This ultra-remote, rustic luxe hideaway is worth the bumpy, two-and-a-half hour drive from Liberia Airport. The rooms aren't as impressive as those at larger luxury resorts in the region, but the unparalleled views, stunning infinity pool, and ruggedly beautiful (if rocky) beach more than compensate. Plus, this is a hotel with a heart: Punta Islita is environmentally friendly, and gives back to the local community.
This ultra-remote, rustic luxe hideaway is worth the bumpy, two-and-a-half hour drive from Liberia Airport. The rooms aren't as impressive as those at larger luxury resorts in the region, but the unparalleled views, stunning infinity pool, and ruggedly beautiful (if rocky) beach more than compensate. Plus, this is a hotel with a heart: Punta Islita is environmentally friendly, and gives back to the local community.
Blue River Resort & Hot Springs is a mid-range property located high in the mountains of Guanacaste’s Rincon de la Vieja region. Surrounded by wilderness (and yes, there really is a blue river), the setting is undoubtedly serene and includes natural hot springs, botanical gardens, and an incredible butterfly habitat. Rooms are housed in rustic-looking log cabins, which come complete with front porches and outdoor hammocks. Guests come to Blue River not only for the hot springs, but also for the resort’s array of outdoor adventure activities, such as zip-lining, horseback riding, and water tubing. The hotel’s one restaurant serves a free breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner, and is a popular spot for guests to hang out in the evening -- unsurprising considering there’s no nighttime entertainment and it’s the only spot on the property with Wi-Fi. Travelers looking for a similar hotel with more luxurious accommodations should check out Hotel Borrinquen Mountain Resort, which is also in Rincon de la Vieja, about two hours away.
Blue River Resort & Hot Springs is a mid-range property located high in the mountains of Guanacaste’s Rincon de la Vieja region. Surrounded by wilderness (and yes, there really is a blue river), the setting is undoubtedly serene and includes natural hot springs, botanical gardens, and an incredible butterfly habitat. Rooms are housed in rustic-looking log cabins, which come complete with front porches and outdoor hammocks. Guests come to Blue River not only for the hot springs, but also for the resort’s array of outdoor adventure activities, such as zip-lining, horseback riding, and water tubing. The hotel’s one restaurant serves a free breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner, and is a popular spot for guests to hang out in the evening -- unsurprising considering there’s no nighttime entertainment and it’s the only spot on the property with Wi-Fi. Travelers looking for a similar hotel with more luxurious accommodations should check out Hotel Borrinquen Mountain Resort, which is also in Rincon de la Vieja, about two hours away.
With just six rooms, Rancho Armadillo Estate is a tiny mid-range hotel that feels like an intimate bed-and-breakfast. The hands-on owner, Rick, makes guests’ experiences memorable by recommending local restaurants, suggesting tours and activities, and offering helpful hints about the area. Though it’s not on the beach, and not within easy walking distance of downtown Playas del Coco, Rancho Armadillo has a quiet, secluded feel that can’t be found anywhere else in town. Amenities include a small pool, a communal kitchen and dining area, a covered terrace with hammocks, and free Wi-Fi. For those who find the hotel’s rooms to be a bit dated, nearby Villa Buena Onda has a similar atmosphere and more luxurious accommodations, but rates are significantly higher.
With just six rooms, Rancho Armadillo Estate is a tiny mid-range hotel that feels like an intimate bed-and-breakfast. The hands-on owner, Rick, makes guests’ experiences memorable by recommending local restaurants, suggesting tours and activities, and offering helpful hints about the area. Though it’s not on the beach, and not within easy walking distance of downtown Playas del Coco, Rancho Armadillo has a quiet, secluded feel that can’t be found anywhere else in town. Amenities include a small pool, a communal kitchen and dining area, a covered terrace with hammocks, and free Wi-Fi. For those who find the hotel’s rooms to be a bit dated, nearby Villa Buena Onda has a similar atmosphere and more luxurious accommodations, but rates are significantly higher.
Best Western El Sitio Hotel & Casino is an unfussy, three-pearl property located a 10-minute drive from Liberia’s airport. The hotel’s 52 rooms are generic but large and clean, featuring flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers. The property offers two pleasant outdoor pools and a roomy fitness center, plus a decent breakfast buffet is included in the rate. The location is handy for travelers en route to and from the airport, and there are a few dining options within walking distance. However, most of the attractions that draw visitors to Guanacaste are over an hour’s drive away. The nearby Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport is a more polished and contemporary alternative, but rates are significantly steeper.
Best Western El Sitio Hotel & Casino is an unfussy, three-pearl property located a 10-minute drive from Liberia’s airport. The hotel’s 52 rooms are generic but large and clean, featuring flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers. The property offers two pleasant outdoor pools and a roomy fitness center, plus a decent breakfast buffet is included in the rate. The location is handy for travelers en route to and from the airport, and there are a few dining options within walking distance. However, most of the attractions that draw visitors to Guanacaste are over an hour’s drive away. The nearby Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport is a more polished and contemporary alternative, but rates are significantly steeper.
Jungles Edge is a two-pearl property that falls somewhere between a budget hotel and a hostel. The hotel’s 38 rooms are a wide-ranging mix of shared and private tents, reconfigured shipping containers, and hilltop villas with private bathrooms. Jungles Edge has a beautiful infinity pool, an open-air yoga studio, and a juice bar where guests like to hang out. The atmosphere is warm and communal, but some travelers may find the property a bit too rustic. Plus, Jungles Edge is located in the jungle, about a 20-minute walk from the beach. Budget travelers looking for something closer to the surf might prefer Mamma Rosa Apartahotel, though it doesn’t have the same community-centric vibe as Jungles Edge.
Jungles Edge is a two-pearl property that falls somewhere between a budget hotel and a hostel. The hotel’s 38 rooms are a wide-ranging mix of shared and private tents, reconfigured shipping containers, and hilltop villas with private bathrooms. Jungles Edge has a beautiful infinity pool, an open-air yoga studio, and a juice bar where guests like to hang out. The atmosphere is warm and communal, but some travelers may find the property a bit too rustic. Plus, Jungles Edge is located in the jungle, about a 20-minute walk from the beach. Budget travelers looking for something closer to the surf might prefer Mamma Rosa Apartahotel, though it doesn’t have the same community-centric vibe as Jungles Edge.
When El Mangroove opened in 2014, the upscale boutique asserted itself as one of the premier properties on the Papagayo Peninsula. Set amid 15 acres of beachfront mangroves, the hotel has a stunning natural setting and a secluded feel. The 85 rooms are thoughtfully designed, featuring hammocks, minibars, and rainfall showers. Amenities are top-notch, including two restaurants, a stunning outdoor spa, a modern fitness center, and an upbeat pool area. The major drawbacks? Rooms don’t overlook the water, Wi-Fi can be spotty, and many guests feel prices are too high for the quality offered. For more tried-and-true luxury, guests can check out the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort across the bay, though rates are more expensive.
When El Mangroove opened in 2014, the upscale boutique asserted itself as one of the premier properties on the Papagayo Peninsula. Set amid 15 acres of beachfront mangroves, the hotel has a stunning natural setting and a secluded feel. The 85 rooms are thoughtfully designed, featuring hammocks, minibars, and rainfall showers. Amenities are top-notch, including two restaurants, a stunning outdoor spa, a modern fitness center, and an upbeat pool area. The major drawbacks? Rooms don’t overlook the water, Wi-Fi can be spotty, and many guests feel prices are too high for the quality offered. For more tried-and-true luxury, guests can check out the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort across the bay, though rates are more expensive.
Family-owned Casa Cook is a comfortable mid-range beachfront property with only four units, two of which face the ocean. Though not upscale, they are equipped with dining areas and kitchens, and guests are close to town for restaurant and bars -- accessible by walking Playa Tamarindo's sandy shore. The wide beach is great for young ones with safe swimming conditions and consistent waves for learning to surf (there's also a pool). A friendly staff is available around the clock, and the entire place can be reserved for groups. Wi-Fi is spotty for those who need to get work done, however.
Family-owned Casa Cook is a comfortable mid-range beachfront property with only four units, two of which face the ocean. Though not upscale, they are equipped with dining areas and kitchens, and guests are close to town for restaurant and bars -- accessible by walking Playa Tamarindo's sandy shore. The wide beach is great for young ones with safe swimming conditions and consistent waves for learning to surf (there's also a pool). A friendly staff is available around the clock, and the entire place can be reserved for groups. Wi-Fi is spotty for those who need to get work done, however.