Where to stay
Where to stay in Costa Rica: hotels we’d book again
From jungle lodges to beachfront resorts, these are the stays we recommend to friends, sorted by town, budget and travel style.
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Travel style
What kind of trip are you planning?
Pick your style and we’ll show you the hotels we love for it.
More ways to stay
Our splurges
Featured hotels we love
When we want to treat ourselves, these are the three we dream about.
La Fortuna
Nayara Gardens
Lush gardens and volcano views, with open-air villas, private plunge pools and world-class spa treatments. Costa Rican glam at its greenest.
Papagayo
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Sculptural villas that blur indoor and outdoor living, with infinity pools and big ocean views. Surf lessons, private chefs and sunset sails make it feel entirely bespoke.
Pérez Zeledón
Hacienda AltaGracia
Spacious casitas overlooking rolling coffee fields, with horseback rides, valley yoga and award-winning wellness programs.
By destination
Hotels by town and region
Already know where you’re going? Jump straight to our hotel picks for each town.
Guanacaste
Nicoya Peninsula
Northern Mountains
Central Pacific
South Pacific
Caribbean Coast
Central Valley
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Before you book
How to choose where to stay
Start here
Pick the town first
Costa Rica is bigger than it looks and drives are slow. Choose your stops based on your route, then pick hotels within each one.
Check the road
Look at the location
Many lodges sit on steep or unpaved roads. Check the map before booking so you rent the right car, or pick somewhere walkable.
Timing
Book early in high season
From mid-December to April, and around holidays, the best places fill up months ahead. Look for free cancellation.
Free trip planner
Get a custom Costa Rica itinerary
Tell our planner your dates, airport and travel style. It picks the regions that fit, with hotels, tours and drive times for each stop.
FAQ
Where to stay FAQ: your questions
Where should I stay on my first trip to Costa Rica?
Most first-time visitors pair a jungle or volcano stop like La Fortuna or Monteverde with a beach town like Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo or Santa Teresa.
How far in advance should I book Costa Rica hotels?
For mid-December to April and holiday weeks, book a few months ahead. In the green season you can usually book closer to your dates.
Should I book hotels or vacation rentals?
We use Booking.com for hotels and Vrbo for vacation rentals. Rentals are great for families and groups who want a kitchen and more space.
Do I need a 4×4 to reach my hotel?
Not always, but many lodges are on unpaved or steep roads. Check the location before booking and ask the hotel if you’re unsure.
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