Costa Rica is one of the most popular South American countries to visit, in part because its jungles, rainforests, cloud forests, and gorgeous beaches are all rich with opportunities for adventure and exploration of the natural world. Costa Rica has a well-established network of national parks and reserves protecting around a quarter of the country, with a visitor infrastructure carefully designed to avoid endangering the incredible biospheres the park system is there to protect. So you’ll find some of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Costa Rica are right in amongst the most beautiful and protected regions: exceptional eco-hotels and lodges which bring money into the regions to feed back into conservation projects.
All this means that Costa Rica offers an unrivalled opportunity to experience the greatest density of plant and animal species in the world. For example it has around 1,500 different kinds of orchid! Its exotic animal life includes toucans and macaws, capuchins and howler monkeys, sloths, caimans and the beautiful Blue Morpho butterfly. Costa Rica is also renowned for its activities - watersports and hiking, surf schools, yoga retreats, epic zip lines, caves to explore and mountains and volcanoes to ascend, on two feet or two wheels. It's also at the cutting edge of sustainable tourism, with infrastructure favouring alternative power sources and blazing a trail in farm-to-table dining.
Some of our Costa Rica Collections:
Where to stay - which region?
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Alajuela is part of the central region, spreading out from, and around the capital San José.
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Puntarenas is on the central Pacific coast, much loved by beach-lovers, those looking for an incredible backdrop against which to relax, and avid explorers - this is where the dense rainforests and jungles can run right up against the ocean.
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Limon is on the quieter, more isolated Caribbean side, loved by whitewater rafters, sea turtles and mosquitos.
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Guanacaste is where you’ll find the volcanoes, dry forest parks and some fabulous surf beaches.
- Arenal, and the sparse plains and mountains around it are sparely populated, but a fantastic place for a farm-stay or a horse trek.
- While the southern stretch, heading down towards the Osa Peninsula and the South Pacific, is one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, loved by naturalists, botanists and explorers alike, and anyone seeking a really beautiful, and remote, tropical beach.
- You’ll find the coffee plantations around Heredia.
- The best hot-springs are around Quesada.
This fascinating country is so diverse that choosing the best places to stay in Costa Rica really depends on why you're planning to visit. Is it for the beaches? For the wildlife? Or for the volcanoes and rainforests? Use our guide to the best hotels, lodges and resorts below and start planning your trip.
The Best Places to Stay in Costa Rica
For The Trip of a Lifetime
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Casa Chameleon has ten villas, decorated with nature in mind, and organic materials used as much as possible. Each villa is extremely luxurious, and its own plunge pool, there’s also exemplary service and an superb restaurant.
- If you’re looking for luxury amidst the lush rainforest then Nayara is for you. 44 elegant rooms and suites in forest bungalows with wood floors and conical roofs. There’s a semi-outdoor spa and a choice of four restaurants, serving everything from sushi to tapas.
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Peace Lodge in Vara Blanca, Alajuela, follows similar lines: it's a magical collection of cosy lodges and villas set within the cloud forest. The lodges have open fireplaces, exposed stonework, beamed ceilings and large terraces - perfect for making the most of the spectacular views. The restaurant specialises in Costa Rican delicacies.
- Just an hour out of San José, the El Silencio Resort & Spa offers total seclusion. There are 15 luxurious rooms, decorated largely with natural materials, a fabulous spa and an outdoor yoga studio set within the forest. Plus great food and exceptional views.
For a Beach Break
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Ylang Ylang Beach Resort is a charming, laid back property that caters for both families and couples. Set on a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach, with rainforest to the rear, here you can experience the best of both sea and jungle. Rooms are rustic chic, but for something special book a treetop suite, with its outdoor bath tub and fantastic views.The restaurant champions local organic produce, plus there's a pool, spa and daily yoga lessons.
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Luna Lodge is a wilderness retreat set in thick forest. It's minutes from the beach (with some great surf) and is well priced, with accommodation to suit a range of budgets. They offer a range of jungle tours. Rooms are simple and chilled.
- Sandwiched between the ocean and the rainforest, the Clandestino Beach Resort is a 12 room hideaway. The rooms are spacious, the decor inspired by organic materials, and the seafood restaurant is very romantic. Explore the rainforest, try out some water sports, or simply relax in its idyllic surroundings.
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Playa Cativo is a luxurious eco-lodge with an enviable position between the beach and the jungle. The decor is contemporary and the windows are huge - as well they should be, with these views. The restaurant offers farm to table dining, the pool is tranquil and there’s a great spa. The region is rife with bird life, with 360+ species known to live in the area.
For The Jungle
- If one of the reasons you’re visiting Costa Rica is to experience the local wildlife, then the Rancho Pacifico is perfect for you. All around the hotel are jungle canopies where you can spot sloths, monkeys; jaguarundis, anteaters and an impressive array of colourful fowl - just for starters - and out to sea you might spot whales. There are just five suites and five villas, and it’s adults-only.
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Makanda by the Sea is a beautifully designed, nine room, adults-only property right in amongst the jungle canopy. Each of the rooms is different, all contemporary and all with plenty of glass and sporting luxurious bathrooms. There’s a very romantic outdoor restaurant, and a lovely spa.
- The Gaia Hotel and Reserve is a hilltop hotel set on its own nature reserve right next to the Manuel Antonio National Park in the Puntarenas region. The 20 contemporary rooms have polished wood floors, crisp white linen and local artefacts. The infinity pool overlooking the forest is simply spectacular.
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Rio Perdido is nestled into the forest in Fortuna, surrounded by jungle. There are 20 chic, contemporary suites and an award-winning restaurant, plus hot-spring pools and a thermal river.
- Secluded in the rainforest, the Pacuare Lodge has been creatively designed to complement the surroundings, a successful blend of architecture and nature. There are just 12 rooms, with carefully placed windows and freestanding bathtubs overlooking the forest canopy. The food is excellent.
Our Picks in San José
- The Hotel Grano de Oro is in the historic, central neighbourhood of Barrio Don Bosco. There are 39 traditional rooms fitted with antiques and dark wood panelled walls. The best have their own private patios.
- Just outside the city proper in Heredia, an area of wooded hills and nice views, is the Finca Rosa Blanca, an elegant country hotel with 14 rooms, large frescoes, jacuzzi baths and parquet flooring. You’re surrounded by coffee plantations and the restaurant and bar are known for their gourmet dishes and exotic cocktails.
Some of the Most Romantic Hotels in Costa Rica
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Vayu Retreat Villas is an intimate jungle retreat about half an hour from Uvita. There are just four beautifully designed suites with a fresh Mediterranean feel, and plenty of natural materials. Come here with a loved one for complete relaxation and reconnection.
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Nayara Springs in Fortuna is a luxurious, adults-only boutique hidden in the Costa Rican rainforest. There are just 16 rooms, arranged in secluded villas with private plunge pools and enormous outdoor bathrooms, and beautiful terraces. There’s a choice of five different restaurants, so you don’t need to leave the resort.
- For a more intimate jungle experience, consider the Villa Buena Onda, an eight room, adults-only boutique hotel with minimalist design and large terraces. There’s a spoiling spa and a pool with a swim-up bar.
For an Eco-Friendly stay
- The Lapa Rios Ecolodge is a secluded eco-lodge surrounded by jungle, and just a short stroll from a beach of soft white sand. There are 17 thatched cabins, designed with open walls to commune with nature. They each have their own large terraces and luxurious bathrooms, and the food is excellent.
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Kura is a hilltop collection of rooms and private villas surrounded by jungle and looking out towards the South Pacific from huge windows and terraces. There’s a gorgeous infinity pool and a small spa. Kura uses drip technology to water their lush gardens, and relies on solar panels to power the hotel. A great place for birdwatchers.
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Rancho Humo in Guanacaste is a contemporary eco-lodge in a spectacular spot on the plains of the Tempisque River delta. There are just ten rooms with light, airy, floor to ceiling windows and contemporary art. There’s also a spa and pool.
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The Harmony Hotel is an eco-hotel hidden in the depths of the jungle around Nosara - though still just a short walk from beautiful white sandy beaches. There are just ten secluded, simply designed bungalows, with their own patios, where you might meet some of the local howler monkeys, iguanas and hummingbirds.
For Great Value
- For a budget stay, consider the Luna Nueva Lodge in Alajuela, an eco-lodge hideaway with 14 rooms. The rainforest location is stunning, and staying here will educate you on the conservation of the region, with an emphasis on organic farming and rainforest protection. 90% of the food served in the excellent restaurant is grown on the property.
- For great value in San José, try the Hotel Alta Las Palomas, in Santa Ana, with splendid views of the whole San José area. This is a small, contemporary hotel, wth just 23 rooms, with reasonable rates and an excellent restaurant. The hotel will help you organise tours if you need them to.
- For a great value rainforest stay, check out the Xandari Resort & Spa, a colourful, tranquil retreat set in beautiful, tropical gardens. There are 24 brightly coloured rooms with plenty of light and stunning views. The restaurant is lovely and there’s a spoiling spa.
- If you’re here for the beach and the rainforest together, the Azul Ocean Club Hotel is an elegant, 15 room hotel right on the ocean. The rooms are whitewashed and make the best of the wonderful views, there’s an excellent restaurant, and you’re just steps from the beach.
For an Apartment or Villa
- If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.
Travel Information
- Costa Rica has two international airports, the larger hub being Juan Santamaría International Airport, which is just outside San José, and the smaller being Daniel Oduber International Airport, which is near the northern city of Liberia, closer to the beaches of Puntarenas and the volcanoes of Guanacaste. You can fly direct from the UK, or from Paris or Madrid, but there are more choices if you’re prepared to go via the US.
- If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.
- Costa Rica has only two defined seasons, the dry season, known locally as summer, which runs between December and April, and the rainy season, winter, which runs between May and November. Generally the dry season, November especially, just after the rains, is the best time to visit, but your best time to visit will be highly dependent on which part of the country you plan to visit, as some places are fantastic in the wet, and really come alive, and some are just wet.
Still not sure which to book?
