OUR FAVORITE HOTELS & HOSTELS IN Costa Rica
During our travels through Costa Rica, we always seek out the most beautiful and unique hotels. Whether it’s a stunning lodge in the heart of the jungle, a cool hostel where you can have a fun evening, or a hotel with a spectacular view. A great hostel or hotel makes your journey through Costa Rica even more special. In this article, we list our favorite spots. One hotel is for travelers with a bit broader budget, and the other is perfect for budget travelers. All these hotels and hostels are very popular, so it’s smart to book in advance.
Please note: We mention ‘starting prices.’ Hotel prices vary greatly depending on your travel period and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the starting price can sometimes differ significantly when booking late and/or traveling in high season.
For which destination in Costa Rica are you looking for accommodation?
Great hotels & hostels in Santa Teresa
Salty Enthusiasts
For a comfortable accommodation at a great price, you should check out Salty Enthusiasts. There’s an incredibly relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, especially thanks to the friendly staff. Natural materials are used extensively, and there are cozy seating areas and hammocks everywhere for relaxation. There’s a large communal kitchen, and it’s very centrally located in Santa Teresa. The beach is just a two-minute walk away! This is one of the best hotels in this price range in Santa Teresa.
Low Season
Room starting from $29 (€26) | Dorm starting from $14 (€13)
High Season
Room starting from $39 (€35) | Dorm starting from $21 (€19)
Santa Teresa Surf Vista Villas
Staying at Santa Teresa Surf Vista Villas, you can enjoy a phenomenal view. The hotel is situated a bit higher, giving you a wide view over the jungle and the ocean. Both from the pool and the rooms, you have an amazing view. Especially during sunset, when the sky turns orange and purple, it’s beautiful. The comfort of this hotel is also top-notch. You’ll stay in a spacious room with air conditioning, a comfy bed, an outdoor kitchen, and a large balcony. Here, it’s pure enjoyment!
Low Season
Room starting from $77 (€70)
High Season
Room starting from $77 (€70)
Canaima Chill House
Canaima Chill House is a little paradise in Santa Teresa. This beautiful hotel is hidden in the jungle, and when we were there, we saw a whole group of howler monkeys swinging through the trees! There’s a nice pool and even a jacuzzi. A big advantage is its central location relative to restaurants and the beach, yet it’s completely away from the hustle and bustle. However, keep in mind that it’s situated on a hill, and you’ll need a 4×4 to reach this hotel. The last part to the hotel is a steep road.
Low Season
Room starting from $101 (€92)
High Season
Room starting from $101 (€92)
Lua Villas
At Lua Villas, you can also count on a delightful time. You’ll stay in an incredibly beautiful bungalow with a kitchen, outdoor shower, large balcony, and comfy bed. The bungalows are surrounded by a lovely garden, and there’s a yoga deck where yoga classes are offered. It’s located slightly outside Santa Teresa, but if you have a rental car, you can get there in about 15 minutes. Lua Villas is situated on the stunning Hermosa Beach. Are you a surfer? The waves at Hermosa Beach are fantastic!
Low Season
Room starting from $55 (€50)
High Season
Room starting from $99 (€90)
Nice Hotels & Hostels in La Fortuna / Arenal
Selina La Fortuna
Looking for a cozy accommodation where you can easily meet other travelers? Then Selina is the best choice in La Fortuna. It has a super relaxed vibe, a nice pool, and it’s located right in the town so many restaurants are nearby. Every morning you can join a yoga class, and in the evening, there’s often live music or a DJ. This is the perfect place if you enjoy a lively atmosphere. You can choose to stay in an idyllic tipi tent, a budget double room, a luxury room, or a dormitory. There’s something for everyone!
Low Season
Room starting from $42 (€38) | Dorm starting from $13 (€12)
High Season
Room starting from $72 (€65) | Dorm starting from $30 (€27)
Roca Negra Del Arenal
Prefer staying in a quiet hotel? Then Roca Negra Del Arenal is perfect. From the hotel, you have a fantastic view of the volcano, and there’s a beautiful garden with lots of flowers, plants, tropical birds, and other animals. You’ll stay in a spacious room with a small terrace and a hammock. For warm days, there’s a pool, and for cooler days, there’s a jacuzzi.
Low Season
Room starting from $61 (€55)
High Season
Room starting from $88 (€80)
La Tigra Rainforest Lodge
A trip to Costa Rica isn’t complete without staying in a lodge deep in the jungle. At La Tigra Rainforest Lodge, you’ll sleep in a unique treehouse with a fantastic view. At night, you can admire the starry sky, and in the morning, wake up to the sounds of the jungle. What an experience! The lodge organizes exciting excursions where you’ll explore the jungle. Note: La Tigra Rainforest Lodge is not located in the town but in the vicinity of La Fortuna, so it’s advisable to book this lodge only if you have a rental car.
Low Season
Room starting from $77 (€70)
High Season
Room starting from $99 (€90)
Hotel Arenal Glamping
Glamping tents that live up to their name are one of our favorites. By that, we mean truly beautiful tents that are no less comfortable than a lodge, bungalow, or even a hotel room. The tents at Hotel Arenal Glamping certainly do not disappoint. All tents are beautifully furnished, have a nice terrace, and their own bathroom. But the luxury amenities of the glamping site don’t stop at the tents. On the premises, there is also an amazing pool with a view of the Arenal volcano. A delightful spot!
Low Season
Room starting from $187 (€170)
High Season
Room starting from $187 (€170)
Fun Hotels & Hostels in Uvita
Cascada Verde
Cascada Verde is a special spot in Uvita. This hostel is simple yet very charming. Everything is made of natural materials, creating a very relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place to meet other travelers, and there’s a large communal kitchen for preparing your own meals. Surrounded by jungle and situated at a higher elevation, the accommodation offers a fantastic view. You’ll often spot toucans, monkeys, and sloths in the trees.
Low Season
Room starting from $29 (€26) | Dorm starting from $14 (€13)
High Season
Room starting from $38 (€35) | Dorm starting from $21 (€19)
Tropical Beach
At Tropical Beach, you can expect affordable luxury. There’s a lovely pool with comfortable loungers for relaxation. A nice little bar and a restaurant serving delicious food are available. The rooms come with air conditioning, a comfortable bed, and a hot shower. Additionally, it’s centrally located in Uvita, close to the beautiful Playa Uvita. If you stay multiple nights, a complimentary laundry service is included.
Low Season
Room starting from $46 (€42)
High Season
Room starting from $59 (€54)
Oasis Uvita
Oasis Uvita is nestled in nature, where the owners have created a small paradise. Perched higher on the mountain, it boasts stunning views. There’s a delightful pool, and you’ll stay in a lovely room. The owner is a chef, so you can expect a delicious breakfast. Note: Oasis Uvita is a bit further from the center, and a 4×4 vehicle is required to reach it.
Low Season
Room starting from $91 (€83)
High Season
Room starting from $101 (€92)
Art Villas Costa Rica
Imagine yourself in a stunning, ultra-modern villa nestled in the jungle of Costa Rica, and then let Art Villas Costa Rica exceed your expectations. If the word ‘villa’ makes you hesitate because you’re traveling as a couple, don’t worry: small groups are also catered to. This unique hotel offers not only villas for six or ten people but also ‘pods’ for two people. These pods are cocoons with incredible views. However, these cheaper pods can only be booked a few months in advance. A 4×4 vehicle is necessary to reach this place.
Low Season
Room starting from $103 (€94)
High Season
Room starting from $154 (€140)
Selva Armonia Immersive Jungle Resort
This is a very social place where many activities are organized. From game and movie nights to yoga classes and evenings around the campfire. You don’t have to leave the grounds of Selva Armonia Immersive Jungle Resort to have a fantastic time. Spend an afternoon in the pool or in the ‘lignetten’ with amazing views over the jungle and, in the distance, the sea. This is extraordinary lodging in Costa Rica at its best!
Low Season
Room starting from $139 (€126)
High Season
Room starting from $139 (€126)
Fun hotels & hostels in Manuel Antonio
Hostel Plinio
Are you looking for a cozy hostel where you can easily meet other travelers? Then Hostel Plinio is the place for you! This hostel is surrounded by nature, has a nice pool, and plenty of hammocks and other comfortable seating areas throughout. The common area is stocked with games and lots of books. At this friendly price, breakfast is also included. The entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park is 5 km away.
Low Season
Room starting from $35 (€32) | Dorm starting from $19 (€17)
High Season
Room starting from $35 (€32) | Dorm starting from $19 (€17)
Téva Eco Retreat
Téva Eco Retreat is also a great spot, just a 10-minute drive from the entrance. You have a variety of rooms to choose from, catering to different budgets, and there’s a huge garden with a lovely swimming pool. From the accommodation, you can take a nice trail through the jungle where you can spot frogs. The entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park is 4 km away.
Low Season
Room starting from $49 (€45) | Dorm starting from $15 (€14)
High Season
Room starting from $79 (€72) | Dorm starting from $29 (€26)
Tico Tico Villas
At Tico Tico Villas, you’ll stay in a spacious apartment with all the amenities. There’s a beautiful garden, a large pool, and the owner, Vernita, is incredibly friendly. She’s happy to provide tips for your stay in Manuel Antonio. The entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park is 5 km away. Note: This hotel is for adults only.
Low Season
Room starting from $79 (€72)
High Season
Room starting from $99 (€90)
Great hotels & hostels in Montezuma
Hotel El Jardin
One of the best affordable hotels in Montezuma is Hotel El Jardin. It features a nice swimming pool, and the rooms come with air conditioning, a small refrigerator, and a hot shower. It’s situated in a superb location in Montezuma, with many restaurants nearby and the beach just around the corner.
Low Season
Room starting from $67 (€61)
High Season
Room starting from $67 (€61)
Luz En El Cielo
If you prefer to stay in a charming hostel in the heart of Montezuma, then Luz En El Cielo is perfect for you. This eco-hostel is surrounded by jungle and features a large swimming pool. The prices here are a bit higher than the average prices for a hostel, but it’s a unique place where you can expect a fantastic stay.
Low Season
Room starting from $89 (€81) | Dorm starting from $28 (€25)
High Season
Room starting from $99 (€90) | Dorm starting from $28 (€25)
Casa Colores
At Casa Colores, you’ll stay in a cheerful cottage surrounded by a tropical garden. The cottages offer plenty of privacy, a large veranda with a hammock, air conditioning, and a kitchen. Here, you’ll capture that true vacation vibe! Note that Casa Colores is located just outside the center of Montezuma. Having a rental car can be convenient during your stay here.
Low Season
Room starting from $86 (€78)
High Season
Room starting from $132 (€120)
Great hotels & hostels in Tortuguero
Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero
The selection of hotels is very limited in Tortuguero, so it’s advisable to book your accommodation as early as possible. Traveling on a tight budget through Costa Rica? Then Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero is a great choice. This budget-friendly hotel is located on the beach and within walking distance of the center of Tortuguero. There’s a nice swimming pool, and the staff is incredibly helpful. Some rooms have air conditioning while others do not.
Low Season
Room starting from $43 (€39)
High Season
Room starting from $43 (€39)
Budda Home
Budda Home is a nice mid-range hotel. The nearby restaurant is already a favorite of ours, and the hotel itself is a very nice place to stay. The rooms are nicely decorated and equipped with all amenities such as a mini-fridge, air conditioning, and a comfortable bed. The location is also excellent as it is right in the village of Tortuguero.
Low Season
Room starting from $79 (€72)
High Season
Room starting from $88 (€80)
Mawamba Lodge
Mawamba Lodge is fantastic if you want to stay in a unique lodge surrounded by nature. You’ll stay in a beautiful room with a veranda and hammock, there’s a delightful pool, and a gorgeously landscaped garden. Staying here will make your visit to Tortuguero National Park unforgettable!
Low Season
Room starting from $154 (€140)
High Season
Room starting from $154 (€140)
Great hotels & hostels in Puerto Viejo
Selina Puerto Viejo
Selina is ideal if you want to stay in a cozy hostel near the beach. It’s the perfect place to have a great time with other travelers as the hostel organizes many activities like yoga classes, parties, and game nights. Choose from a tipi tent, a double room, a nice suite, or a bed in a dormitory.
Low Season
Tipi tent starting from $39 (€35) | Dorm starting from $13 (€12)
High Season
Tipi tent starting from $65 (€59) | Dorm starting from $28 (€25)
alt=”” class=”wp-image-49373″/>Pagalù Hostel
Pagalù Hostel is also a nice hostel where you can stay for a reasonable price. It might not look as fancy as Selina, but you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. There’s a large kitchen, a peaceful atmosphere, and the location is perfect.
Low Season
Room starting from $44 (€40) | Dorm starting from $20 (€18)
High Season
Room starting from $44 (€40) | Dorm starting from $20 (€18)
Finca Chica
Finca Chica is definitely a unique spot to stay in Puerto Viejo. You’ll sleep in a gorgeous villa nestled in the jungle while the beach is just a 5-minute walk away. Here, you’ll experience an oasis of tranquility and fully immerse yourself in the stunning nature. There’s a good chance you’ll spot animals like toucans, monkeys, or frogs right from your villa.
Low Season
Villa starting from $88 (€80)
High Season
Villa starting from $120 (€109)
La Paz del Caribe
The bungalows at La Paz del Caribe are completely nestled among tropical plants, providing not only welcome privacy but also an ultimate jungle feel. Undoubtedly, the animals you can spot from your private terrace will add to this experience. Monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds will be your friendly neighbors for a few nights in Puerto Viejo.
Low Season
Room starting from $182 (€165)
High Season
Room starting from $182 (€165)
Cool Hotels & Hostels in Drake Bay
Casa Jade
Casa Jade is the best budget option in Drake Bay. Here, you can stay for as little as twenty or thirty dollars in a double room. The rooms are simple but have everything you need. The owner and the staff are incredibly friendly and hospitable.
Low Season
Room starting from $29 (€26)
High Season
Room starting from $39 (€35)
Sunset Lodge
At Sunset Lodge, you’ll stay in a bungalow with plenty of privacy, your own veranda, and a fantastic ocean view. Surrounded by greenery, the bungalows offer opportunities to spot birds, monkeys, and other animals right from your veranda. It’s situated slightly uphill from Drake Bay, requiring a short climb, but you’re still close to all the restaurants.
Low Season
Room starting from $66 (€60)
High Season
Room starting from $99 (€90)
Jacamar Corcovado Drake Bay
At Jacamar Corcovado Drake Bay, you can expect a bit more comfort. You’ll stay in a spacious double room with air conditioning, a mini-fridge, a comfortable bed, and a good shower. Here too, you have a private balcony with views of nature and the opportunity to spot wildlife.
Low Season
Room starting from $66 (€60)
High Season
Room starting from $77 (€70)
Nice Hotels & Hostels in Monteverde
Cabinas Vista Al Golfo
Cabinas Vista Al Golfo is a good choice if you’re looking for budget accommodation. It’s not luxurious, but it’s very good for this price range. The staff is super nice and helpful with booking activities. There’s a large terrace, and from here, you have a cool view over the mountains.
Low Season
Room starting from $36 (€33)
High Season
Room starting from $42 (€38)
La Casa de la Montaña
In this lovely B&B, you’ll stay right in the heart of nature, with a high chance of spotting many animals. It’s located about a mile from town and run by a sweet family who goes above and beyond to make your stay as pleasant as possible. In the morning, you’ll be treated to a delicious breakfast to kickstart your day!
Low Season
Room starting from $55 (€50)
High Season
Room starting from $55 (€50)
Los Pinos Lodge
If you have a slightly larger budget, Los Pinos Lodge is fantastic. Here, you’ll stay in a detached cottage with all the amenities. The interior is a bit old-fashioned, but it certainly has its charm. From your private terrace, you can spot a lot of wildlife, and from this lodge, you can also take some amazing hikes. The village of Santa Elena is within walking distance.
Low Season
Room starting from $55 (€50)
High Season
Room starting from $55 (€50)
Tityra Lodge
Being one with nature at Tityra Lodge is no problem at all. This unique hotel is surrounded by greenery and even features some lodges with a view over the treetops. These lodges make staying in Monteverde extra special with their large windows that can be fully opened. This gives you almost the sensation of floating among the trees with your bed.
Low Season
Room starting at $66 (€60)
High Season
Room starting at $74 (€67)
Cool hotels & hostels in San Jose
Selina San José
Selina San José is a really cool place. The decoration is super creative, there’s a cozy atmosphere, and you have plenty of space to meet other travelers. It has everything; from yoga classes to a pool table, hammocks, and comfortable seating areas. Plus, you don’t have to leave for good food, and there’s sometimes live music. Because there’s often live music in the evening, you might hear music in your room until 12 AM.
Low Season
Room starting at $44 (€40) | Dorm starting at $19 (€17)
High Season
Room starting at $58 (€53) | Dorm starting at $28 (€25)
Alameda Cariari Boutique Hotel
This hotel is located approximately 15 minutes by car from the airport. There are several good restaurants within walking distance, and the pool (complete with a slide!) is delightful and well-maintained. You’ll stay in a modern room with air conditioning, a comfortable bed, and a nice shower.
Low Season
Room starting at $71 (€65)
High Season
Room starting at $88 (€80)
Dos Palmas Studio
Do you have a very early or late flight? Dos Palmas Studio is located right next to the airport. It’s just a few minutes’ drive away. The owner Peter and his wife, will welcome you very hospitably and make you feel at home right away. There’s a courtyard with a nice pool, and in the morning, you’ll get a delicious breakfast.
Low Season
Room starting at $71 (€65)
High Season
Room starting at $71 (€65)