Catering to the adventurous traveler, the Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River is a wonderful jungle property tucked away in 600 acres of natural reserve in the Guanacaste province. The main draw here is the myriad outdoor activities on offer, ranging from zip-lining to hiking to relaxing in the many natural hot springs found on-site. The hotel also features three beautiful pools -- one with a swim-up bar -- as well as yoga classes and a spa offering great body treatments in open-air rooms overlooking the jungle. The 30 stand-alone bungalows have been designed to blend in with the lush surroundings, and are equal parts stylish and eco-conscious, with natural, local materials, modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs or projectors, and great terraces with seating. The value Buena Vista del Rincon is a decent alternative for those wanting something offering a similar range of adventure activities at a lower price point.
Catering to the adventurous traveler, the Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River is a wonderful jungle property tucked away in 600 acres of natural reserve in the Guanacaste province. The main draw here is the myriad outdoor activities on offer, ranging from zip-lining to hiking to relaxing in the many natural hot springs found on-site. The hotel also features three beautiful pools -- one with a swim-up bar -- as well as yoga classes and a spa offering great body treatments in open-air rooms overlooking the jungle. The 30 stand-alone bungalows have been designed to blend in with the lush surroundings, and are equal parts stylish and eco-conscious, with natural, local materials, modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs or projectors, and great terraces with seating. The value Buena Vista del Rincon is a decent alternative for those wanting something offering a similar range of adventure activities at a lower price point.
The 12-bungalow, mid-range Shawandha Lodge is an ideal locale for small groups that want to be surrounded by nature without sacrificing tropical vacation staples. The hotel is located in a quiet area about six kilometers away from the lively town center of Puerto Viejo -- where there are shops, restaurants, live music, and bars -- and close to Cahuita National Park. Sprawling out across nearly five acres of jungle along Playa Chiquita, the property boasts a variety of flora and fauna. The sand and surf of uncrowded Playa Chiquita is a five-minute walk away from the hotel. In addition to spacious and elegant bungalows with artistic bathrooms (but without TVs or air-conditioning), Shawandha is well-known for its fine dining at Wandha Restaurant, its garden pool, and the 400-year-old Ceibo tree growing on the premises.
The 12-bungalow, mid-range Shawandha Lodge is an ideal locale for small groups that want to be surrounded by nature without sacrificing tropical vacation staples. The hotel is located in a quiet area about six kilometers away from the lively town center of Puerto Viejo -- where there are shops, restaurants, live music, and bars -- and close to Cahuita National Park. Sprawling out across nearly five acres of jungle along Playa Chiquita, the property boasts a variety of flora and fauna. The sand and surf of uncrowded Playa Chiquita is a five-minute walk away from the hotel. In addition to spacious and elegant bungalows with artistic bathrooms (but without TVs or air-conditioning), Shawandha is well-known for its fine dining at Wandha Restaurant, its garden pool, and the 400-year-old Ceibo tree growing on the premises.
Hotel Grano de Oro is a three-and-a-half-pearl hotel located outside San Jose’s city center. Its 35 rooms are understatedly stylish, with many offering pretty gardens or patios. The fantastic on-site restaurant, which serves French-Mediterranean and tropical-influenced cuisine, uses sustainable, fresh Costa Rican ingredients, and is as popular with locals as it is with guests. The attractive rooftop terrace has two hot tubs. The main downside is location -- there are several restaurants and bars within walking distance, but most of the city’s main attractions are a bit of a trek on foot and require a car. The hotel also lacks the range of amenities offered by larger properties -- there's no pool or fitness center, and rates are pricey. For travelers seeking a hotel closer to the city center, Balmoral Hotel, while not as glamorous, is an excellent alternative.
Hotel Grano de Oro is a three-and-a-half-pearl hotel located outside San Jose’s city center. Its 35 rooms are understatedly stylish, with many offering pretty gardens or patios. The fantastic on-site restaurant, which serves French-Mediterranean and tropical-influenced cuisine, uses sustainable, fresh Costa Rican ingredients, and is as popular with locals as it is with guests. The attractive rooftop terrace has two hot tubs. The main downside is location -- there are several restaurants and bars within walking distance, but most of the city’s main attractions are a bit of a trek on foot and require a car. The hotel also lacks the range of amenities offered by larger properties -- there's no pool or fitness center, and rates are pricey. For travelers seeking a hotel closer to the city center, Balmoral Hotel, while not as glamorous, is an excellent alternative.
The Kayak Lodge is a solid mid-range option for tourists who want to explore the mangrove eco-system of Costa Rica or experience family-friendly hospitality away from the touristy scene of Manuel Antonio, which is about a 20-minute drive away. The 21 rooms range from simple units without windows to a two-bedroom suite with a kitchen that overlooks the river where the kayaks are launched. Freebies include made-to-order breakfast, Wi-Fi, calls the United States, and parking -- but there's no on-site restaurant or bar. An outdoor swimming pool and pretty butterfly garden make up the grounds. For those who want to be closer to the action in Manuel Antonio, check rates at the comparable Hotel California.
The Kayak Lodge is a solid mid-range option for tourists who want to explore the mangrove eco-system of Costa Rica or experience family-friendly hospitality away from the touristy scene of Manuel Antonio, which is about a 20-minute drive away. The 21 rooms range from simple units without windows to a two-bedroom suite with a kitchen that overlooks the river where the kayaks are launched. Freebies include made-to-order breakfast, Wi-Fi, calls the United States, and parking -- but there's no on-site restaurant or bar. An outdoor swimming pool and pretty butterfly garden make up the grounds. For those who want to be closer to the action in Manuel Antonio, check rates at the comparable Hotel California.
Oceano Boutique Hotel & Gallery is a four-pearl hotel with 64 suites, most of which have separate living areas and full kitchens with hot plates. Guests also have the option of dining at the hotel’s small restaurant, and there are plenty of other dining options in the surrounding area. Elegant on-site features include a pool, a spa, and a fitness center. This property’s main drawback is that it’s not located on the beach; however, buzzing Playa Jaco can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot. Nearby Hotel Pumilio is another boutique option that offers upscale rooms with kitchens, but it’s a bit less luxurious than Oceano and located farther from downtown Jaco.
Oceano Boutique Hotel & Gallery is a four-pearl hotel with 64 suites, most of which have separate living areas and full kitchens with hot plates. Guests also have the option of dining at the hotel’s small restaurant, and there are plenty of other dining options in the surrounding area. Elegant on-site features include a pool, a spa, and a fitness center. This property’s main drawback is that it’s not located on the beach; however, buzzing Playa Jaco can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot. Nearby Hotel Pumilio is another boutique option that offers upscale rooms with kitchens, but it’s a bit less luxurious than Oceano and located farther from downtown Jaco.
**This property was significantly impacted by *Hurricane Maria* in September 2017 and is not accepting reservations until June 30, 2018. **Condado Lagoon Villas at Caribe Hilton is a smart, three-and-a-half pearl property that belongs to the larger neighboring Caribe Hilton resort. The property’s 96 rooms, studios, and suites offer coffeemakers and private balconies, with many featuring kitchenettes and separate living areas. Guests have access to all the facilities of the Caribe Hilton, which include a beautiful pool complex, private beach, and nine bars and restaurants. While the location between Condado and Old San Juan is convenient for guests with rental cars, the area immediately around the hotel doesn’t offer much in the way of attractions. ESJ Azul in Isla Verde is more centrally located and has a better beach, but the Lagoon Villas have more on-site amenities.
**This property was significantly impacted by *Hurricane Maria* in September 2017 and is not accepting reservations until June 30, 2018. **Condado Lagoon Villas at Caribe Hilton is a smart, three-and-a-half pearl property that belongs to the larger neighboring Caribe Hilton resort. The property’s 96 rooms, studios, and suites offer coffeemakers and private balconies, with many featuring kitchenettes and separate living areas. Guests have access to all the facilities of the Caribe Hilton, which include a beautiful pool complex, private beach, and nine bars and restaurants. While the location between Condado and Old San Juan is convenient for guests with rental cars, the area immediately around the hotel doesn’t offer much in the way of attractions. ESJ Azul in Isla Verde is more centrally located and has a better beach, but the Lagoon Villas have more on-site amenities.
Sueno del Mar Beachfront Bed & Breakfast is a three-pearl bed-and-breakfast located on Langosta Beach. This small property’s four rooms and two casitas feature distinctive Central American decor, whitewashed walls, and vaulted wooden ceilings. Nestled amid tropical plant life, the small pool and beach have a private, secluded feel. And the hearty free breakfast served on an airy patio is well above-average. The property's location in the town of Langosta feels out-of-the-way, but the nightlife and shopping of Tamarindo is about a 20-minute walk or a short drive away. Travelers may want to compare rates and amenities with Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel.
Sueno del Mar Beachfront Bed & Breakfast is a three-pearl bed-and-breakfast located on Langosta Beach. This small property’s four rooms and two casitas feature distinctive Central American decor, whitewashed walls, and vaulted wooden ceilings. Nestled amid tropical plant life, the small pool and beach have a private, secluded feel. And the hearty free breakfast served on an airy patio is well above-average. The property's location in the town of Langosta feels out-of-the-way, but the nightlife and shopping of Tamarindo is about a 20-minute walk or a short drive away. Travelers may want to compare rates and amenities with Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel.
The Hampton Inn & Suites is a modern mid-range stopover that offers free airport shuttles, a varied buffet breakfast guests love, a pretty outdoor pool, and a gym (though it’s teeny). The 100 spacious rooms come with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, comfy bedding, and Neutrogena products, which all shape a solid and reliable option amongst the many airport hotel offerings in the area. While the location is fairly lackluster (it's five minutes to the international airport), there are chain restaurants and a casino within short walking distance. Guests generally leave impressed -- but don’t expect any local character or flair. Those seeking a more stylish and character-filled affair could try the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose, though rates will be higher.
The Hampton Inn & Suites is a modern mid-range stopover that offers free airport shuttles, a varied buffet breakfast guests love, a pretty outdoor pool, and a gym (though it’s teeny). The 100 spacious rooms come with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, comfy bedding, and Neutrogena products, which all shape a solid and reliable option amongst the many airport hotel offerings in the area. While the location is fairly lackluster (it's five minutes to the international airport), there are chain restaurants and a casino within short walking distance. Guests generally leave impressed -- but don’t expect any local character or flair. Those seeking a more stylish and character-filled affair could try the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose, though rates will be higher.
Hotel Luamey is a three-and-a-half-pearl property located in the bustling surf town of Tamarindo. The hotel’s eight guest rooms are stylish yet cozy, and all have furnished balconies or terraces. The hotel's serene pool and intimate restaurant feel secluded from Tamarindo’s lively nightlife scene, yet the town’s bars, shops, and beach, can all be reached in less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The property also offers a limited gym and free parking and Wi-Fi. Travelers would do well to compare rates and amenities at the equally beautiful Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel nearby.
Hotel Luamey is a three-and-a-half-pearl property located in the bustling surf town of Tamarindo. The hotel’s eight guest rooms are stylish yet cozy, and all have furnished balconies or terraces. The hotel's serene pool and intimate restaurant feel secluded from Tamarindo’s lively nightlife scene, yet the town’s bars, shops, and beach, can all be reached in less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The property also offers a limited gym and free parking and Wi-Fi. Travelers would do well to compare rates and amenities at the equally beautiful Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel nearby.
Despite the chain name, this mid-range, 125-room all-inclusive hotel is a family-owned gem on Jaco Beach with local personality. Simple rooms, which were remodeled in 2015, have light wooden furnishings, flat-screen TVs, and in most, Pacific Ocean views. Prices are reasonable, and rates include food and drinks at the open-air restaurant and two bars. In addition to the hotel's wide stretch of beach, there are two pools, a tennis court, and children's activities. Free Wi-Fi and parking make it a good value for a family getaway, but note that early check-ins and use of the in-room safe will incur a fee. It's also worth checking out the nearby 26-room Jaco Laguna Resort & Beach Club, another family-run property that also has a spa, but it's not all-inclusive.
Despite the chain name, this mid-range, 125-room all-inclusive hotel is a family-owned gem on Jaco Beach with local personality. Simple rooms, which were remodeled in 2015, have light wooden furnishings, flat-screen TVs, and in most, Pacific Ocean views. Prices are reasonable, and rates include food and drinks at the open-air restaurant and two bars. In addition to the hotel's wide stretch of beach, there are two pools, a tennis court, and children's activities. Free Wi-Fi and parking make it a good value for a family getaway, but note that early check-ins and use of the in-room safe will incur a fee. It's also worth checking out the nearby 26-room Jaco Laguna Resort & Beach Club, another family-run property that also has a spa, but it's not all-inclusive.