Quetzaltenango
Incorporated into a late-19th-century Xela house, Casa Seibel is cozy and comfortable. Set around two plant-filled courtyards, its dorms and private rooms…
Must-see hotels in Central America
The Pacific Slope
This 'surf and lifestyle' hotel was on the cusp of opening when we visited, and it looked a treat. Designed by the architect owner, it has a selection of…
Central Valley & Highlands
A birdwatcher's paradise, this 10-sq-km reserve straddles an important wilderness corridor between Parque Nacional Volcán Poás and Parque Nacional Juan…
Playa Tamarindo
Although it’s only 200m from the beach, this establishment is an oasis of serenity in an otherwise frenzied town – it’s also one of the best deals around…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
There are comfortable, private cabañas and more luxurious digs, but the best deal at this surfers' lodge is the open-air rancho, with a tin roof and…
Lago de Atitlán
This retreat a bit west of the main dock consists of large, simply furnished cabins at various levels of a florally abundant hillside, all with hammock…
The Road to Chirripó
A hillside hacienda overlooking the lush Valle de General, this Auberge Resort consists of self-contained casitas (cottages) and suites, their decor…
Chichicastenango
Founded in 1932, the inn today encompasses several restored colonial houses on either side of 8a Calle. The courtyards are planted with tropical flora and…
Península de Nicoya
Along the road from Avellanas, this low-key and inviting place has a rambling collection of colorful cabins on stilts, and is highly popular with surfers…
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
This biological reserve is an education center rather than a tourist facility, aimed at those wanting to learn about the importance of various tropical…
Península de Nicoya
This bougainvillea- and palm-dappled lodge is a sweet retreat. Spacious rooms are fitted with unique design touches, such as beamed ceilings and wrought…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
A simply stunning boutique property etched into the wooded hillside above Mal País. Standard rooms are all-wood garden cottages, decked out with African…
Arenal & Around
The sound of the rushing river will lull you to sleep at this intimate B&B on the banks of the Río Cote. This gorgeous property is designed for total…
Isla Bastimentos
These stylish over-the-water bungalows offer a charming retreat right on the fringe of Old Bank. Their boardwalks lead straight into a mangrove reserve…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
On the edge of the Bosque Eterno de los Niños in Monteverde, this place is a pleasant surprise. Wooden duplex solar-powered cabins are surrounded by…
Northwestern Costa Rica
The feisty Dutch couple here offers three Spanish-tiled, wood-walled rooms. Alternatively, bed down in the camping area, where there are a few furnished…
Península de Nicoya
Thoughtfully designed, these stunning casitas are oases of tranquility and balance, with private teak terraces, polished-concrete floors, indoor greenery,…
Península de Nicoya
These stylish, minimalist digs upstairs from the cafe have polished-concrete floors, elevated beds dressed with colorful bedspreads, and other artistic…
El Petén
Built in time for the dawn of the new baktún (a baktún equals about four centuries) of the Maya calendar (in 2012) is this glitzy addition to the Gringo…
Tortuguero Village
Reached by an Indiana Jones–style boating adventure, this isolated lodge – surrounded by 70 hectares of tropical gardens and rainforest – is flanked by…
Playa Sámara
These four stilted tree houses and two poolside bungalows for grown-ups are so appealing that you might not want to leave. Fully equipped kitchens in most…
Quiché
Behind the elaborate facade is a neat, modern hotel with fountains in the courtyard and elaborate paintings of nebajenses in fiesta wear. Rooms on three…
Playa Tamarindo
Here's a romantic getaway for adults only, and it helps to like dogs (there are three sweet rescues on the property). Slick modern rooms on the recently…
Southern Caribbean
Eleven spacious but dark thatch-roofed bungalows are brightened up by colorful linens at this charming inn set on landscaped jungle grounds. Nice details…
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Removed from town, this romantic hotel sits astride a blissfully tranquil black-sand beach. Jungle-chic decor (white linens, mosquito nets, bromeliads in…
Antigua
Within stumbling distance of plenty of cafes and restaurants, El Hostal is a super-relaxed budget option with a hint of colonial style. Set around a…
San Juan Del Sur
With sweeping bay views and fairly fabulous villas featuring hacienda-style furnishings, kitchens, terraces and satellite TV, this resort is the best in…
Panamá Province
Isla San José has 57 tan-sand beaches, nine year-round rivers and seven accessible waterfalls – and Hacienda del Mar has them all to itself. Its 17 stand…
Cahuita
Just outside the national-park entrance, sloths and caimans linger. Draw closer and find five graceful wood cabinas, some with new bathrooms, that have…
Península de Nicoya
An artistic vibe pervades this chilled-out lodging, built around the trees on the northern edge of Brasilito. The comfortable guest rooms feature…
Isla Bastimentos
Fans of Al Natural Resort who prefer conventional lodgings can book spacious lofts in this gorgeous hardwood villa further down the beach. There's screens…
Bahía Drake
On the east side of the Río Agujitas, this swanky lodge offers spacious bungalows with cathedral ceilings and private decks with expansive ocean views…
León & Northwestern Nicaragua
At this popular and professionally run beachfront surf camp, managed by AST Adventures in California, serious surfers book all-inclusive packages that…
Cahuita
In a peaceful garden setting, just inland down a side road between Cahuita and Playa Negra, you'll find this charming cluster of four spotless wood cabins…
Southwestern Nicaragua
Arte-Sano's infinity pool overlooks Playa Marsella from its lofty hilltop location. Bold contemporary artworks, painted cattle skulls and exquisite…
Playa Tamarindo
Shaded by palms, these teak, stilted bungalows feel like a luxurious retreat. In each one, the raised living quarters are rich yet rustic, while the area…
Central Valley & Highlands
Set in tropical gardens and replete with intricate woodwork, hand-painted floor tiles and quirky art, this 12-room guesthouse lures travelers with its…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
Observe traditional farm life, hike the trails to spot birds and monkeys or just swing in a hammock and watch the show in the sky. There are nine…
Central Valley & Highlands
With trout-filled lakes, a system of thermal waters (including a hot-spring swimming pool) and 2km of hiking trails, this picturesque mountain resort is a…
Caye Caulker
Sun-yellow stucco buildings shaded by thatched-palm roofs exude a tropical atmosphere at this beachfront beauty. The interior decor features desert colors…
