Are you looking for our favorite hotels in Jaco, Costa Rica? Here are our top picks for every budget. We’ve got beachfront luxury, a real all-inclusive, surf camps and a hostel we love, plus exactly which part of Jaco to stay in.
We’re Sarah and Thomas, and we’ve lived in Costa Rica since 2016. Jaco is the closest beach town to San José, so it is the beach we visit the most. This list comes from years of Jaco trips, reader feedback, and a fresh look at recent guest reviews. Plus, we only included places with a pool, AC, and consistently strong ratings.
Short on time? Start with our quick picks and comparison table, then scroll down for the details on each hotel, including who it’s best for and who should skip it.
Our Quick Picks: Where to Stay in Jaco
- Best overall: Club del Mar Oceanfront
- Best luxury splurge: Hotel Villa Caletas
- Best for families: Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
- Best all-inclusive: Best Western Jaco Beach All Inclusive Resort
- Best adults-only: Lia Hotel Jaco
- Best mid-range value: Hotel Los Ranchos
- Best for surfers: Fuego del Sol Beachfront Hotel
- Best budget: Hotel Perico Azul & Surf Camp
Jaco Hotels at a Glance
| Hotel | Best For | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Club del Mar Oceanfront $$$ · 9.3/10 | Best overall, quiet beachfront | Check Rates → |
| Hotel Villa Caletas $$$$ · 8.4/10 | Romance, sunsets, splurge | Check Rates → |
| Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort $$$$ · 8.3/10 | Families, golf, big resort feel | Check Rates → |
| Clarita’s Beach Bar & Resort $$$ · 9.0/10 | Newest beachfront hotel in town | Check Rates → |
| Lia Hotel Jaco (adults only) $$ · 8.6/10 | Couples, adults-only | Check Rates → |
| Best Western Jaco Beach All Inclusive Resort $$$ · 8.4/10 | All-inclusive on a budget | Check Rates → |
| Crocs Resort & Casino $$$ · 8.6/10 | Groups, bachelor parties, nightlife | Check Rates → |
| Hotel Punta Leona $$$ · 8.3/10 | Families and nature lovers | Check Rates → |
| Hotel Los Ranchos $$ · 8.9/10 | Best mid-range value | Check Rates → |
| Hotel Mar de Luz $$ · 8.8/10 | Families on a budget | Check Rates → |
| Fuego del Sol Beachfront Hotel $$ · 8.8/10 | Surfers and sunset lovers | Check Rates → |
| Apartotel Girasol $$ · 8.7/10 | Longer stays, self-catering | Check Rates → |
| Pumilio Mountain & Ocean Hotel $$ · 8.4/10 | Jungle views, suites with kitchens | Check Rates → |
| Hotel Perico Azul & Surf Camp $ · 9.0/10 | Best budget hotel | Check Rates → |
| Beach Break Resort & CR Surf Camp $ · 8.0/10 | Budget beachfront | Check Rates → |
| Casajungla Hostel $ · 8.9/10 | Backpackers and solo travelers | Check Rates → |
Price guide per night in high season: $ under $100 · $$ $100 to $200 · $$$ $200 to $350 · $$$$ $350+. Guest ratings are Booking.com scores as of September 2026.
Want to compare dates and prices for everything in town? See all Jaco hotels on Booking.com →
Want to see these all about clearer? We made a map with all the Jaco hotels.
Luxury Hotels in Jaco
These are the Jaco hotels we recommend when you want the best views, the best service, or a real treat. A few are just outside of town, which is where the most beautiful properties are.
1. Club del Mar Oceanfront
📍 South end of Jaco Beach ⭐ Guest rating: 9.3/10 💲 $$$
Best for: Best overall, quiet beachfront
If someone asks us for one hotel in Jaco, this is usually the answer. Club del Mar sits at the quiet south end of Jaco Beach, right where the rainforest meets the sand, so you get the beach and the jungle without the late-night noise of the main strip.
It is also the highest rated hotel on this list with guests. The oceanfront pool is the kind of spot you plan your afternoons around.
Good to know:
- Rooms and apartments, all with balconies and AC
- Oceanfront pool, spa, and a Tiki bar that serves right on the beach
- Restaurant with Costa Rican dishes and fresh local seafood
- Tour desk can set up fishing, rainforest hikes, and Manuel Antonio day trips
Skip it if: you want to walk out the door into bars and restaurants. The south end is calm, which is the whole appeal, but you will be walking a while or driving a few minutes to reach the busy part of town.
2. Hotel Villa Caletas
📍 Playa Caletas cliffs, about 20 minutes north of Jaco ⭐ Guest rating: 8.4/10 💲 $$$$
Best for: Romance, sunsets, splurge
Villa Caletas is the splurge. It sits high on a cliff above the coast, and the sunset views from the infinity pool and the open-air amphitheater are some of the best on the Pacific coast.
The style is Victorian meets tropical, with four-poster beds and mosaic floors, and some rooms have their own terrace with a hot tub. This is where we send couples celebrating something.
Good to know:
- Infinity pool with a view over the Pacific
- Two restaurants, including French and Central American fusion at Mirador
- Spa, gym, and concierge for rainforest hikes and horseback rides
- Beach club at Playa Caletas, about a mile from the hotel
Skip it if: you do not want to rely on a car or the hotel to get around. It is perched on a hillside outside of town, so expect stairs, winding paths, and a short drive to reach Jaco itself.
3. Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
📍 Playa Herradura, about 15 minutes north of Jaco ⭐ Guest rating: 8.3/10 💲 $$$$
Best for: Families, golf, big resort feel
This is the closest thing to a full resort experience in the Jaco area. It sits on calm Playa Herradura inside the Los Sueños marina community, with a golf course, a spa, and a kids club so parents actually get a break.
It is about 1.5 hours from San José Airport, which makes it an easy pick for a short trip or the first nights of a longer one.
Good to know:
- Kids club, three pools, and a private beach area
- On-site golf course and marina (sportfishing and catamaran tours leave from here)
- Several restaurants and bars on property
- Rooms with private balconies, some with in-room hammocks
Skip it if: you want the Jaco town vibe. You will need a car or taxi to get into Jaco, and Playa Herradura is darker sand and much calmer than Jaco Beach.
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4. Clarita’s Beach Bar & Resort
📍 Jaco Beach, walking distance to town ⭐ Guest rating: 9.0/10 💲 $$$
Best for: Newest beachfront hotel in town
Clarita’s has been a Jaco beach bar institution since the 1960s, and the hotel reopened in 2026 after a complete renovation as the first WorldHotels Elite property in Costa Rica. It is the most modern beachfront stay you can walk into town from.
Every suite faces the ocean, and it has quickly become one of our favorite reviewed hotels in Jaco.
Good to know:
- Ocean-view suites with balconies and AC
- Two pools, a rooftop, spa, and fitness center
- Beachfront bar and grill plus a sushi bar
- Accessible (ADA) room options, which is rare in this area
Skip it if: you want total quiet. The beach bar is open to the public and it is right in the middle of the action, so this is a social spot, not a hideaway.
5. Lia Hotel Jaco (Adults Only)
📍 Jaco Beach, central ⭐ Guest rating: 8.6/10 💲 $$
Best for: Couples, adults-only
Lia is our pick for couples who want to be on the beach and in town, without kids splashing in the pool. It is adults only, beachfront, and has a Mediterranean restaurant that is good enough that you do not have to leave for dinner.
If adults-only is a must for your whole trip, we also have a full guide to adults-only resorts in Costa Rica.
Good to know:
- Adults only, with a private beach area
- Pool, bar, coffee shop, and room service
- Brunch, lunch, and dinner at the on-site restaurant
- Easy walk to Jaco’s restaurants and shops
Skip it if: you are traveling with kids (they are not allowed) or you want a sprawling resort with lots of amenities. This is a smaller boutique hotel.
Best Resorts and All-Inclusive Hotels in Jaco
Jaco is not an all-inclusive destination like Guanacaste, but there are a few resort-style options that work well for families and groups.
6. Best Western Jaco Beach All Inclusive Resort
📍 Jaco Beach, central ⭐ Guest rating: 8.4/10 💲 $$$
Best for: All-inclusive on a budget
This is the go-to beachfront all-inclusive in Jaco itself, and it has thousands of reviews for a reason. Meals and drinks are included, it is right on the beach, and you can still walk into town when you want a change of scenery.
It is a great value for families and groups who do not want to think about the bill. For more options around the country, see our guide to all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica.
Good to know:
- All food and drinks included
- Two pools, tennis court, and beach volleyball
- Supervised kids activities and a games room
- Beachfront bar, about half a mile from the center of town
Skip it if: you are expecting luxury. It is a classic, older resort, so don’t expect gourmet food or brand new rooms. You are paying for convenience and location.
7. Crocs Resort & Casino
📍 North end of Jaco Beach ⭐ Guest rating: 8.6/10 💲 $$$
Best for: Groups, bachelor parties, nightlife
Crocs is the fun one. It is right on the beach at the north end of Jaco with a big pool, four restaurants, two bars, and a casino, so it is a favorite for groups of friends, bachelor and bachelorette trips, and anyone who wants the party to come to them.
With over 600 reviews and a strong score, it is one of the better reviewed large hotels in town.
Good to know:
- Beachfront with a large outdoor pool
- Four restaurants, two bars, and an on-site casino
- Paid airport shuttle available
- Bike rentals and billiards on site
Skip it if: you want a quiet, romantic stay. It can be lively, and the north end is about a mile from the Jaco Walk area, so most people drive or grab a taxi into the center.
8. Hotel Punta Leona
📍 Punta Leona private reserve, about 20 minutes north of Jaco ⭐ Guest rating: 8.3/10 💲 $$$
Best for: Families and nature lovers
Punta Leona is a huge private reserve with its own white sand beaches, jungle trails, and a well known scarlet macaw conservation program. It is a favorite with Costa Rican families, and it is a great pick if you want calm beaches and wildlife more than a town.
Think of it as a gated nature resort with pools and restaurants, rather than a beach hotel.
Good to know:
- Access to the reserve’s quiet beaches, including Playa Blanca
- Three pools, restaurants, and a spa
- Free parking plus an internal shuttle around the property
- Great for spotting scarlet macaws, monkeys, and birds
Skip it if: you want ocean views from your room. The rooms are in the forest and do not face the water, and it is a short drive or shuttle to the beaches and the center of the complex.
💡 Sarah’s Tip
Some of our favorite stays, like Villa Caletas, Los Sueños and Punta Leona, are 15 to 20 minutes outside Jaco. They’re beautiful, but you’ll want a car.
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Jaco
This is the sweet spot for most travelers. Every hotel here has a pool and AC (trust us, you want AC in Jaco), and good cancellation policies on most rates.
9. Hotel Los Ranchos
📍 Central Jaco, steps from the beach ⭐ Guest rating: 8.9/10 💲 $$
Best for: Best mid-range value
Los Ranchos has been our top mid-range pick in Jaco for years. It is family run, about 40 meters from the beach, and set in a leafy garden that makes it feel like a little oasis even though restaurants and shops are a block away.
It has nearly 900 reviews with an excellent score, which is hard to do at this price.
Good to know:
- Rooms, apartments, and bungalows (apartments and bungalows have kitchens)
- Pool surrounded by tropical gardens
- AC, free WiFi, and free parking
- Can arrange surf lessons and Manuel Antonio day trips
Skip it if: you want modern decor. The style is traditional with dark wood furniture, and being in the center means some street noise at night.
10. Hotel Mar de Luz
📍 Central Jaco, about 150 meters from the beach ⭐ Guest rating: 8.8/10 💲 $$
Best for: Families on a budget
Mar de Luz is a relaxed, family friendly hotel in the heart of town. Rooms have kitchenettes, breakfast is included, and there is a playground and game room for kids, which is not something you find at many Jaco hotels in this price range.
The staff get consistently great reviews, and the gardens make it feel quieter than its central location suggests.
Good to know:
- Daily à la carte breakfast
- Kitchenettes in the rooms
- Pool, hot tub, kids playground, and game room
- Short walk to the beach and plenty of restaurants
Skip it if: you want to be beachfront or have an ocean view. It is a couple of minutes from the sand, not on it.
11. Fuego del Sol Beachfront Hotel
📍 Playa Hermosa, about 10 minutes south of Jaco ⭐ Guest rating: 8.8/10 💲 $$
Best for: Surfers and sunset lovers
Fuego del Sol is right on Playa Hermosa, the surf beach just south of Jaco. It is quieter than Jaco, the sunsets are fantastic, and you can watch some of the best surfers in the country from the pool.
With over 1,100 reviews and an excellent score, it is one of the most consistently loved hotels in the area.
Good to know:
- Beachfront with an outdoor pool
- Restaurant and bar on site
- Rooms with AC and a balcony
- Tour desk for surf lessons and local tours
Skip it if: you have young kids who want to swim in the ocean. Playa Hermosa has powerful waves and strong currents. You will also want a car to get into Jaco.
12. Apartotel Girasol
📍 Jaco Beach, central ⭐ Guest rating: 8.7/10 💲 $$
Best for: Longer stays, self-catering
Girasol is a beachfront apartment hotel, so you get a full kitchen and more space than a standard hotel room, with the ocean right outside. It is a smart choice for longer stays or families who want to cook some meals and save money.
The pool and garden sit between the building and the beach, and you can walk to restaurants in town.
Good to know:
- Apartments with fully equipped kitchens
- Beachfront, with a pool and garden
- Free private parking
- Airport shuttle available for a fee
Skip it if: you want a restaurant, bar, or daily resort-style service on site. This is an apartment setup, so plan to cook or walk out for meals.
13. Pumilio Mountain & Ocean Hotel
📍 Hills above Jaco, about 5 minutes by car to the beach ⭐ Guest rating: 8.4/10 💲 $$
Best for: Jungle views, suites with kitchens
Pumilio is a small boutique hotel tucked into the forest just outside Jaco. It is all suites, most with a full kitchen, and one has a private jacuzzi, so it feels more like a jungle hideaway than a beach town hotel.
Breakfast is included, and you are only a few minutes from both Jaco Beach and Playa Herradura.
Good to know:
- Spacious suites, most with kitchens
- Two pools and spa services
- Breakfast included in the rate
- Quiet, green setting with lots of birds
Skip it if: you do not have a car. It is not walking distance to the beach or town.
Best Budget Hotels and Hostels in Jaco
For surfers, solo travelers, and anyone keeping costs down, these are the cheap places to stay in Jaco that still get great reviews.
14. Hotel Perico Azul & Surf Camp
📍 Central Jaco, under 0.6 miles (1 km) from the beach ⭐ Guest rating: 9.0/10 💲 $
Best for: Best budget hotel
Perico Azul is our favorite budget stay in Jaco. It is a relaxed little hotel and surf camp with a pool, a shared kitchen, and AC in the rooms, and the guest scores are higher than a lot of hotels that cost twice as much.
It is a great base if you are here to surf, since you can book lessons and rent boards right on site.
Good to know:
- Pool, garden, and a well equipped shared kitchen
- AC rooms with private bathrooms
- Surf lessons and board rentals
- Free parking, which is a big plus in central Jaco
Skip it if: you want beachfront or on-site dining. It is a short walk to the sand, and there is no restaurant.
15. Beach Break Resort & CR Surf Camp
📍 Jaco Beach, central ⭐ Guest rating: 8.0/10 💲 $
Best for: Budget beachfront
If you want to be right on the beach without paying beachfront prices, Beach Break is the answer. It is a simple, no frills place with a pool and a tennis court, and it sits directly on Jaco Beach within walking distance of restaurants and bars.
It is popular with surfers and it has well over 1,000 reviews.
Good to know:
- Beachfront with a private beach area
- Outdoor pool and tennis court
- Surf camp on site
- Free parking and WiFi
Skip it if: you want a restaurant or bar at your hotel. There is none on site (you can bring your own snacks and coolers), and rooms are basic.
16. Casajungla Hostel
📍 Central Jaco, about a 3 minute walk to the beach ⭐ Guest rating: 8.9/10 💲 $
Best for: Backpackers and solo travelers
Casajungla is a hostel that feels like a boutique guesthouse. Rooms have AC and private bathrooms, there is a pool in the garden, and the vegetarian breakfast gets rave reviews.
It is a great pick for solo travelers and backpackers who want a social, easygoing base close to the beach.
Good to know:
- Pool, garden, and outdoor lounge areas
- AC and private bathrooms
- Highly rated vegetarian breakfast
- Shared kitchen and tour desk
Skip it if: you want hotel amenities or a party hostel. It is small and laid back.
Tours & tickets
Things to Book in Jaco
Jaco Catamaran Tour
⏱ 4 hours 30 min · ⭐ 5 · Free cancellation
Jaco ATV Tour
⏱ 3 hours · ⭐ 5 · Free cancellation
Río Tárcoles Crocodile Tour
⏱ 7 hours · ⭐ 5 · Free cancellation
Which Area of Jaco Should You Stay In?
Where you stay in Jaco makes a big difference. The town is small, but the vibe changes a lot from one end of the beach to the other.
- Central Jaco: Best if you want to walk everywhere. Restaurants, bars, surf shops, and the beach are all within a few blocks. The trade off is noise, especially on weekends. Picks: Los Ranchos, Mar de Luz, Lia, Clarita’s, Best Western, Perico Azul.
- South end of Jaco Beach: Quieter, greener, and closer to the rainforest, but still in town. Great for couples and families who want calm evenings. Pick: Club del Mar.
- North end of Jaco Beach: Home to bigger hotels like Crocs. You are on the beach, but you will likely drive or taxi into the center.
- Playa Hermosa: About 10 minutes south, this is the surf beach. It is quieter and great for sunsets, but the waves are strong. Pick: Fuego del Sol. See our Playa Hermosa guide.
- Playa Herradura and Punta Leona: About 15 to 20 minutes north, with calmer beaches, the Los Sueños marina, and the area’s big resorts. You will want a car. Picks: Los Sueños Marriott, Villa Caletas, Punta Leona. More in our Playa Herradura guide.
- The hills above town: Jungle views, birds, and peace and quiet, a few minutes’ drive from the beach. Pick: Pumilio.
Prefer a Condo or Villa in Jaco?
Jaco has a lot of beachfront condo towers and private villas, and they can be a great deal for families and bigger groups who want a kitchen and more space. If that sounds like you, browse Jaco vacation rentals on VRBO or read our tips for booking vacation rentals in Costa Rica.
Our advice: look for a building with a gated entrance and on-site security, confirm there is AC in every bedroom, and check how far it actually is from the beach before you book.
Tips for Booking a Hotel in Jaco
- Book early for high season. December through April, plus Easter week (Semana Santa) and the Christmas holidays, are the busiest times in Jaco. Our favorite hotels sell out, so lock in a room with free cancellation as soon as you know your dates. Not sure when to go? See our Jaco weather guide.
- Always get AC. Jaco is hot and humid year-round. Every hotel on this list has it, but double check if you book a condo or rental.
- Think about noise. Jaco is known for its nightlife, especially on weekends. If you are a light sleeper, choose the south end, Playa Hermosa, or a hotel outside of town.
- Look for secure parking. Never leave valuables in your car, even for a few minutes. Our Jaco safety guide covers what you need to know.
- Decide on a car before you book. You can walk around central Jaco, but for hotels outside town (and for day trips to Carara National Park, the Tárcoles crocodile bridge, or Isla Tortuga) you will want wheels. Compare options in our shuttle vs rental car guide.
- Check the cancellation policy. We picked hotels that usually offer flexible rates, but policies change by date and room type, so read the fine print before you book.
Jaco Hotels FAQ
Where is the best place to stay in Jaco?
For most visitors, central Jaco or the south end of Jaco Beach is best. You can walk to the beach and restaurants, and the south end is quieter at night. Hotel Los Ranchos is our favorite central option, and Club del Mar is our top pick overall.
What is the best luxury hotel in Jaco?
Hotel Villa Caletas is the most luxurious stay in the Jaco area, known for its cliffside infinity pool and sunset views. Club del Mar and Los Sueños Marriott are also excellent high-end options.
Are there all-inclusive resorts in Jaco?
Yes. The Best Western Jaco Beach All Inclusive Resort is right on Jaco Beach and includes all meals and drinks. For a bigger selection of all-inclusives, most are in Guanacaste in the north of Costa Rica.
What are the best hotels in Jaco for families?
Los Sueños Marriott has a kids club and calm beach, Hotel Punta Leona has private beaches and lots of nature, and Hotel Mar de Luz is a great budget-friendly option with a playground and kitchenettes.
Are there adults-only hotels in Jaco?
Yes. Lia Hotel Jaco is an adults-only beachfront hotel right in town, and it is our top pick for couples.
How far is Jaco from San José Airport?
Jaco is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1.5 hours from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), depending on traffic. That makes it one of the easiest beach towns to reach from San José Airport.
Do I need a car in Jaco?
Not if you stay in central Jaco and plan to relax in town. If you are staying outside town (Herradura, Punta Leona, Playa Hermosa, or the hills) or want to take day trips, a rental car makes life much easier.
Is Jaco worth visiting?
Yes, especially for a short beach trip close to San José, surfing, nightlife, and easy day trips. If you want a quieter, more natural beach town nearby, also look at Manuel Antonio about 1.5 hours south.
Our Final Pick
If we had to choose one, we’d book Club del Mar for the quiet beachfront setting, or Hotel Los Ranchos if you want great value in the middle of town. If you are traveling on a tight budget Perico Azul is hard to beat.
Compare all Jaco hotels and prices on Booking.com →
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Meet the writer
Sarah McArthur
Sarah is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes. Originally from the US, she has lived in San José, Costa Rica since 2016 with her husband Thomas, who takes the photos you see on this site.
Together they have been writing about Costa Rica since 2017, drawing on years of road trips, hotel stays and tours around the country. We personally vet everything before we publish it.
Follow along on Instagram · Pinterest · Substack
or join our email list for trip planning help.
Meet the writer
Sarah McArthur
Sarah is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes. Originally from the US, she has lived in San José, Costa Rica since 2016 with her husband Thomas, who takes the photos you see on this site.
Together they have been writing about Costa Rica since 2017, drawing on years of road trips, hotel stays and tours around the country. We personally vet everything before we publish it.
Follow along on Instagram · Pinterest · Substack
or join our email list for trip planning help.
