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, 1,465 reviews
Superb · 1,465 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, 1,128 reviews
Superb · 1,128 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, 1,135 reviews
Exceptional · 1,135 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, 1,720 reviews
Superb · 1,720 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, 1,232 reviews
Superb · 1,232 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, 2,201 reviews
Superb · 2,201 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, 46 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
Highlights:
Calm and beautiful setting
The most friendly and down to earth hosts
Breakfast of the highest quality
Tastefully decorated rooms
Beautiful music in reception
Sakura the resident dog
Good parking
Swimming pool
Nearby access to great beaches
Good restaurants nearby
From the moment you arrive at Colina Secreto you are in a peaceful laid back setting. Greeted by Isabella and Sakura you can get the sense of pride these owners have for their forest retreat.
The rooms are cleverly spaced on the hillside to offer each their own privacy.
All rooms are styled on literary figures such as Verne, Hemingway and Kipling etc and you will find a selection of the authors books and related memorabilia which adds to the uniqueness and intrigue.
The large deck outside each room offers a window to the surrounding jungle, a perfect place to sit any time of the day to enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest.
Waking up to the sounds of the monkeys and having a late night open-air shower under the stars are selling points most hotels cannot claim!
Breakfast here is worth the price of the room on its own.
Laid out on antique furniture on the terrace you are treated to a selection of coffees, fresh fruit, homemade bread and sweet cakes, lemon water and a savoury hot dish that changes each morning.
From the efficient yet unhurried service to the white linen napkins, every detail of breakfast is exquisite.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.8
9.8
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 419 reviews
Hotel Huacas features accommodation in Huacas. There is a year-round outdoor pool and guests can make use of free WiFi and free private parking.
Guest review
The apartments were clean and comfortable, good internet and amazing owners, that took great care of us. Super tasty breakfast and great atmosphere. Also great value for money, considering how nice the room was.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.8
9.8
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 29 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
- AMAZING VIEWS
- impeccably clean
- friendly and helful staff
- very quiet
You can’t miss their Pina Coladas - absolutely delicious!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.8
9.8
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 79 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, 108 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
The place is beautiful, has nice and clean apartments with amazing breakfast served. We spent a lot of time in the pool, watching the hummingbirds of the garden. The owners are super nice and helpful!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 257 reviews
Located in Platanal, 33 km from La Fortuna Waterfall, Contenedores Boutique Hotel provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a terrace.
Guest review
I particularly liked the location and the uniqueness of this accommodation. It is very modern and very clean and the terrace provides great views of the countryside. The remoteness gave privacy but you will need transport to get there and about. There is a restaurant within walking distance that provides food and entertainment. The staff are very friendly and informative and gave great advice and i wish this new venture every success in the future.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
9.5
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 22 reviews
Set in Pavones, less than 1 km from Playa Pavones, Casa de STOKE 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, 31 reviews
Set within less than 1 km of Nauyaca Waterfalls and 18 km of Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, Luxury Apartments Nauyaca by Paradiselodge offers rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in...
Guest review
Beautiful location and settings in lush tranquil gardens full of birdlife. Great facilities and delicious breakfasts
Fritz, Annette and their team are wonderful hosts and create a relaxed family atmosphere
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.8
9.8
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 135 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
Outstanding experience! The service was absolutely excellent and the hotel exceeded all of our expectations. Every detail was thoughtfully taken care of, and the atmosphere was simply amazing. We truly loved our stay at Nayara Gardens and would highly recommend it. We can’t wait to come back!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 262 reviews
Exceptional · 262 reviews
From US$773 per night
Most booked hotels in Costa Rica in the past month
We have more than 70 million property reviews, and they're all from real, verified guests.
How does it work?
1
It starts with a booking
It starts with a booking
The only way to leave a review is to first make a booking. That's how we know our reviews come from real guests who have stayed at the property.
2
Followed by a trip
Followed by a trip
When guests stay at the property they check out how quiet the room is, how friendly the staff are and more.
3
And finally, a review
And finally, a review
After their trip, guests tell us about their stay. We check for naughty words and verify the authenticity of all guest reviews before adding them to our site.
If you booked through us and want to leave a review, please sign in first.
