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.
JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa is a four-and-a-half pearl hotel located on Playa Mansita beach. The resort’s 310 guest rooms are subtly luxurious, offering marble bathrooms and roomy private balconies or terraces. Excellent on-site amenities include a sprawling infinity pool, an array of first-rate dining options, a swanky spa and fitness center, along with access to pretty (if tiny) Playa Mansita. The property earns top marks in all areas, but everything, from the restaurants to the minibars, is expensive. Travelers may want to compare rates and amenities with the equally fabulous Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo.
JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa is a four-and-a-half pearl hotel located on Playa Mansita beach. The resort’s 310 guest rooms are subtly luxurious, offering marble bathrooms and roomy private balconies or terraces. Excellent on-site amenities include a sprawling infinity pool, an array of first-rate dining options, a swanky spa and fitness center, along with access to pretty (if tiny) Playa Mansita. The property earns top marks in all areas, but everything, from the restaurants to the minibars, is expensive. Travelers may want to compare rates and amenities with the equally fabulous Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo.
The Conchal Hotel is a nine-room, budget-oriented boutique hotel with lush gardens, colorful decor, and an attractive courtyard pool. Guests love the personal service provided by the on-site hosts, the free continental breakfasts featuring freshly baked breads, the tidy rooms, and the low rates. However, getting to the beach is more of a a chore than a stroll, requiring a 5-minute walk along a busy road without sidewalks and a quick jaunt over a precarious bridge before finally reaching the soft sand of Playa Brasilito.
The Conchal Hotel is a nine-room, budget-oriented boutique hotel with lush gardens, colorful decor, and an attractive courtyard pool. Guests love the personal service provided by the on-site hosts, the free continental breakfasts featuring freshly baked breads, the tidy rooms, and the low rates. However, getting to the beach is more of a a chore than a stroll, requiring a 5-minute walk along a busy road without sidewalks and a quick jaunt over a precarious bridge before finally reaching the soft sand of Playa Brasilito.