Hotel Villa Casa Blanca is a three-pearl hotel that's a 10-minute walk from Playa Ocotal. The hotel’s 15 guest rooms are homey if somewhat dated, some with full kitchens or ocean views. On-site amenities include a modest pool with a swim-up bar, as well as free breakfast served on an inviting terrace. The hotel’s relaxed vibe and laid-back location are a good fit for those interested in staying near one of the region’s less-touristy beaches; but guests looking for a buzzing nightlife scene would be better off elsewhere. Those interested in an intimate hotel right on the sands might want to compare rates and amenities with Hotel RipJack Inn on Playa Grande.
Hotel Villa Casa Blanca is a three-pearl hotel that's a 10-minute walk from Playa Ocotal. The hotel’s 15 guest rooms are homey if somewhat dated, some with full kitchens or ocean views. On-site amenities include a modest pool with a swim-up bar, as well as free breakfast served on an inviting terrace. The hotel’s relaxed vibe and laid-back location are a good fit for those interested in staying near one of the region’s less-touristy beaches; but guests looking for a buzzing nightlife scene would be better off elsewhere. Those interested in an intimate hotel right on the sands might want to compare rates and amenities with Hotel RipJack Inn on Playa Grande.
The upper-middle-range Azul Ocean Club is a 21-room beachfront property located off a bumpy unpaved road in an isolated part of Guanacaste. Such seclusion provides Azul Ocean Club with a quiet atmosphere and a gorgeous untouched beach, but these don't outweigh the property's downsides. Noticeable wear and tear and frequent maintenance issues make the hotel less than idyllic, and its white cottages and contemporary decor don't exactly reflect Costa Rica. The hotel’s lovely mosaic tile pool has a swim-up bar and a hot tub, but many guests will be disappointed by the un-swimmable beach. While there’s a small fitness center, game room, and free breakfast and Wi-Fi, there’s absolutely nothing to see or do in the immediate area. Those looking for a mid-range property with a bit more Costa Rican charm could consider Sueno del Mar Beachfront Bed & Breakfast.
The upper-middle-range Azul Ocean Club is a 21-room beachfront property located off a bumpy unpaved road in an isolated part of Guanacaste. Such seclusion provides Azul Ocean Club with a quiet atmosphere and a gorgeous untouched beach, but these don't outweigh the property's downsides. Noticeable wear and tear and frequent maintenance issues make the hotel less than idyllic, and its white cottages and contemporary decor don't exactly reflect Costa Rica. The hotel’s lovely mosaic tile pool has a swim-up bar and a hot tub, but many guests will be disappointed by the un-swimmable beach. While there’s a small fitness center, game room, and free breakfast and Wi-Fi, there’s absolutely nothing to see or do in the immediate area. Those looking for a mid-range property with a bit more Costa Rican charm could consider Sueno del Mar Beachfront Bed & Breakfast.
Los Pinos - Cabanas y Jardines is a mid-range eco-lodge that consists of 14 stand-alone cabins tucked into the forested hills of Monteverde. Each homey cabin features a full kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning, and many have porches. From the lobby to the rooms, the decor is simple and rustic. There's a tiny lobby lounge and a large, hydroponic vegetable garden, but few other amenities on-site. The shops, restaurants, and attractions of Santa Elena are just five minutes away by road, and there's plenty of outdoor adventures and hiking in the area. Travelers looking for a hotel with a pool and on-site dining should consider the nearby Hotel Fonda Vela, though rates will be higher.
Los Pinos - Cabanas y Jardines is a mid-range eco-lodge that consists of 14 stand-alone cabins tucked into the forested hills of Monteverde. Each homey cabin features a full kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning, and many have porches. From the lobby to the rooms, the decor is simple and rustic. There's a tiny lobby lounge and a large, hydroponic vegetable garden, but few other amenities on-site. The shops, restaurants, and attractions of Santa Elena are just five minutes away by road, and there's plenty of outdoor adventures and hiking in the area. Travelers looking for a hotel with a pool and on-site dining should consider the nearby Hotel Fonda Vela, though rates will be higher.
The quaint, mid-range Playa Negra Guesthouse -- located in the sleepy city of Cahuita -- is a leafy oasis with convenient access to the beach, which is right across the street. The six cottages and standard rooms, all of which come with ample space, kitchens or kitchenettes, and sizable furnished patios, look out over the hotel's well-maintained gardens. However, they all lack air-conditioning, phones, and TVs. But the biggest downside is the hotels lack of on-site dining. On the plus side, the property does offer a spacious pool and a little outdoor barbecue spot. Travelers looking for Cahuita seclusion with food service could try the neighboring Coral Hill Bungalows, which includes an extensive free breakfast.
The quaint, mid-range Playa Negra Guesthouse -- located in the sleepy city of Cahuita -- is a leafy oasis with convenient access to the beach, which is right across the street. The six cottages and standard rooms, all of which come with ample space, kitchens or kitchenettes, and sizable furnished patios, look out over the hotel's well-maintained gardens. However, they all lack air-conditioning, phones, and TVs. But the biggest downside is the hotels lack of on-site dining. On the plus side, the property does offer a spacious pool and a little outdoor barbecue spot. Travelers looking for Cahuita seclusion with food service could try the neighboring Coral Hill Bungalows, which includes an extensive free breakfast.
The three-pearl La Casa De Las Flores is a brightly-colored hotel housed near the center of Cahuita village, surrounded by gift shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and Cahuita National Park. Playa Negra beach, a go-to spot for surfing, is a three-minute walk away. There are 10 spick-and-span rooms with green accents and simple furniture -- all of which come with TVs, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and two queen-size beds. A small pool and hot tub are sandwiched between the manicured garden and parking lot. Free breakfast and 'round-the-clock tea and coffee are served; other freebies include Wi-Fi and beach towels. The charming hotel is owned and operated by a friendly family. Playa Negra Guesthouse is another mid-range option, a bit closer to the beach, but further from Cahuita National Park.
The three-pearl La Casa De Las Flores is a brightly-colored hotel housed near the center of Cahuita village, surrounded by gift shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and Cahuita National Park. Playa Negra beach, a go-to spot for surfing, is a three-minute walk away. There are 10 spick-and-span rooms with green accents and simple furniture -- all of which come with TVs, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and two queen-size beds. A small pool and hot tub are sandwiched between the manicured garden and parking lot. Free breakfast and 'round-the-clock tea and coffee are served; other freebies include Wi-Fi and beach towels. The charming hotel is owned and operated by a friendly family. Playa Negra Guesthouse is another mid-range option, a bit closer to the beach, but further from Cahuita National Park.
The three-and-a-half pearl Coral Hill Bungalows is a quiet and intimate stay for couples and duo travelers, as there are only three bungalows on the property. Standalone bungalows are made of carved wood and include private porches strung with colorful hammocks. Lush, manicured grounds are home to natural flora and a slew of sloths, monkeys, and birds. There isn't a pool or full restaurant here, though breakfast is included in the room rate and Playa Negra beach is about a five-minute walk from the property. A lack of TVs and telephones on the property adds to the unplugged nature of the bungalow-and-breakfast property.
The three-and-a-half pearl Coral Hill Bungalows is a quiet and intimate stay for couples and duo travelers, as there are only three bungalows on the property. Standalone bungalows are made of carved wood and include private porches strung with colorful hammocks. Lush, manicured grounds are home to natural flora and a slew of sloths, monkeys, and birds. There isn't a pool or full restaurant here, though breakfast is included in the room rate and Playa Negra beach is about a five-minute walk from the property. A lack of TVs and telephones on the property adds to the unplugged nature of the bungalow-and-breakfast property.
Barcelo's three-pearl, all-inclusive resort is the biggest hotel option in southern Nicoya Peninsula. Renovated in 2012, its 402 rooms stretch far and wide over manicured grounds for easy access to a remote beach with dark volcanic sand, great for swimming and sunrises. Three room types have balconies with free minimally stocked minibars, while three restaurants include ubiquitous buffet spreads, as well as decent sushi and steaks for those who actually snag an a la carte reservation. Kids stay busy with activities like mini-golf and kayaking, while adults can hit the pool bar, fitness center, and spa. Expect annoyances like waiting at the front desk and unreliable Wi-Fi, which costs a daily fee. Couples looking for a more romantic atmosphere should consider the nearby Tango Mar Beachfront Boutique Hotel & Villas.
Barcelo's three-pearl, all-inclusive resort is the biggest hotel option in southern Nicoya Peninsula. Renovated in 2012, its 402 rooms stretch far and wide over manicured grounds for easy access to a remote beach with dark volcanic sand, great for swimming and sunrises. Three room types have balconies with free minimally stocked minibars, while three restaurants include ubiquitous buffet spreads, as well as decent sushi and steaks for those who actually snag an a la carte reservation. Kids stay busy with activities like mini-golf and kayaking, while adults can hit the pool bar, fitness center, and spa. Expect annoyances like waiting at the front desk and unreliable Wi-Fi, which costs a daily fee. Couples looking for a more romantic atmosphere should consider the nearby Tango Mar Beachfront Boutique Hotel & Villas.
This small hotel is not so small considering it takes up over 100 acres of space on the jaw-dropping, remote coast of Nicoya Peninsula. Owned by an energetic and omnipresent Belgian and her attentive staff, the place ticks like a well-oiled European machine. Most of the 43 minimalist rooms and three villas, as well as two restaurants (breakfast is included) overlook the dreamy ocean. Waves might make swimming a challenge, but the secluded beach is great for strolling and suntanning -- otherwise, three small pools and a swim-up bar will do just fine. Romantic couples and somewhat older groups who are not concerned with nightlife also enjoy the private access to horses, tennis, a waterfall, a (casual) golf course, and spa services. Everything else will require a drive. Younger couples looking for a slightly more hipper scene should consider Ylang Ylang Resort.
This small hotel is not so small considering it takes up over 100 acres of space on the jaw-dropping, remote coast of Nicoya Peninsula. Owned by an energetic and omnipresent Belgian and her attentive staff, the place ticks like a well-oiled European machine. Most of the 43 minimalist rooms and three villas, as well as two restaurants (breakfast is included) overlook the dreamy ocean. Waves might make swimming a challenge, but the secluded beach is great for strolling and suntanning -- otherwise, three small pools and a swim-up bar will do just fine. Romantic couples and somewhat older groups who are not concerned with nightlife also enjoy the private access to horses, tennis, a waterfall, a (casual) golf course, and spa services. Everything else will require a drive. Younger couples looking for a slightly more hipper scene should consider Ylang Ylang Resort.
Tambor Tropical Beach Resort is a three-and-a-half pearl oceanfront resort in Tambor, a sleepy Costa Rican fishing village. The hotel’s 10 air-conditioned suites are made of gorgeous hardwoods and come with platform queen beds, full kitchens with free coffee, and wraparound patios or balconies with pool or ocean views. The sand and rocky beach is a one-minute walk from the resort and a family of scarlet macaws lives in the lush canopy grounds. Hotel amenities include a big freshwater pool with a cold-water whirlpool, a tasty open-air restaurant, and stand-up paddle board rentals. Freebies include a welcome cocktail, daily afternoon surprise dessert, continental breakfast, and airport transfers from the nearby Tambor Airport. For a beachfront all-inclusive stay with two pools, a golf course, three restaurants, and lots of activities, compare rates at the nearby Barcelo Tambor Beach.
Tambor Tropical Beach Resort is a three-and-a-half pearl oceanfront resort in Tambor, a sleepy Costa Rican fishing village. The hotel’s 10 air-conditioned suites are made of gorgeous hardwoods and come with platform queen beds, full kitchens with free coffee, and wraparound patios or balconies with pool or ocean views. The sand and rocky beach is a one-minute walk from the resort and a family of scarlet macaws lives in the lush canopy grounds. Hotel amenities include a big freshwater pool with a cold-water whirlpool, a tasty open-air restaurant, and stand-up paddle board rentals. Freebies include a welcome cocktail, daily afternoon surprise dessert, continental breakfast, and airport transfers from the nearby Tambor Airport. For a beachfront all-inclusive stay with two pools, a golf course, three restaurants, and lots of activities, compare rates at the nearby Barcelo Tambor Beach.
This 13-room farm-hotel is in a league of its own for Arenal-area agritourism, and is well-suited to travelers interested in sustainable organic farming amid the rainforest. It's at least a 30-minute drive away from La Fortuna, making it inconvenient for those looking to explore off property. Rooms are large but relatively spartan, without TV and air-conditioning, but the guests who love birding and farming often don't seem to mind. Hotel El Silencio del Campo also has a working farm, but nicer rooms with TV and AC -- though it lacks Fina Luna Nueva's secluded rainforest setting.
This 13-room farm-hotel is in a league of its own for Arenal-area agritourism, and is well-suited to travelers interested in sustainable organic farming amid the rainforest. It's at least a 30-minute drive away from La Fortuna, making it inconvenient for those looking to explore off property. Rooms are large but relatively spartan, without TV and air-conditioning, but the guests who love birding and farming often don't seem to mind. Hotel El Silencio del Campo also has a working farm, but nicer rooms with TV and AC -- though it lacks Fina Luna Nueva's secluded rainforest setting.