Despite belonging to the Marriott chain, this upscale hotel is full of character, style, and Old World charm with its grand hacienda-style design, smartly dressed interiors, and beautiful garden grounds. A resort-esque line up of features: two pools, an exceptional spa, modern fitness center, driving range, and several restaurants -- make this an appealing option for vacationers. Its 209 rooms are large and come with minibars, coffeemakers, and Juliet balconies. Despite the lackluster location, the Marriott’s colonial character, resort-style amenities, and vast business events capability shape a refreshing departure from San Jose’s predominantly generic, business-centric hotels. Travelers seeking similar amenities, but with modern rooms and lower rates could try the Real InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall.
Despite belonging to the Marriott chain, this upscale hotel is full of character, style, and Old World charm with its grand hacienda-style design, smartly dressed interiors, and beautiful garden grounds. A resort-esque line up of features: two pools, an exceptional spa, modern fitness center, driving range, and several restaurants -- make this an appealing option for vacationers. Its 209 rooms are large and come with minibars, coffeemakers, and Juliet balconies. Despite the lackluster location, the Marriott’s colonial character, resort-style amenities, and vast business events capability shape a refreshing departure from San Jose’s predominantly generic, business-centric hotels. Travelers seeking similar amenities, but with modern rooms and lower rates could try the Real InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall.
This small hotel is not so small considering it takes up over 100 acres of space on the jaw-dropping, remote coast of Nicoya Peninsula. Owned by an energetic and omnipresent Belgian and her attentive staff, the place ticks like a well-oiled European machine. Most of the 43 minimalist rooms and three villas, as well as two restaurants (breakfast is included) overlook the dreamy ocean. Waves might make swimming a challenge, but the secluded beach is great for strolling and suntanning -- otherwise, three small pools and a swim-up bar will do just fine. Romantic couples and somewhat older groups who are not concerned with nightlife also enjoy the private access to horses, tennis, a waterfall, a (casual) golf course, and spa services. Everything else will require a drive. Younger couples looking for a slightly more hipper scene should consider Ylang Ylang Resort.
This small hotel is not so small considering it takes up over 100 acres of space on the jaw-dropping, remote coast of Nicoya Peninsula. Owned by an energetic and omnipresent Belgian and her attentive staff, the place ticks like a well-oiled European machine. Most of the 43 minimalist rooms and three villas, as well as two restaurants (breakfast is included) overlook the dreamy ocean. Waves might make swimming a challenge, but the secluded beach is great for strolling and suntanning -- otherwise, three small pools and a swim-up bar will do just fine. Romantic couples and somewhat older groups who are not concerned with nightlife also enjoy the private access to horses, tennis, a waterfall, a (casual) golf course, and spa services. Everything else will require a drive. Younger couples looking for a slightly more hipper scene should consider Ylang Ylang Resort.
Open-minded singles and swingers of all ages will feel at home at this three-pearl, adults-only hotel on Jaco Beach with 33 rooms and suites and plans to expand. For a hint at the vibe, there are two pools: one clothing optional and one where nudity is required. The poolside sports bar, called the Naked Iguana, offers music or entertainment until the wee hours, and the restaurant serves all three meals. All-inclusive packages are available. Room decor is simple, and some have hot tubs, balconies, and full kitchens, but Standard Rooms are rather basic and could use some attention. For an all-inclusive option with a less naked party scene, consider the Hotel Club del Mar, farther down the beach.
Open-minded singles and swingers of all ages will feel at home at this three-pearl, adults-only hotel on Jaco Beach with 33 rooms and suites and plans to expand. For a hint at the vibe, there are two pools: one clothing optional and one where nudity is required. The poolside sports bar, called the Naked Iguana, offers music or entertainment until the wee hours, and the restaurant serves all three meals. All-inclusive packages are available. Room decor is simple, and some have hot tubs, balconies, and full kitchens, but Standard Rooms are rather basic and could use some attention. For an all-inclusive option with a less naked party scene, consider the Hotel Club del Mar, farther down the beach.
Hotel Sol Samara is a simple two-pearl property located on the outskirts of downtown Samara. Its 14 rooms offer colorful decor and a few nice amenities, such as mini-fridges, plus they have shared outdoor balconies that overlook hotel grounds. A small pool, free daily breakfast, and free Wi-Fi add to its appeal, but many guests complain that the internet connection is spotty and that hot water is hard to come by. The property is a five-minute walk from the beach, but it’s far from shops and restaurants in the downtown area. Travelers looking to be within walking distance of town might prefer Hotel Belvedere - Playa Samara, though rates are typically pricier.
Hotel Sol Samara is a simple two-pearl property located on the outskirts of downtown Samara. Its 14 rooms offer colorful decor and a few nice amenities, such as mini-fridges, plus they have shared outdoor balconies that overlook hotel grounds. A small pool, free daily breakfast, and free Wi-Fi add to its appeal, but many guests complain that the internet connection is spotty and that hot water is hard to come by. The property is a five-minute walk from the beach, but it’s far from shops and restaurants in the downtown area. Travelers looking to be within walking distance of town might prefer Hotel Belvedere - Playa Samara, though rates are typically pricier.
The Hotel Liberia is a budget property with loads of historic charm and a convenient, downtown Liberia location 15 minutes' drive from the airport. Dating back to the early 20th century, the property maintains distinctive original features like adobe walls and stone tile floors. Some of the 20 rooms are dorm-style with shared bathrooms, while the others are standard rooms with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and private bathrooms. However, all guest rooms are spartan, with cold-water showers and no air-conditioning. There’s a nice restaurant on-site that serves Costa Rican-influenced cuisine for breakfast (for a fee), lunch, and dinner. The hotel is within walking distance of just about anything there is to see and do in Liberia. Another nearby option, the mid-range Las Espuelas Hotel, offers free breakfast, a pool, and rooms with air-conditioning, but it’s comparatively generic and farther from downtown.
The Hotel Liberia is a budget property with loads of historic charm and a convenient, downtown Liberia location 15 minutes' drive from the airport. Dating back to the early 20th century, the property maintains distinctive original features like adobe walls and stone tile floors. Some of the 20 rooms are dorm-style with shared bathrooms, while the others are standard rooms with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and private bathrooms. However, all guest rooms are spartan, with cold-water showers and no air-conditioning. There’s a nice restaurant on-site that serves Costa Rican-influenced cuisine for breakfast (for a fee), lunch, and dinner. The hotel is within walking distance of just about anything there is to see and do in Liberia. Another nearby option, the mid-range Las Espuelas Hotel, offers free breakfast, a pool, and rooms with air-conditioning, but it’s comparatively generic and farther from downtown.
Hotel Tramonto is a three-pearl property outside the town of Jaco, located across the road from lovely Playa Hermosa. Some of its 76 spacious rooms include balconies and whirlpool tubs, and nice wood accents, against otherwise generic, neutral toned decor. A hot authentic Costa Rican breakfast -- along with more American-style fare -- is included in the room rate, and the hotel has an outdoor pool and deck with loungers. The restaurant, with views of the beach, serves Italian and international fare -- but there’s no other dining or nightlife within walking distance of the hotel. And the fitness center is tiny, with an exercise bike, treadmills, and elliptical machines that don't always work. Travelers seeking a hotel closer to the Jaco action might want to consider the Jaco Laguna Resort & Beach Club, although its rates don't include breakfast.
Hotel Tramonto is a three-pearl property outside the town of Jaco, located across the road from lovely Playa Hermosa. Some of its 76 spacious rooms include balconies and whirlpool tubs, and nice wood accents, against otherwise generic, neutral toned decor. A hot authentic Costa Rican breakfast -- along with more American-style fare -- is included in the room rate, and the hotel has an outdoor pool and deck with loungers. The restaurant, with views of the beach, serves Italian and international fare -- but there’s no other dining or nightlife within walking distance of the hotel. And the fitness center is tiny, with an exercise bike, treadmills, and elliptical machines that don't always work. Travelers seeking a hotel closer to the Jaco action might want to consider the Jaco Laguna Resort & Beach Club, although its rates don't include breakfast.
The upper-middle-range Asclepios bills itself as a wellness center rather than a hotel, though it successfully incorporates elements of both. Located in the hills near the Central Valley town of Alajuela, it’s conveniently close to the airport but worlds away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Jose. A full spa, fitness center, outdoor pool, and organic restaurant all lie on spacious grounds amidst a lush landscape. Every one of its 12 comfortable and stylish rooms has a different theme, and all overlook hillsides planted with coffee and sugarcane. Guests looking for a spa retreat on comfortable grounds will find it here -- but there's not much else around the property.
The upper-middle-range Asclepios bills itself as a wellness center rather than a hotel, though it successfully incorporates elements of both. Located in the hills near the Central Valley town of Alajuela, it’s conveniently close to the airport but worlds away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Jose. A full spa, fitness center, outdoor pool, and organic restaurant all lie on spacious grounds amidst a lush landscape. Every one of its 12 comfortable and stylish rooms has a different theme, and all overlook hillsides planted with coffee and sugarcane. Guests looking for a spa retreat on comfortable grounds will find it here -- but there's not much else around the property.
Though it only has 160 rooms, Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort feels like a much larger property. Thanks to its sprawling acreage on the cliffs above Playa Hermosa, this upper-middle-range hotel feels like a massive resort. With two pools, a beautiful restaurant, and rooms that range from standard Double Rooms to massive Three-Bedroom Villas, Villas Sol appeals to a wide range of guests. While some may find the all-inclusive option attractive, others may find the food mediocre and repetitive. Note that there's some minor wear and tear, and that the cliffside location means great views but also steep hills that make it difficult to get around (walking to the beach is almost certainly out of the question). Guests who’d prefer a (flat) beachfront property should compare rates at Casa Conde Beach-Front Hotel, a similar all-inclusive resort on Playa Panama.
Though it only has 160 rooms, Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort feels like a much larger property. Thanks to its sprawling acreage on the cliffs above Playa Hermosa, this upper-middle-range hotel feels like a massive resort. With two pools, a beautiful restaurant, and rooms that range from standard Double Rooms to massive Three-Bedroom Villas, Villas Sol appeals to a wide range of guests. While some may find the all-inclusive option attractive, others may find the food mediocre and repetitive. Note that there's some minor wear and tear, and that the cliffside location means great views but also steep hills that make it difficult to get around (walking to the beach is almost certainly out of the question). Guests who’d prefer a (flat) beachfront property should compare rates at Casa Conde Beach-Front Hotel, a similar all-inclusive resort on Playa Panama.
The three-pearl La Casa De Las Flores is a brightly-colored hotel housed near the center of Cahuita village, surrounded by gift shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and Cahuita National Park. Playa Negra beach, a go-to spot for surfing, is a three-minute walk away. There are 10 spick-and-span rooms with green accents and simple furniture -- all of which come with TVs, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and two queen-size beds. A small pool and hot tub are sandwiched between the manicured garden and parking lot. Free breakfast and 'round-the-clock tea and coffee are served; other freebies include Wi-Fi and beach towels. The charming hotel is owned and operated by a friendly family. Playa Negra Guesthouse is another mid-range option, a bit closer to the beach, but further from Cahuita National Park.
The three-pearl La Casa De Las Flores is a brightly-colored hotel housed near the center of Cahuita village, surrounded by gift shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and Cahuita National Park. Playa Negra beach, a go-to spot for surfing, is a three-minute walk away. There are 10 spick-and-span rooms with green accents and simple furniture -- all of which come with TVs, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and two queen-size beds. A small pool and hot tub are sandwiched between the manicured garden and parking lot. Free breakfast and 'round-the-clock tea and coffee are served; other freebies include Wi-Fi and beach towels. The charming hotel is owned and operated by a friendly family. Playa Negra Guesthouse is another mid-range option, a bit closer to the beach, but further from Cahuita National Park.
Home to Costa Rica’s largest convention center, the sprawling upper-middle-range Wyndham is a magnet for large-scale (predominantly business) events, though its proximity and ease of access to the airport resonates with many traveler types. Between the three outdoor pools, swim-up bar, Hard Rock Cafe, Japanese and Italian restaurants, casino, sports bar, spa, and beauty salon, the Wyndham rivals a resort with its many features -- though much of the property remains dated. Its 230 rooms and suites are huge, and while also jaded, they’re perfectly quiet, comfortable, and well-equipped with features like coffeemakers, minibars, suit stands, and huge handsome bathrooms. Suites have spas and kitchenettes. The free buffet breakfast (guests rave about), free airport shuttle, and free Wi-Fi comprise some appealing perks, though travelers seeking something more compact and modern could try the Holiday Inn San Jose-Escazu.
Home to Costa Rica’s largest convention center, the sprawling upper-middle-range Wyndham is a magnet for large-scale (predominantly business) events, though its proximity and ease of access to the airport resonates with many traveler types. Between the three outdoor pools, swim-up bar, Hard Rock Cafe, Japanese and Italian restaurants, casino, sports bar, spa, and beauty salon, the Wyndham rivals a resort with its many features -- though much of the property remains dated. Its 230 rooms and suites are huge, and while also jaded, they’re perfectly quiet, comfortable, and well-equipped with features like coffeemakers, minibars, suit stands, and huge handsome bathrooms. Suites have spas and kitchenettes. The free buffet breakfast (guests rave about), free airport shuttle, and free Wi-Fi comprise some appealing perks, though travelers seeking something more compact and modern could try the Holiday Inn San Jose-Escazu.