A posh wonderland for affluent Americans and their kids, the 74-room luxury resort The Springs is 165 acres of seemingly endless pools and hot springs, restaurants, and activities -- all hidden on a volcano-facing slope seemingly in the middle of nowhere. (Expect a long, bumpy ride to and from the hotel that will dissuade you from day trips off the property). The Club Rio outdoor center allows guests to experience everything from river tubing to horseback riding right on-site. Rooms range from standard hotel rooms with good views of the volcano to entire villas modeled after Swiss ski chalets. Though the nearest notable property is the vastly different (and quirky) Leaves and Lizards, The Springs' main luxury competition comes from the smaller Nayara resorts. The Springs, however, gets to brag that it hosted Jay-Z and Beyonce during a much-publicized couples getaway -- not to mention an episode of "The Bachelor."
A posh wonderland for affluent Americans and their kids, the 74-room luxury resort The Springs is 165 acres of seemingly endless pools and hot springs, restaurants, and activities -- all hidden on a volcano-facing slope seemingly in the middle of nowhere. (Expect a long, bumpy ride to and from the hotel that will dissuade you from day trips off the property). The Club Rio outdoor center allows guests to experience everything from river tubing to horseback riding right on-site. Rooms range from standard hotel rooms with good views of the volcano to entire villas modeled after Swiss ski chalets. Though the nearest notable property is the vastly different (and quirky) Leaves and Lizards, The Springs' main luxury competition comes from the smaller Nayara resorts. The Springs, however, gets to brag that it hosted Jay-Z and Beyonce during a much-publicized couples getaway -- not to mention an episode of "The Bachelor."
Doubletree Resort by Hilton, Central Pacific is an upper-middle-range all-inclusive property on the coast of Puntarenas province. With its restaurants and bars, fitness and spa facilities, big pools, outdoor activities, beach access, and kid-friendly amenities, it checks all the mega-resort boxes, offering a steady stream of food, drinks, and organized entertainment. Its 315 rooms, some of which have balconies, terraces, and hot tubs, are pleasant but chain-hotel generic, which isn't necessarily a negative. There aren't many dining and nightlife choices outside the resort, and most guests stay on the property to take advantage of its all-inclusive rates. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities with Barcelo Tambor Beach, another all-inclusive on the other side of the Gulf of Nicoya.
Doubletree Resort by Hilton, Central Pacific is an upper-middle-range all-inclusive property on the coast of Puntarenas province. With its restaurants and bars, fitness and spa facilities, big pools, outdoor activities, beach access, and kid-friendly amenities, it checks all the mega-resort boxes, offering a steady stream of food, drinks, and organized entertainment. Its 315 rooms, some of which have balconies, terraces, and hot tubs, are pleasant but chain-hotel generic, which isn't necessarily a negative. There aren't many dining and nightlife choices outside the resort, and most guests stay on the property to take advantage of its all-inclusive rates. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities with Barcelo Tambor Beach, another all-inclusive on the other side of the Gulf of Nicoya.
For those who want a clean room, free made-to-order breakfast, and a quiet night's sleep without paying higher prices found in nearby Manuel Antonio, two-and-a-half pearl La Sirena Hotel is an excellent choice. The property is built on a side street in Quepos, a block from the water and about a 20-minute drive or bus ride to Manuel Antonio National Park and Beach. There's a bus stop and bank just around the corner and several restaurants, gift shops, and the ocean within walking distance -- though there isn't a proper beach. The 14 guest rooms are clean and have tube-style TVs with English cable channels. A small swimming pool provides a spot to cool off. Overall, there's a convivial atmosphere among the guests, many of them older couples and travelers on a budget.
For those who want a clean room, free made-to-order breakfast, and a quiet night's sleep without paying higher prices found in nearby Manuel Antonio, two-and-a-half pearl La Sirena Hotel is an excellent choice. The property is built on a side street in Quepos, a block from the water and about a 20-minute drive or bus ride to Manuel Antonio National Park and Beach. There's a bus stop and bank just around the corner and several restaurants, gift shops, and the ocean within walking distance -- though there isn't a proper beach. The 14 guest rooms are clean and have tube-style TVs with English cable channels. A small swimming pool provides a spot to cool off. Overall, there's a convivial atmosphere among the guests, many of them older couples and travelers on a budget.
Pacific Paradise Resort (formerly Layla Resort) is a budget-friendly hotel on the outskirts of Quepos, a three-minute drive to the airport. As of our visit in 2015, the hotel seems to be in a bit of a transition from a property that's popular with locals (and, maybe, working girls) to a family-friendly resort. An outdoor swimming pool is adjacent to the palapa-style bar and breakfast area. Freebies include parking, Wi-Fi, and made-to-order breakfast, but there isn't a full restaurant. The 20 rooms feature dark wood furniture and coffeemakers. Travelers may want to compare prices at La Sirena, an intimate budget hotel right in the center of Quepos.
Pacific Paradise Resort (formerly Layla Resort) is a budget-friendly hotel on the outskirts of Quepos, a three-minute drive to the airport. As of our visit in 2015, the hotel seems to be in a bit of a transition from a property that's popular with locals (and, maybe, working girls) to a family-friendly resort. An outdoor swimming pool is adjacent to the palapa-style bar and breakfast area. Freebies include parking, Wi-Fi, and made-to-order breakfast, but there isn't a full restaurant. The 20 rooms feature dark wood furniture and coffeemakers. Travelers may want to compare prices at La Sirena, an intimate budget hotel right in the center of Quepos.
Villa Kristina Apartments is a prime mid-range option for families and couples who want self-catering options and prefer to stay well away from the hustle and bustle of Manuel Antonio. Kristina, the owner, and her barking dog, live on-site and offer three enormous apartments with full kitchens, laundry facilities, and private balconies that overlook the jungle and Pacific Ocean. Sloths and monkeys are more common than people in this isolated stretch of road that can be difficult to find; there's nothing within walking distance other than Playa Macha, which is a trek, even for the physically fit. Kristina can arrange a continental breakfast, but it's pricey. An infinity-edge pool, hot tub, and free Wi-Fi round out the amenities here.
Villa Kristina Apartments is a prime mid-range option for families and couples who want self-catering options and prefer to stay well away from the hustle and bustle of Manuel Antonio. Kristina, the owner, and her barking dog, live on-site and offer three enormous apartments with full kitchens, laundry facilities, and private balconies that overlook the jungle and Pacific Ocean. Sloths and monkeys are more common than people in this isolated stretch of road that can be difficult to find; there's nothing within walking distance other than Playa Macha, which is a trek, even for the physically fit. Kristina can arrange a continental breakfast, but it's pricey. An infinity-edge pool, hot tub, and free Wi-Fi round out the amenities here.
The Kayak Lodge is a solid mid-range option for tourists who want to explore the mangrove eco-system of Costa Rica or experience family-friendly hospitality away from the touristy scene of Manuel Antonio, which is about a 20-minute drive away. The 21 rooms range from simple units without windows to a two-bedroom suite with a kitchen that overlooks the river where the kayaks are launched. Freebies include made-to-order breakfast, Wi-Fi, calls the United States, and parking -- but there's no on-site restaurant or bar. An outdoor swimming pool and pretty butterfly garden make up the grounds. For those who want to be closer to the action in Manuel Antonio, check rates at the comparable Hotel California.
The Kayak Lodge is a solid mid-range option for tourists who want to explore the mangrove eco-system of Costa Rica or experience family-friendly hospitality away from the touristy scene of Manuel Antonio, which is about a 20-minute drive away. The 21 rooms range from simple units without windows to a two-bedroom suite with a kitchen that overlooks the river where the kayaks are launched. Freebies include made-to-order breakfast, Wi-Fi, calls the United States, and parking -- but there's no on-site restaurant or bar. An outdoor swimming pool and pretty butterfly garden make up the grounds. For those who want to be closer to the action in Manuel Antonio, check rates at the comparable Hotel California.
The 21-villa Casa Chameleon Hotel at Las Catalinas is an upscale boutique with a jaw-dropping location between the beach and rainforest. Minimalist decor includes hand-picked items from Morocco and Bali, and eco-conscious efforts stretch from the ubiquitous teak wood to biodegradable toiletries to locally sourced restaurant dishes. All villas face the ocean and have private saltwater plunge pools, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, minibars, and mosquito netting around the beds. There's no gym here, but rooms have yoga mats and guests can choose from a variety of fitness and wellness options. A 24-hour concierge handles requests and tours, while the stunning sunsets at the infinity-edge pool are a favorite. This is an adults-only property, so if you're traveling with kids in tow, it's worth checking out the three-pearl Hotel Sugar Beach just down the road, where kids under 12 stay free.
The 21-villa Casa Chameleon Hotel at Las Catalinas is an upscale boutique with a jaw-dropping location between the beach and rainforest. Minimalist decor includes hand-picked items from Morocco and Bali, and eco-conscious efforts stretch from the ubiquitous teak wood to biodegradable toiletries to locally sourced restaurant dishes. All villas face the ocean and have private saltwater plunge pools, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, minibars, and mosquito netting around the beds. There's no gym here, but rooms have yoga mats and guests can choose from a variety of fitness and wellness options. A 24-hour concierge handles requests and tours, while the stunning sunsets at the infinity-edge pool are a favorite. This is an adults-only property, so if you're traveling with kids in tow, it's worth checking out the three-pearl Hotel Sugar Beach just down the road, where kids under 12 stay free.
Seis Playas Hotel is a 25-room budget chain hotel with a huge pool, an on-site restaurant, and a 24-hour lobby. The hotel features basic, cottage-style rooms with private terraces entwined with pink bougainvillea, most with views of the pool. While not located on the beach, the beaches of Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo are within a 10-minute drive. Those looking for ocean views and closer beach proximity may prefer the similarly priced Best Western Tamarindo Vista Villas.
Seis Playas Hotel is a 25-room budget chain hotel with a huge pool, an on-site restaurant, and a 24-hour lobby. The hotel features basic, cottage-style rooms with private terraces entwined with pink bougainvillea, most with views of the pool. While not located on the beach, the beaches of Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo are within a 10-minute drive. Those looking for ocean views and closer beach proximity may prefer the similarly priced Best Western Tamarindo Vista Villas.
/Feature Image/small_costa_rica_hotels_lands_in_love_hotel_and_resort_tierras_enamoradas_feature_image_cbaf72986c.webp)
Amid Central Costa Rica’s rain forest, the three-pearl Lands in Love Hotel & Resort (Tierras Enamoradas) offers some of the region’s most eclectic lodging, 30 minutes outside of San Pedro. The 33 rooms are dated and dowdy, but all offer minibars, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and rain forest views. On paper, there are a wealth of resort-like amenities that include an adventure center for zip-lining and an outdoor pool. But, most interiors feel passed their prime with a look and feel that’s equal parts homely and charming. The distinct animal-friendly atmosphere -- including a vegetarian restaurant, a pet hotel, and free dog-walking opportunities for guests -- is either a major draw or one of the best reasons to stay elsewhere. While it lacks the same outdoor opportunities, Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Nature Reserve offers more sophistication and better rooms for the same money.
Amid Central Costa Rica’s rain forest, the three-pearl Lands in Love Hotel & Resort (Tierras Enamoradas) offers some of the region’s most eclectic lodging, 30 minutes outside of San Pedro. The 33 rooms are dated and dowdy, but all offer minibars, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and rain forest views. On paper, there are a wealth of resort-like amenities that include an adventure center for zip-lining and an outdoor pool. But, most interiors feel passed their prime with a look and feel that’s equal parts homely and charming. The distinct animal-friendly atmosphere -- including a vegetarian restaurant, a pet hotel, and free dog-walking opportunities for guests -- is either a major draw or one of the best reasons to stay elsewhere. While it lacks the same outdoor opportunities, Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Nature Reserve offers more sophistication and better rooms for the same money.
Puerto Azul Hotel & Club Nautico is a modern three-pearl hotel with 62 rooms that's a 10-minute drive from downtown Puntarenas and its cruise terminal. The list of amenities includes two pools and a poolside restaurant/bar that serves a free hot breakfast. Travelers arriving by boat will also find a lovely, full-service marina. Room decor is contemporary and bright, if simple and a bit IKEA. Amenities in Standard Rooms include free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and private balconies while Tower Suites have spacious floor plans, full kitchens, and excellent harbor views. The surrounding area won’t win any charm awards and, aside from a beach a few blocks away, there’s little within walking distance. The tiny, nearby Hotel Praiamar offers similarly priced, three-pearl accommodations with a boutique atmosphere.
Puerto Azul Hotel & Club Nautico is a modern three-pearl hotel with 62 rooms that's a 10-minute drive from downtown Puntarenas and its cruise terminal. The list of amenities includes two pools and a poolside restaurant/bar that serves a free hot breakfast. Travelers arriving by boat will also find a lovely, full-service marina. Room decor is contemporary and bright, if simple and a bit IKEA. Amenities in Standard Rooms include free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and private balconies while Tower Suites have spacious floor plans, full kitchens, and excellent harbor views. The surrounding area won’t win any charm awards and, aside from a beach a few blocks away, there’s little within walking distance. The tiny, nearby Hotel Praiamar offers similarly priced, three-pearl accommodations with a boutique atmosphere.