Playa Tamarindo
Simply exquisite, this boutique hotel is an oasis of serenity and beauty in the midst of Tamarindo chaos. Spacious cabaña suites are decorated in soothing…
Must-see hotels in Península de Nicoya
Playa Sámara
Brightly painted in citrus colors, El Cactus is a great option, especially for those who prefer serenity over revelry. Fresh rooms have wooden furniture,…
Montezuma
On the northern edge of town on a hilltop overlooking the sea, this budget option is delightful. The 15 rooms and two dorms are simple but stylish,…
Playa Sámara
An inviting little Swiss-owned lodge on the edge of town. Eight spotless rooms feature tropical decor, with stained-wood furniture, tiled floors and bold…
Península de Nicoya
It's not too fancy at Indra Inn, but the grounds are blooming with fruit trees and hung with hammocks. Rooms are freshly updated (the old bar has been…
Península de Nicoya
Casa Surf looks a bit tired but still tropical, with a bamboo exterior and palm-thatched roof. Inside, you'll find simple, clean rooms – brightly painted…
Península de Nicoya
Run by a couple of adventuresome Norwegians, this fishing lodge has a Swiss Family Robinson vibe in its jungle lodge and private bungalow, both tucked…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
Truly in a class of their own, these romantic villas are scattered around 3 hectares of land next to a pristine white-sand beach. Indoor-outdoor spaces…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
If you're looking for a healthy, relaxing retreat with a bit of luxury, Nautilus is for you. Each villa has a living area, fully equipped kitchen and…
Península de Nicoya
Sitting pretty on a bank of the Río Coyote, this elegant property is blessedly intimate and blissfully isolated. The rooms are decorated with heavy wood…
Montezuma
A well-run hotel in the center of town. Although its many businesses take up an entire city block, it has just 12 prim and comfortable rooms with…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
Replete with fountains and profound beauty, this stunning terraced property on the Santa Teresa hillside offers barefoot elegance at its best. There is a…
Península de Nicoya
Costa Rica's first upscale island glamping operation comes from the same folks who created the magnificent Hotel Punta Islita. The well-appointed and…
Montezuma
At the mouth of the river, en route to the waterfalls, this classic Montezuma hotel has 15 simple wooden rooms with flowy curtains and crisp white sheets…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
A cheerful hotel, smack dab in the center of town and close to the main surf break. Clean, colorful rooms have all the standard amenities, plus a private…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
A waterfall-fed pool is surrounded by cushy blood-red lounge chairs and daybeds at this Euro-chic boutique hotel. Attractive tile rooms are draped in…
Península de Nicoya
Here's a collection of pleasant, spacious cabinas with hammocks on the porch. The brightly painted interiors have high vaulted ceilings and sturdy wood…
Playa Tamarindo
Inside this leafy compound are dorms and private rooms accented by trippy murals and mirrored mosaics. The vibe is friendly and chill, especially in the…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
Set on a 90-hectare private reserve, replete with birds, butterflies and monkeys, Star Mountain is an escape back to nature. The lodge has spacious guest…
Península de Nicoya
With a prime beachfront location at Playa Potrero, this luxurious spot gets high marks for four-star laid-back elegance. Large, tropically themed rooms…
Península de Nicoya
This elegant hotel is a surprise, with its spacious bungalows and inviting infinity pool. From the outdoor showers to the private terraces, this is a…
Península de Nicoya
Spectacular panoramas surround you at this hilltop retreat, where the four cabinas feature floor-to-ceiling windows, open-air showers and super…
Península de Nicoya
The latest addition to Las Catalinas, a ambitious new beach community under development on Playa Danta, is this 45-room boutique hotel. Newly constructed,…
Península de Nicoya
Local hero and granddad of Playa Grande, Louis Wilson was instrumental in the designation of the national park. Abutting the beach, his hotel was…
Península de Nicoya
Stay in a private room within a villa on Mel Gibson's sprawling hacienda. The colonial-style, shared casas feel geared toward special events, but any sort…
Península de Nicoya
Next to Papaya, this is an outstanding deal in a busy roadside location. Tiled rooms are clean but cramped, with those upstairs giving a glimpse of the…
Montezuma
The brainchild of a Swedish photographer, this minimalist boutique hotel feels a bit buttoned-up for freewheeling Montezuma. But the posh rooms (including…
Península de Nicoya
As implied by the name, the amazing panoramic view of the islands is the selling point here. It really is spectacular, and you can enjoy it from your…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
Located about 100m up a side road off the main drag, this funky lodge has sweet, rustic bungalows built out of bamboo. Each has an open-air shower,…
Montezuma
A lovely B&B just south of town with nine unique rooms, replete with exquisite touches like timber-framed mirrors, organic lanterns, and rocking chairs on…
Península de Nicoya
The location seems odd – stuck on a side road with no beach in sight – but the attentive owners and art-filled premises make it an excellent lower-cost…
Península de Nicoya
Across from La Selva wildlife reserve is this delightful inn that has ramshackle charm and plenty of whimsical touches. A stony path winds around the…
Península de Nicoya
At the southern end of town, Hotel Bula Bula has decked out its rooms with king-size beds, tropical paint jobs and whimsical local art. The grounds are…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
This is a thinking person's hostel, attracting a cultivated crowd of travelers who appreciate the orderly atmosphere. En suite bathrooms, polished…
Playa Tamarindo
These four slick studio apartments include fully equipped kitchens, private balconies and room to sleep three. They are perfectly practical and simply…
Península de Nicoya
Follow the signs down the side road to these large rustic A-frame bungalows with kitchenettes (useful as eating options are limited). The place is right…
Montezuma
Scattered across mango-dotted gardens, this whimsical hotel has plain, painted-wood rooms in the main building and attractive (though dark) octagonal…
Playa Sámara
This dreamy lodge was constructed without cutting down a single tree, and its rooms, suites and several larger apartments are surrounded by lush…
Península de Nicoya
Just 50m from the beach, and across from Tambor's rather romantically ramshackle Victorian church, this old standby has simple and spotless rooms, and a…
Playa Sámara
A lovely little guesthouse tucked in behind the restaurant Ahora Sí. Four simple rooms and a shared dorm are brushed in deep blues and inviting pastels,…
