Where to Stay in Costa Rica: Best Places to Book

Costa Rica is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for a memorable travel experience. The country’s mild, tropical climate is ideal for both active and more contemplative travelers. If you’re wondering where to stay in Costa Rica, we’ve got you covered.

Our guide will help make your stay in Costa Rica the best experience based on cost, location, service level, facilities, and amenities. This country has amazing beaches, low-cost spas, incredible nightlife, and numerous tourist attractions. Certainly, you won’t have a dull moment in this tropical paradise!

Getting Around in Costa Rica 

From tropical beaches to wild mountain hikes, from discovering the secrets of nature to experiencing history with its unique architecture, Costa Rica has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a little adventure, it is definitely the country to visit.

When you plan to visit Costa Rica, the two airports are located in San Jose: 

1. Juan Santamaria Airport in Alajuela, which is the main international airport

2. Pavas, which is the secondary airport for flights to Panama and other places

When you arrive at the airport, you can book a car rental or ride a bus. Buses are the most common public transportation in Costa Rica; they are convenient and affordable. Taxis are also available.

Best Places to Stay in Costa Rica 

Many people dream about traveling to Costa Rica. But if you’re looking for a real escape, you’ll want to make sure that where you decide to stay is one of the best. There are plenty of great places in Costa Rica, and if you’re still not sure where to book your accommodations, let us help you! 

Arenal Volcano 

Arenal Volcano, the adventure capital of Costa Rica, is the best place to stay if you are always looking for a fun thing to do. It’s an active volcano ninety kilometers away from San Jose in Northwestern Costa Rica. 

This place is located inside Arenal Volcano National Park, which is free to tour and hike without hiring a guide. If you are not into riding ziplines, you can take an aerial tram to enjoy the view at an observation point.

As you enjoy the view in Arenal Volcano National Park, your children can enjoy ziplining, white water rafting, and rappelling. Then, soak yourself and enjoy the Arenal Volcano Hot Springs or indulge in a therapeutic bath in the Arenal Volcano jungle. 

If you are still hungry for more adventures after touring the national park, check out La Fortuna, a little farming town nearby. It’s also where you can see La Fortuna Waterfalls, where you can hike and enjoy the majestic view of the waterfall. 

Don’t miss out on the Venado Caves or the Arenal Hanging Bridges. This part of Costa Rica is certainly a place packed with adventures for you and your family.  

Here are different accommodations suited for your needs:

1. Best Luxury Hotel: Nayara Resort and Spa Gardens 

Nayara Resort and Spa Gardens is a luxurious family resort and spa situated in La Fortuna, featuring beautiful tropical landscaping. It has 44 bungalows and casitas, and each room has an outdoor shower with breathtaking volcano views, a wooden deck with a hammock, and a hot tub. 

This lovely resort also has 3 restaurants and a wine bar. It’s equipped with a small pool and barebones spa in treatment rooms. 

If you book a stay here, nearby attractions you can visit include:

• Arenal Natura Ecological Park
• Ecotermales Fortuna
• Ecoglide Arenal Park
• Kalambu Hot Springs
• Arenal Volcano

2. Best Midrange Hotel: Volcano Lodge and Thermal Experience

Volcano Lodge and Thermal Experience is a modern hotel in the middle of tropical gardens. It’s located in La Fortuna with tiled floors and clean rooms. Complimentary breakfast is served to all guests every day, and you can also enjoy its outdoor pools. 

This mid-range hotel has four outdoor pools, one restaurant, and two bars where you can lounge before ending the night in your crisp rooms. Nearby attractions include the following:

• Arenal Natura Ecological Park
• Ecotermales Fortuna
• Los Lagos Hot Springs
• Kalambu Hot Springs
• Termales Los Laureles

3. Best Budget Hostel: Arenal Backpackers Resort 

The Arenal Backpackers Resort is an affordable hostel that feels more like a hotel because of its amazing amenities. The property itself is beautifully immersed in abundant gardens; there’s also an outdoor pool where you can take a relaxing dip in. 

You will also have the chance to witness the majestic view of Arenal Volcano when you stay in this hostel. This is a five-star hostel offering affordable dorm rooms perfect for women over 50 on the go. It’s also the perfect place to stay when you want to meet new tourists and even Costa Rican locals. 

Drake Bay

Drake Bay or Bahia Drake is an ideal place to stay in Costa Rica with your whole family. It sits on the coast of Southwestern Costa Rica, and this area is secluded, so there are fewer tourists. This is also one of the safest places in the country, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your kids with you. 

The main beach attraction in Drake Bay is Playa Colorada which is a twenty-minute walk to Montezuma. It has one of the clearest and most peaceful ocean water in the Caribbean, and you can also dine in restaurants along this beach.

There are so many things you can do when you visit Drake Bay. It’s the most biodiverse area in Costa Rica as it offers a handful of wildlife. You can also take a tour of Corcovado National Park while your children enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving to witness the beautiful coral reefs and colorful schools of fish. 

The best way to get to Drake Bay is to ride a boat taxi from Sierpe. When you plan to visit this remote yet beautiful area of Costa Rica, check out these accommodations you can stay in. 

1. Best Luxury Hotel: Drake Bay Getaway Resort 

Drake Bay Getaway Resort is a luxury boutique resort located in the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific Coast. This beach resort offers eco-luxury and a unique experience in a peaceful area of Costa Rica known for its ecotourism and biodiversity. 

Booking a stay in Drake Bay Getaway Resort provides you a chance to go on different adventure tours, wellness and see the spectacular views of the ocean and mountains. Complimentary breakfast is served to all guests daily, and a restaurant and a cafe offer famous Costa Rican fruits, locally-sourced meat, and delicious dessert and smoothies. 

Nearby attractions include:

• Drake Bay Hiking Trailhead
• Drake Bay Beach
• Cocalito
• Playa Colorada
• Corcovado National Park 

2. Best Midrange Hotel: Hotel El Congo 

Only a few steps away from Playa Colorada is Hotel El Congo, which features spacious rooms perfect for big families. It has a famous on-site restaurant and a wide terrace where you can enjoy a breath of fresh air in the morning. All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with refrigerators. 

If you want to try out other restaurants, nearby restaurants include:

• Kataluna
• Soda Mar y Bosque
• Grino Curt’s Seafood and Visitor Center
• Carey Restaurante
• Delicias Bahia Drake 

3. Best Budget Hostel: Jinetes de Osa Hotel 

Jinetes de Osa Hotel is a beachside retreat hostel located in the heart of Drake Bay. It’s a secluded and affordable hotel where you can see the peaceful beach, waterfalls, and hike as you enjoy the nesting Scarlet Macaws. 

There is also a restaurant on-site where you can have a taste of authentic Costa Rican food. The beaches in the neighborhood include:

• Playa Colorada
• Cocalito Beach
• Rincon Beach
• Las Caletas Beach

Jacó

Jaco has become a favorite of tourists and even locals for its fun nightlife and amazing surfing spots. It’s the best place to stay when you have friends or loved ones who would like to enjoy doing all kinds of watersports on Costa Rica’s amazing beaches. 

It is located on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, which is southwest of San Jose. Staying in this area also makes it convenient for you to visit national parks in Costa Rica:

1. Carrara National Park to see the Scarlet Macaws

2. Pura Vida Park, which will lead you to discover the beautiful Bijagual Waterfall

Jaco offers a wide selection of adventures to try with your family and friends, from kayaking, fishing, hiking, surfing to horseback riding. It’s also the easiest beach access to visit in Central Valley. Let’s check out where you can spend the night when you visit Jaco.

1. Best Luxury Hotel: Hotel Villa Caletas 

Hotel Villa Caletas is a luxurious oceanfront boutique hotel that features a private sand beach ideal for couples. It offers 45 elegantly decorated rooms with free WiFi and minibars. This hotel also offers a full-service serenity spa and a majestic infinity pool where you can enjoy the ocean view.

Each room in Hotel Villa Caletas comes with a Victorian design with high-quality black wood furniture.  There is also a gym and two unique restaurants:

1. Anfiteatro Restaurant with terraces where you can enjoy dining with the sunset view

2. Mirador Restaurant serving Central American and French fusion of food

Nearby attractions in Hotel Villa Caletas include:

• Auto Mercado Herradura
• Mantas Beach
• Playa Blanca
• Canopy Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park
• Playa Limoncito 

2. Best Midrange Hotel: Hotel Terraza del Pacifico

Hotel Terraza del Pacifico is a beachfront hotel right on Playa Hermosa Beach. It offers 61 different rooms; private villas are also available. 

This beachfront hotel right in the heart of Jaco is also pet-friendly so that you can bring your furry friends for your getaway. You can also enjoy dining by the beach, where you’ll certainly fall in love with the beauty of Jaco. 

The nearby attractions include:

• Jaco Beach
• Teatro Jaco
• El Miro
• Neo Fauna
• Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Pacific Park

3. Best Budget Hostel: Room2Board Hostel and Surf School

Room2Board Hostel and Surf School is an affordable hostel offering dorm rooms in a bohemian atmosphere. This accommodation is perfect if you want to meet new tourists and enjoy the nightlife. It’s certainly one of Jaco’s best hostels which also offers yoga and surfing classes. 

This is a smoke-free hostel featuring a restaurant, a bar or lounge, and an outdoor pool. You can also enjoy chilling at an onsite rooftop terrace. Rooms have ceiling fans and private showers. 

Monteverde

If you love interacting with wildlife, Monteverde should be on your itinerary when you visit Costa Rica. It’s a popular inland destination where you will find Costa Rica’s best cloud forest and the Quetzal bird. Monteverde is located in Puntarenas, in Cordillera de Tilaran Mountain Range. 

Taking a tour in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve gives you the chance to see jaguars, ocelots, and other exotic animal species. Monteverde has become famous to bird-watchers and professional wildlife photographers. Aside from Monteverde Cloud Reserve Forest, you can also visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve to see spider monkeys.

The forest reserves in Monteverde also offer ziplines and hanging bridges activity for better views of the rainforests. You can also check out chocolate and coffee-making classes available here.

If you are curious where to spend the night when you visit Monteverde, check out our recommendations. 

1. Best Luxury Hotel: Senda Monteverde Hotel 

Senda Monteverde Hotel is a new luxury hotel in Monteverde that features an outdoor garden with a relaxing atmosphere and a bar. This hotel offers an ideal location minutes away from different tourist attractions that you can check out. All rooms in Senda Monteverde Hotel have private decks.

If you stay in Senda Monteverde, check out these nearby attractions:

• Sky Adventures Monteverde
• Selvatura Adventure Park
• Monteverde Ecological Sanctuary
• Monteverde Butterfly Gardens
• Monteverde Orchid Garden
• Bat Jungle

2. Best Midrange Hotel: Monteverde Country Lodge 

Monteverde Country Lodge is an ideal hotel for family trips. The rooms in this hotel feature rustic wooden vibes with lovely gardens to allow guests to have close contact with nature. 

Guests are given complimentary breakfast daily, and there is also an onsite restaurant, coffee shop, and a bar. Here are some of the nearby tourist spots you can visit when you stay here:

• Monteverde Orchid Garden
• Monteverde Butterfly Garden
• Children’s Eternal Rain Forest Bajo del Tigre
• Bat Jungle
• Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde

3. Best Budget Hotel: Mariposa Bed and Breakfast 

Mariposa Bed Breakfast is a family-operated budget lodging in Northeastern Costa Rica close to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. It’s a family-friendly accommodation offering cribs, infant beds, and laundry facilities. You also get a free continental breakfast every day.

Don’t forget to check out these tourist attractions when you stay here:

• Curi-Cancha Reserve 
• Children’s Eternal Rain Forest Bajo del Tigre
• Bat Jungle
• Monteverde Butterfly Garden
• Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

Montezuma

Montezuma is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, south of Costa Rica, famous for Playa Montezuma, a long white sand beach. It features a jungle up north, bringing you to Playa Grande, a famous surfing spot.

Other tourist spots you should not miss out on are the Romelia Wildlife Reserve and a turtle sanctuary where you can witness turtle eggs hatching. You will also have the opportunity to see capuchin monkeys anywhere you go in Montezuma. The Montezuma Waterfall is also a must-go attraction where you can enjoy the relaxing ambiance or take a dip in the natural swimming pools.

Montezuma is certainly the place to be when you are a fan of bohemian vibes. There is overflowing street art everywhere you go; you should also visit different farmer’s markets every Saturday morning, where you can choose unique handmade art pieces and local music.

Don’t forget to check out these accommodations when you visit Montezuma.

1. Best Luxury Hotel: Ylang Ylang Beach Resort 

Ylang Ylang Beach Resort is a luxurious beach boutique resort hotel offering a comfortable and relaxing experience in Costa Rica. This beach resort is immersed in lush and tropical gardens and is surrounded by a jungle filled with exotic wildlife.

The Resort offers beachfront bungalows and rooms; it includes a freshwater swimming pool, spa, yoga studio, and Ylang Ylang Restaurant and Bar. 

Check out these nearby tourist spots when you stay in Ylang Ylang:

• Montezuma Falls
• Playa Grande
• Playa Mal Pais
• Carmen Beach
• Cabuya Island 

2. Best Midrange Hotel: Hotel Nya

Hotel Nya is an elegant modernized hotel that offers yoga and rejuvenating sessions. It features 2 outdoor pools, a health club, and a restaurant serving authentic Costa Rican food. There is also a children’s pool, a coffee shop, and a bar or lounge where you can take a sip of your favorite cocktail. 

The nearby attractions include:

• Montezuma Beach
• Montezuma Catholic Church and school
• Piedra Colorada
• Montezuma Falls

3. Best Budget Hotel: Luz en El Cielo Eco Hostel

Luz en el Cielo Eco Hostel is an affordable hostel nestled in the city center of Montezuma. Staying in this hostel allows you to stay close to the beach and the jungle. You will certainly fall in love with the locally sourced eco-breakfast served fresh every day. 

The nearby beaches you can check out when you book a place here are the following:

• Montezuma Beach
• Tambor Beach
• Carmen Beach
• Mal Pais Beach
• Mar Azul 

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in Southeast Costa Rica is the perfect place to stay with your loved one. It’s an intimate area in Costa Rica where you can enjoy romantic towns and lovely black sand beaches. This place also has abundant mangroves and rainforests, a Wildlife Refuge Center, and a Jaguar Rescue Center. 

If you’re a woman over 50 who loves laidback vibes and a relaxing atmosphere, Puerto Viejo is certainly the place to be. Here are the top accommodations you can check out when you visit this place. 

1. Best Luxury Hotel: Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel

The luxurious Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel is perfect for couples. It features a beach club, a spa, and an outdoor swimming pool. It offers minimalist and chic rooms with white decorations and terraces which overlook the rainforest.

Staying here gives you the chance to tour the following tourist spots:

• Playa Cocles
• Foundation Jaguar Rescue Center
• Black Beach
• Punta Uva Beach
• Playa Chiquita
• Cahuita National Park
• Veragua Rainforest
• Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve

2. Best Midrange Hotel: Villas La Paz 

Villas La Paz offers a peaceful and tranquil garden featuring an outdoor swimming pool and private villas. It’s very close to several beaches, including Flamingo Beach, Brasilito Beach, and Pala Conchal, with different outdoor activities you can try out:

• Live entertainment
• Garden Area
• Horseback riding
• Hiking
• Barbecue facilities 

3. Best Budget Hostel: Hostel Bikini

Hostel Bikini is a cute and laidback affordable hostel located on Puerto Viejo’s main street. It features private and shared dorm rooms where you can meet tourists and locals and make new friends. This budget but the stylish hostel is situated close to Jaguar Rescue Center and Negra Beach.

Other nearby beaches include:

• Cocles Beach
• Puerto Vargas
• Chiquita Beach
• Punta Uva Beach

San Jose 

San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, also has amazing attractions. There are nearby cloud forests and volcanoes, including Irazu and Oas. It is packed with museums such as the National Theater of Costa Rica or Museo del Jade. You can also enjoy the nightclubs, restaurants, and historic architecture. 

This is the largest city which is right in the middle of the country. Several national parks offer free admission with tropical plants and statues; some also offer free local performances. 

If you wish to stay in Costa Rica but are on a budget, booking a stay in San Jose is certainly for you. This historic city has affordable tourist spots and local food you should try out. To check out the following accommodations in San Jose, read our top recommendations. 

1. Best Luxury Hotel: Gran Hotel Costa Rica 

Gran Hotel Costa Rica is only 30 minutes away from San Jose International Airport. It’s recently renovated and is located along the pedestrian boulevard of Avenida Central. The location of this luxurious hotel is very convenient since many points of interest are only within walking distance.

Other nearby attractions include:

• Morazan Park
• Momentum Lindora Shopping Center
• Pre-Colombian Gold Museum
• Braulio Carrillo National Park 

2. Best Midrange Hotel: Aloft San Jose Hotel

Aloft San Jose Hotel is 6 miles away from the airport. It’s a bold boutique hotel offering very comfortable beds, a bar, pantry, restaurant, and lounge. The location of this hotel is very convenient as well; there are several nearby shopping and art centers. 

If you bring your car, drive to Escazu, where you get to enjoy many boutiques, restaurants, and drinks in its loud and cheerful nightlife. 

Other nearby attractions include:

• Terrazas Lindora Shopping Center
• Business Center Forum
• Valle del Sol
• Momentum Lindora Shopping Center

3. Best Budget Hotel: Hostel del Paseo 

Hostel del Paseo is the perfect place to stay when you are on a budget. It has a convenient location situated in the district of Paseo Colon. This hostel features a common area with a billiards table, ping pong table, televisions, and couches. 

You’ll find these interesting sites nearby that you can visit:

• Central Park
• Sabana Park
• Museum of Costa Rican Art
• Mercado Central

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a beach town packed with different adventures perfect for all ages, even women over 50. If you visit between October to May, you can enjoy leatherback turtles building nests along the bountiful beaches in Tamarindo. This beach town has lovely beaches, crazy nightlife, and a hub for surfers. 

When you visit Tamarindo, don’t miss out on the following tourist spots:

• Playa Grande 
• Playa Tamarindo
• Playa Avellana
• Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge

1. Best Luxury Hotel: JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa sits on Hacienda Pinilla. Guests can enjoy visiting Avellanas Beach and La Posa Beach Club when they book a stay in this luxurious resort and spa. 

Staying in JW Marriott can give you access to three different beaches and Central America’s largest swimming pool. Other attractions you can check in this resort are:

• 18-hole golf course
• Spa service
• Equestrian Center
• Free-flowing pool
• Villas and beach houses
• Tennis courts

2. Best Midrange Hotel: Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort is 45 minutes away from Liberia; it features a bar, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center. If you love playing golf, this mid-sized beach resort is close to Hacienda Pinilla and Paradisus Playa. Other nearby attractions include:

• Playa Langosta
• Tamarindo Church
• Grande Beach
• Ventanas Beach
• Las Baulas National Marine Park

3. Best Budget Hostel: Tamarindo Backpackers 

Tamarindo Backpackers is an affordable boutique surf hostel featuring a jacuzzi pool and a sun chair. It also offers surfing classes with this hostel’s private surf instructors and surfboards for rent. You’ll find these beaches within walking distance:

• Tamarindo Beach
• Langosta Beach
• Grande Beach
• Playa Ventanas

Costa Rica Adventure 

Costa Rica is a country every woman over 50 must visit. With its abundant tourist attractions and beaches, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind experience. If you plan to go to this wonderful country, we hope we have helped you decide where to stay in Costa Rica. Don’t forget to use this article as a guide when you find yourself in this tropical paradise.

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