People who have been to Costa Rica describe it as a little slice of paradise. So what makes them describe the country so? First off, its unspoiled terrain is characterized by pristine tropical beaches, natural hot springs, and rainforests — all of which offer an immersive experience with nature. That aside, the places to visit in Costa Rica, such as Manuel Antonio National Park and National Museum of Costa Rica, lure tourists from far and wide. Recreational opportunities here are endless too. You can engage in ziplining, beach yoga, horseback riding, and kayaking while here. Meanwhile, Costa Rican dishes will have your taste buds craving for more. If you’re looking to pamper yourself at a beachfront hotel in Costa Rica, a 5-star hotel for that matter, then we have great recommendations for you. For awesome stays, scroll down for details about the best 5-star hotels in Costa Rica.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) hotel ratings, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 12, 2024.
1. Hotel Azul Ocean Club Beachfront (from USD 211)
Competitive pricing for excellent value in a serene, beachfront setting.
Spacious rooms, beautiful pool, modern gym, private beach, and free surfboard rentals.
Secluded, peaceful location with stunning ocean views and access to pristine, uncrowded beaches.
Delicious, well-served food with some limitations and a need for more variety and vegetarian options.
If you are looking for an all-inclusive escape on the beachfront of Playa Azul, Hotel Azul Ocean Club might just be the ticket. This beachfront boutique hotel is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Costa Rican jungle, so you are guaranteed time to harmonize and reconnect with nature.
The rooms and villas here are either one or two-bedroom accommodations and come with a balcony with an outdoor dining area and hammock. Some units feature a kitchen that’s definitely handy for extended stays. What’s even better is that they have the modern comforts of free Wi-Fi, a 32-inch flat-screen cable TV, and a minibar. You’ll also be served international-style dishes at its two on-site restaurants. For a complete 5-star experience, this luxury hotel in Costa Rica on the beach also offers an outdoor pool, fitness center, and game room.
Azul Hotel & Retreat
Address: Playa Azul, Santa Cruz
99.33 km (61.8 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
2. Hotel Martino Spa and Resort (from USD 132)
Beautifully set in lush tropical gardens, Hotel Martino Spa and Resort is a suitable choice for travelers who plans to discover the sites in Alajuela City. Families will surely enjoy nearby attractions such as zoos, parks, and the Costa Rica Bird Sanctuary located directly in front of the resort.
The Italian-style resort has top-notch amenities that are as exciting as the city’s hotspots. It features suites with cable TV, a minifridge, and balconies overlooking the pool and garden. Free Wi-Fi is provided to keep you in touch with life back home. Head to the outdoor pool and wellness facility with a sauna and gym for relaxation. You can indulge in a Roman bath and some of the over 20 treatments offered in the large spa. A game room with billiards and table tennis is also available.
Hotel Martino Spa and Resort
Address: La Garita Alajuela Frente al Zoo Ave
63.31 km (39.4 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
3. Los Altos Resort, Manuel Antonio (from USD 380)
Reasonable pricing for spacious suites and excellent amenities.
Large apartments, beautiful pool, and complimentary welcome drinks.
Great location with stunning ocean views and easy access to local restaurants.
Delicious breakfast and restaurant options, with opportunities to see wildlife on the property.
Los Altos Resort gives you a chance to enjoy a luxury getaway in Manuel Antonio. Beat Costa Rica’s heat and take in the sights and sounds of the ocean from the hotel’s infinity pool. When you want to indulge in a day in the sea, head to the beach that’s just an 11-minute walk away from the property.
Therapies, facials, and treatments in the spa offer the most satisfying sense of renewal. The on-site Karolas Restaurant has an array of dining opportunities, and there’s free Wi-Fi available on the premises for communicating with those close to you. The ultra-modern gym on the property will help you keep trim.
Los Altos Resort
Address: 4th Km to Manuel Antonio National Park
98.94 km (61.5 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
4. Nayara Gardens, La Fortuna (from USD 539)
High-end resort with exceptional value for money, especially for its service and amenities.
Vast property with lush rainforest, hot springs, pools, and top-notch spa. Access to multiple restaurants and facilities across three interconnected resorts.
Nestled in the heart of the rainforest with stunning views of the volcano. Close to town for exploration.
Delicious and diverse dining options, with exceptional breakfast, and attentive staff catering to dietary needs.
Nayara Gardens is set amidst a tropical forest and takes pride in its incredible views of the Arenal Volcano. In this fashionable hotel, you’ll have access to freebies such as parking spots and Wi-Fi. Book a bungalow that comes with a private terrace and a two-person hot tub for a truly fantastic time.
After taking a dip in the outdoor pool, you can relax your body with a massage in the on-site spa. Arenal Natura Ecological Park, popular for its scenic nature trails, is just 500 m (1,640.4 ft) away. The park is also home to crocodiles, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and other wild creatures.
Nayara Gardens
Address: La Palma Carretera 142
61.26 km (38.1 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
5. Casa Chameleon Hotel Mal Pais (from USD 645)
Gear up for a fun-filled getaway in Costa Rica while staying in this fancy 5-star hotel. With the hotel’s hillside setting, you’re treated to panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. As a destination for relaxation, this adults-only accommodation boasts refreshing full-body massages and yoga classes.
If you’re into swimming, the outdoor pool will make you happy. Aside from swimming, you can engage in hiking, fishing, and horse riding on the premises at an extra charge. The on-site restaurant serves Costa Rican dishes, and there’s free Wi-Fi available throughout the property.
Casa Chameleon Hotel Mal Pais - Adults Only
Address: Playa Mal Pais, Golfo de Nicoya de la Torre del ICE 500 meters south and 250 meters east.
52.7 km (32.8 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
6. Hotel Villa Caletas, Jaco (from USD 297)
Expect relaxation in this chic oceanfront hotel with a private beach. After a tiresome day on the beach, you can heal your worn-out muscles in the spa. If you’d rather stay within the property, you can substitute the beach with the infinity pool.
Hiking tours in the rainforest are organized by the hotel concierge. Complimentary internet access provided here allows for a seamless upload of your vacation pictures on social media.
Hotel Villa Caletas
Address: Playa Caletas , Herradura
40.03 km (24.9 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
7. Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River, Fortuna (from USD 414)
If you’re in search of a lavish hotel that’s close to nature, then consider making this accommodation a priority for your stay. You can choose to have some quiet time in any of the four cliff-side yoga pods. In addition, there are yoga classes offered on the premises.
You can also opt to refresh your body in the thermal pools around the property. While the hotel’s complimentary breakfast gives you the energy to take up the day’s activities, the bar is a perfect place to sip your preferred alcoholic beverage before heading to bed.
Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River
Address: 4 Kms al Sur de San Bernardo de Bagaces
79.97 km (49.7 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
8. Punta Islita, Autograph Collection (from USD 899)
Reasonable room rates, but high spa prices and weird breakfast pricing.
Beautiful property, nice pools, calm apartments, but some areas not well-maintained.
Remote location with picturesque views, but difficult to access without a 4x4 car.
Great breakfast with limited vegetarian dinner options, friendly restaurant staff, but slow service and unusual menu pricing.
Expect sweeping ocean and tropical forest vistas, serenity, and of course, world-class hospitality at Punta Islita, Autograph Collection. Rooms and suites here feature free Wi-Fi and cable televisions. There are two on-site restaurants catering to your dining needs and an infinity pool where you can cool off when the weather gets hot.
Adjacent to the infinity pool, you’ll find a hot tub. Moreover, body scrubs and massages in the spa will help you regain strength after a tiresome day touring the locality.
Punta Islita, Autograph Collection
Address: 400 metros Oeste de la Plaza de deportes de Islita
61.81 km (38.5 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
9. Real InterContinental at Multiplaza Mall, an IHG Hotel, San José (from USD 411)
Reasonably priced luxury with happy hour and complimentary breakfast.
24-hour hot tub, well-equipped gym, and beautiful pools with varying temperatures.
Conveniently located next to a shopping mall, but a bit far from the airport.
Excellent dining options, especially the Italian restaurant, Pimento, and great breakfast buffet.
Settle into this high-end hotel that has 372 guest rooms. It’s set inside Multiplaza Mall, a top-rated shopping center in Costa Rica. Keep trim in its updated fitness center overlooking lush tropical gardens and maintain contact with your relatives using the free Wi-Fi offered here.
After stretching your muscles in the gym, you can plunge into the hot tub or the outdoor pool to relax. The property’s business center is convenient if you wish to clear up some assignments.
Real InterContinental at Multiplaza Mall, an IHG Hotel
Address: In front of Multiplaza Shopping Center
76.56 km (47.6 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
10. Gaia Hotel & Reserve, Manuel Antonio (from USD 387)
Tucked away in 15 ac (6 ha) of unspoiled jungle, this hotel offers a chance to experience a blend of unspoiled terrain, privacy, and comfort. A spa with eight treatment rooms, free Wi-Fi, and electric vehicle charging stations are some amenities provided here.
Whether you choose to dine in the on-site restaurant or in your room, you’re in for fresh and sumptuous dishes. Avail yourself of the one-day tours organized by the hotel for a fun time. Yoga classes are also offered here.
Gaia Hotel & Reserve- Adults Only
Address: Quepos-Manuel Antonio, Km 2.7
98.24 km (61.1 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
11. Barceló San José (from USD 144)
Barceló San José is a stylish sanctuary in a calm residential community. This upscale hotel with 254 rooms is 5 km (3.1) from downtown San José. You can wine and dine while listening to live music in one of its three restaurants or bar.
The lush garden and swimming pool are perfect places to enjoy yourself in the open air. In addition to being stocked with modern equipment, the on-site gym also has a personal trainer. The property also offers complimentary internet.
Barceló San José
Address: Residencial El Robledal
81.79 km (50.9 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
12. Nayara Springs - Adults Only, Fortuna (from USD 800)
Slow down, become one with nature, and surround yourself with opulence at Nayara Springs. In this award-winning hotel, you have the opportunity to swim in a pristine pool. The spa, nestled inside the rainforest, offers refreshing massages, facials, and body scrubs, and the fitness center is well equipped.
Internet is available on the entire property, so you have no reason to disconnect from those close to you. During your downtime, you can engage in yoga classes or nature walks. The bar is the perfect spot to chill before heading to bed.
Nayara Springs - Adults Only
Address: La Palma Carretera 142
61.18 km (38.1 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
A special holiday in Costa Rica
These places to stay in Costa Rica are perfect travel destinations for a peaceful retreat while in the lap of luxury. Book a room in any of the 5-star hotels above and experience world-class hospitality.
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