A slice of Central American paradise, Costa Rica has long been a favourite of eco-conscious travellers and surfers. Its varied landscape is made up of mountainous rainforests, white-sand beaches and canal-tangled lowlands. From the capital city of San José – itself filled with historic neighbourhoods, age-old mansions and vibrant parks – there’s direct access to Pacific coast beach resorts like Jacó and Tamarindo. Looking for something more adventurous? Then waste no time in heading to Arenal Volcano, which towers over the lively crossroads of La Fortuna. Watch as Arenal spews hot ash, steam and molten rock in the distance, before unwinding in one of the nearby bubbling hot springs. Costa Rica is also rich in wildlife. Go trekking in national parks like Corcovado and Monteverde Cloud Forest for the chance to spot wild animals in their natural habitat. From howler monkeys and white-faced capuchins to coral snakes, red-eyed tree frogs and the brightly-billed toucan, there’s plenty to see. When you’re ready for a change of pace, venture east for a taste of Costa Rica’s laid-back surfing culture. Hubs like Limón and Puerto Viejo are magnets for surfers, with the warm and choppy waters of the Caribbean Sea bringing in big swells all year round. Further north along this unspoiled stretch of Caribbean coastline, you can find Tortuguero National Park, famous for being one of the main nesting sites of leatherbacks and green turtles. There’s ample choice of accommodation in Costa Rica, from boutique hotels and luxury villas to beachside hostels and eco-friendly jungle retreats.
Top picks for hotels in Costa Rica
Try one of these popular and highly-rated Costa Rica hotels
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,402 reviews
Superb · 1,402 reviews
Situated in Uvita, 13 km from Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, Ballena Rey Hotel features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,506 reviews
Superb · 1,506 reviews
Located just 5.3 km from La Sabana Metropolitan Park, BEE Suites San José - Escalante offers accommodation in San José with access to a fitness centre, a shared lounge, as well as a lift.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,155 reviews
Superb · 1,155 reviews
Located in Puerto Viejo, 200 metres from Negra Beach, Pagalù Hostel provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace.
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 1,154 reviews
Exceptional · 1,154 reviews
Set in Fortuna, 4.6 km from La Fortuna Waterfall, Cabañas del Rio offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking and a garden.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 2,871 reviews
Superb · 2,871 reviews
Set in Fortuna, 5.7 km from La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Xilopalo offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,018 reviews
Superb · 1,018 reviews
With La Fortuna Waterfall reachable in 32 km, La Tigra Rainforest Lodge features accommodation, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a terrace.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,706 reviews
Superb · 1,706 reviews
Offering direct access to the beach, Lanna Ban Hotel is located in Puerto Viejo. The hotel features an exotic garden and contemporary Thai architecture. Free WiFi access is available.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,254 reviews
Superb · 1,254 reviews
Rainbow Valley Lodge is located located in Monteverde Costa Rica, in the mountains of Monteverde. It offers lush gardens and rooms with free WiFi and fantastic mountain views.
Situated in Cabo Matapalo, 80 metres from Pan Dulce Beach, Encanta La Vida features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a restaurant.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 10
10
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 5 reviews
Located in Coronado, 36 km from Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, Vayu Retreat Villas provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden.
Guest review
This is a little hidden gem. Perfect for the ones who like it quiet , peaceful but modern. Mark the owner is not only interesting but extremely helpful and made our stay special.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
9.6
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 46 reviews
Located in Tigra, 24 km from La Fortuna Waterfall, Guapote Lodge provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar.
Guest review
The property is beautiful and the family that runs the lodge is amazing. I am so glad I stayed here. The accommodations are simple and one with nature. This is the type of place you stay when you are interested in a quiet hideaway that prioritizes nature, friendliness, great food, and Costa Rican hospitality. Giovanni is so helpful and warm, his family too, and they have opened up their life to share with travellers and do everything possible to ensure you have a fun trip. He even watches for flat tires and after spying the culprit, a screw, grabbed the air compressor so I could make my way to the station for a repair. Absolutely the best host I have ever stayed with. And the animals!! Extra bonus- it's a slice of heaven spying what is hanging around in the trees and ponds while eating a big breakfast. Additionally he can guide you to less touristy areas that are better than the hotel tours and much cheaper. I can hardly wait to return!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 64 reviews
Situated in Puerto Viejo, 2.1 km from Cocles Beach, Colina Secreta - Glamping and Villas features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.
Guest review
Beautiful place with every single detail taken into consideration. Excellent service, high quality breakfast and overall a great experience
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.8
9.8
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 415 reviews
Arenal Palms Hot Springs features an outdoor swimming pool, garden, a shared lounge and restaurant in Chachagua. With free WiFi, this 5-star hotel offers room service and a concierge service.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.9
9.9
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 16 reviews
Malekus Mountain Lodge features a garden, a shared lounge and a sun terrace with swimming pool and continental breakfast in Aguas Claras.
Guest review
Our visit to this lodge was unforgettable!The rooms and all the property have a very special charm:) Everything was clean and very much thought about. We enjoyed the pool. The breakfast was amazing and plenty, they cooked eggs from their own chickens!
Owners' hospitality was exceptional, it was pleasure to meet such a wonderful couple!
We hike the trails and visited hot springs pool nearby. Highly recommend this place for families and couples, you will not regret:)
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 113 reviews
Set in Tamarindo, Les Voiles Blanches - Luxury Lodge offers an outdoor swimming pool, garden and terrace. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and on-site free parking is provided.
Guest review
Next to the fact that the location is simply wonderful, filled with lush greenery and birds, an oasis of tranquility, Joe and Isa, the hosts, are warm people and truly care for their guests. They immediately make you feel at home upon arrival. The location is spot clean, all details in place. The hosts cater to all your needs, you really feel treated like a queen and king. Joe and Isa have a background in the food industry, which you can see in the breakfast. Tasteful, seasoned, fresh and original platters, prepared with love. Would 100% recommend to couples looking for a relaxing atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of touristy Tamarindo.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 270 reviews
Set in Savegre, 46 km from Manuel Antonio National Park, Lapazul Boutique Hotel offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace.
Guest review
Unfortunately we stayed only for one night. The Hotel is amazing. The staff let you fell very welcome. We were very lucky to have the hotel for ourselves. The breakfast we had there was by far the best I had on any vacation. The waiter (Geovanny) was amazing. An experience I won’t forget.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.8
9.8
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 78 reviews
Set in Pavones, less than 1 km from Playa Pavones, Brahman Bungalows on Pavones Point offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace.
Guest review
Great host. The Place is just a few steps away from Pavones point. Great location for Somebody who surf. Excellent wifi.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
9.6
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 30 reviews
Nayara Gardens is a luxury boutique hotel and spa set against the panoramic backdrop of the Arenal Volcano, surrounded by Costa Rican Rainforest.
Guest review
The room - oh my god!!! This was the best room we have ever stayed in!!!
The hospitality was amazing - all the staff had smiles on their faces and always greeted us whenever we passed by :)
The entire property is beautiful and the hot pools are amazing!
The massage at the spa was the best we have had - definitely recommended!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 271 reviews
Located in Puerto Viejo, 300 metres from Negra Beach, La Prometida provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace.
Guest review
We loved the intimate setting with just a few villas. The villa was very comfortable, with a very good bed, nice bathroom and a little veranda. The breakfast was delicious, the pool is a great place to relax, and the location is very easy accessible.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 272 reviews
Exceptional · 272 reviews
From US$189 per night
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