Puerto Viejo's three-pearl Korrigan Lodge is a one of the area's better spots for jungle solitude. Housed within the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, the bed-and-breakfast's four quaint bungalows and open-air reception area are totally surrounded by high trees, bright flowers, thick shrubbery, and fauna such as monkeys, sloths, exotic birds, and frogs. It's just a five-minute walk from the white-sand beach of Punta Uva, one of the best stretches in the area and a snorkel haven. The restaurants, shops, bars, and nightlife in central Puerto Viejo are a 15-minute drive, and it's under a 10-minute drive to the Parada Jaguar Center. La Finca Chica is a comparable option in this price range.
Puerto Viejo's three-pearl Korrigan Lodge is a one of the area's better spots for jungle solitude. Housed within the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, the bed-and-breakfast's four quaint bungalows and open-air reception area are totally surrounded by high trees, bright flowers, thick shrubbery, and fauna such as monkeys, sloths, exotic birds, and frogs. It's just a five-minute walk from the white-sand beach of Punta Uva, one of the best stretches in the area and a snorkel haven. The restaurants, shops, bars, and nightlife in central Puerto Viejo are a 15-minute drive, and it's under a 10-minute drive to the Parada Jaguar Center. La Finca Chica is a comparable option in this price range.
The 14-room Hotel Banana Azul is one of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca's smaller properties. The upper-middle-range hotel is tucked away along the Costa Rican town's popular surf beach, Playa Negra, just a five-minute drive from Puerto Viejo's central town area. Banana Azul, situated along a rain forest and the beach, has lush foliage, agouti, lizards, and exotic birds. Room decor will vary depending on the room type, but they are generally spacious with bright or deep wood color schemes, clean bathrooms, and private patios with hammocks. The main pool is small, so the hotel's selling point is its beach club, which includes a restaurant, bar, and lounge on the sand. While there's no fitness facility, visitors can enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking, international phone calls, a full breakfast buffet, morning coffee, bike rentals, iPods, and boogie boards for the beach.
The 14-room Hotel Banana Azul is one of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca's smaller properties. The upper-middle-range hotel is tucked away along the Costa Rican town's popular surf beach, Playa Negra, just a five-minute drive from Puerto Viejo's central town area. Banana Azul, situated along a rain forest and the beach, has lush foliage, agouti, lizards, and exotic birds. Room decor will vary depending on the room type, but they are generally spacious with bright or deep wood color schemes, clean bathrooms, and private patios with hammocks. The main pool is small, so the hotel's selling point is its beach club, which includes a restaurant, bar, and lounge on the sand. While there's no fitness facility, visitors can enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking, international phone calls, a full breakfast buffet, morning coffee, bike rentals, iPods, and boogie boards for the beach.
Puerto Viejo's Cabinas Coconut Grove is a budget hostel with seven rooms -- four with a shared bathroom, two with private bathrooms, and one full apartment. Each is barebones with mosquito nets, fans, and quirky artwork that varies from room to room. Coconut Grove is located on the principal road just outside of Puerto Viejo's town center and across the street from the beach. It's easy to get around to several restaurants, shops, and bars in the area on foot and by bike as everything is about five minutes away or less. While there is no breakfast and no pool, guests can expect free Wi-Fi and parking as well a communal kitchen and library in the main lobby area. For the same low prices but a bit more style check rates at Hotel Boutique Indalo.
Puerto Viejo's Cabinas Coconut Grove is a budget hostel with seven rooms -- four with a shared bathroom, two with private bathrooms, and one full apartment. Each is barebones with mosquito nets, fans, and quirky artwork that varies from room to room. Coconut Grove is located on the principal road just outside of Puerto Viejo's town center and across the street from the beach. It's easy to get around to several restaurants, shops, and bars in the area on foot and by bike as everything is about five minutes away or less. While there is no breakfast and no pool, guests can expect free Wi-Fi and parking as well a communal kitchen and library in the main lobby area. For the same low prices but a bit more style check rates at Hotel Boutique Indalo.
An exceptional property, the Tree House Lodge gives guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature: either lolling on the beach, exploring the jungle habitat, or sleeping in tree-top rooms. The mid-range property takes up 10 acres inside the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Countless animals skitter through the jungle grounds -- there's even an iguana habitat on site. The eco-lodge has direct access to Punta Uva, a top beach in the area. The five spacious guest houses have full kitchens, backyard decks, and hot tubs, but it's their stunning construction, drawing on nature and folding around trees, that casts a spell. Rooms can get hot, and there's no air-conditioning, so guests will need to cool off with ocean breezes. Travelers determined to book accommodations with a pool could try the Lizard King Hotel Resort.
An exceptional property, the Tree House Lodge gives guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature: either lolling on the beach, exploring the jungle habitat, or sleeping in tree-top rooms. The mid-range property takes up 10 acres inside the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Countless animals skitter through the jungle grounds -- there's even an iguana habitat on site. The eco-lodge has direct access to Punta Uva, a top beach in the area. The five spacious guest houses have full kitchens, backyard decks, and hot tubs, but it's their stunning construction, drawing on nature and folding around trees, that casts a spell. Rooms can get hot, and there's no air-conditioning, so guests will need to cool off with ocean breezes. Travelers determined to book accommodations with a pool could try the Lizard King Hotel Resort.
Catering to the adventurous traveler, the Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River is a wonderful jungle property tucked away in 600 acres of natural reserve in the Guanacaste province. The main draw here is the myriad outdoor activities on offer, ranging from zip-lining to hiking to relaxing in the many natural hot springs found on-site. The hotel also features three beautiful pools -- one with a swim-up bar -- as well as yoga classes and a spa offering great body treatments in open-air rooms overlooking the jungle. The 30 stand-alone bungalows have been designed to blend in with the lush surroundings, and are equal parts stylish and eco-conscious, with natural, local materials, modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs or projectors, and great terraces with seating. The value Buena Vista del Rincon is a decent alternative for those wanting something offering a similar range of adventure activities at a lower price point.
Catering to the adventurous traveler, the Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River is a wonderful jungle property tucked away in 600 acres of natural reserve in the Guanacaste province. The main draw here is the myriad outdoor activities on offer, ranging from zip-lining to hiking to relaxing in the many natural hot springs found on-site. The hotel also features three beautiful pools -- one with a swim-up bar -- as well as yoga classes and a spa offering great body treatments in open-air rooms overlooking the jungle. The 30 stand-alone bungalows have been designed to blend in with the lush surroundings, and are equal parts stylish and eco-conscious, with natural, local materials, modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs or projectors, and great terraces with seating. The value Buena Vista del Rincon is a decent alternative for those wanting something offering a similar range of adventure activities at a lower price point.
The 12-bungalow, mid-range Shawandha Lodge is an ideal locale for small groups that want to be surrounded by nature without sacrificing tropical vacation staples. The hotel is located in a quiet area about six kilometers away from the lively town center of Puerto Viejo -- where there are shops, restaurants, live music, and bars -- and close to Cahuita National Park. Sprawling out across nearly five acres of jungle along Playa Chiquita, the property boasts a variety of flora and fauna. The sand and surf of uncrowded Playa Chiquita is a five-minute walk away from the hotel. In addition to spacious and elegant bungalows with artistic bathrooms (but without TVs or air-conditioning), Shawandha is well-known for its fine dining at Wandha Restaurant, its garden pool, and the 400-year-old Ceibo tree growing on the premises.
The 12-bungalow, mid-range Shawandha Lodge is an ideal locale for small groups that want to be surrounded by nature without sacrificing tropical vacation staples. The hotel is located in a quiet area about six kilometers away from the lively town center of Puerto Viejo -- where there are shops, restaurants, live music, and bars -- and close to Cahuita National Park. Sprawling out across nearly five acres of jungle along Playa Chiquita, the property boasts a variety of flora and fauna. The sand and surf of uncrowded Playa Chiquita is a five-minute walk away from the hotel. In addition to spacious and elegant bungalows with artistic bathrooms (but without TVs or air-conditioning), Shawandha is well-known for its fine dining at Wandha Restaurant, its garden pool, and the 400-year-old Ceibo tree growing on the premises.
The Kayak Lodge is a solid mid-range option for tourists who want to explore the mangrove eco-system of Costa Rica or experience family-friendly hospitality away from the touristy scene of Manuel Antonio, which is about a 20-minute drive away. The 21 rooms range from simple units without windows to a two-bedroom suite with a kitchen that overlooks the river where the kayaks are launched. Freebies include made-to-order breakfast, Wi-Fi, calls the United States, and parking -- but there's no on-site restaurant or bar. An outdoor swimming pool and pretty butterfly garden make up the grounds. For those who want to be closer to the action in Manuel Antonio, check rates at the comparable Hotel California.
The Kayak Lodge is a solid mid-range option for tourists who want to explore the mangrove eco-system of Costa Rica or experience family-friendly hospitality away from the touristy scene of Manuel Antonio, which is about a 20-minute drive away. The 21 rooms range from simple units without windows to a two-bedroom suite with a kitchen that overlooks the river where the kayaks are launched. Freebies include made-to-order breakfast, Wi-Fi, calls the United States, and parking -- but there's no on-site restaurant or bar. An outdoor swimming pool and pretty butterfly garden make up the grounds. For those who want to be closer to the action in Manuel Antonio, check rates at the comparable Hotel California.
Oceano Boutique Hotel & Gallery is a four-pearl hotel with 64 suites, most of which have separate living areas and full kitchens with hot plates. Guests also have the option of dining at the hotel’s small restaurant, and there are plenty of other dining options in the surrounding area. Elegant on-site features include a pool, a spa, and a fitness center. This property’s main drawback is that it’s not located on the beach; however, buzzing Playa Jaco can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot. Nearby Hotel Pumilio is another boutique option that offers upscale rooms with kitchens, but it’s a bit less luxurious than Oceano and located farther from downtown Jaco.
Oceano Boutique Hotel & Gallery is a four-pearl hotel with 64 suites, most of which have separate living areas and full kitchens with hot plates. Guests also have the option of dining at the hotel’s small restaurant, and there are plenty of other dining options in the surrounding area. Elegant on-site features include a pool, a spa, and a fitness center. This property’s main drawback is that it’s not located on the beach; however, buzzing Playa Jaco can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot. Nearby Hotel Pumilio is another boutique option that offers upscale rooms with kitchens, but it’s a bit less luxurious than Oceano and located farther from downtown Jaco.
Sueno del Mar Beachfront Bed & Breakfast is a three-pearl bed-and-breakfast located on Langosta Beach. This small property’s four rooms and two casitas feature distinctive Central American decor, whitewashed walls, and vaulted wooden ceilings. Nestled amid tropical plant life, the small pool and beach have a private, secluded feel. And the hearty free breakfast served on an airy patio is well above-average. The property's location in the town of Langosta feels out-of-the-way, but the nightlife and shopping of Tamarindo is about a 20-minute walk or a short drive away. Travelers may want to compare rates and amenities with Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel.
Sueno del Mar Beachfront Bed & Breakfast is a three-pearl bed-and-breakfast located on Langosta Beach. This small property’s four rooms and two casitas feature distinctive Central American decor, whitewashed walls, and vaulted wooden ceilings. Nestled amid tropical plant life, the small pool and beach have a private, secluded feel. And the hearty free breakfast served on an airy patio is well above-average. The property's location in the town of Langosta feels out-of-the-way, but the nightlife and shopping of Tamarindo is about a 20-minute walk or a short drive away. Travelers may want to compare rates and amenities with Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel.
The Hampton Inn & Suites is a modern mid-range stopover that offers free airport shuttles, a varied buffet breakfast guests love, a pretty outdoor pool, and a gym (though it’s teeny). The 100 spacious rooms come with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, comfy bedding, and Neutrogena products, which all shape a solid and reliable option amongst the many airport hotel offerings in the area. While the location is fairly lackluster (it's five minutes to the international airport), there are chain restaurants and a casino within short walking distance. Guests generally leave impressed -- but don’t expect any local character or flair. Those seeking a more stylish and character-filled affair could try the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose, though rates will be higher.
The Hampton Inn & Suites is a modern mid-range stopover that offers free airport shuttles, a varied buffet breakfast guests love, a pretty outdoor pool, and a gym (though it’s teeny). The 100 spacious rooms come with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, comfy bedding, and Neutrogena products, which all shape a solid and reliable option amongst the many airport hotel offerings in the area. While the location is fairly lackluster (it's five minutes to the international airport), there are chain restaurants and a casino within short walking distance. Guests generally leave impressed -- but don’t expect any local character or flair. Those seeking a more stylish and character-filled affair could try the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose, though rates will be higher.