Best Western Jaco Beach All Inclusive Resort

Although the guarded entrance is marked with the recognizable Best Western logo, the property is actually owned by a couple that also runs a Hampton Suites and Holiday Inn Express in San Jose. The hotel is spacious and clean, with well-manicured grounds, but the widespread white tile floors and white plastic loungers on the lawn give the property a cheap feeling. Still, Costa Rican families tend to come here for vacation, giving it an authenticity that other tourist-heavy hotels may lack. It should be noted that guests checking in early will have to pay a day-use fee. 

Best Western Jaco Beach is located in the center of Jaco, a bustling tourist city along Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. Jaco is the closest beach area to San Jose, and it has 2.5 miles of darkish sand, low-lying mountains, and beautiful sunset views. Consistent waves and warm ocean temperatures make it a popular surfing spot, particularly for beginners. The area has experienced a great deal of growth in recent years and it attracts a mixed crowd, including families, international surfers (many from Colombia), and some tourists who want to partake in the sex trade (prostitution is legal here). Longtime locals are still present and they work hard to keep the place from becoming too commercialized. 

The central road has dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops, which can be accessed by foot. Crocs's Casino Resort has the biggest casino, and guests can walk 10 minutes along the beach to reach it. It's a two-hour drive from San Jose's international airport and transfers to and from the hotel are available for a charge. There's also free parking at the hotel. Popular day trips include those to the rainforest at Carara National Park (25-minute drive) and Manuel Antonio National Park (a 90-minute drive).

The resort's 125 rooms are located in two buildings on either side of the pool area: one five-story building with two elevators, and one three-story building without an elevator. Rooms underwent upgrades in 2015, receiving new mattresses and linens, pale wood furnishings, and neutral decor. Nearly floor-to-ceiling windows let in a good amount of natural light. Some areas still show age though, like the bathroom tiling and older in-room safes (which cost a fee). All rooms have two double beds, AC, flat-screen TVs, ice buckets, and bathrooms with walk-in showers. Toiletries include shampoo and soap in bulk dispensers. There are no coffeemakers or mini-fridges, but that's not unexpected considering the low rates. Most of the rooms have views of the pool and ocean (the higher floor the better) and come with furnished balconies. Rollaway beds and cribs are available for free, and guests can call the U.S. and Canada at no charge.

All guests are on the all-inclusive package, which includes three meals, beverages (alcohol included), and gratuities. Meals are served in the lobby's second-floor, open-air El Puerto restaurant, which overlooks the pool and beach. Buffet spreads change slightly each day, with plenty of international and local hot options, healthy salads, fruits, and an assortment of breads. A server comes around to offer red or white wine and beer. In between meals, snacks like nachos, burgers, hot dogs, and fruit are available at El Muelle Bar. This nautical-themed beach bar is open throughout the day and evening for beer, wine, classic and tropical cocktails, fruit smoothies, and even tequila shots. The resort enjoys a direct view of the sunset, which is when the beach bar sees the biggest crowd. There's another bar in the lobby, but its hours are limited when the resort isn't at full capacity. There's music and dancing after dinner, though the scene usually wraps up around midnight. 

The pool area has different sections for adults and kids, with plenty of lounge chairs but no umbrellas. The hotel has direct access to a wide expanse of public beach, which is typically free of crowds. Its volcanic sand is darker than other beaches in Costa Rica and it's rocky in places, but the beach has a great breeze and consistent waves for boogie boarding and surfing. Note that the hotel doesn't provide loungers, so guests will have to rent them from private vendors. There's a manicured lawn facing the beach, complete with plastic loungers, umbrellas, and a tennis court and grassy volleyball area. For kids, there's also a playground and area with toys. The tour desk can arrange surf lessons, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, ATV tours, whitewater rafting, or day trips.

There's free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.