Península de Nicoya
It's not too fancy at Indra Inn, but the grounds are blooming with fruit trees and hung with hammocks. Rooms are freshly updated (the old bar has been…
Must-see hotels in Costa Rica
San José
This Barrio Aranjuez hotel consists of five nicely maintained vintage homes, strung together with a labyrinth of gardens and connecting walkways. The 35…
Sarapiquí Valley
About 2km north of La Virgen, this ecolodge offers bat-proof lighting and an education in environmental conservation and pre-Columbian culture. Modeled…
Central Valley & Highlands
Set on four beautiful hectares about 6km outside town, this top hotel is surrounded by an expansive, well-manicured garden dotted with old trees, orchids,…
Room 2 Board Hostel & Surf School
Jacó
In a modern white-and-green complex a few minutes' walk from the beach, this hostel is spacious and professionally run. It has a buzzy pool-side cafe,…
To Corcovado via Puerto Jiménez
A steep road crisscrosses the Río Carate and up the valley to this enchanting mountain retreat on the border of Parque Nacional Corcovado. Accommodations…
Tirimbina Rainforest Center & Lodge
Sarapiquí Valley
Situated 2km from La Virgen, this is a working environmental research and education center. The spacious accommodations are located at the lodge or at a…
Península de Nicoya
Casa Surf looks a bit tired but still tropical, with a bamboo exterior and palm-thatched roof. Inside, you'll find simple, clean rooms – brightly painted…
Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal
High on the Arenal slopes, this sprawling lodge is the only accommodation in the national park. Rooms range from La Casona’s rustic doubles without…
Northwestern Costa Rica
Flanked by a roaring river and tucked into the trees on the volcano slope, this isolated lodge is also a working cattle ranch. Cabins are rustic and…
San José
This industrial-strength hostel – 25 dorm beds, 25 private rooms, and five cushy suites – has been a popular twentysomething backpacker hangout for years…
Península de Nicoya
Run by a couple of adventuresome Norwegians, this fishing lodge has a Swiss Family Robinson vibe in its jungle lodge and private bungalow, both tucked…
The Road to Chirripó
This aptly named lodge features a panoramic view from its charming reception area and restaurant, which serves local specialties such as fried trout…
Uvita
About 7km south of Uvita, surrounded by 12 hectares of private nature reserve and with sweet views of the coast from its hillside location, this blue and…
Central Pacific Coast
Formerly the Double Tree Resort by Hilton Central Pacific, this all-inclusive, family-friendly resort comes with four restaurants, seven bars and an…
Jacó
Situated in the foothills across the highway, ‘Twelve Moons’ is a heavenly mountain retreat consisting of only 20 rooms sheltered in a pristine landscape…
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
Esquinas consists of 16 spacious, high-ceilinged, fan-cooled cabins with indigenous textiles on the walls. The lodge’s extensive grounds include…
Central Pacific Coast
Located on a 500-acre private reserve, comprising both secondary rainforest and tropical gardens, this eco-resort offers 70 rooms housed in an attractive…
Arenal & Northern Lowlands
Seven kilometres north of Santa Rosa de Pocosol, off Hwy 35, is this opportunity to be part of rural life. This cooperative, female-driven effort took…
San José
Within easy walking distance of the university and its nightlife, yet right on the bus line into downtown San José, this immaculate hostel has a coffee…
Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa
Northwestern Costa Rica
The area's most luxurious resort is located on the western flank of the park. It features nicely appointed bungalows with private decks and jaw-dropping…
Northwestern Costa Rica
This appealing 19th-century working cattle ranch is set on 13 sq km of primary and secondary forest. The 79 rooms are spacious and comfortable with…
Northwestern Costa Rica
This homey property offers eight clean, rustic rooms (but with cable TV!) and hearty home-cooked meals, all on a family farm in a rural community 1km…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
Wanna get away? Drive your 4WD 7km north of town to this remote, weather-beaten lodge, where you’ll fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest. Wood…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
Truly in a class of their own, these romantic villas are scattered around 3 hectares of land next to a pristine white-sand beach. Indoor-outdoor spaces…
Southern Caribbean
Only 1km off the road, this jungle retreat feels miles from anywhere, making it ideal for birdwatchers. Four clean wooden cabinas on the banks of the Caño…
Sarapiquí Valley
Near La Virgen's southern end, Pozo Azul features stylish (and screened in) ‘tent suites’ scattered on the edge of the tree line, all on raised polished…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
An outlier in the Selina chain for its quiet location right up against the cloud forest, Selina Monteverde appeals to the backpacker or young family…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
If you're looking for a healthy, relaxing retreat with a bit of luxury, Nautilus is for you. Each villa has a living area, fully equipped kitchen and…
Península de Nicoya
Sitting pretty on a bank of the Río Coyote, this elegant property is blessedly intimate and blissfully isolated. The rooms are decorated with heavy wood…
Playas del Coco
A romantic beachfront hacienda with a wooden balcony overlooking the boardwalk. Fan-cooled rooms have ceramic tiled floors, beamed ceilings and cold-water…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
Sleep in the clouds – this hilltop lodge is up there, surrounded by 28 hectares of primary and secondary forest. There are trails to walk, species to…
Northwestern Costa Rica
On a lush hilltop 1km south of Bijagua, this lodge has 12 romantic and roomy bungalows featuring orthopedic beds, stone or wood floors and floor-to…
Northwestern Costa Rica
Part cattle ranch, part adventure lodge, this expansive place is set on 809 hectares in the park's western sector. On the grounds are three waterfalls,…
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
These three cabinas are colorful, with bold patterned linens and brightly painted walls. The upstairs rooms share the hammock-hung terrace, while the…
Bahía Drake
It's not easy to reach Naguala Jungle Lodge (ATVs required) but it's worth it. Set on 15 hectares in Los Planes, 7km from Agujitas, the family-run lodge…
Central Valley & Highlands
Attention, horse people: this family-owned mountaintop ranch just 10 minutes' drive south of Zarcero is your dream. On offer are four charming and well…
Montezuma
A well-run hotel in the center of town. Although its many businesses take up an entire city block, it has just 12 prim and comfortable rooms with…
Nosara Area
An appealing lodge set amid a tropical garden. The standard rooms are small but sweet, with inviting, hammock-strung terraces. The suites are more…
Central Valley & Highlands
This quiet haven has bright rooms with wood-beamed ceilings, tile floors, minibar, coffeemaker and free organic coffee. Most rooms face a lovely garden…
