Costa Rica Hotels

Other Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Tonjibe guesthouse: Stay in an indigenous village

by theo1006

Maleku guide Max Elizondo guided us from the art shop on route #4 to his village Tonjibe on route #143. There he was joined by Dagoberto Elizondo and his wife Carmen. Dagoberto is the most knowledgeable on Maleku culture and history, having learned what he knows from his granny wo died 34 years ago. Carmen prepared our meals of traditional food.

The Maleku tribe counts only 650 people, but are very active conserving their culture and language. The language which originally was never written, is taught at school; the children read the stories by their ancestors in printed books. There even is a radio station transmitting in Maleku language.

If you happen to be in te neighbourood on October 12, that is when the three Maleku villages celebrate their yearly festivities!

The village community has built a modest guest house where we stayed one night. Actually the rooms with tiered beds are more suitable for student groups, we had a room with eight beds for the two of us.

The deal included a cultural performance in the evening and a guided forest walk the next morning, see OTBP tips. We paid: for the accommodation USD 20 p.p., for dinner USD 7 p.p., for breakfast USD 5 p.p. , and USD 30 for the cultural performance and guided walk.

Cabinas Piuri: To visit Río Céleste

by theo1006

For visiting Río Céleste in the Volcán Tenorio National Park we chose to stay in Cabinas Piuri. It is closest to the park entrance, a walk of about 800 m.

We paid USD 30 for a double including breakfast. For lunch and dinner the additional charge was USD 7.

The property borders Río Céleste, and guests may take a bath in a set of cascading pools using water diverted from the river. But you may as well go down and bathe in the river itself (which you are not allowed to do in the park except at the hot springs). The friendly owner is still making improvements. He made a display of fossil wood in his garden, and was building an experimental cabin in the form of an egg.

Directions: This and other accommodation lies south of an unfinished bridge across Celeste river. So if you come by car your approach should be through Bijagua on route #6. The only accommodation on the other side of the river is the more upscale Rio Celeste Hideaway, which you reach by a turnoff from route #4. The access road from Bijagua is rough but passable - improvement work was ongoing

Grandpas' Hotel: Closest to Irazú volcano

by theo1006

Our Lonely Planet giuidebook said for Irazú volcano to stay over at Cartago. But we wondered whether there might be accommodation closer to the volcano. The closer one stays to the volcano, the shorter the time to get there early in the morning, when chances are better that the views are not blocked by clouds.

And such accommodation there is indeed. We found a cabin of Restaurante Linda Vista at 2600 m; it was open but looked pretty derelict, notwithstanding a multitude of visitors' cards on the walls of the restaurant. So we went downhill again, past a “Hotel Astoria the Irazú” which was closed (bankrupt?), back to the other hotel we had seen on our way up: Grandpas' at Cot.

This is a cosy small hotel with nice garden and view. We stayed one night in a standard room, and another night in a wood cabin (the two cabins were full the first night). The cabins are the more attractive rooms, but unfortunately not quite warm enough at this altitude. We had cold, rainy weather, but in between clouds could just appreciate the sights at the National Park.

Grandpas' rates include tax and a buffet breakfast, and we got an off-season discount. For other meals we were referred to the “1910 Restaurant”, named after the year of the Cartago earthquake. This is located on the main road, just at the corner of the access road to the hotel.

Rates: double in standard room: USD 65 incl., double in log cabin: USD 70 incl.

Costa verde: Bed bugs galore

by Princessbuttercup

Bed bugs galore with ants to feed off them. The grounds were fine, the restaurants were good, the views were great, but the bed bug bites I was left with aree not worth the stay.

Bed bugs

Hotel Arenal Manoa: Incomparable View of Arenal

by starship

Of the 8 nights we spent in Costa Rica, 3 nights of those were spent at the Hotel Arenal Manoa located only 7km from the town of La Fortuna. The Arenal Manoa was my favorite hotel during our time in Costa Rica for 3 main reasons: an incomparable view of the spectacular Arenal Volcano; the spectacularly, lush and beautiful setting of the hotel property; and, the wonderfully comfortable room which had its own patio and exceptional view of the volcano.

We were given a bungalow with a very spacious room with a tropical theme and 2 queen beds; large bathroom with tropical shower; coffeemaking facilitiesmini-fridge; color TV; safe; and hair dryer. Each bungalow had its own covered patio with 2 rocking chairs and a small table -- it was the perfect setting with an unobstructed view of the volcano.

There was daily maid service and replishment of all toiletries, coffee, bottled water and fresh towels and sheets. The large bath had a tropical walk-in shower and as seen in the accompanying photo, it even has its own garden.

On property there were 2 excellent swimming pools, spa services for a fee, and a wonderful restaurant. The restaurant is totally open air although, of course, covered. The restaurant is actually somewhat divided into an individual restaurant for ordering from a very good menu, and the far side which is where buffet service for breakfast or dinner is served. The first night we ordered from the menu and I had a seared tuna steak with sauteed veggies and my husband had surf & turf with wine ($60 included wine & tax & service).

Each day we also had the buffet breakfast which included 4 -5 hot dishes, made to order omelets, pastries, toast, yogurt, hot & cold cereals, fresh tropical fruit & coffee or tea.Each day we had a buffet breakfast and and two buffet dinners, each excellent.

Everything about this hotel was beyond our expectations. The bungalow room, the lush, landscaped grounds, the restaurant, the service and the incomparable views of the Arenal Volcano. This maybe one of the best hotels I've ever stayed at!!

Laguna Lodge: Eco-Tourism Near Tortuguero

by starship

constructing

Hotel Indigo: Upscale Hotel in Santa Ana

by starship

On the 3rd day of our stay in Costa Rica, we transferred from our hotel in downtown San Jose to the "Hotel Indigo" in Santa Ana to begin a group tour. Located in a well-to-do area, and within a 20 to 30 minute drive from San Jose or the airport, the Hotel Indigo is only 2 years old. Close to restaurants and shopping, this modern hotel is a visual feast. Colorful, modern furniture graces the large lobby and bright light floods the room through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

We were greeted with fresh, cold strawberry drinks in fluted glasses served by an attentive reception staff. The hotel offers a lovely restaurant just away from the lobby, and meals, drinks, or snacks are also served in a breezeway called "Phi Bar and Lounge" just beyond the "Golden Bean" restaurant. The food was very good, though not inexpensive, and the service in this area was slow and inattentive.

Our spacious third floor corner room had a pleasant view and no traffic noise. The room was decorated in soothing colors for my taste, and a wall-size photo of an orchid, along with laminate floors made it all quite modern. The two double beds were wrapped in excellent linens and were extremely comfortable. The room also came with coffeemaking facilities; a large, flat-screen TV (with English channels); a desk, wardrobe, safe, etc. The bathroom was very modern and had a luxurious, walk-in shower. This was quite a treat after a very long day.

Our group was served an excellent buffet breakfast the next morning before heading for the rainforest and our Lodge near Tortuguero.

NOTE: As Costa Rica, self-admittedly, is not known for it road signs or exact addresses, I had the Hotel Indigo e-mail me detailed driving directions to find the hotel. This turned out to be one of the best things I did, because our taxi driver had no idea where the Hotel Indigo was located or how to get there. However, he still somehow calculated that our fare would be $30US to get there!!

(Pictures to follow.)

Although I found the weather exceptionally pleasant and not hot or humid, there were plenty of people taking advantage of a nice pool during the afternoon and evening. Pool towels were provided. Spa services are available as well as a 24-hour fitness center.

Considering the extreme comfort of our room, the nice setting provided in the Phi Bar and Lounge breezeway, the pool, and generally good staff, I would definitely recommend this hotel if your budget allows.

Sleep Inn Downtown San Jose: Great Downtown San Jose Location

by starship

Having stayed at several Sleep Inns in the US, and judging by its excellent location and good reviews, I felt confident booking the Sleep Inn Downtown San Jose for 2 nights.

Our spacious room came with two double beds, night stand, work desk, Satellite Color TV, mini fridge, safe, chair and bathroom with a large walk in shower. I have to say that the mattresses, which I find too soft in many hotels, were extremely comfortable here. Two computers were located in the lobby as well as two nice seating areas and another large screen TV.

An very good buffet breakfast was included with the price and this consisted of the usual cereal, yogurt, fresh fruit, sweet rolls, and toast. However, added to that were "make your own" Belgian waffles, as well as 3 hot dishes which over two days included scrambled eggs, and beans & rice each day, as well as either an excellent shredded beef and potatoes dish or chicken and mushrooms in a "to die for" sauce. These last 2 selections were excellent though may make for better dinner rather than breakfast dishes. Tea and coffee were unlimited, but stay away from the "juice" which was some concoction made from something like Tang!

This was a very comfortable hotel and I would definitely recommend it. We obtained the AAA savers rate which was $91.80 per night but with the standard 13% tax came to $212 for the 2 nights total. This may be higher than some are willing to pay; however, I've come to want and expect a standard level of cleanliness, comfort, and in this case, security. San Jose is known to have its fair share of crime and this hotel is gated. Also on property though in a separate building was a casino, bar and separate restaurant. We had a cold drink at the bar the first afternoon, but did not use the casino or restaurant.

The Sleep Inn Downtown San Jose was in an excellent location for seeing the most important sights of this town on foot. It was directly next to the Parque Morazan and within a few blocks of several museums, lots of restaurants, etc. The hotel was just very comfortable and the beds in this hotel really provided a good night's sleep. The mini-fridge was great for stowing bottled water, etc. The breakfast was excellent and saved a good deal of money as food is not as inexpensive here as one might think.

One of the main reasons I chose this hotel was for its location, which is only a few blocks from the Teatro Nacionale, the Gold Museum, Jade Museum, the Post Office, Morazon Park, and other museums plus restaurants, shops, the Mercado, etc.

WiFi is available in the lobby and there are 2 computers with free internet for your use.

Hotel Ppasatiempo: Pasatiempo, Tamarindo's newest best spot

by grassvalleylee

Recently reopened with a fantastic staff and new owners, they have the customer service and the setting to make for a perfect small garden setting hotel shine brightley. Rooms are new, nice and clean with all the ammenities.

The restaurant is owend and operated by charming French couple who prepare high end cuisine at prices fantastique! We caught ftresh off shore game fish and they prepared it for a modest fee and did a tableside presentation including deboning and serving with thefresh local vegtables and a side dishes. Chef Vincent is always about with his wife Chantal at the bar and welcomes conversations with the guests.

The on site owners have a wealth of information for side trips, shuttles and because of their six years experience as a local travel agent, the ability to book rental cars, fishing trips and tours. Have a problem with the rental car agency? They are on the phone at once as your advocate making sure that their guests get the proper results.

The garden setting and nice pool / palapa bar area make it hard to leave for the few minute walk to the beach. But that is the big plus...your away from the noise in your own casita among friends.

I felt like family and friends owned the hotel/restaurant. So much so that in my month vacation I ended up staying at the Pasatiempo on three different occasions around my other adventures.

The small ( 24 casita / duplex units) size with fantastic pool area in a garden setting makes it a treat to come back to each day. Sometimes I would just stay at the pool with a book and perhaps a cool beverage.

The food was better bar none, and at a better price than most of the restaurants in the area.

On Wednesday's the locals and guests are treated to a fun musical night with a house band and many walk on appearances from the local music scene. Very well respected and recieved by both as seen by the attendance.

The staff was charming, fun and caring.

One of my top hotel stays anywhere.... anywhere!

Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel: Keep your head in the clouds... literally!

by Jefie

This is another hotel located way off the beaten path, but so worth getting to! Villa Blanca is located at the heart of a cloud forest, on top of the hills that surround the town of San Ramon. It's the perfect place to go to relax in a quiet setting after days of touring around Costa Rica, which is probably why this was the last stop on our tour. It isn't very close to any of the country's big attractions, so the idea is mostly to go there and enjoy the activities that are offered in the hotel's own nature reserve. There are different self-guided and guided walking tours available, and it's easy to set up a horseback-riding expedition, among other things. The rooms actually are small private cabins that feature a large enough bathroom, comfortable beds and a small fireplace, but we ended up spending more time in the main building, which features a small movie theatre, a pretty cool game room with a (free) pool table and different board games, as well as a really nice lobby bar with happy hour specials, comfy chairs and a big fireplace. Meals were served at the restaurant El Sendero, and without being memorable, service was fine and food was definitely good - especially the chicken fajitas! All in all, it was a pretty good way to end our Costa Rican adventures on a high note :o)

The hotel has its own dairy farm and I got to milk a cow!!!

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Costa Rica Hotels

672 Hotels

Other Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Tonjibe guesthouse: Stay in an indigenous village

Cabinas Piuri: To visit Río Céleste

Grandpas' Hotel: Closest to Irazú volcano

Costa verde: Bed bugs galore

Hotel Arenal Manoa: Incomparable View of Arenal

Laguna Lodge: Eco-Tourism Near Tortuguero

Hotel Indigo: Upscale Hotel in Santa Ana

Sleep Inn Downtown San Jose: Great Downtown San Jose Location

Hotel Ppasatiempo: Pasatiempo, Tamarindo's newest best spot

Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel: Keep your head in the clouds... literally!

Explore the World

Questions and Answers