Costa Rica Hotels and Hostels

Costa Rica is a wonderful travel destination for all kinds of travelers. It has beaches, rainforests, national parks, volcanoes and more. It has destinations and hotels to accommodate honeymooners, eco tourists, backpackers, and resort seekers. Costa Rica truly is a destination for all.

Costa Rica is probably the most popular country to visit in Central America. It has a stable government and feels safe, making it appealing as a first time destination to Central America. As such, it has many hotels with all of the comforts of home. There are also some western chains including the Hilton and the Four Seasons. These hotels are almost always more expensive than local chains, but you do get the confidence that the quality is consistent.

Finding the Best Prices

Costa Rica can be a surprisingly affordable destination. It's a great country to visit and experience tropical beaches without the high costs of the Caribbean. There are some great budget guesthouses spread throughout the country so that you really can travel on a backpacker's budget. As a general rule, beaches are more expensive than inland destinations. The Caribbean side of the country is also more affordable than the Pacific side. Also, remember to stay local. Even if you're looking for a more luxurious resort, avoiding western chains will save you a lot of money and you will generally get a comparable quality.

If you're planning to stay at a more moderate to expensive hotel, it is best to make reservations in advance. For budget accommodation, it really depends on the season. During high season or holidays, hotels may fill up so it is better to have reservations in advance.

Types of Accommodation

Costa Rica has a wonderful range of hotel types. It truly is an ecotourism destination, and you will find many hotels that are environmentally friendly. These hotels are usually in some of the most interesting settings, and take full advantage of the rainforest atmosphere. It really is a unique way to experience Costa Rica.

There is also no shortage of resorts in Costa Rica. In addition to being along the coast, there are some great options near Volcano Arenal. These resorts take advantage of the area's hot springs and offer so wonderful spas and pools that are not to be missed.

If you're on a budget, you will find plenty of hostels and budget guesthouses throughout the country as well. They are most common near the tourist destinations like Monteverde, but don't be surprised to find affordable options in some off the beaten path locations as well. Some may be less comfortable than others. They almost always have electric water heaters in the shower, which are not as effective as you might wish. If you don't mind the lukewarm to cold shower, then hostels are a great place to meet fellow travelers.