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The 13 Best Hotels in Tamarindo, Costa Rica for All Budgets
Are you looking for recommendations for the best hotels in Tamarindo, Costa Rica? You’ve come to the right spot!
Tamarindo is a lively beach town known for its great surf, vibrant nightlife, and stunning sunsets. It’s a hotspot for surfers, party-goers, and families alike. The town also has a wide range of accommodation options from budget-friendly to luxurious. In other words, Tamarindo has something for everyone.
We visit Tamarindo often because we love its energetic vibe, beautiful beaches, and tons of fun day trip opportunities. We’ve had the pleasure of staying in various hotels at all price points. This list was created based on the best places we have stayed throughout the years.
Finding the perfect hotel in Tamarindo can make all the difference in a great vacation. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly resort, a romantic hideaway, or a solo traveler’s haven, I’m here to guide you through the best options.
Ready to discover the 13 best hotels in Tamarindo? Let’s get started!
My Top 3 Hotel Picks in Tamarindo
⭐️ 9.1/ 10 ⭐️
- Walking distance to beach and downtown
- Beautiful grounds and pool
- Breakfast and dinner included in room rate
⭐️ 9.3/ 10 Stars ⭐️
- Peaceful setting with pool
- Walking distance to downtown area
- Delicious breakfast included
⭐️ 9.1/ 10 Stars ⭐️
- Cafe, coworking space, outdoor space
- Variety of room and dorm options
- Walking distance to restaurants and beach
Map of Tamarindo Hotels
You can also open this map in Google Maps here
Tamarindo has a condensed downtown area that is easily walkable and has easy access to the beach. If you will not have a rental car and plan on just enjoying the town and beach area, we definitely suggest staying as close to the downtown as possible.
If you want more peaceful vibes you can opt for a hotel just south of Tamarindo in Playa Langosta or in the jungle hills that are a bit inland. Just keep in mind that it will be helpful to have a rental car so that you can get around if you are not directly downtown.
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High-End Hotels
1. Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel
⭐️ RATING: 9.1/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel is an adults-only retreat in Tamarindo, offering a luxurious and tranquil experience in the heart of town.
The hotel features beautifully designed rooms and suites with private terraces or balconies, surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
Guests can enjoy a private beach garden, an outdoor pool, a spa, and an on-site restaurant that focuses on fresh, local ingredients.
Breakfast and dinner are included daily in the room rate. Dinner is a 3-course meal served at the on-site La Plumeria restaurant. The menu changes daily based on what is fresh and in season.
Why We Like It: I think very highly of Jardin del Eden for many reasons.
First of all, I love that breakfast and dinner are included in the room rate. This adds to the stress-free and relaxing stay here.
I also really like that this is an adult-only hotel. It makes this a great place for a romantic getaway.
The property is also amazing and I love the private beachfront garden with lounge chairs.
2. Pacific Kalokairi – Adults Only
⭐️ RATING: 9.2/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Pacific Kalokairi is an exclusive adults-only boutique hotel nestled in the hills above Tamarindo. The hotel features luxurious villas with private balconies, modern amenities, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Guests can enjoy the infinity pool, visit the spa, and dine at the on-site restaurant, which serves a blend of international and local cuisine.
Why We Like It: I love that this is an adult-only place. It adds to the peaceful jungle ambiance that makes this place the perfect romantic getaway.
However, keep in mind that this hotel is located in the hills above Tamarindo. You will need to drive in order to access the beach and downtown area. In some ways, this is a perk because it is a completely peaceful experience with amazing aerial views of the Pacific. However, it could be seen as negative if you don’t want to drive everywhere.
3. Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel
⭐️ RATING: 9.4/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Hotel Capitán Suizo is a beachfront hotel that features a variety of accommodations, including bungalows and suites. There is even a 4-bedroom suite that is perfect for a family or group of friends. In total, there are 31 rooms at this hotel.
Guests can enjoy direct beach access, an outdoor pool, a spa, and an on-site restaurant serving international and local cuisine.
Breakfast is included in your stay.
Why We Like It: In some aspects I think this hotel is a bit worn down for the price point. It definitely needs a bit of an update.
However, the location directly on the beach can’t be beat, we love the facilities here, and the location is great. I love that it is easy to get into the action of Tamarindo from here, but it is located on a peaceful side road.
4. Sueño del Mar Beachfront Hotel
⭐️ RATING: 9.6/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Sueño del Mar Bed & Breakfast is a charming beachfront boutique hotel located just south of Tamarindo in Playa Langosta.
The hotel offers a cozy and intimate stay with a focus on personalized service.
The property features beautifully designed rooms and suites with traditional Costa Rican decor, private patios, and garden or ocean views.
Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast made with fresh, local ingredients, relax in the outdoor pool, or take advantage of the direct beach access.
Why We Like It: We had a few family members stay here during our wedding a few years ago. They loved the cozy rooms with a traditional feel, the amazing breakfast each morning, and the direct access to the beach.
5. Les Voiles Blanches – Luxury Lodge
⭐️ RATING: 9.7/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Les Voiles Blanches is a boutique hotel located just outside of Tamarindo in the jungle.
The property features a range of elegant and spacious suites with private terraces overlooking the tropical gardens and pool.
Amenities include an outdoor pool, a BBQ area, a shared kitchen, and a gourmet breakfast included in the stay that is served each morning.
Keep in mind that this hotel is not located directly in downtown Tamarindo. It is located in the jungle about a 15-minute drive from downtown Tamarindo.
Why We Like It: Les Voiles Blanches is the boutique hotel of my dreams.
I love this place for its tranquil setting and luxurious, spacious suites. It’s the perfect place if you are looking for a peaceful retreat away from the action of Tamarindo but within a short drive of the beach and the action of the town.
6. Favela Chic Tamarindo – Adults Only
⭐️ RATING: 9.7/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Favela Chic Tamarindo is an adults-only boutique hotel with 5 rooms.
The hotel features stylishly designed bungalows with a bohemian flair. Each one is equipped with modern amenities, a private kitchen, a living room, and private outdoor spaces.
In other words, these are basically comfortable private vacation rentals with a shared pool and the attention to detail that comes with a high-end hotel.
The property includes a lush garden with a pool. Guests can enjoy easy access to Tamarindo’s beaches and local attractions.
Why We Like It: We love Favela Chic for its peaceful feel. Maximum, there are only ever 12 guests staying here at a time, so it feels very tranquil. The bungalows are all very modern and beautifully decorated.
The property is located just a short walk from the beach in Playa Langosta, but it is helpful to have a car to drive the 5 minutes into downtown Tamarindo.
7. Boho Tamarindo – Adults Only
⭐️ RATING: 9.8/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
BoHo Tamarindo is an adults-only boutique hotel that offers a chic and stylish stay.
The hotel features modern rooms with private terraces or balconies, surrounded by lush gardens.
Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, a yoga deck, and a complimentary breakfast.
This is a small hotel with only 8 rooms.
Why We Like It: We love BoHo Tamarindo for its contemporary design and peaceful, adults-only environment. I think if you are looking for peaceful vibes, this place with only 8 rooms is perfect.
The location is also great with easy access to the beach and downtown area.
Mid Range
8. Hotel Elixir
⭐️ RATING: 9.3/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Elixir Hotel Tamarindo is a comfortable hotel in the downtown area of Tamarindo.
The hotel features comfortable rooms with modern amenities such as air conditioning, set around a lush garden with an outdoor pool.
Breakfast is included in the room rate.
Why We Like It: We think this is a great place to stay if you are looking for a mid-range hotel in a quiet location, but near all the things Tamarindo has to offer.
All the rooms are designed for two people, so this is a good place for a couple. It is not an adult-only hotel, but there aren’t typically kids here because of how the rooms are set up to only sleep two guests.
9. The Beach Bungalows – Yoga and Surf House
⭐️ RATING: 9.1/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
The Beach Bungalows Tamarindo features individual bungalows surrounded by lush gardens.
Most of the bungalows are made of teak and have a cabin feel to them. Each bungalow also has its own private terrace with a lounge area.
Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, the serene garden setting, the shared kitchen facilities, and the convenience of being just a short walk from Tamarindo Beach.
This is a small hotel with 6 rooms in total.
Why We Like It: We love The Beach Bungalows for its peaceful jungle vibes. I like that this is an adult-only place and that there is a shared kitchen area for cooking.
Just keep in mind that the bungalows are somewhat open-air. For example, there is no door to the bathroom from the room.
10. Casa Mapache
⭐️ RATING: 9.2/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Casa Mapache is a charming bed and breakfast located in the jungle between Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo.
The property features tastefully decorated rooms with kitchenettes overlooking the lush gardens or the outdoor pool.
Why We Like It: We love Casa Mapache because it feels like a little oasis. The grounds are beautifully kept, the pool is a great place to relax, the owners are wonderful people, and the rooms are all spacious and well-equipped.
Just keep in mind that this place is not located directly in downtown Tamarindo. This is a jungle stay located just off the main road between Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo. You will need a rental car to get around.
However, I think the location is actually great if you want a peaceful retreat and plan on taking a lot of fun day trips to explore the nearby area.
Budget-Friendly Hotels
11. Pupa House
⭐️ RATING: 9.1/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Pupa House is a hotel and hostel located in the heart of Tamarindo.
The property offers a variety of accommodations, including private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and 10-bed dormitory-style rooms with shared facilities. These dorms are set up with beds in private pod-like areas.
The hotel features a cafe a shared lounge area, a coworking area, and an outdoor space with seating areas.
Why We Like It: I like Pupa House for a lot of reasons, but the number one reason is that their hostel beds are set up like little pods with full privacy. If you are claustrophobic this might not be for you, but I love it!
The location is great, I love the cafe, and as someone who runs my business from my laptop, I love that they have a coworking space.
The biggest negative for me is that there isn’t a shared kitchen facility here.
12. Mai Ke Kai Surf House
⭐️ RATING: 9.3/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Mai Ke Kai Surf House is a laid-back surf house in Tamarindo. This is a hostel and all rooms are set up as bunks in mixed dorms.
Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, and a communal lounge area.
The surf house is located just a short walk from the beach and downtown area.
Why We Like It: I think this is a great place to stay if you are on a tight budget, are looking for a bed to sleep in, and want relaxed vibes.
This is not a hostel that gets crazy at night and has a ton of backpackers. The property is a house, and this definitely has a more homey feel.
The owners Maria and Matthias are very kind and helpful if you need anything.
13. TamaHostel & Glamping
⭐️ RATING: 8.4/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Tamarindo Eco Glamping Hostel is a unique accommodation option in Tamarindo.
This place offers a range of accommodation options. These include; private rooms, beds in dorms, and large covered tents.
Guests can enjoy a communal kitchen, swimming pool, BBQ area, outdoor lounge areas, and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
Why We Like It: If you are looking for a hostel with community vibes to meet other like-minded travelers, this is the place to go. I love that they have such a nice outdoor area with a pool and BBQ. It becomes a fun hangout spot.
I also appreciate the location here. You can easily walk to several restaurants and the beach within a few minutes.
Tips for Finding the Best Place to Stay in Tamarindo
- Book Early: Tamarindo is a very popular beach town. It is always a good idea to book early to secure the best places at great price points.
- Check Booking.com: Booking.com is our go-to website for booking hotels. We typically always find great prices here. Plus, most hotels offer excellent cancellation policies.
⤷ Search Tamarindo hotels on Booking.com here - Check VRBO: VRBO is our favorite site for finding private vacation rentals throughout Costa Rica. In Tamarindo, you can find a lot of nice houses with private pools, cozy bungalows, etc.
⤷ Search Tamarindo vacation rentals on VRBO here - Pay Attention to Amenities: I think air conditioning is somewhat essential in the hot and humid climate of Tamarindo. Other amenities to consider include kitchen facilities, swimming pools, and proximity to the downtown area.
Other Things to Know Before Visiting Tamarindo
- Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is highly recommended when traveling to Costa Rica. It can cover unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. We like HeyMondo for comprehensive coverage.
⤷ Get a travel insurance price quote - Getting There: Tamarindo is accessible from both the Liberia International Airport and the San Jose International Airport. However, the drive is a lot shorter and more manageable from Liberia.
⤷ The 5 Ways to Get to Tamarindo from San Jose, Costa Rica
⤷ Guide to Renting a Car in Tamarindo - Local Amenities: Tamarindo is a large town. It has all the essential amenities you might need. There are several restaurants, grocery stores, and several shops selling souvenirs.
- Safety and Health: Tamarindo is generally safe, but it’s always wise to take standard precautions. Keep your belongings secure, be mindful of your surroundings, and avoid isolated areas at night. In terms of health, make sure to stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and protect yourself from mosquitoes. Also, you can drink the water here, but it is best to buy bottled water just to be extra safe.
For more info, check out our complete guide to Tamarindo
Conclusion: Hotels in Tamarindo
In conclusion, Tamarindo is a bustling beach town with a variety of accommodations to fit every traveler’s needs. Whether you’re here to surf, relax, or enjoy the nightlife, you’ll find the perfect place to stay.
If you have any questions about these hotels, feel free to ask in the comment section below. We’re always happy to help with your trip planning!
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Costa Rica Travel Details: What You Need to Know
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Hi! We’re 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.
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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.
She has traveled all over the country and now considers herself a self-proclaimed Costa Rica travel expert.
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