The three-and-a-half-pearl Studio Hotel is a boutique property set in a quiet and convenient pocket of Santa Ana -- a province and commercial satellite of San Jose. The hotel is decorated throughout with boldly colored artworks and sculptures -- many from iconic Costa Rican artists, and the atmosphere is almost upscale. Amenities include a gorgeous rooftop pool and lounge area, a stylish restaurant and bar, a more casual eatery, plus a standard fitness center. The 82 rooms and suites are contemporary and spacious, though maintenance issues aren’t uncommon. Artist Rooms have been individually curated by celebrated artists. Travelers seeking lower rates in the area should try Hotel Luisiana -- which also has an outdoor pool.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Studio Hotel is a boutique property set in a quiet and convenient pocket of Santa Ana -- a province and commercial satellite of San Jose. The hotel is decorated throughout with boldly colored artworks and sculptures -- many from iconic Costa Rican artists, and the atmosphere is almost upscale. Amenities include a gorgeous rooftop pool and lounge area, a stylish restaurant and bar, a more casual eatery, plus a standard fitness center. The 82 rooms and suites are contemporary and spacious, though maintenance issues aren’t uncommon. Artist Rooms have been individually curated by celebrated artists. Travelers seeking lower rates in the area should try Hotel Luisiana -- which also has an outdoor pool.
Lapa Rios, located in the remote coastal rainforests of the Osa Peninsula, is Costa Rica’s original luxury eco lodge. This is the opposite of a Cancun-style beach resort -- guests come to the upscale Lapa Rios to enjoy the spectacular surroundings, learn about sustainable tourism, and re-connect with nature. The 17-bungalow lodge sits amid 1,000 acres of rainforest filled with wildlife, but it's far from a no-frills jungle camp. There are many comforts here, including a pool overlooking the ocean, a splendid restaurant serving sumptuous cuisine, and rustic-luxe rooms with private decks. This is a place to get in touch with nature without roughing it.
Lapa Rios, located in the remote coastal rainforests of the Osa Peninsula, is Costa Rica’s original luxury eco lodge. This is the opposite of a Cancun-style beach resort -- guests come to the upscale Lapa Rios to enjoy the spectacular surroundings, learn about sustainable tourism, and re-connect with nature. The 17-bungalow lodge sits amid 1,000 acres of rainforest filled with wildlife, but it's far from a no-frills jungle camp. There are many comforts here, including a pool overlooking the ocean, a splendid restaurant serving sumptuous cuisine, and rustic-luxe rooms with private decks. This is a place to get in touch with nature without roughing it.
Hotel Parador Resort and Spa is an upper-middle-range resort located on the outskirts of Manuel Antonio National Park. While the resort’s 121 guest rooms come with plenty of appealing features such as furnished balconies and mini-fridges, the decor is bland. The resort’s green, 12-acre property offers ample opportunities for hiking and wildlife-viewing, plus there are several restaurants, three pools, and a spa; however, the facilities aren’t as luxe as guests might expect for a resort at this pearl level. Rates at nearby Arenas del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort are higher, but travelers looking for something fancy may find that it’s worth the upgrade.
Hotel Parador Resort and Spa is an upper-middle-range resort located on the outskirts of Manuel Antonio National Park. While the resort’s 121 guest rooms come with plenty of appealing features such as furnished balconies and mini-fridges, the decor is bland. The resort’s green, 12-acre property offers ample opportunities for hiking and wildlife-viewing, plus there are several restaurants, three pools, and a spa; however, the facilities aren’t as luxe as guests might expect for a resort at this pearl level. Rates at nearby Arenas del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort are higher, but travelers looking for something fancy may find that it’s worth the upgrade.
For a small hotel, this 54-room boutique has a lot to offer: A beautiful hot springs pool complex with natural thermal waters, great views of Arenal volcano, a lovely spa, a bar with an outdoor terrace, and an on-site restaurant. Contemporary rooms all have volcano views, but the property feels more developed, and less lush, than others in the area. Those wanting to feel surrounded by nature might want to stay elsewhere.
For a small hotel, this 54-room boutique has a lot to offer: A beautiful hot springs pool complex with natural thermal waters, great views of Arenal volcano, a lovely spa, a bar with an outdoor terrace, and an on-site restaurant. Contemporary rooms all have volcano views, but the property feels more developed, and less lush, than others in the area. Those wanting to feel surrounded by nature might want to stay elsewhere.
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.
Expect to get a bang for your buck at the upscale Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel. The Puerto Viejo getaway locale is an ideal option for those who want to mix luxe living with the beauty of nature. It's more Ibiza than San Jose, there's nothing rustic about this property. Think: chic, modern rooms with snow white walls, beddings, and furniture. Bright accessories in the rooms and staff uniforms change color daily like the skin of a chameleon, hence the name of the hotel. There's a sophisticated outdoor pool, but the fancy beach club and sand are more popular spots to sun. A spa, hot tub, and gourmet restaurant round out the romantic offerings. It's a bit far from the center of Puerto Viejo but close to the Parada Jaguar Rescue Center and Manzanillo Wildlife Reserve. To be closer to the action of Puerto Viejo at lower rates, try the Lizard King Hotel, but lose the chic ambience found at Le Cameleon.
Expect to get a bang for your buck at the upscale Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel. The Puerto Viejo getaway locale is an ideal option for those who want to mix luxe living with the beauty of nature. It's more Ibiza than San Jose, there's nothing rustic about this property. Think: chic, modern rooms with snow white walls, beddings, and furniture. Bright accessories in the rooms and staff uniforms change color daily like the skin of a chameleon, hence the name of the hotel. There's a sophisticated outdoor pool, but the fancy beach club and sand are more popular spots to sun. A spa, hot tub, and gourmet restaurant round out the romantic offerings. It's a bit far from the center of Puerto Viejo but close to the Parada Jaguar Rescue Center and Manzanillo Wildlife Reserve. To be closer to the action of Puerto Viejo at lower rates, try the Lizard King Hotel, but lose the chic ambience found at Le Cameleon.
The 90-room, upper-middle-range hotel popular with the tour bus crowd appeals to a wide range of international tourists, though is a bit lacking in authentic Costa Rican flavor. Attractive rooms all have terraces with volcano views, and Master Suites include large rock-lined hot tubs inside. The hotel is centrally located between La Fortuna and the entrance to Arenal National Park, though the hotel's explicit mission is to give guests as little reason to want to leave the property as possible. Given the range of features -- hot springs with a swim-up bar, multiple restaurants, a spa -- many guests do choose to stay put. It may also be worth considering Hotel El Silencio del Campo, which has extra-hot hot springs and a bit more local character.
The 90-room, upper-middle-range hotel popular with the tour bus crowd appeals to a wide range of international tourists, though is a bit lacking in authentic Costa Rican flavor. Attractive rooms all have terraces with volcano views, and Master Suites include large rock-lined hot tubs inside. The hotel is centrally located between La Fortuna and the entrance to Arenal National Park, though the hotel's explicit mission is to give guests as little reason to want to leave the property as possible. Given the range of features -- hot springs with a swim-up bar, multiple restaurants, a spa -- many guests do choose to stay put. It may also be worth considering Hotel El Silencio del Campo, which has extra-hot hot springs and a bit more local character.
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.