In Costa Rica, Kimkim's curated hotel collection emphasizes boutique and independently owned properties. Experience diverse stays with eco-lodges in Monteverde's cloud forests focused on sustainability and intimate beachside getaways in Manuel Antonio. Select from hotels offering panoramic volcano views in Arenal/La Fortuna, or opt for historic stays in the bustling city of San José. Explore further with boutique accommodations in peaceful Tortuguero, authentic Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, and scenic seaside spots in Tamarindo, Sámara, and Nosara.
Costa Rica's rainforest and windswept beaches lure travelers from all over the world to practice yoga and enjoy other soul-nourishing activities while communing with nature. Some retreat centers are in the country's remote corners, while others are just outside of major cities—this list covers six of the best.
La Fortuna is a famous mountain town that needs no introduction for those familiar with the cone-shaped Arenal Volcano and its surrounding rainforests, hot springs, and waterfalls. Indeed, this is one of Costa Rica's top destinations, with dozens of accommodations. So, how to skip hordes of tourists? We sought advice from our local specialists and kimkim staff to round up the most luxurious hotels in La Fortuna.
In the northern Costa Rican lowlands sits Volcan Arenal, a monolith that draws visitors from across the globe. The surrounding area is a perfect base for nature excursions, but roughing is unnecessary. These boutique lodging options feature all the tropical paradise, and creature comforts you desire.
The Osa Peninsula is one of the most remote areas in Costa Rica. In recent years its untouched rainforests and beaches have given rise to a fitting style of jungle accommodation: the ecolodge. Here are your best options for lodging that operates in harmony with the area's delicate ecosystem.
Manuel Antonio National Park has it all: rainforests, coral beaches, and wild rivers. Make the most of your time in this exceptionally scenic and diverse area with a mix of relaxation and active excursions. To this end, we've compiled a list of the best boutique hotels and ecolodges, all offering unforgettable views and close proximity to the park.
Monteverde is well known for its misty cloud forests, hills with exceptional views, and a nearly endless list of activities to enjoy. You can easily plan your visit with a comfortable mid-range or luxury hotel, and kimkim has quite a few to recommend.
One of the biggest appeals of Arenal/La Fortuna is the geothermal hot spring network, heated naturally by Costa Rica’s famous volcano, Volcán Arenal. Although great for day trips, many of the hot springs in the area have overnight lodgings, so you can fully take advantage of your time soaking in the pools. Kimkim has several recommendations for hot spring hotels in La Fortuna, ranging from standard to luxury.
Arenal/La Fortuna is an ideal location for families. Area activities, such as horseback riding, hiking near the Arenal Volcano, soaking in hot springs, river rafting, and touring coffee plantations, appeal to all ages and let you dive deep into the region’s natural environment and culture. To make your trip to the area even better, check into one of kimkim’s recommended family-friendly hotels.
Epitomizing laid-back travel, Costa Rica has hundreds of hotels, but only a few make the list for luxury. With the help of local specialists, kimkim has narrowed down the best to these eight unique options that choose quality over quantity, simplicity over opulence. Pick one or more and make your next trip to the land of "pura vida" extra special.
With incredible culture, hip nightlife, excellent shopping, and trendy haute cuisine, San José has it all, and you can pair your trip with luxury and boutique accommodations. The city has grown in terms of lodging options, with more than ever before, and with so many high-end and unique choices, you can take your pick of style, neighborhood, and amenities. We've made your decision a little easier with our list of the best luxury and boutique hotels in San José.
Culture, nightlife, haute cuisine—travelers are discovering the virtues of San José. And with plenty of lodging options, you can take your pick of style, neighborhood, and amenities on offer. Make your decision easy with this list of the best hotels in Costa Rica's capital.
If you’re heading to Tortuguero, you’re probably looking for remote solitude surrounded by jungle and wildlife. Getting to this unique region of Costa Rica is half the fun, and you can make it even more enjoyable by staying the night in one of the area’s boutique hotels. These are a great option, as they tend to have little perks, like lush gardens, individual wooden huts, and/or upscale cuisine.
The main attraction in Arenal/La Fortuna is the region's famed volcano, a cone-shaped peak often shrouded in clouds. Early morning is the best time to catch cloud-free views, so we recommend staying in an area hotel offering vistas of Arenal Volcano. Enjoy those views from your room with your morning coffee or common areas like open-air restaurants, hot springs, and yoga platforms.
Known for its cloud forests and wildlife—and as the birthplace of ziplining—Monteverde is one of the more popular regions in Costa Rica. Hilly, misty, and dense with rainforest, this area has no shortages of exciting and relaxing experiences to enjoy. And why not pair hiking across hanging bridges, touring coffee plantations, or searching for wildlife with a boutique accommodation?
Manuel Antonio is a family-friendly destination, chock full of activities and perks adored by all ages. Kids and adults alike will love hiking through the national park and time spent on the beach. Luckily, kimkim recommends quite a few family-friendly hotels in Manuel Antonio, so you can ensure everyone is happily entertained.
One of the appeals of Monteverde is its dense cloud forest, so you'll find many hotels surrounded by nature and offering a quiet reprieve in the jungle. You'll have your choice of eco-lodges with organic eateries, bungalows surrounded by protected rainforest, and plenty of options allowing you to watch wildlife right from your room.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a beautiful stretch of shoreline on the southern side of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Accommodations are spread out between the towns of Puerto Viejo and Punta Uva, meaning the location caters to the jungle and beach. If Puerto Viejo is known for anything, it’s the unique environment created by the mix of jungle, sea, and reef, plus its African-Caribbean influence, so it’s the perfect place to relax in a boutique hotel.
Manuel Antonio is one of the most beautiful regions in Costa Rica, as it blends dense jungle hillsides with the scenic coastline of the Pacific Ocean. Many hotels and resorts use the hillside to offer some of the country’s best scenery overlooking the jungle and ocean. Elevate the beauty by staying in one of kimkim’s recommended luxury hotels in Manuel Antonio.
If you’re staying in Manuel Antonio, you probably already know about the area’s exceptional beaches. Don’t miss a moment in the sand and surf by booking one of kimkim’s recommended hotels with beach access, a surprisingly unique amenity for the area.
Manuel Antonio perfectly mixes sandy ocean beaches with hilly rainforests, so it’s no surprise that many travelers head to the region for its exceptional views. When staying in the area, make the most out of this perk by booking one of kimkim’s recommended hotels with the best ocean and jungle views.
Like many travelers to Costa Rica, you might want to visit Arenal/La Fortuna, one of the most beautiful regions in the country. The main site is Arenal Volcano, which sits in the lush Arenal Volcano National Park. To take advantage of your time in the area, consider staying a night or two at one of our recommended mid-range hotels, which offer affordable yet comfortable stays.
The hidden coves and beaches along the Gulf of Papagayo's rugged coastline offer a relaxing and active stay. Spend your days sunbathing at the beach or enjoy ventures like kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding in the protected waters. And if you're after that beachfront experience, this region offers plenty of options.
A cozy lodge is an excellent choice when staying in the misty cloud forests in Monteverde, as many sit in the jungle and offer views within or above the treetops. Sleep in luxury cabins with plush furnishings, area staples operating since the 1980s, or lodges with spas, outdoor pools, and fine dining restaurants.
If you're planning to visit Tamarindo, it's probably for its renowned beaches and coastline. To truly experience this region's famous shores, you might want to stay in a beachfront hotel or lodgings that offer direct beach access. You'll find plenty of options, from luxury hotels with sports equipment to standard accommodation with common spaces right on the sand.
Boutique hotels in Tamarindo offer a blend of relaxation and authenticity while in the middle of the buzz on the region's famed white-sand beaches. You can choose from luxury hillside hotels, beachfront villas with bohemian vibes, and standard hotels with unique amenities, like happy hour, surf lessons, and beach clubs.
Whether you’re traveling to Manuel Antonio for the beaches or national park, you have plenty of options for accommodations. Try one of kimkim’s recommended mid-range hotels in Manuel Antonio. Although you’ll find plenty of luxury lodgings that fit perfectly into this beautiful region, you don’t have to break the bank to find exceptional views, comfort, and those upscale amenities.
Tamarindo's reputation for tropical white-sand beaches makes it an ideal spot for a romantic trip. Couples can enjoy relaxing on the beach and taking in the sunsets or combine their vacation with something more active, like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or learning how to surf. And to enhance your stay, opt for accommodation with perks like private hot tubs, spa treatments, outdoor showers, and beach views.
Monteverde is an ideal location for a Costa Rican honeymoon, with its misty and romantic cloud forest and abundant wildlife. Couples will find intimate properties surrounded by jungle greenery that offer amenities like private balconies, soaking tubs, fine dining restaurants, spas, outdoor pools, and happy hours.
Though Tamarindo is known for its idyllic coves, inlets, and white-sand beaches, sometimes you need a break from the surf and want to relax by the pool. Tamarindo has several lodging choices that offer swimming pools, including many with multiple pools or areas where you can relax in sunloungers and still enjoy those ocean views.
Arenal/La Fortuna offers a romantic mix of beautiful scenery, relaxing hot springs, and cultural activities—an ideal spot for a honeymoon or getaway with your partner. Our recommendations for the best hotels for a bit of romance include luxury stays where you get your own private bungalow and plunge pool, plus other properties surrounded by the Costa Rican jungle with fine-dining eateries and secluded hot springs.
Arenal offers several lodges, many featuring iconic views of Arenal Volcano while also sitting within the Costa Rican jungle. Our top picks for accommodation in Arenal maintain an authentic atmosphere while still providing amenities like on-site eateries and hot springs. Enjoy staying in cabins, bungalows, and wooden rooms with warm decor and private outdoor spaces.
Santa Elena is Monteverde's hub and is where local restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, and shops are found. If you'd like to stay close to the downtown area, you have several hotel options, and many still maintain those Costa Rican cloud forest vibes.
With such an idyllic setting, Tamarindo offers plenty of beautiful mid-range and luxury boutique hotels to enhance your stay along the region's famed coastline. Choose from luxury hillside hotels, beachfront cabins, villas with private pools, and bungalows with bohemian vibes.
A popular reason to visit Arenal/La Fortuna is the region's beautiful natural surroundings, which include dense jungle and the famed Arenal Volcano. To really experience Costa Rica's appeal, you may want a hotel enveloped by nature. Kimkim's list consists of the best hotels giving you that experience, from luxury lodges to standard properties with volcano views.
Costa Rica's capital city has much to offer, from culture to nightlife. But if you have an early flight to catch, you may prefer to stay near San José's airport. Also located near the Pan American Highway, car rental agencies, and a train station where you can catch a ride into the city's downtown, these hotels are excellent options for an overnight stay at the start or end of your trip.
Many travelers head to Monteverde for its cloud forest excursions, including ziplining, wildlife viewing, and hiking across hanging bridges. Many hotels offer accommodation right next door to these forests or within private reserves, so you can feel like you’re part of the serene environment, even as you sleep. If you’re on a budget or prefer something a bit more rustic, consider one of our recommended standard hotels in Monteverde.
Arenal/La Fortuna is a popular Costa Rican region, mostly known for the country’s most famous volcano. You’ll also find a sprawling national park and several thermal pools to enjoy. For the budget-minded, choose from one of kimkim’s recommended standard hotels, which still offer a comfy stay without breaking the bank.
Staying close to La Fortuna gives you a mixed stay in the Arenal region, combining the area's famed jungle and volcanic views with the culture of its central hub. Our list of the best hotels near downtown La Fortuna includes those right in the action, properties a short walk from local restaurants and shops, and accommodation in the jungle yet just a quick five-minute drive from town.
Blending ocean and jungle, Manuel Antonio offers a slew of activities to enjoy, including sea kayaking, snorkeling, mangrove boat tours, wildlife hikes, foodie tours, and more. Budget-minded travelers might want to save on accommodation to splurge on adventures. If that’s you, check out kimkim’s recommended standard hotels in Manuel Antonio, which offer reasonable pricing without compromising quality.
Many visitors choose to stay in Tamarindo for its incredible coastline, beaches, and opportunities for water sports. Surfers from all over the world come here to catch waves, which means there's plenty of entertainment, restaurants, and local shops to enjoy. Some of the best standard hotels in Tamarindo double as surf schools, so you can enjoy the total experience.
