Latitude 10 Beachfront Resort is a three-pearl oceanfront property along a quiet stretch of Santa Teresa’s gorgeous surfer beach. It’s five casitas and one guest room are rustic, and include amazing open-air bathrooms. Keep in mind that while the villas all have private balconies, they aren’t air-conditioned and there are no TVs -- a plus for some. The infinity pool has ocean views and Latitude 10’s restaurant serves delicious (but expensive) local and international cuisine. Tasty breakfasts are included with all stays. Freebies are generous, ranging from yoga and Pilates classes to boogie boards, bikes, and snorkeling equipment. Keep in mind that the beach out front isn't swimmable. For an oceanfront stay with more design-centric villas -- but no on-site restaurant -- it’s worth pricing out the nearby Red Palm Villas.
Latitude 10 Beachfront Resort is a three-pearl oceanfront property along a quiet stretch of Santa Teresa’s gorgeous surfer beach. It’s five casitas and one guest room are rustic, and include amazing open-air bathrooms. Keep in mind that while the villas all have private balconies, they aren’t air-conditioned and there are no TVs -- a plus for some. The infinity pool has ocean views and Latitude 10’s restaurant serves delicious (but expensive) local and international cuisine. Tasty breakfasts are included with all stays. Freebies are generous, ranging from yoga and Pilates classes to boogie boards, bikes, and snorkeling equipment. Keep in mind that the beach out front isn't swimmable. For an oceanfront stay with more design-centric villas -- but no on-site restaurant -- it’s worth pricing out the nearby Red Palm Villas.
Las Espuelas Hotel is a basic, clean three-pearl property located a 15-minute drive from Liberia’s airport. The hotel’s 44 rooms are chain-like but nice enough, with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. The property has an uncrowded outdoor pool, a peaceful countryside setting, and a great breakfast buffet included in rates. It’s an adequate choice for a night or two en-route to and from the airport, but with limited entertainment and dining options within walking distance, guests without rental cars may feel stranded. Rates at the upper-middle-range Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport are steeper, but its free airport shuttle service saves guests the cost of a pricey cab ride to Las Espuelas.
Las Espuelas Hotel is a basic, clean three-pearl property located a 15-minute drive from Liberia’s airport. The hotel’s 44 rooms are chain-like but nice enough, with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. The property has an uncrowded outdoor pool, a peaceful countryside setting, and a great breakfast buffet included in rates. It’s an adequate choice for a night or two en-route to and from the airport, but with limited entertainment and dining options within walking distance, guests without rental cars may feel stranded. Rates at the upper-middle-range Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport are steeper, but its free airport shuttle service saves guests the cost of a pricey cab ride to Las Espuelas.
This 140-room Sheraton opened in 2013 and it remains quite modern; in fact, it has quickly become a reliable gem for business travelers who need to count on certain things during their stay in San José. Close to corporate headquarters and Costa Rica's biggest mall, the entire property offers free and reliable Wi-Fi -- and there are plenty of areas to work, starting with the cheerful lobby that seems to go on forever, along with sleek conference facilities, and in-room working desks. Super comfy rooms also have floor-to-ceiling windows and coffeemakers with local brew. When ready for a break, head to the breezy rooftop bar, which offers views of the often jaw-dropping sunsets. There's also a small pool (that no one really uses), a fitness center, and trendy restaurants with varying hours of operation.
This 140-room Sheraton opened in 2013 and it remains quite modern; in fact, it has quickly become a reliable gem for business travelers who need to count on certain things during their stay in San José. Close to corporate headquarters and Costa Rica's biggest mall, the entire property offers free and reliable Wi-Fi -- and there are plenty of areas to work, starting with the cheerful lobby that seems to go on forever, along with sleek conference facilities, and in-room working desks. Super comfy rooms also have floor-to-ceiling windows and coffeemakers with local brew. When ready for a break, head to the breezy rooftop bar, which offers views of the often jaw-dropping sunsets. There's also a small pool (that no one really uses), a fitness center, and trendy restaurants with varying hours of operation.
Otro Lado Lodge and Restaurant is a three-pearl Zen-infused hotel across the street from gorgeous Santa Teresa Beach. Its 11 air-conditioned rooms, Lodges, and stand-alone House are modern, with rustic touches like live-edge furniture, plus air-conditioning and rainfall showers. The restaurant serves tasty local, international, and Italian cuisine and is open for breakfast and lunch. Free breakfasts are included with all stays. Otro Lado has a small spa and a tranquil yoga studio. Yoga and Tai Chi classes are regularly offered (for a fee) and yoga mats are free to borrow. Other amenities include a big pool with bamboo lounge chairs, plus free Wi-Fi and parking. For an equally yoga-inspired stay with lush grounds, panoramic ocean views, and a tasty restaurant, it’s worth pricing out Funky Monkey Lodge.
Otro Lado Lodge and Restaurant is a three-pearl Zen-infused hotel across the street from gorgeous Santa Teresa Beach. Its 11 air-conditioned rooms, Lodges, and stand-alone House are modern, with rustic touches like live-edge furniture, plus air-conditioning and rainfall showers. The restaurant serves tasty local, international, and Italian cuisine and is open for breakfast and lunch. Free breakfasts are included with all stays. Otro Lado has a small spa and a tranquil yoga studio. Yoga and Tai Chi classes are regularly offered (for a fee) and yoga mats are free to borrow. Other amenities include a big pool with bamboo lounge chairs, plus free Wi-Fi and parking. For an equally yoga-inspired stay with lush grounds, panoramic ocean views, and a tasty restaurant, it’s worth pricing out Funky Monkey Lodge.
This boutique beachfront resort in Santa Teresa with 11 standalone villas epitomizes laid-back luxury. Designed for privacy and a connection with nature, the one- and two-bedroom options (and three-bedroom Surf House) have spacious open-air living areas and bathrooms. Health nuts will be spoilt for choice with daily classes in the wooden yoga dojo (a certain Brazilian supermodel comes here when in town), a Pilates studio, a renovated fitness center, and surfing and stand up-paddle boarding. For relaxation, there are seemingly endless beach walks, an outdoor pool, a spa, and quality cuisine at romantic Nectar. Not surprisingly, all of this comes at a pretty penny -- the highest prices in town, in fact. Also worth checking out is Pranamar Oceanfront Villas, with slightly lower rates.
This boutique beachfront resort in Santa Teresa with 11 standalone villas epitomizes laid-back luxury. Designed for privacy and a connection with nature, the one- and two-bedroom options (and three-bedroom Surf House) have spacious open-air living areas and bathrooms. Health nuts will be spoilt for choice with daily classes in the wooden yoga dojo (a certain Brazilian supermodel comes here when in town), a Pilates studio, a renovated fitness center, and surfing and stand up-paddle boarding. For relaxation, there are seemingly endless beach walks, an outdoor pool, a spa, and quality cuisine at romantic Nectar. Not surprisingly, all of this comes at a pretty penny -- the highest prices in town, in fact. Also worth checking out is Pranamar Oceanfront Villas, with slightly lower rates.
The quaint, mid-range Playa Negra Guesthouse -- located in the sleepy city of Cahuita -- is a leafy oasis with convenient access to the beach, which is right across the street. The six cottages and standard rooms, all of which come with ample space, kitchens or kitchenettes, and sizable furnished patios, look out over the hotel's well-maintained gardens. However, they all lack air-conditioning, phones, and TVs. But the biggest downside is the hotels lack of on-site dining. On the plus side, the property does offer a spacious pool and a little outdoor barbecue spot. Travelers looking for Cahuita seclusion with food service could try the neighboring Coral Hill Bungalows, which includes an extensive free breakfast.
The quaint, mid-range Playa Negra Guesthouse -- located in the sleepy city of Cahuita -- is a leafy oasis with convenient access to the beach, which is right across the street. The six cottages and standard rooms, all of which come with ample space, kitchens or kitchenettes, and sizable furnished patios, look out over the hotel's well-maintained gardens. However, they all lack air-conditioning, phones, and TVs. But the biggest downside is the hotels lack of on-site dining. On the plus side, the property does offer a spacious pool and a little outdoor barbecue spot. Travelers looking for Cahuita seclusion with food service could try the neighboring Coral Hill Bungalows, which includes an extensive free breakfast.
Harbor Reef Hotel is a quiet mid-range hotel that epitomizes Nosara’s laid-back lifestyle. The lushly landscaped property feels perfectly Costa Rican, with thatched roofs, hammocks, and howler monkeys playing in the trees. There’s a tiny pool with a swim-up bar and an open-air restaurant that serves healthy-ish meals. Nosara’s main attraction, Playa Guiones, is a five-minute walk from the hotel. The property's rooms are simply decorated in playful shades of red and green, but lack proper lighting and feel a bit plain. Travelers looking for a hotel with a bit more flair might prefer Harbor Reef’s sister property, The Harmony Hotel, which has nicer rooms and more amenities for pricier nightly rates.
Harbor Reef Hotel is a quiet mid-range hotel that epitomizes Nosara’s laid-back lifestyle. The lushly landscaped property feels perfectly Costa Rican, with thatched roofs, hammocks, and howler monkeys playing in the trees. There’s a tiny pool with a swim-up bar and an open-air restaurant that serves healthy-ish meals. Nosara’s main attraction, Playa Guiones, is a five-minute walk from the hotel. The property's rooms are simply decorated in playful shades of red and green, but lack proper lighting and feel a bit plain. Travelers looking for a hotel with a bit more flair might prefer Harbor Reef’s sister property, The Harmony Hotel, which has nicer rooms and more amenities for pricier nightly rates.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose is a four-pearl property located a 10-minute drive from Juan Santamaria International Airport. The hotel’s rustic elegant design pays homage to colonial hacienda-style architecture, but its 222 guest rooms have an unmistakable chain-hotel feel. It has a good range of on-site features -- including an attractive outdoor pool, a restaurant, bar, and a well-equipped fitness center -- which are particularly essential given that there’s not much for guests to do within walking distance. Its large, flexible meeting spaces make it a popular choice for conferences and events. Travelers may want to compare amenities and rates with the nearby Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose is a four-pearl property located a 10-minute drive from Juan Santamaria International Airport. The hotel’s rustic elegant design pays homage to colonial hacienda-style architecture, but its 222 guest rooms have an unmistakable chain-hotel feel. It has a good range of on-site features -- including an attractive outdoor pool, a restaurant, bar, and a well-equipped fitness center -- which are particularly essential given that there’s not much for guests to do within walking distance. Its large, flexible meeting spaces make it a popular choice for conferences and events. Travelers may want to compare amenities and rates with the nearby Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose.
Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel is a three-pearl, adult-only hotel located a short walk from lively downtown Tamarindo. The hotel’s nine guest rooms feature stylish, minimalist decor with a Zen feel and understated color schemes. The eco-friendly outdoor pool and common area have a refined, relaxing feel, and a wonderful free breakfast buffet is served on a scenic second-floor terrace. Other freebies include use of bikes, snorkel gear, and boogie boards. The hotel’s location on a gravel road isn’t particularly inspiring, but it’s under a 10-minute walk to the shops, restaurants, bars, and beach of central Tamarindo. Travelers looking for a hotel with direct beach access might also consider Sueno del Mar Beachfront Bed & Breakfast.
Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel is a three-pearl, adult-only hotel located a short walk from lively downtown Tamarindo. The hotel’s nine guest rooms feature stylish, minimalist decor with a Zen feel and understated color schemes. The eco-friendly outdoor pool and common area have a refined, relaxing feel, and a wonderful free breakfast buffet is served on a scenic second-floor terrace. Other freebies include use of bikes, snorkel gear, and boogie boards. The hotel’s location on a gravel road isn’t particularly inspiring, but it’s under a 10-minute walk to the shops, restaurants, bars, and beach of central Tamarindo. Travelers looking for a hotel with direct beach access might also consider Sueno del Mar Beachfront Bed & Breakfast.
Located in the heart of Santa Elena, Santa Elena Hostel Resort offers charming budget digs within a block of the town’s tourist district -- restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions are all within a five-minute walk. Like most area hostels, there's not much here beyond a small restaurant and bar, and a garden courtyard with hammocks. The 20 lodge-like rooms range from dorm rooms with bunk beds and en-suite bathrooms to private rooms with flat-screen TVs. Overall, the property feels like a step above most competing hostels, though constant noise and finicky hot water can be problematic.
Located in the heart of Santa Elena, Santa Elena Hostel Resort offers charming budget digs within a block of the town’s tourist district -- restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions are all within a five-minute walk. Like most area hostels, there's not much here beyond a small restaurant and bar, and a garden courtyard with hammocks. The 20 lodge-like rooms range from dorm rooms with bunk beds and en-suite bathrooms to private rooms with flat-screen TVs. Overall, the property feels like a step above most competing hostels, though constant noise and finicky hot water can be problematic.