn (if they don't need as much privacy).
Mid-range Taormina is located in a historic but slightly sketchy downtown location that’s close to restaurants, cafes, museums, and the National Botanical Garden. The hotel's common areas and 87 spacious rooms were renovated in 2015 with a fresh, neutral look, and are equipped with comfy beds, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and big bathrooms. Guests enjoy the centrality of this place, the pleasant and clean rooms, and the lively modern sports bar, simple casino, and charming Italian restaurant, Il Gatopardo. Free valet parking, free hot breakfast, and free Wi-Fi are nice perks. There’s plenty to eat, see and do nearby, though this area is a haven for prostitution which can make its way into the hotel. Travelers seeking a pool and fitness center could try the Park Inn by Radisson San Jose, Costa Rica.
Mid-range Taormina is located in a historic but slightly sketchy downtown location that’s close to restaurants, cafes, museums, and the National Botanical Garden. The hotel's common areas and 87 spacious rooms were renovated in 2015 with a fresh, neutral look, and are equipped with comfy beds, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and big bathrooms. Guests enjoy the centrality of this place, the pleasant and clean rooms, and the lively modern sports bar, simple casino, and charming Italian restaurant, Il Gatopardo. Free valet parking, free hot breakfast, and free Wi-Fi are nice perks. There’s plenty to eat, see and do nearby, though this area is a haven for prostitution which can make its way into the hotel. Travelers seeking a pool and fitness center could try the Park Inn by Radisson San Jose, Costa Rica.
Nearly all of Nosara’s hotels offer some kind of yoga class, but the upper-middle-range Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is the area’s premier retreat for serious yogis. The Bodhi Tree has the best yoga teachers, facilities, and equipment in Nosara, with six indoor and outdoor shalas and an international staff. Guests can also sample additional fitness classes, like Pilates, indoor cycling, and samba. The Bodhi Tree’s main focus is wellness -- expect green smoothies and energy shots at the juice bar, and only healthy, organic food at the restaurant. Travelers who aren’t interested in a holistic vacation will feel entirely out of step. Families are welcome, but the atmosphere may be too serene for boisterous little ones. Those traveling with children may prefer the nearby Olas Verdes Hotel, though it lacks The Bodhi Tree’s yoga-centric environment.
Nearly all of Nosara’s hotels offer some kind of yoga class, but the upper-middle-range Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is the area’s premier retreat for serious yogis. The Bodhi Tree has the best yoga teachers, facilities, and equipment in Nosara, with six indoor and outdoor shalas and an international staff. Guests can also sample additional fitness classes, like Pilates, indoor cycling, and samba. The Bodhi Tree’s main focus is wellness -- expect green smoothies and energy shots at the juice bar, and only healthy, organic food at the restaurant. Travelers who aren’t interested in a holistic vacation will feel entirely out of step. Families are welcome, but the atmosphere may be too serene for boisterous little ones. Those traveling with children may prefer the nearby Olas Verdes Hotel, though it lacks The Bodhi Tree’s yoga-centric environment.
Open since 1980, Hotel Condovac la Costa is one of the oldest time-share properties in Guanacaste. With 107 one- and two-bedroom apartments, multiple pools, a kids' club, and an optional all-inclusive meal plan, Condovac attracts a lot of families, many of whom are locals. Though the beach isn’t within walking distance, the hotel’s hilltop location provides stunning views of Playa Hermosa. The infinity-edge pool is gorgeous and kitchens are well-equipped, but room decor is dated, the restaurant receives mixed reviews, and the property shows signs of age throughout. Another drawback is the steep hill that separates rooms from the public areas, though there are shuttles that make trips around the property. Nearby Casa Conde Beach-Front Hotel is completely flat and has better food, but nightly rates are more expensive.
Open since 1980, Hotel Condovac la Costa is one of the oldest time-share properties in Guanacaste. With 107 one- and two-bedroom apartments, multiple pools, a kids' club, and an optional all-inclusive meal plan, Condovac attracts a lot of families, many of whom are locals. Though the beach isn’t within walking distance, the hotel’s hilltop location provides stunning views of Playa Hermosa. The infinity-edge pool is gorgeous and kitchens are well-equipped, but room decor is dated, the restaurant receives mixed reviews, and the property shows signs of age throughout. Another drawback is the steep hill that separates rooms from the public areas, though there are shuttles that make trips around the property. Nearby Casa Conde Beach-Front Hotel is completely flat and has better food, but nightly rates are more expensive.
Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel is a three-and-a-half-pearl adults-only property located in the buzzing town of Tamarindo. The hotel’s 43 guest rooms are polished and tidy, with many featuring striking themed decor. Playa Tamarindo is right across the street, and there are ample dining and entertainment options within easy walking distance. True to the hotel’s name, amenities aim to create the feel of a hidden paradise, including a lagoon-shaped pool shrouded in greenery, secret pathways, and a private garden with gated access. Travelers who prefer a more streamlined, sophisticated look might consider the nearby Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel instead.
Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel is a three-and-a-half-pearl adults-only property located in the buzzing town of Tamarindo. The hotel’s 43 guest rooms are polished and tidy, with many featuring striking themed decor. Playa Tamarindo is right across the street, and there are ample dining and entertainment options within easy walking distance. True to the hotel’s name, amenities aim to create the feel of a hidden paradise, including a lagoon-shaped pool shrouded in greenery, secret pathways, and a private garden with gated access. Travelers who prefer a more streamlined, sophisticated look might consider the nearby Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel instead.
These four three-pearl villas (plus outdoor pools!) are a stylish alternative for laid-back groups and families in the surf mecca of Santa Teresa. Tucked peacefully in the hills, the contemporary, Southeast Asian-inspired villas range from two- to four-bedroom units, and have full kitchens, patios, and barbecues. Guests don't need a car as they're a five-minute walk to Playa Carmen's waves, as well as restaurants and a grocery store. Charismatic owners Soraya and Trent, go out of their way to provide personable service and will gladly arrange transportation and activities. Not to be missed: Trent's guaranteed-to-get-up surf lesson.
These four three-pearl villas (plus outdoor pools!) are a stylish alternative for laid-back groups and families in the surf mecca of Santa Teresa. Tucked peacefully in the hills, the contemporary, Southeast Asian-inspired villas range from two- to four-bedroom units, and have full kitchens, patios, and barbecues. Guests don't need a car as they're a five-minute walk to Playa Carmen's waves, as well as restaurants and a grocery store. Charismatic owners Soraya and Trent, go out of their way to provide personable service and will gladly arrange transportation and activities. Not to be missed: Trent's guaranteed-to-get-up surf lesson.
Luxurious in every way, the 16-room, adult-only resort Nayara Springs is the top resort in the area for couples seeking romance and privacy -- but who can do without volcano views. Large, rustic-luxe rooms have a bevy of free amenities (free minibar items, free international calls) and gadgets (Bluetooth music players, espresso machines), all of which you pay for in the room rate. Its nearest competitor is the Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens, which happens to be its family-friendly sister property next door (volcano views are on offer there). The hotel is only a 15-minute ride into the town of La Fortuna, but most guests seem to spend the majority of their time on the property.
Luxurious in every way, the 16-room, adult-only resort Nayara Springs is the top resort in the area for couples seeking romance and privacy -- but who can do without volcano views. Large, rustic-luxe rooms have a bevy of free amenities (free minibar items, free international calls) and gadgets (Bluetooth music players, espresso machines), all of which you pay for in the room rate. Its nearest competitor is the Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens, which happens to be its family-friendly sister property next door (volcano views are on offer there). The hotel is only a 15-minute ride into the town of La Fortuna, but most guests seem to spend the majority of their time on the property.