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.
Heliconias Nature Lodge is a pitch perfect example of Costa Rica’s tasteful rain forest-inspired flavor. The outdoor plunge pool and large, open-air restaurant with free breakfast, a full wine list, and nightly entertainment are surprising touches for a small, mid-range property. All 18 freestanding cabins are bright, open, and rustic with modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and private balconies. Upgraded categories add panoramic windows with rain forest views. However, there’s little within walking or driving distance, so most guests will want a car to explore the area. The more rustic Hotel Arenal Montechiari offers the same amenities at the edge of downtown La Fortuna for less money.
Heliconias Nature Lodge is a pitch perfect example of Costa Rica’s tasteful rain forest-inspired flavor. The outdoor plunge pool and large, open-air restaurant with free breakfast, a full wine list, and nightly entertainment are surprising touches for a small, mid-range property. All 18 freestanding cabins are bright, open, and rustic with modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and private balconies. Upgraded categories add panoramic windows with rain forest views. However, there’s little within walking or driving distance, so most guests will want a car to explore the area. The more rustic Hotel Arenal Montechiari offers the same amenities at the edge of downtown La Fortuna for less money.
An avid surfer and his wife (both American) opened this mid-range boutique property in 2007 to capitalize on stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Six Standard Rooms and Suites wrap around an infinity pool, while two enormous three-bedroom Condos are great for families or groups. Units have kitchens, kitchenettes or mini-fridges, and guests are a short, but steep, walk to the grocery store, dining options, and beach. The hotel's laid-back guests can rent from a large collection of surfboards and boogies boards, or use the open-air yoga deck for self-practice. Those looking for a beach locale within the same price point might consider Villas Hermosas.
An avid surfer and his wife (both American) opened this mid-range boutique property in 2007 to capitalize on stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Six Standard Rooms and Suites wrap around an infinity pool, while two enormous three-bedroom Condos are great for families or groups. Units have kitchens, kitchenettes or mini-fridges, and guests are a short, but steep, walk to the grocery store, dining options, and beach. The hotel's laid-back guests can rent from a large collection of surfboards and boogies boards, or use the open-air yoga deck for self-practice. Those looking for a beach locale within the same price point might consider Villas Hermosas.
This 32-unit resort, surrounded by pretty tropical gardens on the far end of Jaco Beach, is a good value for families. Owned by a British gentleman named Philip, the hotel's key is warm hospitality and his long-standing staff is trained to provide it round-the-clock. The property consists of hotel rooms and one- and two-bedroom condos wrapped around an outdoor pool facing the Pacific Ocean -- an excellent place to learn how to surf. A gourmet restaurant serves breakfast (included in the price) and lunch, before it turns more romantic at night. All rooms and condos have tropical decor with furnished balconies or patios, but expect to see some wear and tear. Transportation can be arranged to/from San José airport, but a car is recommended for those who want to stock their kitchens.
This 32-unit resort, surrounded by pretty tropical gardens on the far end of Jaco Beach, is a good value for families. Owned by a British gentleman named Philip, the hotel's key is warm hospitality and his long-standing staff is trained to provide it round-the-clock. The property consists of hotel rooms and one- and two-bedroom condos wrapped around an outdoor pool facing the Pacific Ocean -- an excellent place to learn how to surf. A gourmet restaurant serves breakfast (included in the price) and lunch, before it turns more romantic at night. All rooms and condos have tropical decor with furnished balconies or patios, but expect to see some wear and tear. Transportation can be arranged to/from San José airport, but a car is recommended for those who want to stock their kitchens.
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.
This mid-range resort 15 minutes north of Jaco is quite expansive in terms of acreage, with two beaches, several outdoor pools, and eight different types of accommodations. Most guests will find themselves staying in an area called Selvamar, with basic Standard and Superior rooms. This area has a buffet restaurant for all three meals and it’s advisable to get the all-inclusive package due to the resort's remote location. Guests can also opt to stay in one of several condo-style units with kitchens. (A new area called Arrecifes has more modern interiors.) Expect a lot of walking and driving from hub to hub, or guests can wait for the shuttle that makes rounds every half hour. A butterfly park, walking trails, and toucan sightings provide some nature opportunities, but do not rely on consistent Wi-Fi.
This mid-range resort 15 minutes north of Jaco is quite expansive in terms of acreage, with two beaches, several outdoor pools, and eight different types of accommodations. Most guests will find themselves staying in an area called Selvamar, with basic Standard and Superior rooms. This area has a buffet restaurant for all three meals and it’s advisable to get the all-inclusive package due to the resort's remote location. Guests can also opt to stay in one of several condo-style units with kitchens. (A new area called Arrecifes has more modern interiors.) Expect a lot of walking and driving from hub to hub, or guests can wait for the shuttle that makes rounds every half hour. A butterfly park, walking trails, and toucan sightings provide some nature opportunities, but do not rely on consistent Wi-Fi.
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.
Canaima Chill House is a three-pearl boutique hotel in the jungle-filled hills above Santa Teresa. Its eight air-conditioned rooms are a mix of suites and lofts with kitchenettes, stone-walled showers, and private balconies or patios. Canaima’s romantic pool is covered by a lush canopy and there’s also a big hot tub (an uncommon treat in Santa Teresa). The hotel doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, but they do have a menu book of restaurants that deliver. Freebies include tour booking, a bottle of water, Wi-Fi, and parking. It’s a quiet, Zenned-out spot, but with its hillside location and minimally-railed balconies, children under 8 aren’t allowed. For a more family-friendly stay with a yoga studio, tasty restaurant, and ocean views, it’s worth checking out Funky Monkey Lodge instead.
Canaima Chill House is a three-pearl boutique hotel in the jungle-filled hills above Santa Teresa. Its eight air-conditioned rooms are a mix of suites and lofts with kitchenettes, stone-walled showers, and private balconies or patios. Canaima’s romantic pool is covered by a lush canopy and there’s also a big hot tub (an uncommon treat in Santa Teresa). The hotel doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, but they do have a menu book of restaurants that deliver. Freebies include tour booking, a bottle of water, Wi-Fi, and parking. It’s a quiet, Zenned-out spot, but with its hillside location and minimally-railed balconies, children under 8 aren’t allowed. For a more family-friendly stay with a yoga studio, tasty restaurant, and ocean views, it’s worth checking out Funky Monkey Lodge instead.
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.