Amid Central Costa Rica’s rain forest, the three-pearl Lands in Love Hotel & Resort (Tierras Enamoradas) offers some of the region’s most eclectic lodging, 30 minutes outside of San Pedro. The 33 rooms are dated and dowdy, but all offer minibars, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and rain forest views. On paper, there are a wealth of resort-like amenities that include an adventure center for zip-lining and an outdoor pool. But, most interiors feel passed their prime with a look and feel that’s equal parts homely and charming. The distinct animal-friendly atmosphere -- including a vegetarian restaurant, a pet hotel, and free dog-walking opportunities for guests -- is either a major draw or one of the best reasons to stay elsewhere. While it lacks the same outdoor opportunities, Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Nature Reserve offers more sophistication and better rooms for the same money.

Hotel El Jardin is a basic two-pearl hotel just a one-minute walk from Montezuma Beach. The hotel’s 14 rooms and two bungalows have teak furniture, en-suite bathrooms, and mini-fridges, but air-conditioning isn't standard and there are no TVs. Wooden bungalows are rustic, but roadside rooms will suffer from traffic noise. The steep hillside location means amazing ocean views, but the steps can be challenging to navigate for some. El Jardin’s bi-level pool is one of the best in town, with its waterfall and cold-water whirlpool. Otherwise, amenities are limited but include free coffee and tea in the mornings and free slow Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. For a beachier stay closer to the ocean, rooms and bungalows with TVs, and an on-site restaurant, it’s worth considering Luz De Mono Hotel instead. 

With an open-air yoga studio and a health cafe, the two-and-a-half-pearl Living Hotel resembles many of its competitors in Nosara. Its nine rooms are simply decorated spaces equipped with air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and electronic safes, although their best feature could be their private outdoor porches with hammocks. A small pool, free Wi-Fi, loaner beach bikes, and daily yoga classes add to the property's appeal. Its location is a five-minute walk from Playa Guiones and a handful of local restaurants, too. Despite all it offers, nightly rates are a bit high for the pearl level. Travelers should comparison shop a bit before booking; another hotel in the area that also offers yoga classes and healthful, primarily vegetarian food is the Costa Rica Yoga Spa.

Tilajari Hotel Resort is a sprawling, business-centric three-pearl resort with plenty to offer travelers looking for all-in-one lodging. There’s little in the surrounding area and nothing within walking distance. However, the long list of amenities -- including an open-air restaurant, three pools (including a kiddy pool), multiple sports courts/fields, and a butterfly garden -- mean most guests will rarely need to venture off-property. All 76 rooms are bright and traditionally decorated with cable TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private balconies with river views. Although it’s dated, El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa offers similar amenities plus hot spring pools and one of Costa Rica’s largest spas for less money.

Hotel Coco Palms is a 40-room value hotel in downtown Playas del Coco. Less than a minute's walk from the beach, Hotel Coco Palms is also within walking distance of the shops, bars, and restaurants downtown. Rooms are simply decorated, and some are dark and dated, but there are multiple room types, including family-friendly options. The hotel’s on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with menu items ranging from typical Costa Rican fare to sushi and sashimi. Other features include a pool, a 24-hour market, and free parking and Wi-Fi. Guests who’d prefer to be right in the center of downtown (and don't mind being farther from the beach) should check out the similarly priced Coco Beach Hotel and Casino.

Villaggio Flor de Pacifico is a three-pearl rental property located on the eastern edge of Potrero. The property’s one- and two-bedroom villas are tidy and low-key, with inviting balconies or patios as well as kitchens with stovetops. There’s a delightful Italian restaurant on-site and several appealing pools, while the nearest beach is a 12-minute walk away. The out-of-the-way location is ideal for guests who prefer to avoid the hustle-and-bustle without being completely isolated. Travelers who want to be right on the sand should check out the nearby Bahia del Sol Beach Front Hotel & Suites, though rates tend to be slightly higher. 

Situated five minutes from Playa Espadilla, the quirky Jungle Beach Hotel at Manuel Antonio is all about location, location, location. The hotel has some of the cheapest rates in town for a five-minute walk to Playa Espadilla. Common amenities at the two-and-a-half-pearl property -- including a small outdoor pool and a basic restaurant/bar -- are decent, though none are especially noteworthy. Continental breakfast is include in the room rate. The 12 rustic rooms range from small (with mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and rain forest-view balconies) to apartment-sized (with all of the above, plus multi-room layouts that include full kitchens, multiple bathrooms, and separate living/dining areas). For a bit more money, Manuel Antonio Hotel offers a more full-featured restaurant and a spot directly across from the beach.

Puerto Azul Hotel & Club Nautico is a modern three-pearl hotel with 62 rooms that's a 10-minute drive from downtown Puntarenas and its cruise terminal. The list of amenities includes two pools and a poolside restaurant/bar that serves a free hot breakfast. Travelers arriving by boat will also find a lovely, full-service marina. Room decor is contemporary and bright, if simple and a bit IKEA. Amenities in Standard Rooms include free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and private balconies while Tower Suites have spacious floor plans, full kitchens, and excellent harbor views. The surrounding area won’t win any charm awards and, aside from a beach a few blocks away, there’s little within walking distance. The tiny, nearby Hotel Praiamar offers similarly priced, three-pearl accommodations with a boutique atmosphere.

The Red Palm Villas is a three-and-a-half pearl oceanfront resort on a fabulous Santa Teresa surf beach. It’s five air-conditioned villas and suites are rustically luxe with live-edged furniture, hardwood accents and built-ins, mosaic-tiled bathrooms, king-size beds, and plush futons. Two of the villas have ocean views, while the others have garden views. It’s a quiet and private property with villas spaced out throughout the sandy grounds. Red Palm can arrange surf lessons, yoga classes, tours, and also has free boogie boards to borrow -- but there's no pool or restaurant. For a luxurious eco-chic stay with a gorgeous pool, delicious (but expensive) restaurant, and an open-air spa, it’s worth pricing out the nearby Latitude 10 Resort. 

Off-the-beaten-track and oozing Tican charm, this 22-room hotel is situated at the end of a scenic beach, within walking distance of Montezuma -- an area popular with surfers and dreadlocked expats. The property stretches across a lush rainforest nature preserve, where monkeys and exotic birds are common (so carry a camera at all times). Add in healthy breakfasts and dinners (both meals are included in the rates), and there isn't another place in Nicoya Peninsula like it. Simple accommodations include cozy Tent Cabins (without A/C) and romantic bungalows (with A/C) -- all come with empty mini-fridges. Guests also have use of an outdoor pool, spa, water sports, and an open-air yoga studio facing the sea. Free Wi-Fi and transfers to town are provided.