Lapa Rios, located in the remote coastal rainforests of the Osa Peninsula, is Costa Rica’s original luxury eco lodge. This is the opposite of a Cancun-style beach resort -- guests come to the upscale Lapa Rios to enjoy the spectacular surroundings, learn about sustainable tourism, and re-connect with nature. The 17-bungalow lodge sits amid 1,000 acres of rainforest filled with wildlife, but it's far from a no-frills jungle camp. There are many comforts here, including a pool overlooking the ocean, a splendid restaurant serving sumptuous cuisine, and rustic-luxe rooms with private decks. This is a place to get in touch with nature without roughing it.
Lapa Rios, located in the remote coastal rainforests of the Osa Peninsula, is Costa Rica’s original luxury eco lodge. This is the opposite of a Cancun-style beach resort -- guests come to the upscale Lapa Rios to enjoy the spectacular surroundings, learn about sustainable tourism, and re-connect with nature. The 17-bungalow lodge sits amid 1,000 acres of rainforest filled with wildlife, but it's far from a no-frills jungle camp. There are many comforts here, including a pool overlooking the ocean, a splendid restaurant serving sumptuous cuisine, and rustic-luxe rooms with private decks. This is a place to get in touch with nature without roughing it.
Hotel Chantel is a simple three-pearl property located in Playas del Coco with gorgeous views of the surrounding area. The hotel’s 11 guest rooms are cute and tidy with shared balconies, and some feature separate living areas and full kitchens. This relaxed inn offers a nice little infinity pool, widely acclaimed rooftop restaurant, and free local-style breakfast. The hotel’s hilltop setting offers scenic vistas over the surrounding countryside and out toward the coast, but it does place guests a long (30-minute) walk from the entertainment and dining of downtown, and it's almost equally far to reach the beach. Travelers who prefer to stay closer to the beach might also consider the budget property Hotel Coco Palms, although its rooms are far less charming.
Hotel Chantel is a simple three-pearl property located in Playas del Coco with gorgeous views of the surrounding area. The hotel’s 11 guest rooms are cute and tidy with shared balconies, and some feature separate living areas and full kitchens. This relaxed inn offers a nice little infinity pool, widely acclaimed rooftop restaurant, and free local-style breakfast. The hotel’s hilltop setting offers scenic vistas over the surrounding countryside and out toward the coast, but it does place guests a long (30-minute) walk from the entertainment and dining of downtown, and it's almost equally far to reach the beach. Travelers who prefer to stay closer to the beach might also consider the budget property Hotel Coco Palms, although its rooms are far less charming.
In a town with an abundance of budget-friendly accommodations, there is no need to seek out a place like Coco Azul. Although the tiny eight-room “hotel” is within walking distance of the beach, the immediate area has a hidden, sketchy sort of feel. And while the owner is wonderfully hospitable, the dusty, moldy, rooms reeking of cigarettes aren’t worth the warm welcome. Plus, if you saw the mangled cars in the parking lot, you probably wouldn’t want to leave yours there for free overnight. Instead, use the hotel’s free Wi-Fi to book yourself a room at any other hotel nearby. You might have to cough up an extra 30 bucks a night for Coco Beach Hotel and Casino, but trust us, it’s well worth the upgrade.
In a town with an abundance of budget-friendly accommodations, there is no need to seek out a place like Coco Azul. Although the tiny eight-room “hotel” is within walking distance of the beach, the immediate area has a hidden, sketchy sort of feel. And while the owner is wonderfully hospitable, the dusty, moldy, rooms reeking of cigarettes aren’t worth the warm welcome. Plus, if you saw the mangled cars in the parking lot, you probably wouldn’t want to leave yours there for free overnight. Instead, use the hotel’s free Wi-Fi to book yourself a room at any other hotel nearby. You might have to cough up an extra 30 bucks a night for Coco Beach Hotel and Casino, but trust us, it’s well worth the upgrade.
Hotel Coco Beach & Casino is a comfortable mid-range option with a prime location in the center of downtown Playas del Coco. With 32 rooms, a small pool, free breakfast and Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant, sports bar, and casino, the hotel is arguably the top spot in town for travelers who have come to revel in El Coco’s all-night party scene. There are obvious signs of wear and tear throughout, and downtown noise is inevitable, but it offers a great value for the area. The slightly more expensive Hotel Coco Palms is closer to the beach and has a quieter, more family-friendly atmosphere, though rooms are dated.
Hotel Coco Beach & Casino is a comfortable mid-range option with a prime location in the center of downtown Playas del Coco. With 32 rooms, a small pool, free breakfast and Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant, sports bar, and casino, the hotel is arguably the top spot in town for travelers who have come to revel in El Coco’s all-night party scene. There are obvious signs of wear and tear throughout, and downtown noise is inevitable, but it offers a great value for the area. The slightly more expensive Hotel Coco Palms is closer to the beach and has a quieter, more family-friendly atmosphere, though rooms are dated.
Bahia Pez Vela Resort is a three-pearl hotel located a short walk from Playa Ocotal. There are 40 individually decorated three- and four-bedroom villas -- some more stylish than others -- all of which have dining and living areas, washer/dryers, and full kitchens. On-site amenities include two infinity pools, a wonderful restaurant, and access to a small private beach. The low-key atmosphere and quiet location are best for families and those focused on relaxing rather than partying. Travelers who want to be closer to more entertainment and nightlife options should compare rates and amenities with Sunrise Condos of Tamarindo.
Bahia Pez Vela Resort is a three-pearl hotel located a short walk from Playa Ocotal. There are 40 individually decorated three- and four-bedroom villas -- some more stylish than others -- all of which have dining and living areas, washer/dryers, and full kitchens. On-site amenities include two infinity pools, a wonderful restaurant, and access to a small private beach. The low-key atmosphere and quiet location are best for families and those focused on relaxing rather than partying. Travelers who want to be closer to more entertainment and nightlife options should compare rates and amenities with Sunrise Condos of Tamarindo.
This seven-room, upscale, all-inclusive boutique hotel is set on a hillside overlooking the region's dry forest and distant ocean. Villa Buena Onda's hushed, retreat-like vibe stems from the fact that it caters to adults only. The decor is stylish with lots of white seating and colorful contemporary art, while the pool serves as the social center, a place for guests to lounge, drink in hand, and take in the views. While the hotel is not on the beach, guests can catch a free five-minute shuttle ride to Playa delCoco and other nearby beaches.
This seven-room, upscale, all-inclusive boutique hotel is set on a hillside overlooking the region's dry forest and distant ocean. Villa Buena Onda's hushed, retreat-like vibe stems from the fact that it caters to adults only. The decor is stylish with lots of white seating and colorful contemporary art, while the pool serves as the social center, a place for guests to lounge, drink in hand, and take in the views. While the hotel is not on the beach, guests can catch a free five-minute shuttle ride to Playa delCoco and other nearby beaches.
Hotel Coco Palms is a 40-room value hotel in downtown Playas del Coco. Less than a minute's walk from the beach, Hotel Coco Palms is also within walking distance of the shops, bars, and restaurants downtown. Rooms are simply decorated, and some are dark and dated, but there are multiple room types, including family-friendly options. The hotel’s on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with menu items ranging from typical Costa Rican fare to sushi and sashimi. Other features include a pool, a 24-hour market, and free parking and Wi-Fi. Guests who’d prefer to be right in the center of downtown (and don't mind being farther from the beach) should check out the similarly priced Coco Beach Hotel and Casino.
Hotel Coco Palms is a 40-room value hotel in downtown Playas del Coco. Less than a minute's walk from the beach, Hotel Coco Palms is also within walking distance of the shops, bars, and restaurants downtown. Rooms are simply decorated, and some are dark and dated, but there are multiple room types, including family-friendly options. The hotel’s on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with menu items ranging from typical Costa Rican fare to sushi and sashimi. Other features include a pool, a 24-hour market, and free parking and Wi-Fi. Guests who’d prefer to be right in the center of downtown (and don't mind being farther from the beach) should check out the similarly priced Coco Beach Hotel and Casino.
With just six rooms, Rancho Armadillo Estate is a tiny mid-range hotel that feels like an intimate bed-and-breakfast. The hands-on owner, Rick, makes guests’ experiences memorable by recommending local restaurants, suggesting tours and activities, and offering helpful hints about the area. Though it’s not on the beach, and not within easy walking distance of downtown Playas del Coco, Rancho Armadillo has a quiet, secluded feel that can’t be found anywhere else in town. Amenities include a small pool, a communal kitchen and dining area, a covered terrace with hammocks, and free Wi-Fi. For those who find the hotel’s rooms to be a bit dated, nearby Villa Buena Onda has a similar atmosphere and more luxurious accommodations, but rates are significantly higher.
With just six rooms, Rancho Armadillo Estate is a tiny mid-range hotel that feels like an intimate bed-and-breakfast. The hands-on owner, Rick, makes guests’ experiences memorable by recommending local restaurants, suggesting tours and activities, and offering helpful hints about the area. Though it’s not on the beach, and not within easy walking distance of downtown Playas del Coco, Rancho Armadillo has a quiet, secluded feel that can’t be found anywhere else in town. Amenities include a small pool, a communal kitchen and dining area, a covered terrace with hammocks, and free Wi-Fi. For those who find the hotel’s rooms to be a bit dated, nearby Villa Buena Onda has a similar atmosphere and more luxurious accommodations, but rates are significantly higher.
Alma del Pacifico Beach Hotel & Spa is an upscale hotel located on picturesque Playa Esterillos beach. Its 20 bungalows and villas have dazzling, open-plan layouts that include wet bars and private terraces. The property is defined by imaginative art and architecture, with its rooms, restaurant, spa, and pool area all exuding oodles of color and character. The hotel’s secluded setting allows its beach to remain blissfully uncrowded, but guests without a rental car may find the location a bit remote. Travelers may want to compare amenities and rates with Florblanca Resort in Santa Teresa.
Alma del Pacifico Beach Hotel & Spa is an upscale hotel located on picturesque Playa Esterillos beach. Its 20 bungalows and villas have dazzling, open-plan layouts that include wet bars and private terraces. The property is defined by imaginative art and architecture, with its rooms, restaurant, spa, and pool area all exuding oodles of color and character. The hotel’s secluded setting allows its beach to remain blissfully uncrowded, but guests without a rental car may find the location a bit remote. Travelers may want to compare amenities and rates with Florblanca Resort in Santa Teresa.