Costa Rica is one of the world’s foremost destinations for a beach holiday. The country is surrounded by vast swathes of blue saltwater on each side, but whether you are staying on a hotel facing the Pacific Ocean or on a hotel facing the Caribbean Sea, the most important thing is to make sure to pick a beach hotel or resort that offers quality service and that includes all the amenities for a comfortable and worry free stay.
After all, despite the number of luxurious amenities some beach hotels in Costa Rica offer, nothing beats the simple pleasures of leaving your suite to walk along the beach and to squish your toes into the sand as the waves roll on over towards the horizon.
So, which beach hotels in Costa Rica are worth your hard-earned bucks?
Here are our top seven beach hotel picks:
1- The Preserve at Los Altos Beach Hotel & Resort
Positioned right smack on the Manuel Antonio area, this hotel is the perfect beachside hotel if you would like to spend your holiday surrounded by nature on all sides. The hotel’s deluxe suites are all sumptuously furnished with soft beds that face floor to ceiling windows designed to let in as much light without sacrificing privacy. A full delicious breakfast of incredible quality and quantity is often included in the hotel’s rates and guests can either learn how to surf the waves in the nearby Manuel Antonio beaches or hike in the hotel’s onsite trails surrounded by exuberant flora and fauna. Of all the beach hotels in Costa Rica, we consider Los Altos as the number one option for families and couples as well.
2- Four Seasons Resort
Noted to be one of Central America’s most lavish resorts, this luxurious property offers no shortage of diversions for its pampered guests. Four Seasons Resort‘s rooms are decorated in rustic materials like bamboo, wood, and stone, and all of them have views that reveal not one but two beautiful beaches. Those who want to spend time on the beach will find themselves in awe of the beautiful white sand and the picturesque sunsets. Both beaches have gentle waves that you can swim in but if you are fearful of the occasional jellyfish, there is also the 18-hole golf course.
3- Hotel Riu
This enormous 701-room property may not be as luxurious as either of the preceding hotels, but it does have a great ambiance for a great, booze-fueled party. There is a good beach on its doorstep along with a gigantic pool and a highly lively entertainment staff. Nestled on the Guanacaste Beach, the rooms are fairly modest but adequate and the beach in front of the hotel even has protected turtle nests.
4- Tulemar Bungalows and Villas
This sprawling, 33-acre resort features about 45 luxury bungalows, all of which provide their guests with both privacy and round-the-clock hotel services, which can be accessed via a phone installed in the accommodations. The onsite restaurant also serves up delectable meals that go great with its unobstructed view of the Tulemar Beach. All of the guests on this resort also have private and exclusive access to the said beach throughout their stay.
5- Hotel Villa Amarilla
Compared to the other listings here, this property is a lot more affordable despite its prime seaside location. With only eight rooms on offer, this place is more like a bed and breakfast than an actual hotel. There is no pool; but that’s not a big problem because the ocean is just a few steps away from the property’s back gate. Guests at the Villa Amarilla also have the Tamarindo Surf Break literally within a stone’s throw and the owners/staff are known for going out of their way to make you feel at home. There is even a communal outdoor kitchen where guests can prepare their own food, and Tamarindo’s restaurants are also nearby.
6- Tamarindo Diria Beach and Golf Resort
Right smack on Tamarindo Beach, this mid-range hotel is perfect for young, party-minded vacationers whose priority is a central location. Its 183 rooms aren’t exactly luxurious, but they are all quite comfortable and clean and one side of the hotel fully faces the shore. Its location also makes it within proximity of the nearby shops and restaurants.
7- Buena Vista Luxury Villas
This sprawling property features villas that are all equipped with its own living rooms and state-of-the-art kitchens. They do have a great onsite beach, but you may need to use the hotel’s shuttle service to bring you around since the terrain is rather steep.
So, there you have it, we have listed our top beach hotels in Costa Rica. This beautiful tropical country clearly has a lot of beachfront hotel options for every need and budget, and all you need to do is pick one and then finally get started on that vacation you’ve been looking forward to for months.