Croc's Resort & Casino is a four-pearl resort located on the northern end of Jaco Beach. The hotel’s 152 rooms are subtly stylish, and include mini-fridges, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs, but some guests report outside rooms can suffer from nightclub noise and/or musty smells. True to its name, Croc’s showpiece is its casino, but the resort also includes a lagoon-shaped pool with arched wooden bridges, multiple restaurants and bars, a lovely spa, and a modern conference center. It offers little in the way of local character, but guests seeking an upscale resort with plenty of on-site entertainment will likely be satisfied. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities with the nearby all-inclusive Best Western Jaco Beach, which is one of the area’s only other large resorts, but it's less polished overall.
Croc's Resort & Casino is a four-pearl resort located on the northern end of Jaco Beach. The hotel’s 152 rooms are subtly stylish, and include mini-fridges, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs, but some guests report outside rooms can suffer from nightclub noise and/or musty smells. True to its name, Croc’s showpiece is its casino, but the resort also includes a lagoon-shaped pool with arched wooden bridges, multiple restaurants and bars, a lovely spa, and a modern conference center. It offers little in the way of local character, but guests seeking an upscale resort with plenty of on-site entertainment will likely be satisfied. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities with the nearby all-inclusive Best Western Jaco Beach, which is one of the area’s only other large resorts, but it's less polished overall.
The Hampton Inn & Suites is a modern mid-range stopover that offers free airport shuttles, a varied buffet breakfast guests love, a pretty outdoor pool, and a gym (though it’s teeny). The 100 spacious rooms come with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, comfy bedding, and Neutrogena products, which all shape a solid and reliable option amongst the many airport hotel offerings in the area. While the location is fairly lackluster (it's five minutes to the international airport), there are chain restaurants and a casino within short walking distance. Guests generally leave impressed -- but don’t expect any local character or flair. Those seeking a more stylish and character-filled affair could try the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose, though rates will be higher.
The Hampton Inn & Suites is a modern mid-range stopover that offers free airport shuttles, a varied buffet breakfast guests love, a pretty outdoor pool, and a gym (though it’s teeny). The 100 spacious rooms come with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, comfy bedding, and Neutrogena products, which all shape a solid and reliable option amongst the many airport hotel offerings in the area. While the location is fairly lackluster (it's five minutes to the international airport), there are chain restaurants and a casino within short walking distance. Guests generally leave impressed -- but don’t expect any local character or flair. Those seeking a more stylish and character-filled affair could try the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose, though rates will be higher.
This intimate luxury hotel located a 10-minute drive from the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the area's top options. Tucked into the hillside of a 14-acre nature reserve, Gaia feels appropriately exclusive and private, and has the attentive, personalized service to match. Freebies abound: a terrific a la carte breakfast, tours of the reserve, a mini spa treatment, and Wi-Fi, to name a few. The hotel’s 22 rooms, which include suites, studios, and villas, are stylishly decorated with lots of natural materials like stone, wood, and wicker. Jungle and ocean views claim the spotlight from almost every corner -- highlighted by the multi-tiered infinity pool and open-air restaurant. The hotel has a spa and a small gym. Note that only Loft and Loft Deluxe Suites allow children under 13. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities -- and rules regarding children -- with Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort.
This intimate luxury hotel located a 10-minute drive from the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the area's top options. Tucked into the hillside of a 14-acre nature reserve, Gaia feels appropriately exclusive and private, and has the attentive, personalized service to match. Freebies abound: a terrific a la carte breakfast, tours of the reserve, a mini spa treatment, and Wi-Fi, to name a few. The hotel’s 22 rooms, which include suites, studios, and villas, are stylishly decorated with lots of natural materials like stone, wood, and wicker. Jungle and ocean views claim the spotlight from almost every corner -- highlighted by the multi-tiered infinity pool and open-air restaurant. The hotel has a spa and a small gym. Note that only Loft and Loft Deluxe Suites allow children under 13. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities -- and rules regarding children -- with Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort.
The four-pearl Tulemar Resort is one of the largest, most full-featured resorts in Manuel Antonio. The lush, 33-acre grounds are abundant with tropical wildlife and beautiful flora. Plus, with four infinity pools, a secluded beach, and an all-day, ocean-view restaurant, most guests won’t need to leave the property -- though it's an eight-minute drive to Manuel Antonio National Park for those who want to hike to the beach there. All 38 rooms are spacious and full-featured with kitchens/kitchenettes, multiple living areas, and water-view balconies. However, the steep, hilly grounds and somewhat rocky beach may have some guests looking elsewhere. For around the same rates, The Preserve at Los Altos shares a less-equipped section of beach but offers more sophisticated rooms.
The four-pearl Tulemar Resort is one of the largest, most full-featured resorts in Manuel Antonio. The lush, 33-acre grounds are abundant with tropical wildlife and beautiful flora. Plus, with four infinity pools, a secluded beach, and an all-day, ocean-view restaurant, most guests won’t need to leave the property -- though it's an eight-minute drive to Manuel Antonio National Park for those who want to hike to the beach there. All 38 rooms are spacious and full-featured with kitchens/kitchenettes, multiple living areas, and water-view balconies. However, the steep, hilly grounds and somewhat rocky beach may have some guests looking elsewhere. For around the same rates, The Preserve at Los Altos shares a less-equipped section of beach but offers more sophisticated rooms.
Hotel Costa Verde and its three off-site restaurants are a bit of an anomaly in otherwise low-key Manuel Antonio. Banners, billboards, and a roadside cargo plane turned restaurant look ridiculous or fun, depending on who you ask. The 20-acre, upper-mid-range resort borders Manuel Antonio National Park, but doesn't offer private beach access. Rates are low for ordinary rooms with few frills, but go up for units with kitchens and beach views, and way up for a 717 Fuselage airplane that's been converted into a one-of-a-kind luxury suite with two bathrooms and gorgeous ocean views from the cockpit. There are three swimming pools; the adult-only pool has the best ocean views and a bar. Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking are included with the room price. The similarly priced Karahe Hotel is also low-frills but offers direct beach access.
Hotel Costa Verde and its three off-site restaurants are a bit of an anomaly in otherwise low-key Manuel Antonio. Banners, billboards, and a roadside cargo plane turned restaurant look ridiculous or fun, depending on who you ask. The 20-acre, upper-mid-range resort borders Manuel Antonio National Park, but doesn't offer private beach access. Rates are low for ordinary rooms with few frills, but go up for units with kitchens and beach views, and way up for a 717 Fuselage airplane that's been converted into a one-of-a-kind luxury suite with two bathrooms and gorgeous ocean views from the cockpit. There are three swimming pools; the adult-only pool has the best ocean views and a bar. Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking are included with the room price. The similarly priced Karahe Hotel is also low-frills but offers direct beach access.
Hotel Tamarindo Diria is a popular, three-and-a-half-pearl hotel located in downtown Tamarindo. The hotel’s 239 guest rooms are clean and pleasant, although not all have balconies and some lack natural light. Tamarindo Diria’s extensive facilities, which include four pools, six a la carte and buffet restaurants, and dozens of shops, are spread across both sides of Tamarindo’s main street. The hotel offers direct access to scenic Playa Tamarindo beach, but guests with rooms on the far side of the property need to cross the street to get there. Travelers who would prefer a quieter location, off the main strip, might consider Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel.
Hotel Tamarindo Diria is a popular, three-and-a-half-pearl hotel located in downtown Tamarindo. The hotel’s 239 guest rooms are clean and pleasant, although not all have balconies and some lack natural light. Tamarindo Diria’s extensive facilities, which include four pools, six a la carte and buffet restaurants, and dozens of shops, are spread across both sides of Tamarindo’s main street. The hotel offers direct access to scenic Playa Tamarindo beach, but guests with rooms on the far side of the property need to cross the street to get there. Travelers who would prefer a quieter location, off the main strip, might consider Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel.
Hacienda Pinilla is a sprawling, estate-like, gated community of private
homes and villas. It is packed with features: Guests
Hacienda Pinilla is a sprawling, estate-like, gated community of private
homes and villas. It is packed with features: Guests
Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel is a three-and-a-half-pearl adults-only property located in the buzzing town of Tamarindo. The hotel’s 43 guest rooms are polished and tidy, with many featuring striking themed decor. Playa Tamarindo is right across the street, and there are ample dining and entertainment options within easy walking distance. True to the hotel’s name, amenities aim to create the feel of a hidden paradise, including a lagoon-shaped pool shrouded in greenery, secret pathways, and a private garden with gated access. Travelers who prefer a more streamlined, sophisticated look might consider the nearby Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel instead.
Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel is a three-and-a-half-pearl adults-only property located in the buzzing town of Tamarindo. The hotel’s 43 guest rooms are polished and tidy, with many featuring striking themed decor. Playa Tamarindo is right across the street, and there are ample dining and entertainment options within easy walking distance. True to the hotel’s name, amenities aim to create the feel of a hidden paradise, including a lagoon-shaped pool shrouded in greenery, secret pathways, and a private garden with gated access. Travelers who prefer a more streamlined, sophisticated look might consider the nearby Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel instead.
Mid-range Taormina is located in a historic but slightly sketchy downtown location that’s close to restaurants, cafes, museums, and the National Botanical Garden. The hotel's common areas and 87 spacious rooms were renovated in 2015 with a fresh, neutral look, and are equipped with comfy beds, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and big bathrooms. Guests enjoy the centrality of this place, the pleasant and clean rooms, and the lively modern sports bar, simple casino, and charming Italian restaurant, Il Gatopardo. Free valet parking, free hot breakfast, and free Wi-Fi are nice perks. There’s plenty to eat, see and do nearby, though this area is a haven for prostitution which can make its way into the hotel. Travelers seeking a pool and fitness center could try the Park Inn by Radisson San Jose, Costa Rica.
Mid-range Taormina is located in a historic but slightly sketchy downtown location that’s close to restaurants, cafes, museums, and the National Botanical Garden. The hotel's common areas and 87 spacious rooms were renovated in 2015 with a fresh, neutral look, and are equipped with comfy beds, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and big bathrooms. Guests enjoy the centrality of this place, the pleasant and clean rooms, and the lively modern sports bar, simple casino, and charming Italian restaurant, Il Gatopardo. Free valet parking, free hot breakfast, and free Wi-Fi are nice perks. There’s plenty to eat, see and do nearby, though this area is a haven for prostitution which can make its way into the hotel. Travelers seeking a pool and fitness center could try the Park Inn by Radisson San Jose, Costa Rica.
Located at the base of Arenal Volcano, Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa offers a healthy dose of upscale relaxation and sophistication without a lot of pretense. The pool is a bit small, and there’s nothing within walking distance, but the long list of amenities -- hot spring pools, a large, all-day restaurant with free breakfast, multiple bars, and a full-service spa -- means most guests won’t ever need to leave the property anyway. All 53 rooms feature virtually identical spacious layouts, plus free Wi-Fi, in-room hot tubs, minibars, and two balconies (one with volcano views). The nearby Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa offers the same amenities and a more beautiful thermal pool, but it's hard to beat the quiet natural setting and the views of Arenal Volcano found here.
Located at the base of Arenal Volcano, Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa offers a healthy dose of upscale relaxation and sophistication without a lot of pretense. The pool is a bit small, and there’s nothing within walking distance, but the long list of amenities -- hot spring pools, a large, all-day restaurant with free breakfast, multiple bars, and a full-service spa -- means most guests won’t ever need to leave the property anyway. All 53 rooms feature virtually identical spacious layouts, plus free Wi-Fi, in-room hot tubs, minibars, and two balconies (one with volcano views). The nearby Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa offers the same amenities and a more beautiful thermal pool, but it's hard to beat the quiet natural setting and the views of Arenal Volcano found here.