Where to Stay in Costa Rica 2024
Last Updated on October 27, 2024
For those wondering where to stay in Costa Rica, here is a complete guide on the best areas and best places to stay in Costa Rica for different budgets.
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse and environmentally conscious countries we’ve ever been. Despite receiving around 1.7 million tourists each year, Costa Rica has done such a great job in ensuring that tourism here is sustainable and beneficial to local communities.
There’s no shortage of interesting and affordable accommodation in Costa Rica: from unique eco lodges to treehouses, family-friendly beach resorts to funky surf hotels. I have done plenty of research and we have stayed at most of these hotels, so you can trust me on this! Whether you’re interested in staying at a simple beach shack or renting a villa staffed with chefs, here are some of the best places to stay in Costa Rica.
Table of Contents
- Where to Stay in Costa Rica
Where to Stay in Costa Rica
Best Places to Stay in Costa Rica
San Jose: Where to Stay in Costa Rica for Culture Buffs
Your journey will most likely begin in San Jose, as the international airport is the main gateway into the country. Most people head straight for the mountains or coast as nature is Costa Rica’s biggest appeal.
But I recommend spending at least two days in San Jose to get an introduction to Costa Rica and just get your bearings. There are quite a few museums and theaters worth visiting. Uber is a cheap and easy way to get around the city.
If you’re not interested in urban adventures, I suggest staying near the airport to rest before starting your road trip around Costa Rica (Scroll to bottom for airport stays!).
Things to Do in San Jose
- The Costa Rica national theater is a landmark in San Jose and worth visiting. Take a tour to learn about the theater and see the stunning architecture or watch a performance.
- Head to the Museo del Oro Precolombino (Pre-Columbian Gold Museum). Home to more than 1,600 artifacts of Pre-Columbian gold from 500 A.D., this museum’s impressive collection is well worth a visit.
- Hop over to Plaza de la Cultura, home to two other currency-related museums, the National Coin Museum, which has a collection dating back to 1236, and the Casa de Moneda that shows the history of minting in Costa Rica.
Suggested Tours in San Jose
Best Places to Stay in San Jose
Budget: Hostel Urbano
A funky and tastefully-designed option for those who are on a budget. The modern hostel is big and spacious, with dorm beds, private rooms and even family rooms with bunk beds. It’s located on a hilltop with nice views of the city but just a 15-minute walk from the National museum. We particularly like the hip furnishing and the comfortable lounge areas.
Midrange: Hotel Presidente San Jose City Center
Housed in a colorful and eclectic building, this modern hotel stands right in the heart of San Jose, steps from the National Theater and Plaza de la Cultura. It’s perfect for families who want to explore San Jose and be right in the action. You’re literally surrounded by restaurants and shops, making it convenient to walk everywhere.
Luxury: Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection By Hilton
This iconic landmark hotel is the only hotel in San Jose declared by the government as a historical and architectural monument. Renovated in 2016, the historical hotel now has a fresh new look, with sophisticated furnishing and the most advanced technology. Located in the heart of San Jose, it is surrounded by national museums, plazas and walking boulevards.
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How to Get Around Costa Rica
Renting a car is easily the best way to travel around Costa Rica. Even if you intend to take domestic flights, you can get long term parking at the airport to keep your rental car safe. Having your own wheels lets you travel independently, at your own pace.
We booked our car rental on Discover Car Hire and paid around US$160 for one week of rental and a baby seat. The car hire company had excellent services and provided transfers in/out to the airport.
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Arenal Volcano: Where to Stay in Costa Rica for Adventure Seekers
The famous Arenal Volcano is a three-hour drive from San Jose and the drive is considered one of the best road trips in Costa Rica. Towering at 1,670m high, the peak of Arenal Volcano is easily one of the most impressive sights of the whole country. There’s no shortage of adventurous things to do in Arenal, from canyoning to ziplining and whitewater rafting.
Arenal may be one of the best areas to stay in Costa Rica for active families, but it’s also the most popular and expensive area in Costa Rica. Just be aware of that and plan your Costa Rica family vacation accordingly.
If you only have one week in Costa Rica, I recommend basing yourselves here and spending your time exploring the area and doing day trips.
Things to Do in Arenal
- Go on a hike in the national park to see the lava rocks and trails from the big eruption. We booked this 4-hour interpretive hike that included a stop at a hot spring bath, and really enjoyed it.
- Do a zipline tour with Sky Adventures. You’ll be soaring over the tree canopy at 600 feet high, so expect spectacular views of Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano. This combination package (zipline, sky tram and sky walk) costs $120 for adults and $60 for kids.
- Relax and wind down at one of the many hot springs dotted around La Fortuna. Many hotels and resorts have their own hot springs with day passes available. Some of the most well known ones are the Springs, Tabacon, and Baldi.
- You can also combine a hot spring visit with a Maleku indigenous experience — check details here!
Suggested Tours in Arenal
Best Places to Stay in Arenal
Budget: Arenal Backpackers Resort
Located close to the town of La Fortuna, this resort offers excellent value for money. There’s a large swimming pool and hammocks everywhere, plus stylish tents with beds that are comfortable and cool. Food is excellent, plus you get unobstructed views of the volcano from the resort.
Midrange: Arenal Observatory Lodge
The only hotel actually in the national park with the closet view of the volcano. Surrounded by 860 private acres of tropical rainforest, the hotel features an on-site bird sanctuary that has around 500 different species of birds. The lodge also has an on-site lake, a swimming pool, a sun terrace and games room. There’s seriously so much you can do here without leaving the lodge.
Luxury: The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
The Springs Resort is possibly the most famous hotel in the Arenal area and voted as the best place to stay in Costa Arena on TripAdvisor for many years running. It’s an iconic landmark and an established property with its own private hot springs and stunning, unobstructed view of the volcano. Every room has a jacuzzi and big spacious lounge area, suitable for honeymooners looking for a special experience. You’ll get free access to the hot springs, which on its own already costs close to $100.
Adults Only: Nayara Springs
One of the very few adults-only resorts in Arenal, Nayara Springs is an exclusive and upscale boutique hotel surrounded by tropical rainforest. Each luxurious suite here features a private thermal pool and includes romantic contemporary décor. The massive villas also include a seating area with views of the rainforest. It’s a 20-minute drive to the Arenal National Park.
Family: Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
Those traveling Costa Rica with kids should check out Hotel Los Lagos, highly rated on several websites as the most family-friendly resort in Arenal. It features a natural hot spring, swimming pool with slides and scenic volcano views. The shallow kids’ pool is safe for toddlers and infants. Family rooms are spacious, and there’s plenty of greenery in the property for kids to run around.
Monteverde Cloud Forests: Where to Stay in Costa Rica for Hikers
Monteverde is most famous for the spectacular tropical cloud forests. As these forests sit from 1500 meters and more above sea level, the vegetation is completely different as the rainforests you’ll find elsewhere in the country.
Even though it looks very close to Arenal on the map, it’s a three-hour drive on steep and unpaved roads. Base yourself in the town of Santa Elena, the only hub in Monteverde. The town has plenty of charming cafes and vegan restaurants. It’s the best area to stay in Costa Rica if you want to be immersed in nature without the crowd.
Things to Do in Monteverde
- There are actually three cloud forest reserves in Monteverde: Monteverde, Santa Elena and Children’s Eternal Rain Forest. I recommend the Santa Elena Reserve as it’s less crowded, higher in elevation, more mossy and cloudy. We didn’t see a single soul during our walk and we had the sensation of walking through a fairytale!
- Walk on the hanging bridges of Sky Adventures Monteverde. This is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica with kids since the hanging bridges aren’t too long and give kids the chance to see wildlife. A walk on the bridges, along with ziplining and sky tram, costs US$120 per adult and $60 for kids. Book your tickets here!
- If you want to see wildlife, sign up for a nocturnal hike in the private Curi Cancha Reserve. The hike runs everyday from 5.30 to 7.30pm for $20 per person. Curi Cancha Reserve is said to be the best place to see wildlife in Monteverde.
Suggested Tours in Monteverde
Best Places to Stay in Monteverde
Budget: Casa Campo Verde
We loved this family-run lodge just a 10-minute drive from the centre of Santa Elena town. It’s great value for money, plus the view of the cloud forest from the second-floor guest room is fantastic. You are literally surrounded by the lush cloud forests here and it’s great waking up to the sounds of bird chirping outside your window.
Midrange: Monteverde Country Lodge
Located close to the cloud forest of Monteverde, this eco-friendly hotel offers rustic wooden cabin-style rooms surrounded by lush gardens. Guests of Monteverde Country Lodge enjoy free access to facilities at Hotel Poco a Poco, including an indoor pool, gym, hot tub and kids’ club. It’s an affordable choice for those who want to experience staying in the jungle.
Luxury: Hotel Aguti Lodge & Reserve
Located right inside a private reserve, this stylish yet rustic hotel is a magical place poised on a hilltop overlooking the clouds forests. There are hiking trails all around the reserve where you’ll find animals like howler monkeys, aguti and the resplendent quetzal. You’ll be able to experience sleeping in the jungle without sacrificing comfort.
Couples: Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
There aren’t any adults-only hotel in Monteverde, but this is probably the most romantic place to stay at in Monteverde. The beautiful lodge is tastefully put together, with a rustic setting and wooden-cabin design. It also has a heated outdoor pool (that few hotels in Monteverde have), an extensive garden and an indoor butterfly garden. Another property that’s considered one of the best places to stay in Costa Rica.
Family: Senda Monteverde Hotel
Due to Monteverde’s location in the mountains, most hotels here small-scale forest lodges with wooden cabins. Senda Monteverde Hotel is a relatively family-friendly place that sprawls across a large forested area with big refurbished bungalows. All suites at the hotel are equipped with a seating area and sofa bed (good for kids) and some have balcony. We definitely liked how polished and comfortable the bungalows are.
Manuel Antonio: Where to Stay in Costa Rica for Wildlife Lovers
Wildlife lovers should definitely head to Manuel Antonio National Park on the central Pacific coast, just a three-hour drive from San Jose. This is where the rainforest meets the ocean, and where many of the country’s unique animals live.
It’s renowned for its vast diversity of tropical plants and wildlife, from three-toed sloths and endangered white-faced capuchin monkeys to hundreds of bird species.
If you really want to see a sloth in Costa Rica, this is one of the best places to see them.
Things to Do in Manuel Antonio
- Hike the trails in the national park. The main trail is a 1.3-mile flat, sandy trail that links the park’s beaches. This trail is perfect for travelers of all ages. Another more challenging trail is Punta Catedral, a beautiful 0.9-mile loop trail of moderate difficulty and some steep inclines.
- Relax on the beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park. Be warned though, they can be crowded. If you’re looking for a quiet spot, check out Playa Biesanz. The hike is very rocky so wear water shoes or closed toed sandals.
- Visit the Kids Saving the Rainforest sanctuary, founded by two 9 year old girls in 1999 to rescue and rehabilitate animals in the area. A tour of the sanctuary costs $60 for adults and $45 for children under 12 with transportation included.
Suggested Tours in Manuel Antonio
Best Places to Stay in Manuel Antonio
Budget: Millenium Hostels Manuel Antonio
This is definitely the best budget option in Manuel Antonio considering how stylish and cool the rooms are in relation to their price. Their rooms range from dorm beds to spacious family rooms with two king beds. The hostel has an excellent location just walking distance from the entrance of the national park.
Midrange: El Faro Beach Hotel
This unique hotel is Costa Rica’s only hotel made of container! Rooms are on the small end, but they all feature minimalistic and stylish designs. The ocean view suites even have unobstructed view of the Pacific coast. Located just 50m from the entrance of the national park, the hotel has an infinity pool that also has spectacular sea view. Check the latest rates.
Luxury: Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Lauded as the best hotel in Manuel Antonio, this five-star rainforest resort has a private beach area, and is a 15-minute walk from the quiet Playa Biesanz. The resort is tucked within the forest but it’s very modern and slick. The oceanview suite has outstanding views as well as an open-air jacuzzi.
Adults Only: Makanda by the Sea Hotel
With outstanding designs and avant-garde style, the Makanda by The Sea Hotel is an Adults Only hotel suitable for the honeymooners or couples looking for some romance. It’s very modern yet tastefully designed, with huge suites featuring outdoor showers and hot tubs, and even villas with private pools.
Family: Si Como no Resort & Wildlife Refuge
An excellent hotel for families and those who like to immerse in nature, this resort has gorgeous views of the forest and Pacific Ocean. It may be perched on a hilltop but it’s just a five-minute drive to the beach. The resort has a cinema, spa, hot tub and 2 outdoor pools with a waterslides and a swim-up bar. The best feature of the hotel is its private wildlife reserve filled with frogs, insects and other animals.
Tamarindo Beach: Where to Stay in Costa Rica for Surfers
Tamarindo is probably the most famous beach in Costa Rica and it’s easy to see why once you’re here. It’s an excellent spot for those who love surfing and the town is lined with cool bars, surf shops and excellent restaurants. The area is also very popular for Costa Rica family vacations thanks to the kid-friendly resorts here. But it’s called “Tamagringo” for a reason: the beach can get very crowded at peak season.
There are plenty of beaches that are much quieter and calmer south of Tamarindo. We stayed near Playa Lagartillo, just 30 minutes away and yet a world away. It’s absolutely wild and rugged, with very few people even on a public holiday. The nearby Playa Negra is also perfect for those who want some privacy.
Things to Do in Tamarindo
- Book a surfing lesson or simply rent a board from any of the surf shops in Tamarindo and brave the waves. A board rental costs around $20 for 24 hours and surf lessons cost around $50 for 2 hours. Iguana Surf has the best reviews on TripAdvisor.
- Take a wildlife boat trip in the estuary next to the beach and see crocodiles, howler monkeys and birds that live in the mangroves. You can also rent a kayak and get closer to the water.
- Go on a sunset sailing trip to experience the bay on a catamaran. On the way, you might have the chance to see dolphins, turtles or even whales during the right time of the year. Sunsets at Tamarindo are world famous, so you won’t want to miss this!
Suggested Tours in Tamarindo
Best Places to Stay in Tamarindo
Budget: Tee-K Lodge
An excellent value for money, this budget lodge is brand new, beautiful and well-priced, though it’s quite a distance from the beach. It’s suitable for those who have their own car and prefer value-for-money. Rooms are stylish and spacious, with gorgeous earth-colored furnishing.
Midrange: Drift Away Eco Lodge
Drift Away feels like an oasis in the midst of a jungle, with an empty and rugged beach steps away and Tamarindo a 20-minute drive away. We love the eco-friendly ethos of the lodge, which features locally-sourced furniture and natural products in their toiletries. We spent long days at their swimming pool, sipping smoothies and enjoying healthy local Costa Rican food. Read my review here.
Luxury: Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Located right on the Tamarindo Beach, this four-star resort is a big property with three swimming pools and a range of restaurants. It’s got an excellent location on the beach and steps from shops and restaurants in Tamarindo. This is a great option for those who like to be in the action and still have direct access to the beach.
Adults Only: JW Marriott Resort & Spa
Lauded as the most luxurious hotel in Tamarindo, this adults-only hotel is a five-star resort perfect for a romantic getaway. The hacienda-style resort has a lavish interior reminiscent of the Spanish colonial times. The hotel also features an award winning spa, a spectacular infinity pool, outdoor Jacuzzis, and biking and jogging trails.
Family: Occidental Tamarindo
Located on Playa Langosta Beach and next to Las Baulas National Park, Occidental Tamarindo is an all-inclusive resort with lots of family-friendly features. Within the resort is a playground, kids club, shallow kids pool and babysitting services. Each room offers Pacific Ocean views from its balcony, and even the basic rooms are big enough for families with one kid.
Puerto Viejo: Where to Stay in Costa Rica for Hippies
Located close to the border with Panama, this beach town is a laid back, hippie place with a distinctly Caribbean feel. With locals of both Afro-Caribbean and indigenous descent, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca offers a unique culture that can be found only in this part of Costa Rica.
This area is home to some of Cost Rica’s most beautiful beaches, lush jungle, and an array of restaurants and nightlife. It’s also one of the cheapest areas to travel, with more affordable accommodation than the Pacific coast.
Things to Do in Puerto Viejo
- Relax on the many beautiful turquoise beaches of Puerto Viejo. Playa Negra is a lovely black sand beach that is usually calm enough for swimming. Our favorite is Playa Punta Uva has clean ivory sand, spearmint water, and tall palms.
- Visit one of the several BriBri indigenous communities. Learn about their local customs, language, traditions, and methods of farming. We went with Terraventuras Travel and our tour included a chocolate-making experience where we got to try some of their sacred cacao drink.
- Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center, a wildlife rehabilitation center in Playa Chiquita. Guides will teach you all about the monkeys, sloths, parrots, and toucans that live here. The public tours cost $20 per person, children under 10 are free! No reservation needed for public tours. Book here your tour here.
Best Places to Stay in Puerto Viejo
Budget: Selina Puerto Viejo
An excellent choice for budget travelers, this cool surfer hostel has laid back vibes and a bohemian atmosphere. You can choose from clean dorm beds, cute tiny teepee tents (for two) or private double rooms that feature groovy wall art and hammocks in the balcony. There’s also a swimming pool and a funky bar where you can socialise with other solo travelers.
Midrange: Finca Chica
Oozing with rustic charm, Finca Chica is a gorgeous forest lodge featuring individual villas made up of polished wooden walls and well-crafted wooden furnishings. There is so much character here, reminding you that you are in Costa Rica. Each villas has a terrace, seating and dining area as well as a fully-equipped kitchen. Fantastic location near the beach and surrounded by the forest!
Luxury: Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel
Set in the beautiful tropical forest near Cocles Beach, Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel is a stylish, contemporary boutique hotel with a beach club, an outdoor swimming pool and a spa. The rooms have minimalist, white décor and terraces overlooking the forest. All accommodations have an iPod docking station, free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Plus it’s surprisingly affordable (we paid $120/night) considering the high quality accommodation.
Adults Only: Umami Hotel
Featuring an all-white design, this chic boutique hotel is small and intimate, perfect for the couples looking for some privacy. Rooms are swanky and lush at the same time, with clean lines and palm tree prints adding a touch of color to the room. Umami is brand new and stylish. It’s just a 5-minute walk from town, and yet it’s in a quiet area.
Family: Tree House Lodge
For a truly unique experience, you can’t miss the chance to stay at the quirky Tree House Lodge. Your kids will thank you for this! The tree house bungalow is built around a 100 year old plus Sangrillo tree, with an adventure room upstairs overlooking the forest and an air-conditioned room downstairs.
The lodge also has an American yellow bus that has been repurposed into a living area, which makes another interesting place to stay. But be prepared to pay quite a bit to stay here! This is voted one of the best places to stay in Costa Rica, for good reason.
Alajuela: Where to Stay in Costa Rica near the Airport
At the end of your Costa Rica trip, you might prefer to stay near the San Jose Airport to rest up before your flight home. The hotels in Alajuela are surprisingly cheap and they’re just a 5 or 10-minute drive to the airport.
You’ll also find that many car rental companies like Dollar and Hertz have their offices here. We stayed in this area a few times and definitely found it quite convenient.
Best Places to Stay in Alajuela
Luxury: Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
The best airport hotel is the Marriott, and it’s located next to Mango Plaza and Walmart. The hotel also provides complimentary transportation to and from the Juan Santamaria International Airport. Rooms are modern and huge, and extremely clean. The excellent breakfast service starts at 4:30 a.m, great for those who are setting off early!
Midrange: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
This is an excellent place to stay for those seeking somewhere comfortable and quiet without spending too much. The hotel has an excellent pool and spacious, comfortable rooms great for families. Definitely great value for money (we paid $60 for a night in a big family room)! We like the quiet area outside the hotel, as restaurants and shops are just steps away.
Budget: Mitamon Hostel Airport
The best budget option in the area is Mitamon, a stylish yet affordable place suitable for those on a budget. Besides the 8-bed dorm rooms, there are also quadruple rooms perfect for families. The hostel is a 3-minute drive from the airport ($2-3 on Uber).
Did we miss anything on this list of best places to stay in Costa Rica? Share in the comments field below!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!
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The Comments
Mary Zaxou
Nice post! Thanks for sharing!
Jessie
Thank you for the fabulously organized options! This is sooo helpful!!