Hotel Tropico Latino is a three-pearl oceanfront hotel on the south side of Santa Teresa, a tranquil (and dusty) Costa Rican surf and yoga town. The hotel’s 20 air-conditioned rooms (some with ocean views) are a mix of modern, clean-lined hotel rooms with flat-screen TVs and comfortably rustic bungalows with vaulted ceilings and hardwood and stone accents. All rooms have big balconies or patios. The tasty, oceanfront restaurant has beautiful views and breakfasts are especially delicious. Hotel amenities include a gorgeous beach with lots of hammocks and chairs, a rain forest surrounded freshwater pool with cold-water whirlpool, daily yoga classes (for a fee), and ocean-view massage rooms. However, rocks make it too dangerous to swim directly off the beach. For a beachfront stay with gorgeous open-air villas, quiet beach, and infinity pool, it’s worth exploring Latitude 10 Beachfront Resort.
Hotel Tropico Latino is a three-pearl oceanfront hotel on the south side of Santa Teresa, a tranquil (and dusty) Costa Rican surf and yoga town. The hotel’s 20 air-conditioned rooms (some with ocean views) are a mix of modern, clean-lined hotel rooms with flat-screen TVs and comfortably rustic bungalows with vaulted ceilings and hardwood and stone accents. All rooms have big balconies or patios. The tasty, oceanfront restaurant has beautiful views and breakfasts are especially delicious. Hotel amenities include a gorgeous beach with lots of hammocks and chairs, a rain forest surrounded freshwater pool with cold-water whirlpool, daily yoga classes (for a fee), and ocean-view massage rooms. However, rocks make it too dangerous to swim directly off the beach. For a beachfront stay with gorgeous open-air villas, quiet beach, and infinity pool, it’s worth exploring Latitude 10 Beachfront Resort.
The three-pearl Hotel La Colina offers plenty of tico charm with zero pretense and a location between downtown Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. Each of the 13 rooms is rustic, bordering on bland, with just the essentials including air-conditioning and wall safes; upgraded rooms offer balconies with decent Pacific Ocean views. The cascading outdoor pool, steakhouse/pizza restaurant with live music, and free breakfast with pancakes and fried eggs make this hotel a good overall value. Aside from the steep, hillside layout, it’s hard to imagine guests will find much to complain about. For similar money, El Faro Beach Hotel offers the same amenities plus two pools and an interesting shipping container design.
The three-pearl Hotel La Colina offers plenty of tico charm with zero pretense and a location between downtown Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. Each of the 13 rooms is rustic, bordering on bland, with just the essentials including air-conditioning and wall safes; upgraded rooms offer balconies with decent Pacific Ocean views. The cascading outdoor pool, steakhouse/pizza restaurant with live music, and free breakfast with pancakes and fried eggs make this hotel a good overall value. Aside from the steep, hillside layout, it’s hard to imagine guests will find much to complain about. For similar money, El Faro Beach Hotel offers the same amenities plus two pools and an interesting shipping container design.
Arenal Paraiso Hotel Resort is situated on a large, lush expanse of greenery a 10- to 15-minute drive from La Fortuna and the famous Arenal Volcano. This three-and-a-half-pearl property offers an extensive list of resort-like amenities including a modern full-service spa, a steakhouse, and a large pool complex with more than a dozen hot spring pools. The 118 rooms offer a blend of traditional and modern with free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and volcano-view patios -- some also have whirlpool hot tubs. Still, the sprawling layout can be difficult to navigate, some of the rooms are austere, and complaints range from inadequate air-conditioning to mediocre food. The nearby Los Lagos Hotel Spa & Resort provides similarly priced accommodations with adventure-centric amenities like ziplining, a wildlife trail, and horse rentals.
Arenal Paraiso Hotel Resort is situated on a large, lush expanse of greenery a 10- to 15-minute drive from La Fortuna and the famous Arenal Volcano. This three-and-a-half-pearl property offers an extensive list of resort-like amenities including a modern full-service spa, a steakhouse, and a large pool complex with more than a dozen hot spring pools. The 118 rooms offer a blend of traditional and modern with free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and volcano-view patios -- some also have whirlpool hot tubs. Still, the sprawling layout can be difficult to navigate, some of the rooms are austere, and complaints range from inadequate air-conditioning to mediocre food. The nearby Los Lagos Hotel Spa & Resort provides similarly priced accommodations with adventure-centric amenities like ziplining, a wildlife trail, and horse rentals.
Located in the tiny beach town of Playa Hermosa, Hotel ManGaby is a 17-room value property with hospitable owners and a family-friendly atmosphere. Rooms are a bit dated, with worn furniture and tube TVs, but all have large balconies or patios that overlook the hotel’s gorgeous mosaic tile pool. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and breakfast is free for hotel guests. There are also free parking and free Wi-Fi. The hotel’s greatest feature is definitely its prime location -- just a two-minute stroll from the beach. For travelers who absolutely must stay on the sand, nearby Hotel Velero is a beachfront property with similar accommodations and comparable nightly rates -- though it lacks ManGaby’s family-friendly atmosphere.
Located in the tiny beach town of Playa Hermosa, Hotel ManGaby is a 17-room value property with hospitable owners and a family-friendly atmosphere. Rooms are a bit dated, with worn furniture and tube TVs, but all have large balconies or patios that overlook the hotel’s gorgeous mosaic tile pool. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and breakfast is free for hotel guests. There are also free parking and free Wi-Fi. The hotel’s greatest feature is definitely its prime location -- just a two-minute stroll from the beach. For travelers who absolutely must stay on the sand, nearby Hotel Velero is a beachfront property with similar accommodations and comparable nightly rates -- though it lacks ManGaby’s family-friendly atmosphere.
The distinct industrial design of El Faro Beach Hotel immediately distinguishes it from other mid-range properties in Manuel Antonio. Despite the hotel's name, it's an eight-minute walk to the nearest beach. On-site, the two hillside pools and large open-air restaurant/bar with lovely ocean views are surprising features for this price range. Each of the 43 rooms is a repurposed shipping container with mostly modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. Upgraded rooms add wet bars, larger layouts, and soak tubs. However, the design isn’t for everyone and, given its persistent maintenance issues throughout, the novelty wears thin quickly. While it lacks a unique architectural aesthetic, Hotel La Colina offers similar amenities and a better restaurant for less money.
The distinct industrial design of El Faro Beach Hotel immediately distinguishes it from other mid-range properties in Manuel Antonio. Despite the hotel's name, it's an eight-minute walk to the nearest beach. On-site, the two hillside pools and large open-air restaurant/bar with lovely ocean views are surprising features for this price range. Each of the 43 rooms is a repurposed shipping container with mostly modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. Upgraded rooms add wet bars, larger layouts, and soak tubs. However, the design isn’t for everyone and, given its persistent maintenance issues throughout, the novelty wears thin quickly. While it lacks a unique architectural aesthetic, Hotel La Colina offers similar amenities and a better restaurant for less money.
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.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Xandari Resort & Spa is a solid choice in the countryside, a 10-minute drive from Alajuela and 20 minutes from Juan Santamaria Airport. The decor is colorful and bold, with lots of typical tropical and hand-crafted details throughout. With its hilltop location, the resort offers great views of the surrounding mountains and volcanos from almost every room and common area. The terrace restaurant is a highlight, and there's also an open-air spa with hot tubs in every treatment room, and three outdoor pools including a hillside infinity pool. The 24 spacious rooms are bright, with local accents, and have minibars, free Wi-Fi, and furnished balconies. Check rates at Pura Vida Spa & Yoga Retreat for a similarly priced, three-and-a-half-pearl alternative with additional spa- and yoga-centric amenities.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Xandari Resort & Spa is a solid choice in the countryside, a 10-minute drive from Alajuela and 20 minutes from Juan Santamaria Airport. The decor is colorful and bold, with lots of typical tropical and hand-crafted details throughout. With its hilltop location, the resort offers great views of the surrounding mountains and volcanos from almost every room and common area. The terrace restaurant is a highlight, and there's also an open-air spa with hot tubs in every treatment room, and three outdoor pools including a hillside infinity pool. The 24 spacious rooms are bright, with local accents, and have minibars, free Wi-Fi, and furnished balconies. Check rates at Pura Vida Spa & Yoga Retreat for a similarly priced, three-and-a-half-pearl alternative with additional spa- and yoga-centric amenities.
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.