Do you go for the beach, the jungle, or the cloud forest? The beauty of this incredible country is that you don’t always have to choose, and where you rest your head at night can be just as epic as your daily adventures. A great hotel here isn’t just a room; it’s your front-row seat to pura vida.
So, you’re ready to trade your alarm clock for howler monkeys and your commute for a jungle path? Perfect. We’ve combed through the options, from sleek boutique hideaways to sprawling eco-lodges, to bring you a list that goes way beyond a basic bed.
These are the places that define your trip, where the service stuns you and the views steal your breath. Get ready to discover your home base for an unforgettable Costa Rican escape.
1. Nayara Tented Camp – Arenal Volcano National Park
Imagine waking up in a luxurious, safari-style tent with a private deck, but instead of overlooking a savanna, your panoramic view is of the majestic, steaming Arenal Volcano.
That’s Nayara Tented Camp. This isn’t camping; it’s five-star glamour meets jungle immersion. Each tent is a standalone sanctuary with a massive outdoor shower and a private mineral hot spring plunge pool fed by the volcano’s geothermal activity.
You’re deep in the rainforest here. Hummingbirds zip past your deck, and you might spot a sloth in a nearby tree. The resort seamlessly blends into the landscape, offering an intimate connection with nature without sacrificing an ounce of comfort.
It’s a top choice for a romantic hotel in Costa Rica or a once-in-a-lifetime splurge. For a Costa Rica stay that combines raw natural beauty with outrageous luxury, this place is pretty hard to beat.
2. Hotel Belmar – Monteverde Cloud Forest
Perched on a mountainside in the magical Monteverde region, Hotel Belmar is a family-owned gem that’s been nailing sustainability and charm since 1985.
The vibe is rustic-chic, all warm wood, big windows, and the crisp, cool air of the cloud forest. The commitment to the environment is real here—they have a microbrewery using their own purified water and a farm-to-table philosophy that makes every meal a fresh event.
The rooms in the newer “Nicoya” wing feature breathtaking balcony views that make you feel like you’re floating above the clouds. Waking up to that misty, green panorama is an experience in itself.
It’s the perfect, cozy basecamp for exploring the cloud forest reserves. If you’re seeking an eco-friendly hotel in Costa Rica with heart, authenticity, and stunning vistas, Belmar is your spot.
3. The Springs Resort & Spa – Arenal Region
If your dream vacation involves multiple pools, incredible views, and a ton of activity options all in one place, book The Springs Resort & Spa now.
This massive, beautifully designed resort faces the Arenal Volcano and has over a dozen natural hot and cold springs spread across the property. There are waterslides, a family-friendly main pool, and quiet, adult-only serenity pools.
But it’s not just about water. They have an animal rescue center on-site, a fantastic spa, and countless daily tours. The rooms are spacious and modern, with those famous volcano views.
It’s an ideal family-friendly resort in Costa Rica because there’s literally something for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents. You could have a full vacation without ever leaving the grounds, making it one of the most complete places to stay in Costa Rica.
4. Kasiiya Papagayo – Papagayo Peninsula
For the ultimate “unplug and disappear” fantasy, look no further than Kasiiya Papagayo.
This is barefoot luxury redefined. Accessible only by boat, this ultra-private, tented sanctuary is tucked into a 123-acre private preserve. We’re talking just a handful of tents, each an enormous, open-air masterpiece designed to blend into the cliffside overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Your day involves hiking secret trails to secluded beaches, snorkeling in crystal-covess, and eating gourmet meals prepared with local ingredients.
There are no TVs, and the wifi is intentionally light. This is a luxury Costa Rica hotel experience for those who want to reconnect with nature and each other in profound silence and stunning isolation. It’s a splurge, but for total privacy, it’s in a league of its own.
5. Grano de Oro Hotel – San José
Don’t sleep on San José! If you have a night in the city at the start or end of your trip, the Grano de Oro Hotel is an absolute must. This stunning boutique hotel is a converted tropical Victorian mansion, offering an oasis of calm in the capital’s buzz.
The interior is a dream of dark wood, stained glass, and lush interior courtyards filled with fountains and flowers.
Their restaurant is consistently ranked as one of the best in the entire city, offering both local and international cuisine with impeccable service. It feels more like staying in a wealthy, tasteful friend’s home than a hotel.
For a boutique hotel in Costa Rica that provides a perfect, elegant welcome or farewell to your adventure, the Grano de Oro is the undisputed champion.
6. Andaz Costa Rica Resort – Peninsula Papagayo
Sophistication meets playful design at the Andaz Costa Rica Resort. Shaped like a wave along Culebra Bay, this Hyperty property feels modern, vibrant, and effortlessly cool.
The open-air lobby with its stunning hanging wicker sculptures sets the tone. The resort has four pools, a fantastic beach, and a killer golf course nearby.
What sets it apart is the seamless indoor-outdoor living. Many rooms have amazing outdoor rain showers and deep soaking tubs. The dining options are diverse and excellent, catering to all tastes.
It’s a fantastic resort in Costa Rica for couples or groups of friends who want a blend of beach time, resort amenities, and that sleek, contemporary Andaz vibe in a stunning natural setting.
7. Lapa Rios – Osa Peninsula
For the serious nature lover, Lapa Rios on the remote Osa Peninsula is the holy grail. This pioneering eco-lodge sits in a 1,000-acre private rainforest reserve, bordering Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
The thatched-roof bungalows are simple but comfortable, designed to let the jungle be the main attraction.
Your alarm clock is the chorus of scarlet macaws. Your daily activities are guided hikes where you’ll see monkeys, toucans, and maybe even a tapir. The lodge’s commitment to conservation and the local community is deeply woven into its fabric.
Choosing Lapa Rios isn’t just picking a hotel; it’s supporting a model of sustainable tourism and having a front-row seat to wild, untouched nature.
8. Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa – Arenal
Want direct, all-day access to the most famous natural hot springs in Costa Rica? Then Tabacón is your answer.
This expansive resort is built around the Tabacón River, where naturally heated volcanic water cascades through a series of stunning, landscaped pools and waterfalls. As a guest, you get exclusive evening access to the springs, a magical experience under the stars.
The rooms are surrounded by lush gardens, and the sound of flowing water is constant and soothing. While you can visit the springs on a day pass, staying onsite transforms the experience.
It’s the difference between visiting and truly living in this thermal paradise. For a uniquely relaxing Costa Rica hotel stay centered on wellness and natural thermal waters, Tabacón is iconic.
9. Kura Design Villas – Uvita
Perched 1,000 feet above the Pacific in Uvita, Kura Design Villas is all about that view. This adults-only boutique hotel is an architectural stunner, with an infinity pool that appears to spill into the ocean and the famous “Marina Ballena” whale tail sandbar formation.
The design is minimalist and modern, using concrete, glass, and wood to frame the breathtaking panorama.
It’s intimate, with just a handful of villas, ensuring personalized service. The focus is on tranquility, sustainability, and those unforgettable sunsets. The on-site restaurant serves creative, fresh cuisine.
If a sleek, romantic, and visually stunning retreat on the less-crowded South Pacific coast sounds perfect, Kura should be at the top of your list for a luxury stay in Costa Rica.
10. Si Como No – Manuel Antonio
A long-time favorite in Manuel Antonio, Si Como No has perfected the art of family-friendly fun without skimping on style or eco-consciousness. Spread across a lush hillside, it offers spectacular views of the Pacific and direct access to a private beach club.
They have two gorgeous pools, including one with a waterslide and a swim-up bar for the grown-ups.
The wildlife right on the property is incredible—you’ll see monkeys, iguanas, and countless birds during breakfast. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, many with full kitchens.
It strikes that perfect balance: exciting enough for the kids, relaxing and beautiful enough for the parents. For a family vacation in Costa Rica near the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, this resort remains a reliably fantastic choice.
Conclusion
Listen, you can plan every zip-line and waterfall hike, but where you come back to at the end of the day makes all the difference.
The best hotels in Costa Rica don’t just give you a key; they give you an experience—a private jungle balcony, a front-row sunset seat, a warm pura vida welcome that feels like home.
These ten spots are more than just a place to sleep. They’re the launchpad for your adventure and the serene haven that recharges you for the next one. From volcanic views to ocean whispers, your perfect match is on this list.
So what are you waiting for? That sloth isn’t going to spot itself, and that hammock isn’t going to swing itself. Pick your paradise, book your room, and start packing your bags. Your unforgettable Costa Rica vacation starts with choosing the right home base. Do it today.