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…
Must-see hotels in Costa Rica
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…
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…
Montezuma
This gem is situated about 2km north (and uphill) from Montezuma, in a colonial-style building surrounded by spectacular blooming gardens. Rooms are crisp…
Central Pacific Coast
On the same property as the elegant Villa Caletas, its over-the-top sibling takes the decadence to another level of luxury. At this marble palace, seven…
Playa Sámara
A hidden slice of heaven. Contemporary and classy, these bungalows have beds dressed in plush linens, artisanal carvings on the walls, private terraces…
San José
Decorated with beautiful mosaic tiles and a yard full of interesting art, this hotel run by an artsy family is set back from the busy street just far…
Central Valley & Highlands
A kilometer before the Parque Nacional Juan Castro Blanco entrance, this charming accommodation includes spotless rustic cabins, some with fireplaces and…
Northwestern Costa Rica
Five-star elegance, about 1.5km from the park gate. Huge, 90-sq-m thatched casitas (cottages) with wooden floors, pastel paintwork and antique furnishings…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
Escape from the dust and into this cozy, quiet boutique featuring just a few accommodations set before a relaxing pool and surrounded by tropical…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
This resurrected collection of bungalows has been freshened up with contemporary decor and local art, and surrounded by newly planted foliage. Add to that…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
Funny thing about the Rustic Lodge: it’s not that rustic. The tree-trunk posts and furnishings play along with the theme, but remodeled rooms are spotless…
San José
This longtime LGBTIQ-friendly hotel occupies a sprawling Key West–style complex in the elegant Rohrmoser district (northwest of La Sabana). Rooms and mini…
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Ten spacious rooms – two with air-con – decorated with varnished wood and shiny tiles surround a primly landscaped garden at the eastern end of town. The…
Tortuguero Village
In the heart of the village, with a spacious and delightful canal-side deck, this B&B owned by naturalist Daryl Loth is a convenient in-town option…
Cahuita
In Nigeria, Aché means ‘Amen,’ and you’ll likely say the same thing when you see these three spotless polished-wood bungalows nestled into a grassy yard…
Montezuma
Walk 15 minutes north along the beach to this lush property, complete with beautifully appointed cabinas and bungalows, and a palm-fringed swimming pool,…
Península de Nicoya
Hidden behind a bamboo fence, this stylish nest has eight elegantly understated rooms with stone-tile floors, rattan and wooden furnishings, and queen…
Tortuguero Village
This elegant lodge is set amid 20 serene hectares of private gardens, directly across the canal from Tortuguero's airstrip. The 27 demure rooms channel a…
Tortuguero Village
This tangerine-colored hostel on the south side of the soccer field has eight sparkling rooms and relaxing shared spaces surrounded by fruit trees. A new…
Playa Tamarindo
With a relaxed vibe, this congenial spot – aka 'the Bottle of Milk' – is recommended for its warm and attentive management, plus fully air-conditioned…
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
About 2km toward Punta Banco, this former surfer's haven has been turned into a luxurious four-room retreat, complete with maid service, fully stocked…
Península de Nicoya
Tucked between Montezuma and Cabuya, these tidy little chalets look like Lincoln log cabins in the tropics. They're equipped with living rooms, kitchens,…
Península de Nicoya
Perched on the sand at the southern end of the beach, this lovely all-suite hotel offers a stunning location. Guests relish the gorgeous gardens, private…
Playa Tamarindo
Simply exquisite, this boutique hotel is an oasis of serenity and beauty in the midst of Tamarindo chaos. Spacious cabaña suites are decorated in soothing…
La Fortuna
This lovely lodge about 5km west of town has 23 stand-alone cabins that are luxurious without being showy. The property’s pièce de résistance, though, is…
Cahuita
This pleasant B&B, only about 200m northwest of downtown Cahuita, is set in landscaped grounds dotted with easy chairs and hammocks. Demure bungalows have…
Playa Sámara
Brightly painted in citrus colors, El Cactus is a great option, especially for those who prefer serenity over revelry. Fresh rooms have wooden furniture,…
Sarapiquí Valley
Very basic but clean rooms equipped with twin beds, bathrooms, fans and balconies overlooking the forest. Prices include meals and two daily guided hikes…
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Charming owners keep these bungalows spotless. Some bungalows sit on the beach side, others in the garden across the road, 500m east of town toward Playa…
Montezuma
On the northern edge of town on a hilltop overlooking the sea, this budget option is delightful. The 15 rooms and two dorms are simple but stylish,…
Cahuita
This tidy budget place just around the corner from Kelly Creek ranger station offers nine simple rooms with mosquito nets and hot showers; five units that…
Caribbean Coast
In San Juan de Nicaragua, this ecolodge has 27 spacious polished-wood cabins, a restaurant and a bar. Fishing is the forte, but you can also go hiking or…
Ojochal
This stylish French-owned complex of boutique villas is the chicest option in town. Immaculate units are centered around a pool. Each comes with a kitchen…
Tortuguero Village
Cute rooms with rustic touches, fans and hot showers surround a lovely garden at this family-run spot. Sit back and relax in one of the hammocks and watch…
Playa Sámara
An inviting little Swiss-owned lodge on the edge of town. Eight spotless rooms feature tropical decor, with stained-wood furniture, tiled floors and bold…
Central Valley & Highlands
This cozy hostel, with wooden floors and a friendly ambiance, feels instantly welcoming. Located on the northern side of Parque Central, it has eight…
