Casa Zen Guest House and Yoga Center is a two-and-a-half-pearl guest house near gorgeous Santa Teresa Beach, a well-known surf spot. While the hotel's name might conjure chic style, this is really a hostel and its 12 rooms are a mix of dorms, private rooms with shared bathrooms, and a big apartment with a full kitchen. Expect African or Mayan masks, Asian-themed tapestry comforters, and ceiling fans, as none of the rooms are air-conditioned. There’s a beautiful open-air yoga studio and multiple daily classes are offered (for a fee). Freebies include simple breakfasts and Wi-Fi. Bikes, surfboards, and boogie boards are also available to rent. For a yoga-friendly option with a tasty restaurant, gorgeous pool, and ocean-view yoga studio, it’s worth pricing out Funky Monkey Lodge instead.
Casa Zen Guest House and Yoga Center is a two-and-a-half-pearl guest house near gorgeous Santa Teresa Beach, a well-known surf spot. While the hotel's name might conjure chic style, this is really a hostel and its 12 rooms are a mix of dorms, private rooms with shared bathrooms, and a big apartment with a full kitchen. Expect African or Mayan masks, Asian-themed tapestry comforters, and ceiling fans, as none of the rooms are air-conditioned. There’s a beautiful open-air yoga studio and multiple daily classes are offered (for a fee). Freebies include simple breakfasts and Wi-Fi. Bikes, surfboards, and boogie boards are also available to rent. For a yoga-friendly option with a tasty restaurant, gorgeous pool, and ocean-view yoga studio, it’s worth pricing out Funky Monkey Lodge instead.
If you ever wanted to live Jurassic Park (without eaten-by-dinosaurs part), this mid-range property might help fulfill that dream. This all-inclusive, 864-acre, 48-room property on a mountain has some of the best views in the area of both the lake and the volcano, and allows guests to be immersed in the rainforest, with its birds, monkeys, and snakes. The spacious, homey, slightly rustic rooms have commanding views of the surrounding trees -- which may help guests forget that there are no TVs or ACs. The hotel's the only one in the area actually inside the national park, and is also among the most remote from La Fortuna, though there is local shuttle service. It's hard to find comparable properties in the area, but it may be worth considering Arenal Lodge, which also has great views and a rainforest setting.
If you ever wanted to live Jurassic Park (without eaten-by-dinosaurs part), this mid-range property might help fulfill that dream. This all-inclusive, 864-acre, 48-room property on a mountain has some of the best views in the area of both the lake and the volcano, and allows guests to be immersed in the rainforest, with its birds, monkeys, and snakes. The spacious, homey, slightly rustic rooms have commanding views of the surrounding trees -- which may help guests forget that there are no TVs or ACs. The hotel's the only one in the area actually inside the national park, and is also among the most remote from La Fortuna, though there is local shuttle service. It's hard to find comparable properties in the area, but it may be worth considering Arenal Lodge, which also has great views and a rainforest setting.
Barcelo's three-pearl, all-inclusive resort is the biggest hotel option in southern Nicoya Peninsula. Renovated in 2012, its 402 rooms stretch far and wide over manicured grounds for easy access to a remote beach with dark volcanic sand, great for swimming and sunrises. Three room types have balconies with free minimally stocked minibars, while three restaurants include ubiquitous buffet spreads, as well as decent sushi and steaks for those who actually snag an a la carte reservation. Kids stay busy with activities like mini-golf and kayaking, while adults can hit the pool bar, fitness center, and spa. Expect annoyances like waiting at the front desk and unreliable Wi-Fi, which costs a daily fee. Couples looking for a more romantic atmosphere should consider the nearby Tango Mar Beachfront Boutique Hotel & Villas.
Barcelo's three-pearl, all-inclusive resort is the biggest hotel option in southern Nicoya Peninsula. Renovated in 2012, its 402 rooms stretch far and wide over manicured grounds for easy access to a remote beach with dark volcanic sand, great for swimming and sunrises. Three room types have balconies with free minimally stocked minibars, while three restaurants include ubiquitous buffet spreads, as well as decent sushi and steaks for those who actually snag an a la carte reservation. Kids stay busy with activities like mini-golf and kayaking, while adults can hit the pool bar, fitness center, and spa. Expect annoyances like waiting at the front desk and unreliable Wi-Fi, which costs a daily fee. Couples looking for a more romantic atmosphere should consider the nearby Tango Mar Beachfront Boutique Hotel & Villas.
The mid-range, 59-room beachfront Hotel Villas Playa Samara perfectly emulates the town's laid-back, casual vibe. Its beachy, modern restaurant with terraced seating and the adjacent, huge free-form pool with a pretty swim-up bar and volleyball net are the main hubs for guests, mostly families. The gray-sand, crescent-shaped beach with its calm waters makes it lovely for swimming and strolling, but serious surfers will be disappointed. The hotel has simple, modern hotel rooms, but the more spacious villas appeal to guests who prefer to cook their own meals (a nice option given there is only one restaurant on-site, and none within walking distance). Those seeking lower rates should consider the nearby The Hideaway Hotel Playa Samara, though it's not right on the beach.
The mid-range, 59-room beachfront Hotel Villas Playa Samara perfectly emulates the town's laid-back, casual vibe. Its beachy, modern restaurant with terraced seating and the adjacent, huge free-form pool with a pretty swim-up bar and volleyball net are the main hubs for guests, mostly families. The gray-sand, crescent-shaped beach with its calm waters makes it lovely for swimming and strolling, but serious surfers will be disappointed. The hotel has simple, modern hotel rooms, but the more spacious villas appeal to guests who prefer to cook their own meals (a nice option given there is only one restaurant on-site, and none within walking distance). Those seeking lower rates should consider the nearby The Hideaway Hotel Playa Samara, though it's not right on the beach.
This secluded, 45-room upscale boutique hotel exudes European elegance and sits atop a 1,100-foot-high cliff. Stunning rainforest and Pacific Ocean views are the highlight -- especially from the jaw-dropping Greek amphitheater and the martini bar popular at sunset. There are also two beautiful restaurants (with more views). Guests can spend the day using the infinity pool, private pebble beach (bring hiking shoes!), open-air fitness center and spa, or partaking in one of the dizzying array of excursions. Most guest are couples. A smaller but no less spectacular area next door called Zephyr Palace offers seven themed suites and has its own amazing infinity pool. Wi-Fi and parking are free. Those seeking a boutique closer to Manuel Antonio National Park should compare rates with Makanda by the Sea.
This secluded, 45-room upscale boutique hotel exudes European elegance and sits atop a 1,100-foot-high cliff. Stunning rainforest and Pacific Ocean views are the highlight -- especially from the jaw-dropping Greek amphitheater and the martini bar popular at sunset. There are also two beautiful restaurants (with more views). Guests can spend the day using the infinity pool, private pebble beach (bring hiking shoes!), open-air fitness center and spa, or partaking in one of the dizzying array of excursions. Most guest are couples. A smaller but no less spectacular area next door called Zephyr Palace offers seven themed suites and has its own amazing infinity pool. Wi-Fi and parking are free. Those seeking a boutique closer to Manuel Antonio National Park should compare rates with Makanda by the Sea.
This modern169-room Hilton provides oodles of convenience for incoming/outgoing travelers by way of Liberia's growing international airport. Because the hotel opened from scratch in 2008, many will be impressed by the chain name's contemporary decor and work-friendly amenities that include spacious working desks, ergonomic desk chairs, and free Wi-Fi. Kids can stay busy at the outdoor pool, and parents can splurge on a bottle of Robert Mondavi wine at the bar. Free breakfast and coffee starts in the wee hours of the morning, but room service is restricted to dinner only (microwaveable meals are also sold in the gift shop). Typical stays are only one or two nights, hence front desk service may suffer; half-day rates are also available.
This modern169-room Hilton provides oodles of convenience for incoming/outgoing travelers by way of Liberia's growing international airport. Because the hotel opened from scratch in 2008, many will be impressed by the chain name's contemporary decor and work-friendly amenities that include spacious working desks, ergonomic desk chairs, and free Wi-Fi. Kids can stay busy at the outdoor pool, and parents can splurge on a bottle of Robert Mondavi wine at the bar. Free breakfast and coffee starts in the wee hours of the morning, but room service is restricted to dinner only (microwaveable meals are also sold in the gift shop). Typical stays are only one or two nights, hence front desk service may suffer; half-day rates are also available.
A serene, wellness-focused 31-room boutique retreat on the outskirts of bustling Tamarindo, Cala Luna has an organic, beachy ambience. A large pool, lounge, and restaurant serve as the hotel's social center while an intimate spa and yoga pavilion are tucked away in the jungle-like surroundings. Couples hide out in upscale, bungalow-style rooms with vaulted ceilings and spacious baths while families prefer the two- and three-bedroom villas with private pools. The hotel’s wellness focus is emphasized by daily yoga classes and a restaurant that uses organic and sustainable food sources, some from the on-site garden. While not located on the ocean, a five-minute walk along a landscaped path leads guests to a secluded beach, although it is rocky and not suitable for swimming, especially at low tide.
A serene, wellness-focused 31-room boutique retreat on the outskirts of bustling Tamarindo, Cala Luna has an organic, beachy ambience. A large pool, lounge, and restaurant serve as the hotel's social center while an intimate spa and yoga pavilion are tucked away in the jungle-like surroundings. Couples hide out in upscale, bungalow-style rooms with vaulted ceilings and spacious baths while families prefer the two- and three-bedroom villas with private pools. The hotel’s wellness focus is emphasized by daily yoga classes and a restaurant that uses organic and sustainable food sources, some from the on-site garden. While not located on the ocean, a five-minute walk along a landscaped path leads guests to a secluded beach, although it is rocky and not suitable for swimming, especially at low tide.
This 20-bungalow mid-range property with the feeling of an adults summer camp offers a convenient home base five minutes from La Fortuna. It packs in privacy and comfort for families and couples, though the ugly high-rise looming overhead ruins any illusion of seclusion. Bungalows are simple wooden cabins that are bigger on the inside than they appear outside, and provide a surprising amount of privacy, thanks to careful placement. Other draws include the extra-hot hot springs and a hotel bar that stays open later than most others nearby. The property offers more personality than the nearby Arenal Volcano Inn, but true hot-springs lovers may prefer the pricier Tabacon up the road.
This 20-bungalow mid-range property with the feeling of an adults summer camp offers a convenient home base five minutes from La Fortuna. It packs in privacy and comfort for families and couples, though the ugly high-rise looming overhead ruins any illusion of seclusion. Bungalows are simple wooden cabins that are bigger on the inside than they appear outside, and provide a surprising amount of privacy, thanks to careful placement. Other draws include the extra-hot hot springs and a hotel bar that stays open later than most others nearby. The property offers more personality than the nearby Arenal Volcano Inn, but true hot-springs lovers may prefer the pricier Tabacon up the road.
At the end of a winding rural road in Costa Rica’s stunning, 2,000-acre cloud forest, the mid-range Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Nature Reserve feels like a hotel at the end of the world. All 35 rooms are rustic, freestanding bungalows with free Wi-Fi, minibars, wood-burning fireplaces, and private patios with lovely views. An authentic Costa Rican restaurant/bar, on-site dairy farm, exclusive hiking trails, a modern movie theater, and a historic chapel for destination weddings are among its most notable amenities. The absence of attractions within walking distance may dissuade some guests, but others may find that that’s exactly what they’re looking for. Although rooms aren't as modern, Lands in Love Hotel & Resort (Tierras Enamoradas) offers similar amenities, plus a pool and an outdoor adventure park for similar rates.
At the end of a winding rural road in Costa Rica’s stunning, 2,000-acre cloud forest, the mid-range Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Nature Reserve feels like a hotel at the end of the world. All 35 rooms are rustic, freestanding bungalows with free Wi-Fi, minibars, wood-burning fireplaces, and private patios with lovely views. An authentic Costa Rican restaurant/bar, on-site dairy farm, exclusive hiking trails, a modern movie theater, and a historic chapel for destination weddings are among its most notable amenities. The absence of attractions within walking distance may dissuade some guests, but others may find that that’s exactly what they’re looking for. Although rooms aren't as modern, Lands in Love Hotel & Resort (Tierras Enamoradas) offers similar amenities, plus a pool and an outdoor adventure park for similar rates.
Hacienda Guachipelin is a rustic, three-pearl property located on a working cattle ranch on the border of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The ranch’s 64 rooms and suites are simple, yet appealing, and some offer mini-fridges and coffeemakers. The ranch features wonderful hiking trails, an outdoor spring-fed swimming pool, and free access to a set of natural hot springs. For a fee, guests can also enjoy activities ranging from horseback riding to river inner-tubing. While the ranch’s remote location is part of its allure, it also means that guests should be prepared for a rough, 30-minute journey to the nearest shops and restaurants (although the ranch has an adequate restaurant of its own on-site and serves free breakfast). Guests may want to compare rates and amenities with nearby Buena Vista Lodge, which offers a similar experience.
Hacienda Guachipelin is a rustic, three-pearl property located on a working cattle ranch on the border of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The ranch’s 64 rooms and suites are simple, yet appealing, and some offer mini-fridges and coffeemakers. The ranch features wonderful hiking trails, an outdoor spring-fed swimming pool, and free access to a set of natural hot springs. For a fee, guests can also enjoy activities ranging from horseback riding to river inner-tubing. While the ranch’s remote location is part of its allure, it also means that guests should be prepared for a rough, 30-minute journey to the nearest shops and restaurants (although the ranch has an adequate restaurant of its own on-site and serves free breakfast). Guests may want to compare rates and amenities with nearby Buena Vista Lodge, which offers a similar experience.