Selection of the best hotels in Costa Rica

Starless hotels in paradise

In Costa Rica, there is no standardized classification of hotels as there is in Europe. That’s why we offer you our own classification based on criteria of style, capacity, location, originality, respect for the environment, quality of service and restaurant and, of course, price.

The latter are often indexed by season: dry season or high season from December 1 to April 30 and green season or low season from May 1 to November 30.

Costa Rica Découverte is committed to working only with service providers who are committed to sustainable, responsible and fair tourism.

When we visit hotels, we take great care to inspect backstage areas, kitchens and laundry facilities. Basically, we don’t just focus on what the customer sees. After all, a pleasant welcoming look, but an unkempt backyard, can lead to unpleasant surprises later on.

Misleading hotel photos and reviews

Costa Rica’s flora and fauna are varied, and so are its hotels.

Each region has its own particularities, and you shouldn’t expect the same services in Corcovado as in Arenal. Hotel capacity is low, even very low in places, and it’s advisable to book in advance if you want to have a choice.

However, don’t be fooled by tempting photos: by candlelight or at dusk, everything is more beautiful!

Costa Rica Découverte constantly visits “its” hotels, based on criteria of cleanliness, charm, location, services, welcome, friendliness and many other details, all compared to the price on offer.

We’re constantly de-listing some providers while looking for new ones. We like to work well with our suppliers, and you won’t find a hotel in the whole country that can criticize Costa Rica Découverte. We respect not only our customers, but also our suppliers.

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Below is a selection of some of the hotels we offer.

This list is deliberately incomplete and only the best-known are listed below…

We don’t reveal our little secrets, which we reserve for our customers.

Don’t hesitate to ask us for a tour proposal: it’s free and risk-free.

Visit our selection of hotels by region

Nicoya : Samara / Gulf Of Nicoya / Mal Pais And Santa Teresa / Montezuma And Tambor / Nosara

To the south of Nicoya lies an area that is still largely undeveloped, and apart from a few small towns such as Samara, Santa Teresa, Mal Pais and Montezuma, most of the area remains agricultural.
You’ll love the beaches, where you’ll quickly feel the “cooler” atmosphere compared to the North Pacific. This is also where you’ll find some of the best surfing spots on the Nicoya Peninsula. The roads in the area have long been a hindrance to development, but are improving year by year.
There’s a wide choice of hotels to choose from, in a variety of professional styles. Comfort and services have improved considerably in recent years, to make your stay a success.
In the region, you can enjoy all kinds of sea-related activities. Here, you can surf, kayak, sail and snorkel. Horseback riding and quad biking offer magnificent views of the surrounding hills.
From December to April, the heat and sun dry out Nicoya’s vegetation. The region comes back to life with the first rains in May.

Check out the hotels in the area

Caribbean : Cahuita / Puerto Viejo / Parismina / Tortuguero

The Caribbean region in the east of the country stretches from Tortuguero to Manzanillo.
Tortuguero, nicknamed the Little Amazon, will charm you with its rustic lodges perfectly integrated into the surrounding nature.
You’ll be immediately immersed in a tropical and adventurous rhythm, thanks to the special character of Tortuguero, which is only accessible by air, river or sea.
From Cahuita to Puerto Viejo, the southern Caribbean coast will encourage you to adapt to the slow pace of the natives. Explore Cahuita Park and the Manzanillo Reserve and discover the mysteries of the jungle.
Finally, rock back and forth in a hammock or lie back on a deserted beach for some well-deserved relaxation.

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Central Pacific : Jaco And Tarcoles / Manuel Antonio And Quepos / Savegre

From the Tempisque River to Manuel Antonio Park, the Central Pacific offers a wide variety of landscapes.

The mangrove swamps of the north (Tempisque, Tarcoles) and the transitional forests (Carara Park) between tropical rainforest and tropical dry forest offer other ecosystems to observe. The region is mainly developed along the coast, while the hinterland is of major interest for its landscapes, forests and rivers.
The region’s proximity to the capital also makes it a popular tourist destination, and here too you’ll find a wide range of hotels and cabinas.

Check out the hotels in the area

North Pacific : Avellanas / Coco, Papagayo And Hermosa / Conchal, Flamingo And Potrero / Tamarindo

On the Pacific coast, northern Guanacaste is one of the driest regions in the country. Very dry summers transform the landscape into an African savannah. Dominated by the Rincon de la Vieja volcano, the coastline is dotted with seaside resorts of varying degrees of popularity.
The volcano area offers little in the way of accommodation, while the coastal region offers the widest variety of hotels in Costa Rica.
From simple cabinas to charming lodges and large hotel chains, you need to know how to choose.
We have deliberately avoided certain areas of little interest or charm.

Check out the hotels in the area

South Pacific : Dominical / Ojochal / Uvita

South of Manuel Antonio to the mangroves of Sierpe lies the wildest and most authentic territory in the country.
This region, the gateway to Osa, is a sanctuary for most of Costa Rica’s species. The mountains tumble into the sea on immense, immaculate beaches. It is also the territory of the Boruca Indians.
There’s plenty to do on both land and sea. The Sierpe mangrove is a must, and the Marino Ballena park hosts the country’s largest concentration of humpback whales from August to October and December to April.
It’s also the starting point for an excursion to Corcovado, if your stay doesn’t allow you to go further south to the Osa Peninsula.

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Osa Peninsula : Drake Bay And Corcovado / Carate / Golfito And Piedras Blancas / Puerto Jimenez

Southern Costa Rica is rightly considered one of the world’s densest and richest areas in terms of flora and fauna diversity.

We invite you to visit Corcovado National Park. It’s home to a multitude of bird, insect, reptile and mammal species.
Through the jungle, you can observe numerous endemic species such as tapir and spider monkeys.
Whether you’re a photographer, a birdwatcher, a biologist or simply a nature lover, you’ll find exceptional biodiversity here that’s sure to delight you.
The golfo dulce, a tropical fjord, is home to dolphins, whales and tropical fish. Corcovado National Park and its rainforests are home to dozens of felines and mammals. Last but not least, the mangroves of Golfito are a source of food for the fauna that confluences your visit.

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Lands of the North : Arenal / Boca Tapada / Monteverde / Rincon De La Vieja / Sarapiqui / Tenorio

Northern Costa Rica, bordering Nicaragua, is an area rich in biodiversity.
In Sarapiqui, a biological corridor for many species of birds and mammals, you can observe numerous species of amphibians.
At Arenal, you can not only admire the volcano, but also enjoy a wide range of activities and renowned thermal waters.
If you pass through Monteverde, you’ll discover a mountain village covered in cloudy rainforest.
Don’t miss the Tenorio region, famous for the Río Celeste, its national park and its ornithological diversity.
The hotel offer in this area is quite varied. From rustic to luxury, there’s something for everyone.

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Talamanca : Cerro Chirripo And Rivas / Amistad / San Gerardo De Dota And Los Santos

The Cordillera de Talamanca crosses the country from north to south and is a particularly steep region, with naturally breathtaking scenery and views. Two particularly attractive areas: San Gérardo de Dota and its famous quetzal on the one hand, and Mount Chirripó at 3820m on the other.
There isn’t much in the way of accommodation, and it can be hard to find what you’re looking for. However, some of the country’s hidden gems are to be found in this remote and atypical area.

Birdwatching, relaxing in the termal waters and trekking to the summit of Chirripo are the main attractions of the region.

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Central Valley : Alajuela, Poas And Bajos Del Toro / Cartago, Turrialba And Orosi / West Of San Jose / San Jose Center

The central valley stretches around San José to Turrialba in the east, and the Poás volcano in the north. This is where you can visit some of the country’s finest museums, including the Gold Museum, the Jade Museum, the National Museum and the Museum of Costa Rican Art. It’s also home to Costa Ricans’ favorite architectural gem: the National Theater.

The National Parks of the Central Valley protect the region’s main volcanoes: Poás, Braulio Carrillo, Irazú and Turrialba. The region also includes such magnificent destinations as Turrialba, Orosi and the Valley of the Saints (Valle de los Santos).
Both cultural and natural, the Central Valley has much to offer visitors and is well worth a stopover for a few nights.

Check out the hotels in the area