This affordable all-inclusive resort by Spain-based Barcelo has 198 rooms and suites on the far end of Tamarindo, with access to a rugged beach, large outdoor pool, and manicured grounds. The main restaurant (though repetitive) offers all three meals buffet-style; there's also a snack bar, as well as an à la carte restaurant -- free for guests who stay three nights or more. Basic rooms include sodas and drinking water, and two bars serve national liquors, house wines, and draft beer. A schedule of activities keeps guests entertained, culminating each night with two shows in the amphitheater -- one for kids, one for adults -- and then the ubiquitous disco. Service at this hotel seems to be more genuine that some other Barcelo properties. Parking is free, but guests who require consistent Wi-Fi should look elsewhere.
This affordable all-inclusive resort by Spain-based Barcelo has 198 rooms and suites on the far end of Tamarindo, with access to a rugged beach, large outdoor pool, and manicured grounds. The main restaurant (though repetitive) offers all three meals buffet-style; there's also a snack bar, as well as an à la carte restaurant -- free for guests who stay three nights or more. Basic rooms include sodas and drinking water, and two bars serve national liquors, house wines, and draft beer. A schedule of activities keeps guests entertained, culminating each night with two shows in the amphitheater -- one for kids, one for adults -- and then the ubiquitous disco. Service at this hotel seems to be more genuine that some other Barcelo properties. Parking is free, but guests who require consistent Wi-Fi should look elsewhere.
This secluded, upper-middle-range property located high in the mountains of Rincon de la Vieja is surrounded by wilderness, and completely serene except for the occasional chatter of local howler monkeys. The 23 rooms are rustic-luxe casitas, which come complete with private decks and outdoor hammocks. Guests come to Borinquen not only for the hot springs but also for the resort’s incredible array of outdoor adventure activities, like zip-lining, horseback riding, and water tubing. For those looking more for relaxation than adventure, there are also a large outdoor pool and a beautiful spa. The hotel’s one restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is the only spot on the property with Wi-Fi. Borinquen’s hilly property means getting around can be difficult. Anyone looking for a more rustic resort should check out Blue River Resort & Hot Springs, which is also in Rincon de la Vieja about two hours away.
This secluded, upper-middle-range property located high in the mountains of Rincon de la Vieja is surrounded by wilderness, and completely serene except for the occasional chatter of local howler monkeys. The 23 rooms are rustic-luxe casitas, which come complete with private decks and outdoor hammocks. Guests come to Borinquen not only for the hot springs but also for the resort’s incredible array of outdoor adventure activities, like zip-lining, horseback riding, and water tubing. For those looking more for relaxation than adventure, there are also a large outdoor pool and a beautiful spa. The hotel’s one restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is the only spot on the property with Wi-Fi. Borinquen’s hilly property means getting around can be difficult. Anyone looking for a more rustic resort should check out Blue River Resort & Hot Springs, which is also in Rincon de la Vieja about two hours away.
Equal parts budget hotel and guest house, Hotel Las Orquideas offers modest lodging minutes from Monteverde’s most popular attractions. The 12 rooms are divided among an original wing with a charming, homey decor and an expanded wing with a crisp, bright design. All rooms include air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi, plus optional modern essentials like flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. Aside from free breakfast and parking, there are few common amenities, and the lack of a pool and social scene may further dissuade some guests. However, prices are low and the property is only an eight-minute walk to the restaurants, shops, and services in Santa Elena. Monteverde Inn offers similar amenities in an eco-conscious package for less money.
Equal parts budget hotel and guest house, Hotel Las Orquideas offers modest lodging minutes from Monteverde’s most popular attractions. The 12 rooms are divided among an original wing with a charming, homey decor and an expanded wing with a crisp, bright design. All rooms include air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi, plus optional modern essentials like flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. Aside from free breakfast and parking, there are few common amenities, and the lack of a pool and social scene may further dissuade some guests. However, prices are low and the property is only an eight-minute walk to the restaurants, shops, and services in Santa Elena. Monteverde Inn offers similar amenities in an eco-conscious package for less money.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Monteverde Lodge & Gardens is a quaint, off-rustic hotel an intimate, garden setting high in Monteverde's mountains. The lovely, rainforest-view pool area, excellent local food in the restaurant, and indoor butterfly garden are all noteworthy. Each of the 27 rooms is modern and bright, with amazing jungle views, free Wi-Fi, and contemporary bathrooms, plus many rooms have balconies or terraces. Keep in mind that there are no televisions or air-conditioning to keep with the hotel's quiet, eco-friendly focus. Santa Elena’s dining and shopping are less than 10 minutes away on foot while the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest is 15-minute drive from the hotel. It's also worth considering the nearby El Establo, which offers more amenities in a larger, resort-style setting at similar rates.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Monteverde Lodge & Gardens is a quaint, off-rustic hotel an intimate, garden setting high in Monteverde's mountains. The lovely, rainforest-view pool area, excellent local food in the restaurant, and indoor butterfly garden are all noteworthy. Each of the 27 rooms is modern and bright, with amazing jungle views, free Wi-Fi, and contemporary bathrooms, plus many rooms have balconies or terraces. Keep in mind that there are no televisions or air-conditioning to keep with the hotel's quiet, eco-friendly focus. Santa Elena’s dining and shopping are less than 10 minutes away on foot while the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest is 15-minute drive from the hotel. It's also worth considering the nearby El Establo, which offers more amenities in a larger, resort-style setting at similar rates.
Hotel Cuna del Angel is a three-and-a-half pearl boutique hotel that wouldn't look out of place in the Mediterranean. Each of the 22 rooms is stocked with minibars and named after an angel. Deluxe Rooms overlook the outdoor swimming pool and Standard Rooms are set in the rain forest. A free and tasty breakfast buffet is served along with distant views of the Pacific Ocean in the semi-outdoor and stylish Palapa Restaurant, which does gourmet lunches and dinners a la carte. There's a romantic partially hidden outdoor whirlpool that's open 24 hours, plus a cute spa. The hotel is easy to access off of Route 34, but not within walking distance of the beach. For better ocean views and villas with kitchens, check rates at Villas Alturas -- but expect a steep uphill drive.
Hotel Cuna del Angel is a three-and-a-half pearl boutique hotel that wouldn't look out of place in the Mediterranean. Each of the 22 rooms is stocked with minibars and named after an angel. Deluxe Rooms overlook the outdoor swimming pool and Standard Rooms are set in the rain forest. A free and tasty breakfast buffet is served along with distant views of the Pacific Ocean in the semi-outdoor and stylish Palapa Restaurant, which does gourmet lunches and dinners a la carte. There's a romantic partially hidden outdoor whirlpool that's open 24 hours, plus a cute spa. The hotel is easy to access off of Route 34, but not within walking distance of the beach. For better ocean views and villas with kitchens, check rates at Villas Alturas -- but expect a steep uphill drive.
On a quiet street 30 minutes from Arenal Volcano, Arenal Green Hotel delivers exactly what it promises — clean, rustic, rainforest-inspired lodging with few frills. The nine freestanding Bungalows come with private terraces, mini-fridges, and wet bars, while a single Family Bungalow upgrades to a full kitchen and a large, three-bedroom layout. The restaurant serves a free hot breakfast daily and a traditional Costa Rican lunches and dinners are available during peak season. There’s nothing walkable in the vicinity, but this is a pleasant place to relax for a few days, especially when the short, five-minute drive to La Fortuna, and the reasonable rates, are considered. Travelers who'd like better volcano views and a sparkling pool might consider Hotel Arenal Montechiari instead, though it's a bit pricier.
On a quiet street 30 minutes from Arenal Volcano, Arenal Green Hotel delivers exactly what it promises — clean, rustic, rainforest-inspired lodging with few frills. The nine freestanding Bungalows come with private terraces, mini-fridges, and wet bars, while a single Family Bungalow upgrades to a full kitchen and a large, three-bedroom layout. The restaurant serves a free hot breakfast daily and a traditional Costa Rican lunches and dinners are available during peak season. There’s nothing walkable in the vicinity, but this is a pleasant place to relax for a few days, especially when the short, five-minute drive to La Fortuna, and the reasonable rates, are considered. Travelers who'd like better volcano views and a sparkling pool might consider Hotel Arenal Montechiari instead, though it's a bit pricier.
Villa del Sueno -- or Villa of Dreams in English -- is a mid-range property that lives up to its name. With secluded grounds, lush green landscaping, and Mediterranean-style villas, the hotel feels like a Tuscan retreat. Villa del Sueno offers multiple room types, ranging from small Standard Rooms to two-bedroom apartments with kitchens and living rooms. However, the property is split by a dirt road, making the hotel side and the apartment side feel separate. Villa del Sueno has two pools, an on-site restaurant, and offers free parking and Wi-Fi, but it’s not on the beach and does not have ocean views. Travelers who’d prefer to be right on the sand should check out nearby Playa Hermosa Bosque del Mar Hotel, but nightly rates tend to be double that of Villa del Sueno.
Villa del Sueno -- or Villa of Dreams in English -- is a mid-range property that lives up to its name. With secluded grounds, lush green landscaping, and Mediterranean-style villas, the hotel feels like a Tuscan retreat. Villa del Sueno offers multiple room types, ranging from small Standard Rooms to two-bedroom apartments with kitchens and living rooms. However, the property is split by a dirt road, making the hotel side and the apartment side feel separate. Villa del Sueno has two pools, an on-site restaurant, and offers free parking and Wi-Fi, but it’s not on the beach and does not have ocean views. Travelers who’d prefer to be right on the sand should check out nearby Playa Hermosa Bosque del Mar Hotel, but nightly rates tend to be double that of Villa del Sueno.
Situated outside La Fortuna on the edge of Parque Nacional Volcan Arenal, Brisas Arenal Hotel is a rustic two-and-a-half-pearl spot in a quiet, residential neighborhood. Amid perfectly manicured grounds, the hotel has a tiny plunge pool and serves a free, simple breakfast with local and international options. All 10 cabin-style rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, private porches, and air-conditioning; Tropical Suites upgrade to sunken hot tubs with rainforest views. Most visitors to the hotel are seeking a quiet, secluded retreat, however, that does mean there’s nothing within walking distance. The nearby Hotel Arenal Montechiari is pricier, but includes awesome volcano views and a beautiful outdoor pool.
Situated outside La Fortuna on the edge of Parque Nacional Volcan Arenal, Brisas Arenal Hotel is a rustic two-and-a-half-pearl spot in a quiet, residential neighborhood. Amid perfectly manicured grounds, the hotel has a tiny plunge pool and serves a free, simple breakfast with local and international options. All 10 cabin-style rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, private porches, and air-conditioning; Tropical Suites upgrade to sunken hot tubs with rainforest views. Most visitors to the hotel are seeking a quiet, secluded retreat, however, that does mean there’s nothing within walking distance. The nearby Hotel Arenal Montechiari is pricier, but includes awesome volcano views and a beautiful outdoor pool.