Both affordable and stylish, Hotel Nahua delivers more than the average mid-range option. Nahua’s 10 clean rooms have a simple industrial chic vibe with poured concrete floors and crisp white bedding. There’s an on-site health cafe, a beautiful pool, and free Wi-Fi, plus the hotel’s hands-on owner is always available to help guests during their stay. Hotel Nahua’s quiet location is ideal for travelers who want to be within walking distance of the beach and downtown Tamarindo, but don’t mind being slightly removed from the center of the action. Rooms could definitely use more lighting, and we wish the on-site restaurant was open year-round, but for the price, you’ll be hard pressed to find better value in Tamarindo. It’s worth comparison shopping with Hotel Pasatiempo across the street, which has warmly decorated rooms but is typically pricier.
Both affordable and stylish, Hotel Nahua delivers more than the average mid-range option. Nahua’s 10 clean rooms have a simple industrial chic vibe with poured concrete floors and crisp white bedding. There’s an on-site health cafe, a beautiful pool, and free Wi-Fi, plus the hotel’s hands-on owner is always available to help guests during their stay. Hotel Nahua’s quiet location is ideal for travelers who want to be within walking distance of the beach and downtown Tamarindo, but don’t mind being slightly removed from the center of the action. Rooms could definitely use more lighting, and we wish the on-site restaurant was open year-round, but for the price, you’ll be hard pressed to find better value in Tamarindo. It’s worth comparison shopping with Hotel Pasatiempo across the street, which has warmly decorated rooms but is typically pricier.
Hotel Coco Beach & Casino is a comfortable mid-range option with a prime location in the center of downtown Playas del Coco. With 32 rooms, a small pool, free breakfast and Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant, sports bar, and casino, the hotel is arguably the top spot in town for travelers who have come to revel in El Coco’s all-night party scene. There are obvious signs of wear and tear throughout, and downtown noise is inevitable, but it offers a great value for the area. The slightly more expensive Hotel Coco Palms is closer to the beach and has a quieter, more family-friendly atmosphere, though rooms are dated.
Hotel Coco Beach & Casino is a comfortable mid-range option with a prime location in the center of downtown Playas del Coco. With 32 rooms, a small pool, free breakfast and Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant, sports bar, and casino, the hotel is arguably the top spot in town for travelers who have come to revel in El Coco’s all-night party scene. There are obvious signs of wear and tear throughout, and downtown noise is inevitable, but it offers a great value for the area. The slightly more expensive Hotel Coco Palms is closer to the beach and has a quieter, more family-friendly atmosphere, though rooms are dated.
Travelers seeking minimalist jungle luxury will find it at the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo — an architectural stunner that appears to be built into the side of a cliff. Hyatt’s hip boutique line, Andaz, is known for its high style and creative approach to hotel design, and the chain’s luxurious Papagayo’s outpost is no exception. Spread across 28 hilly acres, the Andaz’s 153 minimalist rooms, three restaurants, 11,000-square-foot spa, and 24-hour fitness center, are housed in dozens of tree house like buildings. But the hotel’s high design isn’t always functional, or convenient, as seen by the hordes of guests who continually wait for golf carts to shuttle them around the property. The neighboring Four Seasons is even more luxurious, while El Mangroove by Enjoy Hotels is cheaper but still chic, and has a more convenient location.
Travelers seeking minimalist jungle luxury will find it at the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo — an architectural stunner that appears to be built into the side of a cliff. Hyatt’s hip boutique line, Andaz, is known for its high style and creative approach to hotel design, and the chain’s luxurious Papagayo’s outpost is no exception. Spread across 28 hilly acres, the Andaz’s 153 minimalist rooms, three restaurants, 11,000-square-foot spa, and 24-hour fitness center, are housed in dozens of tree house like buildings. But the hotel’s high design isn’t always functional, or convenient, as seen by the hordes of guests who continually wait for golf carts to shuttle them around the property. The neighboring Four Seasons is even more luxurious, while El Mangroove by Enjoy Hotels is cheaper but still chic, and has a more convenient location.
Pura Vida Hostel is a two-pearl hostel located right in the center of Tamarindo, close to the beach, dining, and nightlife. Its nine private rooms and dorms are basic, but tidy and colorful, and most have air-conditioning and hand-painted wall art. The small property has an airy common area and two well-stocked communal kitchens. Freebies here are quite generous, including loaner surfboards and bikes, Wi-Fi, and morning coffee. Though it's not a party hostel, there are ample bars and restaurants within a five-minute walk. Travelers looking to surf may want to compare rates and amenities with nearby Witch's Rock Surf Camp, which offers surf classes and has two restaurants and a brewery on-site.
Pura Vida Hostel is a two-pearl hostel located right in the center of Tamarindo, close to the beach, dining, and nightlife. Its nine private rooms and dorms are basic, but tidy and colorful, and most have air-conditioning and hand-painted wall art. The small property has an airy common area and two well-stocked communal kitchens. Freebies here are quite generous, including loaner surfboards and bikes, Wi-Fi, and morning coffee. Though it's not a party hostel, there are ample bars and restaurants within a five-minute walk. Travelers looking to surf may want to compare rates and amenities with nearby Witch's Rock Surf Camp, which offers surf classes and has two restaurants and a brewery on-site.
With affordable nightly rates and an excellent location in downtown Samara, Hotel Belvedere - Playa Samara is one of the best bang-for-your-buck options in the area. This budget hotel is located on a quiet, residential street that’s within a five-minute walk of local shops, restaurants, bars, and the beach. Hotel Belvedere has 22 colorfully decorated rooms, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a small pool and secluded hot tub. Guests can purchase breakfast for an additional fee, but it isn’t always available during the off-season. Wi-Fi is free and works well across the property. Travelers looking for something a bit more polished might prefer Hotel Villas Playa Samara, a beachfront property with pricier nightly rates.
With affordable nightly rates and an excellent location in downtown Samara, Hotel Belvedere - Playa Samara is one of the best bang-for-your-buck options in the area. This budget hotel is located on a quiet, residential street that’s within a five-minute walk of local shops, restaurants, bars, and the beach. Hotel Belvedere has 22 colorfully decorated rooms, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a small pool and secluded hot tub. Guests can purchase breakfast for an additional fee, but it isn’t always available during the off-season. Wi-Fi is free and works well across the property. Travelers looking for something a bit more polished might prefer Hotel Villas Playa Samara, a beachfront property with pricier nightly rates.
Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica is a four-pearl resort located on Playa Matapalo. The hotel’s 538 rooms and extensive facilities are more sophisticated than one might expect of a chain property, and the array of activities and restaurants is sure to satisfy fans of big, all-inclusive hotels. Aside from access to Playa Matapalo beach, there aren’t really any attractions or dining options within walking distance, but the all-inclusive package encourages most guests to dine on the property and take advantage of its on-site entertainment anyway. The nearby Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica offers a more intimate, all-inclusive experience but rates are typically higher than Riu Palace’s.
Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica is a four-pearl resort located on Playa Matapalo. The hotel’s 538 rooms and extensive facilities are more sophisticated than one might expect of a chain property, and the array of activities and restaurants is sure to satisfy fans of big, all-inclusive hotels. Aside from access to Playa Matapalo beach, there aren’t really any attractions or dining options within walking distance, but the all-inclusive package encourages most guests to dine on the property and take advantage of its on-site entertainment anyway. The nearby Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica offers a more intimate, all-inclusive experience but rates are typically higher than Riu Palace’s.
The Conchal Hotel is a nine-room, budget-oriented boutique hotel with lush gardens, colorful decor, and an attractive courtyard pool. Guests love the personal service provided by the on-site hosts, the free continental breakfasts featuring freshly baked breads, the tidy rooms, and the low rates. However, getting to the beach is more of a a chore than a stroll, requiring a 5-minute walk along a busy road without sidewalks and a quick jaunt over a precarious bridge before finally reaching the soft sand of Playa Brasilito.
The Conchal Hotel is a nine-room, budget-oriented boutique hotel with lush gardens, colorful decor, and an attractive courtyard pool. Guests love the personal service provided by the on-site hosts, the free continental breakfasts featuring freshly baked breads, the tidy rooms, and the low rates. However, getting to the beach is more of a a chore than a stroll, requiring a 5-minute walk along a busy road without sidewalks and a quick jaunt over a precarious bridge before finally reaching the soft sand of Playa Brasilito.
Mamma Rosa Apartahotel is a two-pearl property that appeals to young backpackers and budget travelers. The hotel has a prime location across the street from Playa Guiones, and offers free surfboard storage, breakfast, and Wi-Fi. Spartan rooms leave a lot to be desired -- their decor is mismatched and dated and the water pressure is dismal, but the air-conditioning works well and safes are provided for storing valuables. The on-site surf school could be the biggest draw; it offers lessons and board rentals. On the downside, there’s no pool on the premises. Budget travelers looking for a property with a few more amenities might prefer Jungles Edge, though it’s much farther from the beach.
Mamma Rosa Apartahotel is a two-pearl property that appeals to young backpackers and budget travelers. The hotel has a prime location across the street from Playa Guiones, and offers free surfboard storage, breakfast, and Wi-Fi. Spartan rooms leave a lot to be desired -- their decor is mismatched and dated and the water pressure is dismal, but the air-conditioning works well and safes are provided for storing valuables. The on-site surf school could be the biggest draw; it offers lessons and board rentals. On the downside, there’s no pool on the premises. Budget travelers looking for a property with a few more amenities might prefer Jungles Edge, though it’s much farther from the beach.
The 21-villa Casa Chameleon Hotel at Las Catalinas is an upscale boutique with a jaw-dropping location between the beach and rainforest. Minimalist decor includes hand-picked items from Morocco and Bali, and eco-conscious efforts stretch from the ubiquitous teak wood to biodegradable toiletries to locally sourced restaurant dishes. All villas face the ocean and have private saltwater plunge pools, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, minibars, and mosquito netting around the beds. There's no gym here, but rooms have yoga mats and guests can choose from a variety of fitness and wellness options. A 24-hour concierge handles requests and tours, while the stunning sunsets at the infinity-edge pool are a favorite. This is an adults-only property, so if you're traveling with kids in tow, it's worth checking out the three-pearl Hotel Sugar Beach just down the road, where kids under 12 stay free.
The 21-villa Casa Chameleon Hotel at Las Catalinas is an upscale boutique with a jaw-dropping location between the beach and rainforest. Minimalist decor includes hand-picked items from Morocco and Bali, and eco-conscious efforts stretch from the ubiquitous teak wood to biodegradable toiletries to locally sourced restaurant dishes. All villas face the ocean and have private saltwater plunge pools, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, minibars, and mosquito netting around the beds. There's no gym here, but rooms have yoga mats and guests can choose from a variety of fitness and wellness options. A 24-hour concierge handles requests and tours, while the stunning sunsets at the infinity-edge pool are a favorite. This is an adults-only property, so if you're traveling with kids in tow, it's worth checking out the three-pearl Hotel Sugar Beach just down the road, where kids under 12 stay free.
This budget-friendly hotel in Tamarindo has 22 rooms in two types: Standard and Deluxe. Tropical grounds include an outdoor pool, and guests are within walking distance of great beaches with consistent waves for surfing. Simple rooms have air-conditioning, small flat-screen TVs, pillow-top mattresses, and furnished patios (mini-fridges are available for an extra fee). The restaurant, Monkey La-La, is under a palapa roof and serves free breakfast before turning into a bar and restaurant with regular musicians that attract an outside crowd. Noise from the bar might disturb early sleepers, so this is not the best option little ones. Friendly staff can arrange affordable activities and shuttles to the airport, and there is free Wi-Fi.
This budget-friendly hotel in Tamarindo has 22 rooms in two types: Standard and Deluxe. Tropical grounds include an outdoor pool, and guests are within walking distance of great beaches with consistent waves for surfing. Simple rooms have air-conditioning, small flat-screen TVs, pillow-top mattresses, and furnished patios (mini-fridges are available for an extra fee). The restaurant, Monkey La-La, is under a palapa roof and serves free breakfast before turning into a bar and restaurant with regular musicians that attract an outside crowd. Noise from the bar might disturb early sleepers, so this is not the best option little ones. Friendly staff can arrange affordable activities and shuttles to the airport, and there is free Wi-Fi.