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, 1,414 reviews
Superb · 1,414 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, 1,507 reviews
Superb · 1,507 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.
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 1,148 reviews
Exceptional · 1,148 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, 1,010 reviews
Superb · 1,010 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, 1,713 reviews
Superb · 1,713 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, 1,249 reviews
Superb · 1,249 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.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 2,167 reviews
Superb · 2,167 reviews
Located in La Fortuna town, San Bosco Inn offers an outdoor pool and lush gardens, free Wi-Fi in public areas and rooms with garden views. The Arenal Volcano is 5 km away.
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
EVERYTHING! The service, the folk there, the location, the ambience, the food, the room, the decor, the lighting …
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
9.6
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 45 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
I was curious to go to a place with such a high rating, but now I understand why. Our stay was fantastic. The breakfast was even better than I imagined. The family was so helpful. I loved waking up to the sounds of the jungle. Wonderful first days of our trip at Colina Secreta!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.8
9.8
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 415 reviews
Located in Chachagua and with La Fortuna Waterfall reachable within 15 km, Arenal Palms Hot Springs provides concierge services, non-smoking rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi throughout the...
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.9
9.9
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 16 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
Real piece of paradise just 10min drive from Tamarindo . Joe and Isabelle make your stay amazing . Great food , personal care and beautiful territory. Absolutely amazing place and we wish we can stay longer
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 269 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
This hotel is top-end. Very comfortable room, the best view, the birds and other wildlife, it’s relaxing atmosphere and extremely friendly staff. They will do anything to make your stay a fantastic one. Thank you George, Geovanny and Monica!
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
Amazing place. Very Nice people!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
9.6
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 30 reviews
Ventanas en Corcovado is located in Dos Brazos. With free WiFi, this 2-star hotel has a garden and a shared lounge. There is free private parking and the property provides paid airport shuttle...
Guest review
Cannot emphasise enough how STUNNING this place is!
Amazing food, great hospitality and perfect facilities.
The knowledge of Carlos on the area and the fauna of Corcovado is astonishing, Definitely the perfect Guide!
¡Muchísimas gracias Rosy para cocinar vegano, todo muy rico!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 10
10
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 5 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 property is amazing, you truly feel in the rainforest. We saw sloths, motmots and other birds.
Staff was really nice and food was really good as well. They have a lot of options for people with food allergies / intolerances and are constantly asking if someone needs alternatives or something to pay attention to.
We definitely want to visit again!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 270 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
Rooms were clean and stylish. Although there was several villas it felt very private and calm. Breakfast was tasty and everybody was really nice and helpful. It is close to Playa Negra which is a nice beach with black sand.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 272 reviews
Offering an outdoor pool, beautiful gardens and a bar-restaurant, LagunaVista Villas is located 200 metres from the beach by boat or kayak across the lagoon.
Guest review
An amazing experience. A great place to stay and enjoy the wildlife of the Corcocada National park with it rich ecco system. Not a modern brick highrise hotel, but selection of private villas set in a lush hillside garden, each having a stunning view of the Pacific with the lagoon just infront. The individual villa had a large deck with a punge pool (as well as the main hotel pool), and a semi “outdoor “ bathroom to really get back to jungle nature. The sleeping area, main room has wire mesh insect netting, so no bites! Possible to sit on the deck or in the plunge pool with cute quati animals running roind, red macaws in the trees and howler monkeys calling from the forest. (pretty special ). Canoe tours round the tranquil lagoon at dawn or dusk are also a great way to see many birds and crocodiles. A tradition of a sundowner drink in the open air reception building was a memorable way to see the Pacific Ocean. This is also where the meals, that are included are served, local style food specially prepared by the hotel chef. The hosts, Greg and Keiko could not have been more helpful or hospiable, and make sure that you get to experience everything that you want to see or do during your stay. Would highly recommend. The hotel is slightly off the beaten track, even if you have a car, so make sure to work out transportation with the hotel.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.9
9.9
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 29 reviews
Exceptional · 29 reviews
From US$312 per night
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