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9 Best Hotels in Dominical, Costa Rica for All Budgets and Travel Styles
Are you looking for the best hotels in Dominical, Costa Rica?
Dominical is a vibrant beach town on the Pacific Coast, renowned for its surfing spots, lush jungles, and laid-back atmosphere. While there are numerous accommodations in the area, some stand out as exceptionally great.
We love visiting Dominical for the cute downtown area and abundance of nearby activities. While here, we always try to experience a new hotel ranging from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly inns. Based on our experiences and what we love, weโve curated a list of the top hotels for different preferences and budgets.
So, letโs explore the best hotels in Dominical!
Hotels at a Glance
- Best Beachfront Hotel: COCO Beach Village
- Best High-End Hotel: Lapazul Boutique Hotel
- Best Budget-Friendly Hotel: Hotel Tropical Sands Dominical
Map of Hotels
You can also open this map in Google Maps here
1. Luxury Apartments Nauyaca by Paradiselodge
โญ๏ธ RATING: 9.7/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ Book it!
This property offers spacious accommodations with access to a terrace and a refreshing pool with a pool bar.
Each apartment boasts a fully equipped kitchenette, air conditioning, and a private bathroom featuring a great shower and ample hot water.
An ร la carte and continental breakfast option is provided each morning, featuring local specialties, fresh fruit, and juice, served in the comfort of your apartment. Nauyaca Waterfalls are within walking distance.
Our Opinion
The owners here are the best! They will take such great care of you.
The one downside is that this property is not located directly on the beach, but we love that you can walk to the Nauyaca Waterfall entrance from here.
2. Tree of Life Cabinas
โญ๏ธ RATING: 9.7/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ Book it!
The Tree of Life Cabinas is located between Uvita and Dominical. Keep in mind that this property is only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles.
Each cabin at Tree of Life Cabinas features a closet, patio, seating area, and indoor and outdoor showers as well as stunning views of the ocean from every cabin..
There is a large garden with a walking trail here. You can observe tropical plants, flowers, birds, and local wildlife.
The cabins have a full outdoor kitchen with a cooktop, sink, coffee maker with complimentary Costa Rican coffee, and refrigerator.
You can also unwind at the property’s outdoor pool area and the on-site bar.
Our Opinion
We love that this property is remote, but the fact that you need a 4-wheel drive vehicle might be a problem for some of you.
I think the cabins are amazing and this is the perfect place for a remote retreat while still being close to tons of things to do.
3. Villas Alturas
โญ๏ธ RATING: 9.3/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ Book it!
Villas Alturas offers amazing views of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Here you can relax by the outdoor pool and enjoy the property’s tropical gardens.
Each air-conditioned room and villa boasts a charming decor, tiled floors, and a private bathroom. Villas also feature spacious living areas and modern kitchenettes.
Breakfast is included in the room rate and you can savor delicious meals throughout the day at reasonable prices.
Our Opinion
We love that this lodge provides an authentic Costa Rican experience with its secluded location. I also love the nature and beauty of the property.
However, the hillside setting might not suit everyone. If you prefer being closer to the beach and urban amenities this might not be the place for you.
4. Bamboo River House and Hotel
โญ๏ธ RATING: 9.0/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ Book it!
This charming property offers spacious accommodations with access to a refreshing pool and a serene river.
Each unit features a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, and private bathrooms. Some units also include screened patios or balconies.
This hotel is located close to the beach.
Our Opinion
We love that the hosts at Bamboo River House are so kind and will go out of their way to ensure you have a warm and welcoming stay.
The only drawback is that this hotel is not directly on the beach. However, it is a really short drive away.
5. Jardรญn de los Monos
โญ๏ธ RATING: 9.7/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ Book it!
Jardรญn de los Monos is a boutique B&B located a two-minute walk from Playa Matapalo (just south of Dominical).
The property features air-conditioned rooms with private patios, surrounded by lush gardens. Guests can enjoy a refreshing pool with a swim-up bar and a delicious breakfast each morning.
Our Opinion
I think that this place offers a perfect blend of nature and comfort. It’s very minimalist modern, which I love. I also love that it is so close to the beach.
The only negative is that it is not directly in a downtown area so you will likely need to drive to any restaurants.
6. COCO Beach Village
โญ๏ธ RATING: 9.4/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ Book it!
Coco Beach Village offers cozy accommodations just steps from Playa Matapalo.
The property features nice rooms with private terraces, air conditioning, and modern amenities. Guests can unwind in the outdoor pool or take a short walk to the beach for various water activities.
The on-site bar and restaurant serve delicious local cuisine and refreshing drinks.
Our Opinion
I think that the location is perfect for beach lovers, though it might be quieter compared to bustling tourist areas.
The friendly staff and peaceful environment make it such a great hotel choice.
7. Lapazul Boutique Hotel
โญ๏ธ RATING: 9.4/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ Book it!
Lapazul Boutique Hotel offers luxurious accommodations with breathtaking ocean views.
Each room is designed to provide comfort and immersion in nature. The rooms feature high-end finishes, custom-made furniture, and spacious layouts.
Guests can enjoy a variety of on-property and off-property activities, including yoga, nature walks, bird watching, and waterfall excursions.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily in the hotel’s restaurant. The restaurant emphasizes farm-to-table dining with fresh local ingredients.
Our Opinion
I love this place for its boutique hotel vibes.
The downfall is definitely the drive to the property. The hotel is located in the hills above Dominical and the road can be a bit intense, especially after a heavy rain.
However, you will be rewarded upon arrival with an infinity pool, gourmet dining, and amazing views
8. Hotel Tropical Sands Dominical
โญ๏ธ RATING: 8.6/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ Book it!
Tropical Sands Dominical Eco Inn is a cozy retreat just a minute’s walk from the beach.
The property features air-conditioned rooms, fan cabins, and kitchenettes. Guests can enjoy amenities like a communal kitchen, hammock garden, and free WiFi.
The inn is perfect for surfers, beach walkers, and nature enthusiasts.
Our Opinion
I like this hotel because it is located right in the downtown area of Dominical and very close to the beach. The town has enough to offer without being bustling, which I love.
The friendly hosts and serene garden setting definitely make it a standout choice.
9. Pacific Edge Eco Lodge
โญ๏ธ RATING: 9.5/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ Book it!
Pacific Edge Eco Lodge is perched 600 feet above the coast.
The property offers rustic cabins and bungalows, each with stunning ocean or rainforest views.
Guests can enjoy various activities such as yoga, massage services, and wildlife watching.
The lodge emphasizes eco-friendly practices and a connection with nature.
Our Opinion
I like that this lodge provides an authentic Costa Rican experience with its secluded location and eco-conscious vibe.
I think it is ideal for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility, though its hillside setting might not suit everyone.
Other Things You Should Know About Staying in Dominical
- We always recommend Booking.com for finding the best hotels in the area. We like Booking.com because they typically offer the lowest rate and good cancellation policies.
- For vacation rentals, we suggest checking on VRBO.
- You can usually drink the water in Dominical, but I would definitely ask before filling up any bottles from a bathroom sink. To air on the side of caution, you can buy bottled water at any grocery store or mini market.
- It is always a good idea to purchase travel insurance for Costa Rica. This will help you to get money back if your plans change at the last minute and you have already paid for a hotel. We like HeyMondo for travel insurance in Costa Rica.
Conclusion: Hotel in Dominical
In conclusion, Dominical is an amazing place to visit on the Pacific Coast. There are not a whole lot of hotel options in the downtown area, but there are plenty of beach and jungle options in the surrounding area.
If you have any questions about booking a hotel in Dominical don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you plan!
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Costa Rica Travel Details: What You Need to Know
๐ Should I rent a car in Costa Rica?
Having a rental car will give you the most flexibility when traveling in Costa Rica. This will also allow you to take fun day trips on your own.
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- You might also consider; shared shuttle services or private transfer services
๐๐ฝ How can I book things to do?
We find that Viator tends to have the most comprehensive selection of activities with secure booking and good cancellation policies.
๐ I’m overwhelmed with planning. Can you help?
Of course! I suggest joining our Facebook group for specific questions and head to our Start Here Page to get started planning.
โ๏ธ What is the best way to book a flight?
Usually, we have the best luck finding great prices with Skyscanner. Check for flights to both San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia Airport (LIR).
๐๏ธ What is the best way to book my Costa Rica hotels?
We highly suggest Booking.com for hotel bookings and typically use VRBO for Costa Rica vacation rentals.
๐ฃ๏ธWhat is the main language in Costa Rica?
The main language in Costa Rica is Spanish. Most people working in tourism speak at least some English.
๐ฐ What is the currency in Costa Rica?
The currency used in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colรณn (CRC). However, the US dollar is widely accepted in most tourist areas
๐ What is the best way to stay connected?
An eSIM from Airalo is the easiest way to get 4G data while traveling in Costa Rica.
๐ด Is Costa Rica safe?
Generally, Costa Rica is considered safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s best to use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
๐ Do you need a passport to go to Costa Rica?
Yes, Costa Rica is its own country. You will need a passport to visit.
Hi! Weโre Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er)
We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and since 2016 we have lived in sunny Costa Rica.
It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision!
Now we spend our days roaming the country to bring you the very best in Costa Rica travel here on Costa Rica Vibes.
Sarah is the writer. Thomas is the one keeping it all together.
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Sarah McArthur
Sarah McArthur is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes.
She is originally from the United States but has lived in sunny San Jose, Costa Rica since 2016.ย
She has traveled all over the country and now considers herself a self-proclaimed Costa Rica travel expert.ย
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