Must-see hotels in Costa Rica

  • Maquenque Eco-Lodge

    Arenal & Northern Lowlands

    Set on 80 glorious bird-filled hectares, 20 unique bungalows (including five gobsmacking tree houses) overlook a lagoon and tropical garden; additional…

  • Osa Jungle Hostel

    Puerto Jiménez

    Here is a supercool way for budget travelers to experience all the adventure and wildness of a jungle lodge without the hefty price tag. This property is…

  • Living Forest

    Arenal & Around

    Interior designer, massage therapist, yogi and free spirit: Johanna Harmala has combined these traits to create this inviting, inspiring retreat on the…

  • Finca Bellavista

    Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa

    Finca Bellevista is a 242-hectare community of arboreal abodes near Parque Nacional Piedras Blancas. Tree house and canopy dwellings are individually…

  • Casa Pampa

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    Possibly the best deal in all of Santa Teresa. The location is super convenient – surrounded by an overflowing garden, on a quiet road, yet still close to…

  • Drake Bay Getaway Resort

    Bahía Drake

    The five luxurious cabins in this glorious bluff-top location catch the breeze and expansive views of Drake Bay from private decks. The chef uses organic…

  • Camp Supertramp

    Playa Sámara

    Major move! Supertramp is now 8km southeast of Hojancha, beside the 350m Salto de Calvo waterfall, with mountain/ocean views. The list of things to love…

  • Rafiki Safari Lodge

    Quepos to Uvita

    The expat owners of Rafiki Safari Lodge have combined all the comforts of a hotel with the splendor of a jungle safari in a prime spot right by the Río…

  • Finca Rosa Blanca

    Central Valley & Highlands

    Set amid a stunning hillside organic coffee plantation 6km northwest of Barva, this honeymoon-ready, Gaudí-esque confection of suites and villas is…

  • Tierra Madre Eco Lodge

    Northwestern Costa Rica

    Totally worth the hour-long trip from La Cruz, this off-the-grid hilltop permaculture farm has views to Nicaragua and beyond. The farm's 65 hectares brim…

  • Chilamate Rainforest Eco Retreat

    Sarapiquí Valley

    Family-run and family-friendly, this inviting and innovative retreat is dedicated to protecting the environment and investing in community. Built on 20…

  • Hotel Villa Caletas

    Central Pacific Coast

    Although the views of the Pacific are amazing, what makes this bluff-top hotel truly unique is its architectural fusion, incorporating elements as varied…

  • Arenas del Mar

    Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around

    This visually arresting hotel and resort complex is consistently shortlisted among Costa Rica's finest upscale hotels. The earthy, luxury rooms with large…

  • Albergue El Socorro

    Sarapiquí Valley

    Albergue El Socorro is a small family finca, located 1000m above sea level on a plateau surrounded by a magnificent knife’s edge of green mountains,…

  • Selina Jacó

    Jacó

    Part of the Selina hostel empire, this latest edition was added in the fall of 2017 and has since become one of the best places to stay in town. It has a…

  • Rancho Naturalista

    Central Valley & Highlands

    About 1.3km south of Tuis and 900m above sea level, this small lodge on 50 hectares of land is a must-stay for birdwatchers. More than 450 species have…

  • Gaia Hotel & Nature Reserve

    Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around

    This luxurious retreat comprises immaculately furnished studios, terrace suites and three-story villas. It offers free nature tours for guests within its…

  • Caño Negro Natural Lodge

    Arenal & Northern Lowlands

    Perched on land that becomes a virtual island in the Río Frío during the rainy season, this lodge is surprisingly upscale. Well-appointed rooms have…

  • Flutterby House

    Uvita

    Is it possible to fall in love with a hostel? If so, this ramshackle collection of colorful Swiss Family Robinson–style tree houses and dorms has beguiled…

  • Punta Mona

    Southern Caribbean

    Accessible via a two-hour trek or a 15-minute boat ride, this 35-hectare organic farm and retreat 5km southeast of Manzanillo is a thriving experiment in…

  • La Cusinga

    Ojochal

    This lovely ecolodge has breezy wood-and-stone rooms and sustainable practices. It's also a relaxing place to unplug, with gorgeous sweeping ocean views…

  • Casitas Tenorio B&B

    Northwestern Costa Rica

    This sweet family-run farm has six spare but gracious casitas (cottages) surrounded by wildlife. Tico/Aussie couple Donald and Pip are committed to rural…

  • Hostel Siesta

    San José

    For pure positive energy, you won't find a nicer hostel in San José. Now under new ownership, this restful spot, in a hip area of Los Yoses just a block…

  • Hidden Canopy Treehouses

    Monteverde & Santa Elena

    The accommodations are perched on stilts (not in trees) but, goodness, everything else is perfect. Floor-to-ceiling windows encase this opulent forest…

  • Tree House Lodge

    Southern Caribbean

    Adventurers who like their lodgings whimsical will love these five open-air casitas, including a literal ‘tree house’ and the Casa Cristal two-storey…

  • Danta Corcovado Lodge

    To Corcovado via Puerto Jiménez

    Midway between the Los Patos Ranger Station and La Palma, this low-key lodge is a fantastic base to visit Corcovado and explore the surrounding forest…

  • Lagarta Lodge

    Nosara Area

    Completely transformed by a recent renovation, 'the Lizard' now offers 26 stunning suites overlooking the ocean and rivers, at the northern end of Pelada…

  • Peace Lodge

    Central Valley & Highlands

    Feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale at this over-the-top lodge, with its exquisite villas boasting majestic valley views, fireplaces, private decks…

  • Rancho Margot

    Arenal & Around

    Part resort lodge, part organic farm, Rancho Margot is 61 hectares of cinematic loveliness, set along the rushing Río Caño Negro and surrounded by…

  • Montaña Linda

    Central Valley & Highlands

    A short walk southwest of Orosi's bus stop, this welcoming, chilled-out budget option has three tidy dorms and private rooms with twins, doubles or a…

  • Chira

    Monteverde & Santa Elena

    An imaginative treetop glamping experience involving geodesic dome tents on platforms overlooking the cloud forest. Kids will love the family tents, which…

  • Casa Mariposa

    The Road to Chirripó

    Just 50m from the Chirripó trailhead, this adorable hostel is built into the side of the mountain and is characterized by the warmth and knowledge of…

  • La Ceiba Tree Lodge

    Arenal & Around

    About 22km west of the dam, this lovely, laid-back lodge overlooks a magnificent 58m ceiba tree. Seven spacious Spanish-tile rooms are hung with original…

  • Iguana Lodge

    Puerto Jiménez

    Here are the most architecturally alluring cabins in the area: two-story bungalows with breezy decks, bamboo furniture, orthopedic beds draped in mosquito…

  • Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge

    The Road to Chirripó

    The most elegant place in San Gerardo, this upscale lodge consists of lovely stucco bungalows with colorful Colombian architectural accents. The leather…

  • Rancho Armadillo

    Playas del Coco

    Near the entrance to town, this private estate is on a hillside about 600m off the main road (mostly paved), with ocean views to remind you where you are…

  • Hotel Presidente

    San José

    This formerly drab hotel is now a glorious boutique stay, right on Avenida Central. The lobby offers tons of inlaid brick and antique adornments, and a…

  • Hotel Grano de Oro

    San José

    It's easy to see why honeymooners love it here. Built around a sprawling early 20th-century Victorian mansion, this elegant inn has 39 demure ‘Tropical…

  • Alby Lodge

    Cahuita

    This fine lodge on the edge of the park has spacious landscaped grounds that attract howler monkeys and birds. Four palm-thatched, raised bungalows (two…

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