Oyster knows what travelers look for in their all-inclusive hotels; when choosing an all-inclusive property, the amenities included, food and drinks on tap, and quality of facilities are the most important factors. If you're planning a trip to the gorgeous, rainforest-filled Costa Rica and want to go the all-inclusive route, you've come to the right place. We've visited over 100 hotels in Costa Rica and evaluated how each stacks up against the competition; here are our top five picks for an all-inclusive getaway.
This eight-room, upscale, all-inclusive boutique hotel is set on a hillside overlooking the region's dry forest and distant ocean. Villa Buena Onda's hushed, retreat-like vibe stems from the fact that it caters to adults only. The decor is stylish with lots of white seating and colorful contemporary art, while the pool serves as the social center, a place for guests to lounge, drink in hand, and take in the views. While the hotel is not on the beach, guests can catch a free five-minute shuttle ride to Playa del Coco and other nearby beaches. Three a la carte daily meals are included, but alcoholic beverages are not.
Los Altos de Eros is an upscale, adult-only, six-room boutique hotel set on 28 acres of mountaintop terrain. The vibe is social and villa-like with rooms ringing a free-form infinity pool that overlooks the stretching mountains and valleys of the Guanacaste region and the distant Pacific. The hotel is somewhat isolated, and requires a journey up a steep, rocky road to access, but that's part of its appeal, especially to honeymooners and romantics. Breakfast is included with the standard room-rate and the all-inclusive add-on includes all meals and beverages. Transportation to town and the beach is also covered.
The 701-room Riu Guanacaste is a lot like a Riu anywhere, with a good beach, a huge, raucous pool, an energetic entertainment staff, and a party-hearty, booze-fueled atmosphere. Rooms are nothing special, clean and minimally decorated. Restaurants at RIU resorts no longer accept reservations, so you may need to line up early to grab a spot during peak hours. If you're after a convenient, typical all-inclusive experience, this is it; if you're looking to experience local charm, not so much.
This 163-room all-inclusive beach resort offers plenty of bang for the buck, with a big pool, outdoor massage huts, a poolside lunch buffet, multiple bars and upscale restaurants, and a slice of Costa Rican sand. The adults-only resort is geared toward couples looking for a quiet, romantic stay.
This five-star hotel in Tamarindo is the only all-inclusive resort in the region. The 198 rooms and suites are spacious, with balconies, patios, and sitting areas. The property has everything you’d want and expect from an all-inclusive, including a wellness spa, two pools with a children’s area, a fitness club, two restaurants, and a nightclub. Occidental Tamarindo is right on the beach, with cabanas available for guests.
