Bamboo River House and Hotel in Dominical, Costa Rica is located 1.9km from Dominical Beach, 2.6km from Barú Beach, and 7.9km from Nauyaca Waterfalls. This guesthouse offers an outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, free private parking, and rooms with balconies, some boasting river or pool views; nearby attractions include the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary (9km away).
8.0 244 reviews
Hotel Pacuare
hotel, Siquirres
Hotel Pacuare in Siquirres offers convenient access to Universidad EARTH (31km) and Ebal RodrÃguez Stadium (37km). This family-friendly guesthouse boasts an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, a restaurant, bar, and room service, all within a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit.
8.7 279 reviews
Hotel Zima
hotel, San Isidro de El General
Hotel Zima is located in San Isidro, a short walk from the town centre and within easy reach of Dominical Beach and Marino Ballena National Park. It's a 4-star hotel with very good user ratings for location, cleanliness, and overall experience. The accommodation offers a peaceful escape with tropical gardens and an outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a restaurant serving regional dishes, a bar, a fitness centre, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
8.8 185 reviews
Tortuguero7 Lake View
hotel, Tortuguero
Tortuguero7 Lake View, situated in Tortuguero, Costa Rica, offers lake view rooms a short 0.8km walk from Tortuguero Beach. This hotel provides 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom lodgings with a terrace/balcony, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, room service, and access to a pool and water park; daily breakfast is included.
La Princesa Hotel is located in San Isidro de El General, just a short drive from both the scenic Cerro de la Muerte and the stunning Nauyaca Waterfalls. The hotel consistently receives excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience. The lodging offers a range of amenities for a comfortable stay, including a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, and a garden for relaxation. Guests can enjoy on-site dining at the restaurant, take advantage of the free Wi-Fi, and benefit from the convenient airport shuttle service and free private parking.
9.2 844 reviews
El Gecko Hotel & Tours
hotel, Paquera
El Gecko Hotel & Tours is located just outside of Paquera town, a short distance from both the bustling centre and the tranquil beauty of Tortuga Island. It has received very good ratings for its location, cleanliness and overall experience. The hotel has a peaceful garden, a shared lounge and terrace, and a restaurant. Guests can enjoy meals at the restaurant, prepare their own dishes in the shared kitchen or order room service, and benefit from free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Belen Suites is a 4-star hotel located in Heredia, a short distance from both Tobias Bolaños International Airport and Juan Santa Maria Airport, making it a convenient choice for travellers. It has received very good user ratings for its location, cleanliness and overall experience. This accommodation features a tropical garden, a restaurant and bar, and functional and bright rooms. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a swimming pool, a terrace, and free parking, as well as access to a concierge service and room service.
8.8 73 reviews
Coyote Rooms
hotel, Cabuya
Coyote Rooms, in Cabuya, offers convenient access to Montezuma Waterfall (8.7 km) and Cobano Airport (14 km). This family-friendly guesthouse features a restaurant, bar, fitness centre, garden, terrace, free Wi-Fi and parking; it includes one bedroom and one bathroom.
9.1 611 reviews
Ventura Santa Teresa
hotel, Santa Teresa Beach
Ventura Santa Teresa, a 4-star hotel in Santa Teresa Beach, enjoys a prime location a short walk from Carmen Beach and a 5-minute walk from Santa Teresa Beach itself, approximately 12km from Cobano Airport. This family-friendly establishment offers 1-bedroom suites with air conditioning, a swimming pool, spa, restaurant serving diverse cuisines (including vegetarian and vegan options), free Wi-Fi, and parking, plus bike and car rentals for exploring nearby attractions like Mar Azul (2.7km).
Best Costa Rica luxury hotels (4 and 5 stars)
Among the 7104 accommodations in Costa Rica, here are the 4 best luxury hotels
8.5 1103 reviews
Blue River Resort & Hot Springs
hotel, Liberia
Blue River Resort & Hot Springs, a 4-star lodge, is situated 72 kilometres north of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica, 60 kilometres from Liberia's Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. This gay-friendly establishment offers bungalows with amenities including flat-screen TVs and balconies, plus access to hot springs, a swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, restaurant, and bar, alongside organised nature tours to Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
9.2 2275 reviews
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
hotel, Fortuna
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa is located just outside Arenal Volcano National Park, a short distance from the Rio Fortuna Waterfall (1.5 kilometres) and about 15 kilometres from the Arenal Volcano and Lake. This 3-star hotel has been rated excellent by previous guests. The hotel offers a range of facilities including a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, spa, and restaurant. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Arenal Volcano and surrounding rainforest from their rooms, and there are plenty of opportunities for bird watching and exploring the natural beauty of the area.
9.5 145 reviews
Bella Vista Ranch Ecolodge Boutique Hotel
hotel, Turrialba
Bella Vista Ranch Ecolodge, a 4-star hotel in Turrialba, Costa Rica, is situated 13 kilometres from Santa Cruz and 34 kilometres from Cartago, offering easy access to regional attractions and requiring a 4WD vehicle or use of their free shuttle service. This eco-lodge provides a one-bedroom, one-bathroom lodging with a guest capacity of three, featuring a swimming pool, terrace, restaurant serving breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and on-site parking; plus river rafting on the Pacuare River and nearby cycling and hiking opportunities are available.
8.3 916 reviews
Sunset Del Mar Beach Resort
hotel, Esterillos Este
Sunset Del Mar Beach Resort, a 4-star establishment in Esterillos Este, is a 5-minute walk from Esterillos Beach, approximately 32km from Rainmaker and 48km from Manuel Antonio National Park. This family-friendly hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with balconies, a swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurant serving American and Caribbean cuisine, spa, and free Wi-Fi; car rentals are available for exploring the area's cycling routes.
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Best Costa Rica hotels with a pool
Among the 7104 accommodations in Costa Rica, here are the 4 best hotels with a pool
9.9 13 reviews
Thoas Lodge
hotel, Coronado
Thoas Lodge, a 3-star hotel in Coronado, is conveniently located approximately 34km from the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary and 50km from Nauyaca Waterfalls. This one-bedroom guesthouse offers a swimming pool, spa, garden, terrace, free Wi-Fi, and free private parking, along with a 24-hour reception and airport transfers.
Hotel La Guaria Inn & Suites is located in Alajuela, Costa Rica, a short 5-minute drive (approximately 3.2 kilometres) from Juan SantamarÃa International Airport. This 3-star establishment offers guests a range of amenities including a swimming pool, spa, free airport shuttle (one-way), complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi, alongside convenient on-site parking and laundry services.
Frequently Asked Questions about hotels in Costa Rica
There is a wide range of hotels to be found in Costa Rica. Like any country with a tropical climate and gorgeous beaches, you'll find an abundance of all-inclusive luxury resorts with their own spas, swimming pools, restaurants and more. Business travelers can stop in the urban corporate hotels, while those traveling for pleasure can stay in a cute boutique hotel or bed and breakfast.
What are some must-do activities?
Ziplining through the rainforest canopy is a classic Costa Rican adventure. White-water rafting on the Pacuare River is thrilling, while surfing lessons in Tamarindo are a popular choice. For a more relaxed experience, consider exploring the cloud forests on a guided hike, or taking a boat tour to spot wildlife like dolphins and whales. Birdwatching is also incredible, particularly in areas like Monteverde and Tortuguero.
One type of accommodation that's especially brilliant in Costa Rica is the ecolodge, which you can find in the jungles and other stunning settings. You can find another type of hotel accommodation: the cabina, a locally owned, one-floor establishment with doors opening directly outside.
When is the ideal time to visit?
The dry season (December to April) offers the best weather for most activities, with sunshine and lower humidity. However, it's also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. The green season (May to November) has more rain, but also fewer tourists and lower prices. It's still possible to enjoy many activities, and the landscapes are lush and vibrant.
What are the best family friendly hotels in Costa Rica?
If you're visiting Costa Rica for the first time, then Manuel Antonio is a good place to start. It's one of the country's most popular destinations due to its beautiful beaches and surrounding nature, and cute sloths. Alternatively, La Fortuna is another popular tourist spot, famous for the Arena Volcano National Park. Costa Rica is all about nature. If you're visiting this lush country, you'll want to visit some of its gorgeous natural parks, like the Manuel Antonio National Park, the Arenal Volcano National Park, or Monteverde and the Cloud Forests. For beaches, head over to Dominical, Tamarindo, Jaco, and Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. If you're looking for museums and culture, then stop by the capital of San Jose.
Which neighborhoods or areas are best for spending a week?
For breakfast, try Gallo Pinto, a rice dish mixed with black beans, served with natilla (sour cream), scrambled eggs and fried plantain. Casados, a rice and bean dish, is often served for lunch with some meat or fish and a salad with fried plantains, white cheese and corn tortilla. Arroz con pollo, rice with chicken, is another commonly served dish, often served with local vegetables like yucca, chayote, and camote. Try arroz con leche, a local and traditional rice pudding from Costa Rica.
Which parts are perfect for a weekend getaway?
If you're short on time, consider a weekend trip to Pacuare River Lodge for white-water rafting, or to Manuel Antonio National Park for beautiful beaches and wildlife viewing. The Poás Volcano National Park and nearby Doka Estate Coffee Plantation make for a fantastic nature and coffee-focused weekend. Alternatively, explore the beaches and nightlife of Jaco.
What are the best hotels with jacuzzi in Costa Rica?
How easy is it to get around in Costa Rica without a car?
The best way to get around Costa Rica is by bus. Buses are reliable, navigable, inexpensive, and you can pick up many services in the capital, San Jose. It's safer and easier to get around by bus rather than driving yourself, as there are many potholes and confusing intersections.
Is renting a car recommended for exploring?
Renting a car can be beneficial for exploring at your own pace, especially if you plan to visit multiple locations. However, the roads can be challenging in some areas, and driving can be stressful. Public transportation and organized tours are also viable options, depending on your itinerary and preferences. Consider your comfort level with driving in unfamiliar conditions and the type of experiences you're seeking.
What are the best hotels with a swimming pool in Costa Rica?
Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas, especially larger hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's always a good idea to carry some colones (CRC), especially in smaller towns and rural areas, as some smaller businesses may only accept cash.
Are there any unwritten rules of behavior visitors should know about?
Costa Ricans are known for their 'pura vida' lifestyle, emphasizing relaxation and friendliness. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases is appreciated. Being respectful of the environment and wildlife is crucial. It's also polite to be punctual for appointments and to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
What local specialties should you try?
Gallo pinto (rice and beans) is a staple breakfast dish. Casado is a hearty lunch plate with rice, beans, meat, salad, and plantains. Try the fresh seafood, especially ceviche. Olla de carne is a flavorful beef stew. And don't forget to sample the delicious Costa Rican coffee.
What are the most common travel mistakes tourists make?
Underestimating travel times between destinations is a common mistake. Not packing appropriate clothing for varied climates (rain gear in the green season, layers for higher elevations) is another. Failing to learn basic Spanish phrases can also limit interactions. And finally, neglecting to plan for potential insect bites and taking precautions against them is a frequent oversight.
What are some hidden gems to explore?
The Corcovado National Park in the Osa Peninsula is a remote and incredibly biodiverse area. The Tenorio Volcano National Park, with its stunning Rio Celeste river, is another lesser-known gem. The beaches and wildlife of the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge are also worth exploring for a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
Hotel Del Aserradero in Liberia, Guanacaste, is situated a short 10-minute walk from the Edgardo Baltodano Briceño Stadium, 38.6 kilometres from Santa Rosa National Park, and 10 kilometres from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. This one-bedroom, one-bathroom guesthouse offers free Wi-Fi, private parking, air conditioning, a garden, and is family-friendly, welcoming pets, and boasts a 24-hour English and Spanish-speaking reception.
9.0 308 reviews
Kakao Lodge & Garden RÃo Celeste
hotel, Bijagua
Hotel Cacao RÃo Celeste in Bijagua is situated 11 kilometres from the Rio Celeste Waterfall and 37 kilometres from the Miravalles Volcano, offering convenient access to Bijagua's natural attractions. This guesthouse provides one bedroom with one bathroom, a shared kitchen, a terrace, a garden, and includes breakfast with vegetarian and gluten-free options; a tour desk assists with planning excursions.
8.7 116 reviews
Oso De Osa
hotel, Sierpe
Oso De Osa Finca Y Eco-resort in Sierpe offers convenient access to the Sierpe River, providing a gateway to boat trips towards Corcovado National Park. This eco-resort features rooms with private bathrooms, river-view patios, and a garden, plus free parking and an optional paid airport shuttle service.
The Retreat Costa Rica - Wellness Resort & Spa is located in Atenas, a short drive from Juan SantamarÃa International Airport, offering a tranquil escape in the heart of Costa Rica. This 5-star property has consistently received excellent user ratings for its exceptional service and facilities. The resort features a range of amenities for relaxation and rejuvenation, including a swimming pool with stunning views, a luxurious spa with a sauna, and organic permaculture ponds. Guests can also enjoy the on-site restaurant, fitness centre, and hiking trails in the surrounding area.
9.7 318 reviews
Casa Marbella
hotel, Santa Teresa Beach
Casa Marbella is a three-star hotel located on a mountain slope in Santa Teresa, just a five-minute walk from the beach, restaurants, and shops, and 9.7 kilometres from Montezuma and 25.9 kilometres from Tambor. This family-friendly hotel offers a range of amenities including an infinity pool, a spa, a fitness centre, and a bar, as well as a variety of room types to suit different needs.
8.5 339 reviews
El Nido Lodge
hotel, Monteverde Costa Rica
El Nido Lodge, a 3-star guesthouse in Monteverde, Costa Rica, enjoys a convenient location, approximately 5.1 km from Sky Adventures Monteverde, 7.2 km from Selvatura Adventure Park, and 3.7 km from the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens. This family-friendly lodging offers rooms with private terraces, a shared kitchen and lounge, free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant and bar, a jacuzzi, sauna, and parking; breakfast options include buffet, continental, and American styles.