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Hotels on the Beaches of Guanacaste & Nicoya

Areas of: Palo Verde National Park | Southern Nicoya Peninsula

 

Beaches of Guanacaste: Playa Carillo | Tamarindo | Conchal | Flamingo | from Playa Ocotal to Playa Panama | Bahia Salinas

Guanacaste Areas of: Cañas | Rincón de la Vieja

 

Palo Verde National Park

PALO VERDE / OTS | ¢¢
www.esintro.co.cr
Find yourself in the middle of nature at the biological station in the heart of Palo Verde National Park. A good option to explore a tropical dry forest off the beaten track. Accommodation only with reservation in advance. The housing is quite rustic: quadruple or dorm rooms with shared bathroom. Full-board only.
Our Opinion: This will probably appeal only to persons used to rustic comfort. You will be compensated with a discovery of a rich and preserved nature.
 

Southern Nicoya Peninsula (Cabo Blanco National Park)

STAR MOUNTAIN Hotel superior, charming | ¢¢
www.starmountaineco.com
Small 4-bedroom lodge, neatly decorated in placid scenery. Located in Malpaís (20 km from Montezuma) 2.5 km from the coast. Monkeys and birds inhabit the surrounding rainforest. Excellent restaurants, beautiful pool, and a warm and personal service are waiting for you here.
Our Opinion: You won’t find a better place in this area if you want to have some privacy…

 

ESENCIA Hotel superior | ¢¢¢¢
www.esenciahotel.com
This new facility, located in Santa Teresa (sand beach of 300 m), consists of 10 small Mediterranean-style villas allotted in pretty tropical gardens. All villas have a terrace, living room and kitchenette, bathroom (shower), air conditioning and fan. Swimming pool, bar, no restaurant, (additional breakfast service available), fitness room, yoga, massage, beauty centre.
Our Opinion: Hotel Esencia is near Santa Teresa beach, a renowned surf spot. Practical kitchenettes for those who prefer to be independent. Good value.

 

LODGE YLANG YLANG superior, charming | ¢¢¢¢
www.lodgeylangylang.com
A small lodge set on a hilltop overlooking the Bay of Manzanillo, in the heart of a 5-hectare property in the rainforest. Five bungalows made of precious woods with palm roofs provide discreet luxury. Ocean view, terrace, a king size and a single bed, cable TV, DVD, mini-bar, safe, fan. Rancho-restaurant, lounge, swimming pool, parking. Many options close-by for tours and activities.
Our Opinion: For a quality stay away from mass tourism. The nearby beaches (500 m from the hotel) are preserved and quiet.

 

PLAYA TAMBOR superior (Barceló Hotels) | ¢¢¢¢
www.barcelo.com
Playa Tambor, in Bahia Ballena, is a large all-inclusive establishment right at the seafront. Meals, some beverages and all trips and activities (excl. motorised) are included. 231 double and single rooms, 22 junior suites and 1 presidential suite. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with terrace or balcony, satellite TV, refrigerator, safe. 90% of the rooms have ocean view. Private beach, large swimming pool, 5 bars, 3 restaurants, disco, daily entertainment programmes, water sports (windsurfing, kayaking, diving), 3 tennis courts, fitness area, shop, beauty salon, laundry service. Additional motorised water sports and horseback tours.
Our Opinion: Costa Rica’s high capacity all inclusive place. The hotel is well-run and provides quality service for those who like to enjoy all inclusive stays.

 

Hotel TANGO MAR charming | ¢¢¢¢¢
www.tangomar.com
A nice setting on southern Nicoya Peninsula, 3 km from Playa Tambor. The hotel complex offers 3 room types: Ocean Front, Tropical Suite, Tiki Suite and villas with 2-5 bedrooms. A 9-hole golf course stretches along a narrow sand beach (Playa Quisales) on an area of 60 ha. Beautiful tropical gardens with a waterfall, 2 swimming pools, Restaurant, bar, shop, tennis court. Tours available.

 

FLORBLANCA Resort charming | ¢¢¢¢¢¢
www.florblanca.com
Member of "Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica" www.distinctivehotels.com
A hotel of American property right at the beautiful sand beach off Santa Teresa (7 km north of Malpaís). 7 one bedroom, 2 two bedroom villas and a honeymoon villa with tasteful colonial interior, terrace, stereo, air conditioning. Nice swimming pool, tropical gardens, restaurant, gym, many tours and activities are available.
Our Opinion: An exclusive hotel for an exceptional stay!

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Playa Carillo

SUEÑO TROPICAL superior, charming | ¢¢¢
www.elsuenotropical.com
1.5 km from Playa Carrillo in Guanacaste, with quiet swimming beaches nearby. Sueño Tropical offers pleasant rooms amid a nice tropical garden with swimming pool. Villas with AC are available for up to 6 persons. The restaurant is excellent. Free transportation to Carillo beach. Italian management.
Our Opinion: Outstanding value for money in this establishment with a very personal service.
 

Hotels in Tamarindo Area

JARDIN DEL EDEN | ¢¢¢¢
www.jardindeleden.com
A recently renovated hotel on a hill, 120 metres above beautiful Tamarindo bay. 20 rooms with terrace or balcony, full or partial ocean view, mini-bar, fan, air conditioning, TV and safe. A well run restaurant surrounded by a beautiful tropical garden, 2 swimming pools (with wet bar). Numerous activities available.
Our Opinion: A good address to stay in Tamarindo itself. The French owners are very attentive to the quality of service.

 

Hotel CAPITAN SUIZO superior, charming | ¢¢¢¢¢
www.hotelcapitansuizo.com
Member of "Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica" www.distinctivehotels.com
With direct beach access, a bit off the bustle of Tamarindo village. A very nice establishment with beautiful tropical gardens and a swimming pool. Monkeys, iguanas and racoons frequently visit the property… 22 spacious rooms and 8 villas, tastefully decorated, with TV, refrigerator, safe, balcony or terrace, fan or air conditioning. Good restaurant and a bar beside the pool. Horseback riding, kayaking, surfing, diving, fishing can be organised.
Our Opinion: One of the best addresses in Tamarindo. Perfect for a relaxing stay with direct access to the beach and free sun chairs and hammocks.

 

CALA LUNA superior, charming | ¢¢¢¢¢
www.calaluna.com
A deluxe property with beautiful rooms and classical villas for 4-6 people. Two steps from the shore and 300 m from a beautiful clear sand beach (Playa Langosta). Italian ambience with terrace and tasteful furniture from tropical woods. Air conditioning, safe, kitchenette, swimming pool, nice decoration with precious wood furniture, telephone, TV, CD player.
Our Opinion: One of the region’s most elegant hotels. Ideal for a honeymoon (classic rooms) or family vacations (villas).

 

PLAYA LANGOSTA (Barceló Hotels) | ¢¢¢¢¢¢
www.barcelo.com
 An all-inclusive hotel 2 km south of Tamarindo. The 2/3-floor buildings along a beautiful white sand beach offer 72 spacious rooms (TV, air conditioning, safe). 2 restaurants, snack bar, swimming pool, whirlpool, shops, nightclubs, casino, meeting room, laundry, parking place, doctor. A variety of water sports are offered.
Our Opinion: A quality establishment for all-inclusive enthusiasts, located at one of the most aesthetic beaches in the region. As often on the Pacific, the sea can be rather rough.

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Playa Conchal

PARADISUS Playa CONCHAL | ¢¢¢¢¢¢
Member of "Sol Melia"
www.paradisusplayaconchal.travel
A superb all inclusive resort along the Pacific coast on a beach consisting of broken shells (hence its name “Conchal”). 45 min from Liberia airport or a 5h drive from San Jose. Probably the most magnificent hotel of the country. The extensive complex offers 310 comfortable suites in bungalows (8 rooms per bungalow), with terrace or balcony, mini-bar, hairdryer, safe, satellite TV, telephone and 24h room service. Breakfast buffet, 2 restaurants, 2 bars, a pool with bar in lush gardens, grocery shop, 4 tennis courts, fitness room, 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II, entertainment program, jogging track, water sports, fishing, casino, nightclub, conference rooms.
Our Opinion: A beautiful place to stay, offering all modern comforts and services of a large hotel chain. Especially golfers will love the paradisiacal golf course with ocean view, surrounded by tropical forest.
 

Playa Flamingo

SUGAR BEACH Hotel | ¢¢¢¢
www.sugar-beach.com
A quiet property in a lovely garden with sea view, accessible from Flamingo on a picturesque track. Its proximity to the beach, the scenic restaurant and swimming pool will contribute to a successful beach stay.
Our Opinion: A great home base to be idle or go big game fishing (numerous operators can be found in the area).

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Hotels from Playa Ocotal to Playa Panama

BAHIA PEZ VELA superior | ¢¢¢¢
www.bahiapezvela.com
At the beach of Playa Ocotal (grey sand; leatherback turtles hatch here). Genuine residence consisting of twenty 2-storey villas (3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on the first floor; large living room and equipped kitchen, laundry, parking place on the ground floor). With air conditioning and gardens with direct beach access. Restaurant, swimming pool, babysitting service.
Our Opinion: A good option for families or small groups of friends. Good quality and good maintenance.

 

SOL PAPAGAYO RESORT EL NAKUTI superior | ¢¢¢¢
www.rodesparadise.com
A pleasant all-inclusive hotel in a picturesque setting on the Gulf of Papagayo. The rooms (38 standard, 15 superior, 40 junior suites) with plain interior and 3 villas are scattered in a pretty flower garden. 2 bars, 2 restaurants, swimming pool, entertainment and activities.
Our Opinion: Nice, clear facility. It’s a pity that the safe swimming beach is a small distance (200m) away.

 

OCOTAL BEACH RESORT superior | ¢¢¢¢¢
www.ocotalresort.com
A beautiful hotel overlooking the Pacific, 35km from Liberia airport and 5 minutes from the village of Playa del Coco. 42 rooms, 12 bungalows and 5 suites with terrace, bathroom (shower), air conditioning, fan, refrigerator, TV, telephone. Bar, restaurant, swimming pool, sand beach. Offered activities: big game fishing, scuba diving, horseback riding, tennis, water skiing.
Our Opinion: A good choice for active holidays (many tours available; the specialty of the house is diving) with quality accommodation.Complimentary introduction scuba diving lesson offered.

 

CASA CONDE DEL MAR superior | ¢¢¢¢¢
www.grupocasaconde.com
Placed in a charming tropical garden at the littoral of Playa Panama (Papagayo Gulf), the hotel offers 20 bungalows, 2 mini suites and 4 junior suites, which can accommodate up to 4 persons. 2 restaurants (one serving Italian specialties). Bar, swimming pool. A great place to do water sports such as swimming, fishing, windsurfing.
Our Opinion: A nice place with a personal touch for lovers of seaside residence. The sand is a slight disappointment as it’s of dark brown colour … but the beach is certified with the "Blue Flag" for particularly clean water.

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Bahia Salinas

ECOPLAYA Lodge | ¢¢¢¢
www.ecoplaya.com
Located at Playa Coyotera facing Isla Bolaños, this eco hotel is one of few accommodations in a region, which was yet untapped by tourism. The 36 villas all have sea view and are equipped with kitchenette (microwave, refrigerator), terrace or balcony, air conditioning, private bathroom (bathtub) and satellite TV. Restaurant, billiard, foosball. Three swimming pools and whirlpool.
Our Opinion: Excellent choice for a family vacation on a nice private beach.

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Cañas

Hacienda LA PACIFICA superior (eco-lodge) | ¢¢¢
www.pacificacr.com (currently under construction)
Located near Corobici River, north of Cañas. The hacienda offers 18 rooms (in 3 buildings) on an area of 10ha, populated by birds, iguanas, deer and squirrels. Sober furnishing in tasteful Spanish colonial style. Small porch, private bathroom, fan, air conditioning, refrigerator, coffee maker, telephone. Bar, restaurant, internet service, swimming pool, parking place. The property is located in a private reserve.
Our Opinion: A pleasant place for a stopover in an ecologically preserved zone. Good value for money.

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Hotels at Rincón de la Vieja

CAÑON de la VIEJA Lodge rustic | ¢¢
www.canyonlodgegte.com
On the way from Curubandé to Rincón de la Vieja National Park. The facility consists of simple wooden bungalows and offers a great deal of activities: horseback riding, canopy tours, white-water rafting. Restaurant and swimming pool.
Our Opinion: Don’t expect any particular charm at this address; one stays here primarily to profit of the offered activities.

 

Casa Rural AROMA DE CAMPO superior, charming (Guest House) | ¢¢
www.aromadecampo.com
This guest house is located 2 km from “Finca Guachipelin", on the way to Rincón de la Vieja National Park. The house offers a delightful view from a hilltop of a 3ha farm. 4 pleasantly decorated rooms with private bathroom (shower), hot water, fan, very comfortable orthopaedic mattresses. The meals are served on a terrace with a great view. Activities: horseback riding, hot springs, canopy tour.
Our Opinion:The best option in Rincón de la Vieja – charming, with originality and moderate rates.

 

Hacienda Lodge GUACHIPELIN rustic | ¢¢
www.guachipelin.com
A rustic lodge on the property of a 1500 ha hacienda with cattle and horses. 10 minutes by car from the National Park Rincón de la Vieja. Restaurant, pool. Many excursions and activities available: hot springs, mud baths, waterfall, volcano Rincón de la Vieja, horseback riding, canopy tour.
Our Opinion: A good address with friendly owners. The new rooms are a lot nicer than the old ones. The canopy tour is excellent.

 

RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA Lodge rustic | ¢¢¢¢
www.rincondelaviejalodge.net
A friendly, rustic lodge in the vicinity of a forest and a river, 45 minutes from Liberia. 21 standard rooms (with bathroom) and 12 spacious wooden bungalows (porch with hammock, capacity 4 pers.). Restaurant, bar, small swimming pool. Numerous activities (with/without guides) are available: canopy tour, horseback or walking excursions to the hot springs and the volcano.
Our Opinion: One of this region’s nice little lodges. The residential bungalows offer by far the best accommodation.

 

Hotel BORINQUEN superior, charming | ¢¢¢¢¢
www.borinquenresort.com
Villas in “alpine colonial style” with spacious, tastefully decorated rooms in a green valley. Balcony, private bathroom (shower), air conditioning, TV, mini-bar. Restaurant, electric cart. Great thermal pool. Free access to the hot springs (mud baths) on the property. Mini geysers. Numerous activities and excursions are available.
Our Opinion: This beautiful place is the most comfortable facility at Rincón de la Vieja. A great finding for spa fans.
This list is not exhaustive. If you desire a hotel that is not mentioned here we will gladly take care of your booking.

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Hotel Classifications:

Because there are almost no “star classifications” in Costa Rica we have assigned our own categories to give you a more precise idea of the establishments:

orderly and simple, mostly rustic accommodations
 neat, comfortable accommodations, mostly rustic
 quality hotels with character and great comfort
 high-class hotels, offering distinctive service
 top end luxury hotels, Costa Rica’s best!

Price Categories:

¢: 40-60 USD | ¢¢: 61-90 USD | ¢¢¢: 91-120 USD | ¢¢¢¢: 121-180 USD |

¢¢¢¢¢: 181-300 USD | ¢¢¢¢¢¢: 300+ USD

Precise Price Specification on Request.

 

We guarantee lower (or the same) retail prices for hotels, rental cars and activities as direct suppliers. In addition, you are more likely to get superior quality, as we only cooperate with approved and reliable partners. We assist you in planning, booking and provide English-speaking travel assistance around-the-clock.

Codes:

(B&B) = Accommodation incl. Breakfast | (B) = Accommodation Only | (H/B) = Half Board | (F/B) = Full Board | (AI) = All Inclusive

The section "Our Opinion" includes reports of our frequent quality control visits at the facilities and customer feedbacks .

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