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.
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.
Beach Break Resort, formerly Morgan's Cove Resort, is a three-pearl hotel located on Jaco Beach. The hotel’s 80 guest rooms have coffee makers and big bathrooms, but the decor is dreary. Location is this hotel’s major advantage, with Jaco Beach accessible from the property and the bars and restaurants of downtown a short walk away. One of the two large pools has a swim-up bar, and there are two decent kids’ pools as well. Travelers may want to compare rates and amenities with nearby Hotel Club del Mar.
Beach Break Resort, formerly Morgan's Cove Resort, is a three-pearl hotel located on Jaco Beach. The hotel’s 80 guest rooms have coffee makers and big bathrooms, but the decor is dreary. Location is this hotel’s major advantage, with Jaco Beach accessible from the property and the bars and restaurants of downtown a short walk away. One of the two large pools has a swim-up bar, and there are two decent kids’ pools as well. Travelers may want to compare rates and amenities with nearby Hotel Club del Mar.
This small, mid-range hotel, more like a home-away-from-home, has five villas on a hillside, where the highlight is an infinity pool (said to be the first in Nicoya Peninsula) from which guests can watch surfers in the distance. Owned and operated by a lovable, eccentric family of four, along with their team of expats, the hotel encourages guests interaction, including eating the free breakfast together. Anyone is able to use the pool and swim-up bar for a buzzy happy hour designed for meeting friends -- and yes, it will happen. After sunset, guests can enjoy prime steaks on the grill or head to Santa Teresa for more options. Spotlessly clean, but simple, villas come with Egyptian cotton sheets, empty mini-fridges, and outdoor bathrooms. Two sons (both easy on the eyes) offer surf lessons, ATV tours, and airport transfers. For more privacy and romance, consider Casa Chameleon down the road.
This small, mid-range hotel, more like a home-away-from-home, has five villas on a hillside, where the highlight is an infinity pool (said to be the first in Nicoya Peninsula) from which guests can watch surfers in the distance. Owned and operated by a lovable, eccentric family of four, along with their team of expats, the hotel encourages guests interaction, including eating the free breakfast together. Anyone is able to use the pool and swim-up bar for a buzzy happy hour designed for meeting friends -- and yes, it will happen. After sunset, guests can enjoy prime steaks on the grill or head to Santa Teresa for more options. Spotlessly clean, but simple, villas come with Egyptian cotton sheets, empty mini-fridges, and outdoor bathrooms. Two sons (both easy on the eyes) offer surf lessons, ATV tours, and airport transfers. For more privacy and romance, consider Casa Chameleon down the road.
This budget-friendly eight-room hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean was opened in 2001 by an Argentinian couple who keeps the place clean and simple (they also live on-site). The picturesque lawn -- great for sunsets -- is located above surfer town Santa Teresa, and guests stay in shape by hoofing it back and forth to Playa Carmen's beach and steady waves. Low-priced rooms (either with fans or air-conditioning) do not have TVs or much outdoor privacy, but each is equipped with a private bathroom and mini-fridge. A walking path leads to an outdoor pool and open-air restaurant, but the natural, unfenced property is not safe for little kids or those who have had one too many cocktails.
This budget-friendly eight-room hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean was opened in 2001 by an Argentinian couple who keeps the place clean and simple (they also live on-site). The picturesque lawn -- great for sunsets -- is located above surfer town Santa Teresa, and guests stay in shape by hoofing it back and forth to Playa Carmen's beach and steady waves. Low-priced rooms (either with fans or air-conditioning) do not have TVs or much outdoor privacy, but each is equipped with a private bathroom and mini-fridge. A walking path leads to an outdoor pool and open-air restaurant, but the natural, unfenced property is not safe for little kids or those who have had one too many cocktails.
This small but spacious three-pearl, eco-friendly hotel has 20 rooms and suites. Spread out over five acres of jungle -- home to exotic birds and monkeys -- guests are a five-minute drive to Jaco's bars, restaurants, and beach. The laid-back and private vibe is ideal for groups who want the entire property; yogis in particular love having two studios: one indoors and one outdoors. Spacious rooms are spotless and have double-purified drinking water on tap. Free breakfast at the restaurant is followed by locally-sourced fare for lunch and dinner. Though it's stranded during the day, there's a nice outdoor pool for staying cool. Those who prefer a beach locale should consider Jaco Laguna Resort & Beach Club.
This small but spacious three-pearl, eco-friendly hotel has 20 rooms and suites. Spread out over five acres of jungle -- home to exotic birds and monkeys -- guests are a five-minute drive to Jaco's bars, restaurants, and beach. The laid-back and private vibe is ideal for groups who want the entire property; yogis in particular love having two studios: one indoors and one outdoors. Spacious rooms are spotless and have double-purified drinking water on tap. Free breakfast at the restaurant is followed by locally-sourced fare for lunch and dinner. Though it's stranded during the day, there's a nice outdoor pool for staying cool. Those who prefer a beach locale should consider Jaco Laguna Resort & Beach Club.
The mid-range Hotel Fonda Vela has a lovely, garden setting a 10-minute drive from central Santa Elena. The location is secluded enough to guarantee excellent bird- and wildlife-watching yet close to town for access to dining and shopping. Noteworthy amenities include a lovely, fireside dining room and a modern, covered pool complex with two hot tubs and a bar. The 42 rooms are a little bit cabin and a little bit old school, and while they are well kept, they are undeniably dated. In-room amenities include cable TV and mini-fridges, but not much else. As a nearby alternative, the similarly priced Monteverde Lodge & Gardens offers nicer amenities -- including a gourmet restaurant and a butterfly garden -- in a more sophisticated package.
The mid-range Hotel Fonda Vela has a lovely, garden setting a 10-minute drive from central Santa Elena. The location is secluded enough to guarantee excellent bird- and wildlife-watching yet close to town for access to dining and shopping. Noteworthy amenities include a lovely, fireside dining room and a modern, covered pool complex with two hot tubs and a bar. The 42 rooms are a little bit cabin and a little bit old school, and while they are well kept, they are undeniably dated. In-room amenities include cable TV and mini-fridges, but not much else. As a nearby alternative, the similarly priced Monteverde Lodge & Gardens offers nicer amenities -- including a gourmet restaurant and a butterfly garden -- in a more sophisticated package.
La Lancha is one of a handful of exclusive Central American hideaways owned by Francis Ford Coppola. This small 10-room rainforest retreat has a lakeside location 40 minutes away from the famous Mayan ruins at Tikal National Park. Rooms are rustic and comfortable with fantastic balconies and hammocks for admiring the views. Hotel highlights include a split-level pool, the beautiful Lake Peten Itza with canoes, and an on-site restaurant and bar serving Guatemalan cuisine and Coppola wines. Some guests have complained about the lack of a hot tub and the thin walls between casitas. There are no TVs, and climbing stairs is required on this hillside property.
La Lancha is one of a handful of exclusive Central American hideaways owned by Francis Ford Coppola. This small 10-room rainforest retreat has a lakeside location 40 minutes away from the famous Mayan ruins at Tikal National Park. Rooms are rustic and comfortable with fantastic balconies and hammocks for admiring the views. Hotel highlights include a split-level pool, the beautiful Lake Peten Itza with canoes, and an on-site restaurant and bar serving Guatemalan cuisine and Coppola wines. Some guests have complained about the lack of a hot tub and the thin walls between casitas. There are no TVs, and climbing stairs is required on this hillside property.
As one of the oldest hotels in Manuel Antonio, the three-and-a-half-pearl Hotel La Mariposa balances Old World charm, authentic Costa Rican design, and modern amenities. Panoramic views from the hilltop alfresco restaurant and two outdoor infinity pools are among the area’s best. All 62 rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and balconies (some with ocean views), but not all rooms have been renovated as of 2017. Upgraded rooms add kitchenettes. Freebies include breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a shuttle to Playa Espadilla. Although it’s pricier, Si Como No Resort, Spa and Wildlife Refuge offers similar amenities, plus a spa and a nature preserve rich with wildlife.
As one of the oldest hotels in Manuel Antonio, the three-and-a-half-pearl Hotel La Mariposa balances Old World charm, authentic Costa Rican design, and modern amenities. Panoramic views from the hilltop alfresco restaurant and two outdoor infinity pools are among the area’s best. All 62 rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and balconies (some with ocean views), but not all rooms have been renovated as of 2017. Upgraded rooms add kitchenettes. Freebies include breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a shuttle to Playa Espadilla. Although it’s pricier, Si Como No Resort, Spa and Wildlife Refuge offers similar amenities, plus a spa and a nature preserve rich with wildlife.
Among area resorts, the three-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Si Como No is one of the most accessible in both atmosphere and price. It's not on the beach, but the hillside location grants beautiful water views. The long list of features, including a full-service spa, two restaurants, a movie theater, and two pools with swim-up bars, ensures guests don't have to leave the property. The 58 rooms feel rustic, bordering on dated. All intentionally omit a TV, but otherwise offer modern amenities like minibars (fee), wet bars, and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms add private hot tubs and water-view balconies. Aside from spotty in-room Wi-Fi and slightly dated decor, it’s hard to imagine guests finding much to complain about. Hotel La Mariposa offers similar amenities plus panoramic hilltop views for less money.
Among area resorts, the three-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Si Como No is one of the most accessible in both atmosphere and price. It's not on the beach, but the hillside location grants beautiful water views. The long list of features, including a full-service spa, two restaurants, a movie theater, and two pools with swim-up bars, ensures guests don't have to leave the property. The 58 rooms feel rustic, bordering on dated. All intentionally omit a TV, but otherwise offer modern amenities like minibars (fee), wet bars, and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms add private hot tubs and water-view balconies. Aside from spotty in-room Wi-Fi and slightly dated decor, it’s hard to imagine guests finding much to complain about. Hotel La Mariposa offers similar amenities plus panoramic hilltop views for less money.