When searching for Costa Rica lodging, visitors will find that there are many options for their stay in this Central American paradise. It’s not necessary to spend a fortune for your accommodations here, nor must you “rough it” in the jungle areas of this great country.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Before selecting your lodging, take time to explore the sightseeing options in Costa Rica and decide which region or regions best fit your parameters for the ideal vacation. After you determine what you might like to see, you may begin to research your Costa Rica lodging options.
Homestays
Staying in the home of a Costa Rican family isn’t for everyone, but those who wish to be entrenched in the culture of the country may wish to choose this option. It also helps if you speak a bit of Spanish!
Companies that offer homestays will pre-screen the homes and, for a very reasonable price, visitors will be given a clean, comfortable room, three meals a day, and even laundry services or facilities. It’s a very affordable way to truly experience Costa Rica, especially for singles or couples.
Bed and Breakfast accommodations vary greatly in Costa Rica. Some are quite luxurious, decorated with antiques and set amidst acres of tropical gardens. Others are pretty basic. The majority of them, however, are warm and welcoming, with hosts who truly care about the safety and comfort of their guests.
Usually, a traditional or American breakfast is served and often, dinner is offered for an additional cost. You’ll also enjoy afternoon snacks at many Bed and Breakfast locations.
Not unlike Bed and Breakfast locations, the country’s small hotels and inns are usually privately-owned, with dedicated owners on-site to be sure that your stay at their establishment is enjoyable. Most of these small Costa Rica lodging locations, or “pensiones”, are quite affordable and some even offer perks, such as free breakfast, a pool, or transportation to the airport.
Large Chain Hotels and Resorts
A number of well-known hotel chains operate facilities in Costa Rica. These larger hotels offer a great range in price combined with the reliability of a name that you already know and trust.
Visitors may choose a basic 3-star chain hotel, offering perhaps just a few amenities or 4- and 5-star resorts featuring everything you’ll need for the ultimate in luxury vacations, including pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, spa treatments, gourmet restaurants, and more.
Most of these are located along the North and Central Pacific coasts, which boast the most popular beaches for family vacations. You’ll find a few resorts elsewhere, but if this is the type of accommodation you seek, you’ll probably want to stick to those regions.
If you’re an eco-tourist and anxious to experience the true Costa Rica jungle, you’ll want to check out the country’s many Nature Lodges. Located mostly along the southern Pacific and Caribbean coasts, these lodges put visitors in the middle of Costa Rica’s most incredible flora and fauna.
Some of these lodges are quite upscale so you don’t necessarily need to sacrifice comfort and luxury for a close look at Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
This form of Costa Rica accommodation has been growing in popularity over the years due to the extremely low prices combined with high end luxury. Timeshare owners who decide they can’t make it on vacation, put their units up for rent on resale sites and will reduce their rates the closer it gets to their vacation week. This means visitors can enjoy spacious and luxurious accommodations with amenities such as balconies, full kitchens and jacuzzis while paying far less than resort prices.
Resorts which offer timeshares in Costa Rica are located in the most favorable parts of the country like Guanacaste, and are usually situated within the jungle or directly on the beach creating the ideal vacation. Some of the resorts even offer private grocery stores and restaurants along with on-site entertainment such as horseback riding and snorkeling.
Visitors willing to pay a little extra for their Costa Rica lodging should check out the amazing private vacation rentals that are available all year long. Many of these beach houses or villas accommodate large families or groups and offer private tools, hot tubs, and tennis courts, for the ultimate in Costa Rica luxury.