With its rugged, rainforested terrain and serene, coastal beaches along the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, we’d be lying if we said the thought of picking up and moving to Costa Rica every once in a while didn’t cross our minds. For eco-tourists and nature lovers, there’s no better place to travel than this Central American country. Best of all, its dry season runs from December through April, so for the Northerners seeking the sunshine and Pura Vida lifestyle, there’s no better time to go than now.
In this “Affordable and Adorable” article below, we selected the best boutique hotels in Costa Rica with starting nightly rates of $250 per night.
Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection
Starting Nightly Rate: $212 | 5 Stars | Website | Nosara Airport
54 | 2 swimming pools; Beachfront; Spa | 2
Islita Beach; Corozalito Beach; Camaronal Beach
Set in the Guanacaste Province on the Nicoya Peninsula — dubbed one of the world’s Blue Zones — Hotel Punta Islita is an eco-conscious stay at its core. The 54-key resort, nestled in dense tropical foliage on a protected Pacific cove, reflects its surroundings through its design: sand-toned terracotta tiled floors, light blue accented splendors, and nature-inspired artworks decorate the space while private balconies with outdoor hammocks allow for picturesque views. Guests can immerse themselves in the natural environment via the hotel’s on-site eco-adventure activities, including horseback riding, hiking, surfing, and canopy zip-lining.
Santarena Hotel
Starting Nightly Rate: $150 | 4 Stars | Website | Tamarindo Airport
45 | 1 outdoor swimming pool; Fitness center; Spa | 2
Danta Beach; Prieta Beach; Penca Beach
Perched between two of Costa Rica’s stunning Pacific coast beaches, the Santarena Hotel is an elegantly styled bohemian resort in the heart of Las Catalinas — an automobile-free seaside beach town. Interiorly, the 45 guestrooms and suites boast a contemporary design with luxurious amenities: king-sized beds, spacious bathrooms, and private balconies make for the perfect morning coffee spot. For sweeping views of the ocean and town, guests should lounge at Santarena’s rooftop terrace and outdoor pool to rest up after a day of walking around this charming beach neighborhood. (Pro-tip: rumor has it that a gin cart rolls around the terrace at sunset offering deliciously handcrafted cocktails.)
Mint Santa Teresa
Starting Nightly Rate: $195 | 4 Stars | Website | Tambor Airport
5 | 1 outdoor swimming pool; Free WiFi; Breakfast included | 0
Playa Mar Azul; Playa Mal País; Playa Cuevas
With just five rooms overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Mint Santa Teresa is an exclusive resort that epitomizes the Pura Vida lifestyle in all aspects. Three king-size bedroom styles are offered at the personal stay: Double Rooms are located directly above the communal area; Deluxe Double Rooms sit a floor higher, presenting better views and more privacy; and the Pool Suite is set next to the Deluxe Double Rooms with its own private plunge pool. Coastal-inspired design and minimalist details decorate the resort from woven rattan outdoor trappings and locally sourced Costa Rican artworks.
Oxygen Jungle Villas
Starting Nightly Rate: $220 | 4 Stars | Website | Juan Santamaría International Airport
12 | 1 outdoor swimming pool; Free WiFi; Breakfast included | 1
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary; Nauyaca Waterfalls; Hermosa Beach
Intimately tucked into the Uvita jungle, the Oxygen Jungle Villas is a true tropical oasis. With a green-tiled infinity pool overlooking the sparkling Pacific Ocean, there’s truly no better place to take in sweeping views of Costa Rica’s rich vegetation than here. To maximize all resting potential, guests should book a treatment at the Diⱽ Shum Spa — which sits alongside a misty river nestled within the resort’s private jungle reserve — for an unforgettable mind, body, and soul experience. (Try the Coffee and Cacao Experiences, where organic coffee is applied to polish skin, followed by a full body massage with a special cacao balm.)
Ti-fakara Boutique Hotel
Starting Nightly Rate: $216 | 4 Stars | Website | Fortuna Airport
13 | 2 outdoor swimming pools; Hot tub; Free WiFi | 1
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary; Nauyaca Waterfalls; Hermosa Beach
Located in the lush forest of La Fortuna de San Carlos, Ti-fakara Boutique Hotel is an enchanting jungle resort. Guests can easily immerse themselves in the surrounding environment from one of the hotel’s guided outdoor tours and activities: ziplining with picturesque volcano views, horseback riding through the tropical rainforest, or canyoning — the act of mountaineering down a flowing mountain stream — are all one-of-a-kind experiences. After a day of adventuring, returning to the peaceful turquoise-colored outdoor pool is an ideal way to rest and recharge.
Hotel Tropico Latino
Starting Nightly Rate: $194 | 4 Stars | Website | Tambor Airport
21 | 1 outdoor swimming pool; Beachfront; Spa | 1
Santa Teresa Beach; Cocal Grande Beach; Carmen Beach
Just steps away from the Santa Teresa shore, Hotel Tropico Latino is the Costa Rican beachfront resort of our dreams. Private bungalows sport modern coastal interiors with an earth-toned color palette: dark wood furnishings, white-washed walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for naturally-lit corridors. Daily yoga classes on the private outdoor patio, professional massages, and energy-curating services are offered at the hotel’s rejuvenating wellness center.
Hotel Playa Negra
Starting Nightly Rate: $120 | 4 Stars | Website | Tamarindo Airport
17 | 2 outdoor swimming pools; Free WiFi; Bar | 1
Negra Beach; Callejones Beach; Junquillal Beach
Overlooking the famed Playa Negra surf break, Hotel Playa Negra boasts ideal access to the most pristine beaches of Guanacaste on Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast (think Playa Tamarindo, Playa Conchal, and Playa Flamingo). The 17 bungalows and suites dotted throughout the enclosed jungle area sport brightly-colored interiors and the traditional circular shape with palm leaf roofs. Since the resort is just steps away from the beach, guests can slip into the inviting tropical waters in no time.
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