Playa Tamarindo
A whitewashed, concrete villa with weathered louvered accents, this contemporary B&B overlooks a plunge pool and two tennis courts. It's within earshot of…
Must-see hotels in Costa Rica
Playa Sámara
A lovely little guesthouse tucked in behind the restaurant Ahora Sí. Four simple rooms and a shared dorm are brushed in deep blues and inviting pastels,…
Cahuita
Well-spaced campsites share a gorgeous section of waterfront near the northern end of Playa Negra, shaded by coconut palms and fruit trees. Campers have…
Central Pacific Coast
Sandwiched between a mangrove-lined canal and a jungle-fringed, chocolate-sand beach, this is one secluded stretch of paradise. Twelve comfortable private…
Península de Nicoya
On the beach side of the plaza, this basic hotel offers simple, clean rooms with wood floors and ceiling fans, lined up along a wide balcony. Sea-view…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
Downstairs it looks like a friendly restaurant, but it’s actually a crowded communal kitchen, where happy travelers prepare and share meals. Upstairs it…
Península de Nicoya
Luxury at Hotel Sugar Beach is simple and understated: floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies and stunning views are just a few of the upsides,…
Central Valley & Highlands
Run by a charming local family, this rustic lodge and farm 3km below the park entrance is the closest accommodation to Poás. Hillside log cabinas offer…
Arenal & Around
Set amid a blooming, bird-filled garden in Tronadora, here you’ll find a handful of comfy cabinas, each with high ceilings, polished concrete floors,…
San José
In a quiet area of San Rafael, this yellow-and-turquoise Cape Cod–style house (complete with picket fence) has five immaculate, individually decorated…
Cahuita
Eleven immaculate whitewashed bungalows have queen-size beds and folk-art decor at this serene family-friendly lodge (cribs available). All units have…
San José
This homey stone inn is surrounded by gardens that contain a hot tub, fireplace, a mosaic-tiled swimming pool, a BBQ area and a sundeck with wi-fi…
La Fortuna
With all the budget ‘resorts’ in town, it’s refreshing to find a charming, old-fashioned, family-run inn, where facilities are basic but staff are always…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
These charming stilted bungalows are built along a forest-covered hillside, each with a huge veranda with hammocks. Though they're definitely on the…
Cahuita
In a shady, peaceful spot bordering the national park, great-tailed grackles roam the landscaped gardens of this lodge offering cute one- and two-room…
Central Valley & Highlands
Well-maintained rooms surround a lush, plant-filled courtyard at this pleasant inn, 400m north of the church. Rooms are somewhat baroque-looking,…
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
This 4.5-hectare farm is full of wildlife and fruit trees, with a lookout at the top of a hill. A sweet duplex with comfortable tiled cabins has a terrace…
Península de Nicoya
A great guesthouse with only five upgraded rooms and a more spacious and stylish treehouse apartment. Guests spend most of their time in the exquisite…
San José
This graceful Mediterranean-style villa has 23 whitewashed rooms decked out in terracotta tiles, contemporary wood furnishings and expansive bathrooms…
Playa Tamarindo
It's hard to resist this fun, funky yellow house backing up to the beach. Upon arrival, ebullient Cindy will greet you with a shot of tequila or a slab of…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
Just 2km from the Monteverde reserve, this friendly place has nice rooms with stained-wood walls, terracotta floors, writing desks and beamed ceilings,…
Península de Nicoya
The quaint cabinas here are set around a gorgeous tropical garden teeming with hummingbirds, butterflies and parakeets. Simple rooms have freshly painted…
San José
This popular hostel has 19 basic but clean dormitories and 14 private rooms (no bathroom) surrounding a spacious hammock-filled garden and a free-form…
San José
Impeccably maintained, this century-old, bright-pink Victorian mansion houses 30 spotless wood-paneled rooms with firm beds, ceiling fans and wicker…
Central Valley & Highlands
The most attractive option you'll find near the airport landing strip, this hacienda-style country inn surrounded by an acre of jungle has terracotta…
La Fortuna
The old Bromelia Hotel, right off the main square, features two dozen smart rooms, most with terraces overlooking the pool. You might not want a room…
Playa Sámara
A terrific-value hostel a block from the beach, with private rooms (shared bathrooms) in the main house and cozy dorm rooms (sleeping four or six) in the…
Caribbean Coast
Since 1987 the Asociación para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Región Atlántica has worked in building sustainable tourism here. Now they've developed a…
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
A spine-tingling boat ride takes you to this luxurious lodge on 175 hectares of rainforest bordering Parque Nacional Corcovado. Each bungalow is tucked…
Nosara Area
It's a 700m hike to the beach, but that's the only complaint about this spot in the woods. A stone path winds through the trees, connecting units made…
Quepos to Uvita
On the San Isidro road, this spiritual retreat is located beside a series of cascading waterfalls. Balinese-style suites and villas are decked out from…
Northwestern Costa Rica
Get off the beaten track at this rustic getaway resting on the lip of a wooded ravine near the Ecomuseo. The 10 wooden rooms aren’t fancy but are very…
Uvita
Right next to Flutterby House, this funky little newcomer offers four A-frame cabin hideaways with big windows. Surrounded by a lush garden, each comes…
Península de Nicoya
Midway between Carrillo and Sámara, this attractive whitewashed place is noteworthy for its super service and intimate atmosphere. A dozen spacious tiled…
The Road to Chirripó
Hemmed in by cloud forest and with the Río Savegre crossing the property, Trogon Lodge is home to over 190 bird species, including that feathered prize –…
To Corcovado via Puerto Jiménez
The enchanted life, indeed. Lodging is in romantic, wood-beamed casitas, all equipped with breezy verandas overlooking the jungle-clad backdrop. Howlers…
Montezuma
This hillside hotel has 16 stained-wood cabinas, some with stone bathrooms, wide balconies and ocean views. The grounds are landscaped with tropical…
Quepos to Uvita
At the northern end of the beach is this attractive psychedelic building painted purple with rainbow-colored banisters and beach art on the walls…
Península de Nicoya
This colorful castle, decked out with crenellated walls and carved masks, is just 400m from the beach, offering panoramic views from its rooftop bar. Take…
To Corcovado via Puerto Jiménez
Lots of love has gone into this tiny clutch of four cabinas on the northern shores of Golfo Dulce. They are all decked out with polished wood floors and…
