Chic retro decor and a happening atmosphere make upscale The Harmony Hotel one of Nosara’s most sought after spots. The hotel’s juice bar and open-air yoga shalas attract health conscious guests during the day, while its trendy restaurant, sushi lounge, juice bar, and cocktail bar are popular nighttime hangouts. Harmony’s 24 rooms are scattered across its lush property, and feature Midcentury inspired decor with vaulted wood ceilings and private patios with hammocks and outdoor showers. Amenities include a beautiful pool and small spa, plus great freebies like Wi-Fi, breakfast, daily yoga classes, beach bikes, and loaner iPads -- but nightly rates are among the highest in Nosara. Travelers looking for something a bit more affordable might prefer the nearby Living Hotel -- which still offers free breakfast, yoga, and bikes. 

Tamarindo Hostel Resort is a practical, two-pearl property located in the heart of Tamarindo. The hostel’s 16 dorms and private rooms are no-frills but tidy, with all offering AC. There’s an inviting upstairs common area with dining tables and hammocks, plus a sizable shared kitchen -- but no pool. The hostel’s atmosphere is relaxed and social, and there are tons of bars and restaurants in the neighborhood for guests looking to party. Budget travelers searching for a property with direct beach access could consider Hotel La Laguna del cocodrilo, though it also lacks a pool.

This 18-room, no-frills surfing mecca sits on a prime stretch of Tamarindo Beach perfect for learning to surf. The vibe is friendly, laid-back, and fun. Guests are encouraged to kick back in the two lively restaurants, the brewery, or the tiny pool. There's also a busy surf shop that outfits guests with surfing gear. Rooms are bare-bones basic, lacking clocks, TVs, and adequate lighting, but that’s part of the plan. Guests don’t come to Witch’s Rock to lounge on high-thread-count sheets (they're pretty thin) or linger in luxurious bathrooms (hot water is sporadic), they come to hone their surfing skills and embrace the camaraderie and campy lifestyle that goes along with the sport.

This budget-friendly hotel in Tamarindo has 22 rooms in two types: Standard and Deluxe. Tropical grounds include an outdoor pool, and guests are within walking distance of great beaches with consistent waves for surfing. Simple rooms have air-conditioning, small flat-screen TVs, pillow-top mattresses, and furnished patios (mini-fridges are available for an extra fee). The restaurant, Monkey La-La, is under a palapa roof and serves free breakfast before turning into a bar and restaurant with regular musicians that attract an outside crowd. Noise from the bar might disturb early sleepers, so this is not the best option little ones. Friendly staff can arrange affordable activities and shuttles to the airport, and there is free Wi-Fi.

Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica is a four-pearl resort located on Playa Matapalo. The hotel’s 538 rooms and extensive facilities are more sophisticated than one might expect of a chain property, and the array of activities and restaurants is sure to satisfy fans of big, all-inclusive hotels. Aside from access to Playa Matapalo beach, there aren’t really any attractions or dining options within walking distance, but the all-inclusive package encourages most guests to dine on the property and take advantage of its on-site entertainment anyway. The nearby Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica offers a more intimate, all-inclusive experience but rates are typically higher than Riu Palace’s. 

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. 

A 33-room budget-oriented hotel in need of updating, the Best Western Tamarindo Vista Villas is one of the first hotels visitors to Tamarindo notice as they make their way to town. Perched on a rocky hill, across the street from Tamarindo Beach and the estuary that separates Tamarindo from Playa Grande, the hotel is popular with surfers, families, and partygoers, who flock to the hotel's Crazy Monkey Bar for its famous Friday night poolside dance party. Rooms are small and a bit dreary, although some have airy terraces and ocean views. The pool is frequently crowded with yelling kids, so those seeking a quieter, more relaxing atmosphere may want to consider other comparably priced hotels in Tamarindo such as the more intimate Hotel Arco Iris.

The 701-room Riu Guanacaste is a lot like a Riu anywhere, with a good beach, a huge, raucous pool, an energetic entertainment staff, and a party-hearty, booze-fueled atmosphere. Rooms are nothing special, and a la carte restaurant reservations need to be made a day in advance. If you're after a convenient, typical all-inclusive experience, this is it; if you're looking to experience local charm, not so much.

Hotel Coco Palms is a 40-room value hotel in downtown Playas del Coco. Less than a minute's walk from the beach, Hotel Coco Palms is also within walking distance of the shops, bars, and restaurants downtown. Rooms are simply decorated, and some are dark and dated, but there are multiple room types, including family-friendly options. The hotel’s on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with menu items ranging from typical Costa Rican fare to sushi and sashimi. Other features include a pool, a 24-hour market, and free parking and Wi-Fi. Guests who’d prefer to be right in the center of downtown (and don't mind being farther from the beach) should check out the similarly priced Coco Beach Hotel and Casino.

Hotel Coco Beach & Casino is a comfortable mid-range option with a prime location in the center of downtown Playas del Coco. With 32 rooms, a small pool, free breakfast and Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant, sports bar, and casino, the hotel is arguably the top spot in town for travelers who have come to revel in El Coco’s all-night party scene. There are obvious signs of wear and tear throughout, and downtown noise is inevitable, but it offers a great value for the area. The slightly more expensive Hotel Coco Palms is closer to the beach and has a quieter, more family-friendly atmosphere, though rooms are dated.