Hotels
The hotel selection on our website is only a fraction of all available accommodation. In principle, we can book any hotel in the destination area that you desire/that has been recommended to you by a third party.
Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations for nature and eco-tourism. The steady increase in visitor numbers over the past two decades has led to a massive expansion in hotel capacity. Accommodation can be found almost everywhere in all categories. Development has reached its limits on the most famous beaches in the province of Guanacaste and in national parks such as Manuel Antonio and Monteverde. Away from these tourist hotspots, there are many charming small hotels, lodges, and even tent camps in the midst of largely untouched, spectacular natural landscapes. In the few cities and mostly small, inconspicuous towns, simple hotels and guesthouses dominate. Exceptions to this are the capital San José and a few “trendy spots” that have become popular with independent travelers and backpackers, such as Montezuma, Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast, and Fortuna at the foot of the Arenal volcano. On each of our destination pages, we present accommodations in categories A), B), and C), where available or acceptable, with pictures and a brief, objective description of the facilities and amenities.
Category A
With the exception of absolute high season times and special holidays, accommodation in this category costs up to USD 125 per double room per night, including taxes.
Rooms in this category have private bathroom, hot water, fan or air conditioning or heating unless otherwise stated. (Please refer to the respective hotel description for further details.)
Category B
With the exception of absolute high season times and special holidays, accommodation in this category costs up to 200 USD per double room per night, including taxes.
Rooms in this category have private bathroom, hot water, fan or air conditioning or heating unless otherwise stated. In addition, there is usually a restaurant, pool, other services such as spa and sauna. Jacuzzi etc. (Please refer to the respective hotel description for further details.)
Category C
Hotels and accommodation in this category cost from 200 USD per double room per night, including taxes.
The spectrum within this category ranges from good mid-range to international top hotels, exotic resorts and lodges. (Please refer to the respective hotel description for further details.)
Transportation
Rental Car
Despite poor road conditions in some areas, a rental car is the ideal way to discover Costa Rica. Traffic density outside the capital and the Pan-American Highway is relatively low. In addition, most “Ticos” drive in a relatively civilized manner. Depending on the region, it is advisable to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle. Although four-wheel drive is rarely needed, the greater ground clearance of these vehicles makes it easier to avoid potholes and cross flooded roads after rainfall. Car rental prices are relatively high, but for two or more people, they are often cheaper than the private transfers on offer. In addition, having your own vehicle allows you to plan your own itinerary, bypassing the (relatively uninteresting) capital. We will be happy to advise you in detail and, if necessary, take care of the reservation/booking of a rental car.
Shuttle/ Taxi
Private companies offer shuttle services, usually in air-conditioned minibuses. These are recommended for anyone who does not wish to travel by rental car. The prices of these shuttles vary depending on the route and comfort level, and they often include an additional tour with stops at points of interest. We can book the required seats for you on request.
Airplane
Many of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations can also be reached by plane, depending on the season. The destinations on the Osa Peninsula in particular are most easily reached by plane. We can book the necessary flight tickets for you on request.
Boat/ ferry
Boat trips are part of the transport to certain destinations, such as the hotels and lodges in Bahía Drake on the Osa Peninsula, or destinations in the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula. Trips through the canal system of Tortuguero National Park, which are offered as part of corresponding tours, are a special kind of experience. On request, we can take care of booking the necessary boat transfers and tours.
Bus
Although Costa Rica has an extensive public bus system, it is heavily focused on the capital. There are hardly any longer intercity routes that do not involve a stop or change in San José. In addition to public buses, there are a number of private companies that specialize in popular tourist routes (see Shuttle). Interesting international connections include routes to Nicaragua and Panama. Upon request, we can take care of ticket reservations/bookings for international routes.