Finca Rosa Blanca

This hotel, situated just outside San Jose, is a work of art in itself with a Gaudi style. Consisting of eight suites that overlook lush gardens, a pool and a coffee plantation. Each room has its own individual personality and is decorated with fine local wood. This coupled with the spectacular location, with sweeping views of the Central Valley and surrounding mountains makes for an amazing stay.

Our Opinion: One of our all time favourite hotels.

Grand De Oro

Located in the centre of the city, this luxury hotel is a refurbished stately mansion built at the turn of the century. The rooms feature beautiful colonial bathrooms and are elegantly furnished with handcraft pieces . Wrought iron beds are adorned with quality textiles that create a unique and charming environment. The hotel's restaurant has an excellent reputation with an adjacent sunroom and tropical courtyard.

Our Opinion: A charming place in a very central location.

Hotel Fonda Vela

This is one of the most luxurious lodges in the area and is close to Monteverde reserve and the centre of Santa Elena. Built and owned by Quakers, there is a real feel of tradition here and personal service. The comfortable rooms and suites are in chalet style buildings on a hill overlooking large lawns and the surrounding cloudforest. There are nature trails to explore the 35-acres of forest and green pastures.

Our Opinion: Comfort in a beautiful and peaceful location.

Arenal Observatory Lodge

Arenal Observatory Lodge is the closest hotel to Arenal Volcano and offers stupendous views of the simmering cone and Lake Arenal from various viewing terraces and a few of the rooms. The lodge is in a remote, forested setting on the opposite side of the volcano from the town and other hotels. Hiking trails are designed to introduce you to the local flora and fauna.

Our Opinion: The staff here are excellent.

Sarapiqui's Neo Tropical Centre

This fantastic jungle lodge gives you a real feeling of being in the rainforest. The guestrooms are simple but beautifully decorated, many of which have a spectacular view looking out over the Sarapiqui River. There are excellent canopy trails crossing the river and into the rainforest, belonging to the lodge. The restaurant serves delicious food.

Our Opinion: A great rainforest experience.

Pachira Lodge

Located at the edge of one of the channels deep within Tortuguero National Park, this is the most comfortable lodge in the area. All rooms are simple but attractively designed to create a light and airy atmosphere. There is a riverside bar next to the pool and a good restaurant with buffet style food. Guests can explore the channels in the search of the wildlife, canoe around the lagoon and visit the local villages.

Our Opinions: An excellent place for wildlife, flora and fauna.

Fleur de Lys

The Fleur de Lys hotel is situated in the cultural heart of San Jose. The hotel is an elegantly restored Victorian mansion with rooms equipped with private bathrooms, hot water, fan and TV. Rooms are nicely decorated with original works of art by Costa Rican painters and sculptors. There is also an international restaurant and a pleasant bar.

Our Opinion: An elegant hotel with character and charm. 

Trapp Family Lodge

Ideal for birdwatchers this is the nearest hotel to the beautiful Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The Trapp Family Lodge has a comfortable rustic atmosphere and features a total of 19 rooms, each with private bathroom and wonderful views of the Reserve.

Our Opinion: An excellent place for wildlife and birdwatching.

Pacuare Lodge

Nestled deep in the jungle, on the banks of the Pacuare River, is the Pacuare Lodge. Only accessible by river or 4WD, this lodge enables you to be completely surrounded by nature in its purest and most primitive state. Modern wooden bungalows with thatched palm roofs have been carefully designed in an indigenous style to blend into the surrounding forest. Each comes complete with private bathroom and shower and is a great end to a hard day rafting or trekking in the jungle.

Our Opinion: One of our favourite “rustic luxury” spots in Costa Rica, where the lack of electricity and everyday gadgets enhance the experience.

Volcan Turrialba Lodge

Located only 60 kilometers from San José, Volcán Turrialba Lodge lies in the valley between Irazú and Turrialba Volcanoes. Simple but confortable and with very personalised service, it makes a perfect base for exploring this not very well known part of the country. The lodge offers all the esential services and a wide range of optional tours. Both volcanoes and the Guayabo National Monument are within easy reach.

Our Opinion:  A great choice for exploring.

Guayabo Lodge

A one and a half hour drive from San Jose and 30 minutes from Turrialba, Guayabo Lodge has breathtaking views to the east over the Turrialba Valley and the Turrialba Volcano to the north. It is ideal for mountain lovers and adventurers. From here you can go river rafting, mountain biking, and horseback riding, whilst you can also visit the Turrialba volcano, the Aquiares waterfall, Guayabo National Monument, and the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE).

Our Opinion: For those wanting action and adventure.

Sueno Azul

With 50 rooms, hotel Sueno Azul is a real retreat in the rainforest. Within the extensive grounds there are two lakes, a waterfall with natural pools (great for swimming) and a branch of the Sarapiqui River running through. During your stay you can go horseback riding, follow the various nature trails, fish in the lakes, visit the on site butterfly farm, or just sit, watch, listen and relax.

Our Opinion: A jungle experience you will never forget!

Arenal Springs

The hotel has 65 colonial style Junior Suites, each with its own private terrace, A/C and cable TV. There is a restaurant, which offers a variety of national and international cuisines. There is also a magnificent view of the Arenal Volcano from the restaurant. The hotel has 2 swimming pools - one for adults, with a wet bar, and one for children.

Our Opinion: Good facilities and great views.  

Arenal Kioro

Arenal Kioro has a great view of the Arenal Volcano and 11 hectares of undulating land, surrounded by two streams (La Palma and Kioro) with crystalline waters that originate in the Arenal Volcano National Park. The hotel is the best upscale option in the Arenal area. Recommended for those looking for an upscale, secluded hotel amidst nature, with the possibility of activities and tours as well as relaxation.

Our Opinion: A luxury resort set in a beautiful location.  

Cloud Forest Lodge

This basic mountain lodge surrounded by lush vegetation has only 18 simply but comfortably furnished rooms with en suite facilities. A great base for those who enjoy excursions, the lodge has it’s own canopy tour set up on a system of zip wires, it’s own selection of well kept horses and 5 km of private trails set in 70 acres of primary and secondary rainforest.

Our Opinion: A comfortable lodge with plenty of opportunities for adventure.