10 Best Short-Term Rentals In Costa Rica - Updated 2024

Louise
Louise 
Updated
| 5 min read

The Central American country of Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers, blessed with idyllic landscapes that consist of rainforests, Pacific and Caribbean beaches, and biodiversity. Globe trotters can immerse in the beauty of Mother Earth and embark on exciting outdoor adventures to their hearts’ content. In Manuel Antonio National Park, you can enjoy scenic hikes, white-sand beaches, and underwater worlds filled with colorful corals. If you’re into surfing, you can take the challenge and ride Jaco Beach’s waves. From meeting African animals to experiencing fun-filled sports, such as ziplining and kayaking, exciting activities can be enjoyed at Ponderosa Adventure Park. You can wrap up the quick getaway by exploring the capital city of San José. Do you need help planning your visit and choosing your accommodation? Browse through this list of the best short-term rentals in Costa Rica for a great time.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, decor, availability of dates, and short-term stay rules and regulations. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.

1. Tranquil retreat with an outdoor pool; Cantón Osa (from USD 405)

Tucked in a verdant and tranquil jungle with stunning views of the Terraba River, this rental is the perfect home away from home for your dream Costa Rican getaway. It has a minimum stay policy of three nights, perfect for short-term stays. Plus, week-long bookings earn guests nice discounts. The sunny abode is perfect for families, as it welcomes the four-legged members, too. On the property, you’ll find an outdoor swimming pool, outdoor shower, and barbecue equipment.

Located minutes away (by car) from this property are must-see local beaches, including Ventanas Beach, Pinuela Beach, and Tortuga Beach.

Stayed at this property?
Ojochal, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a fully equipped kitchen gas grill gas stove and dishwasher smart tv and reliable internet
the a/c worked great to keep the house comfortable
the kitchen and outdoor patio made this a very easy task
all around the fabulous pool with 3 separate outdoor spaces plus nice views everywhere
the setting is very private outstanding grounds and luxurious pool
Cleanliness:
the house is fresh clean and well appointed
the pool is absolutely wonderful and is cleaned twice a week
the landscaping is really nice even in the dry season there were many flowers
Host:
the property manager was also very helpful
the owner and property managers are very helpful and easy to communicate with
i am quite sure that once the owner is made aware she will quickly upgrade these
jennifer the owner was kind and helpful and answered all of our questions promptly
the house was wonderful and jennifer and hosts went above and beyond to make our experience perfect
Location:
we felt very secure and private but close enough to several beautiful beaches or family activities
Read more reviews

2. Casa Mil Flores; Matapalo (from USD 250)

Unforgettable adventures await guests staying in Casa Mil Flores. This beautiful guesthouse in the Osa peninsula is steps away from Playa Carbonera and Playa Pan Dulce. On the other hand, it takes a short drive to reach Playa Matapalo (10 minutes away). While this accommodation is off the grid, it is blessed with solar power for your convenience. Guests here can enjoy modern facilities, from stainless kitchen appliances to laundry equipment. WiFi is a bonus. To top it off, there’s an outdoor pool where you can indulge in refreshing swims under the starry skies.

Interested parties can save money by booking this stay at discounted weekly rates.

Stayed at this property?
Matapalo, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
101 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 4 Beds 7 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 7

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we loved swimming in the river "pools " and relaxing on the pacific beach
beautiful home with a well stocked kitchen
we traveled in a party of 4 we were all comfortable and we all had enough space
Cleanliness:
maru was wonderful and it was very nice to have the house cleaned mid-way through our stay
the beds were very comfy and the house was very clean
Host:
her hosts melanie and kim were very helpful in making reservations
michelle and her crew were very helpful in all aspects
michelle her boyfriend bob and the property manager gretchen were all knowledgeable and friendly and helpful
great house and host casa mil flores osa beach highly recommended thanks for having us michelle
it was so refreshing to see so much wildlife and kind people of the osa
Location:
the location is outstanding
amazing house in a prime location
great location and awesome kitchen
michelle's house is truly a gem located in an exceptional location
the location is nice since it is close to martina's a meeting place
Read more reviews

3. Beautiful accommodation with resort-inspired amenities; Santa Ana (from USD 150)

If you seek accommodations in Santa Ana’s Rio Oro neighborhood, you might like to stay in this homey property with resort-inspired amenities. The spacious dwelling welcomes large families, as well as four-legged holidayers (for a fee). It is beautifully designed with vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams, expansive windows, and an open-air concept that provides guests with easy access to the outdoor pool. The fully furnished haven also affords barbecue equipment, a sauna, and high-speed internet that lets you reconnect with your loved ones anywhere in the world.

If you’re interested in this rental, know that it has a three-night minimum stay policy, and discounted weekly rates are also up for grabs.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Ana, San José, Costa Rica
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 11 Guests 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we used a fan to sleep at night
place is very spacious but could use some updates like better mattresses larger tv
this house is super unique very large with tons of space and of course an indoor pool
comfortable beds (and bedding) luxury towels well-equipped kitchen even a sauna in the huge master suite
Host:
friendly owner and maid but the property needs help
the highlight of our stay were our hosts dorit andres and jessica
house was very clean and the maid is very nice and helpful as were the managers
jessica who is the maid is amazing she cake and cleaned every single day and was very helpful
Location:
great location and really safe neighborhood
i love the location of the house
we chose this house because it is close to family so it was perfect for us
so comfortable unique and close to everything we needed
what a great place to stay at we highly recommend
Read more reviews

4. Casa Overlook; Jaco (from USD 1660)

Set perfectly on Playa Hermosa, Casa Overlook treats guests to breathtaking Pacific Ocean scenery. It also provides a luxurious tropical vacation home where unforgettable memories can be made. This roomy retreat has a well-appointed kitchen that lets you work your culinary magic with ease. WiFi is available should you need to brush up on your knowledge of recipes. The outdoor kitchen comes in handy for cookouts, and the swimming pool is the cherry on top. If you enjoy VIP treatment, the concierge can hook you up with chef services and massage therapists, as well as book tours on your behalf.

This luxury villa also offers weekly discounts so you can save a little while staying here.

Stayed at this property?
Jaco, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
villa 20 Guests 8 Bedrooms 9 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
plenty of space for everyone with a nice little pool and a great view of the pacific
the entire eight-bedroom eight-bathroom home is charming
the house is luxurious beds are comfortable each room has individual ac and everything was cleaned regularly
Cleanliness:
clean and all appliances work perfectly
beds were comfortable and we had cleaning service every day which was so nice
Host:
mike was very professional friendly and helpful
Location:
enjoyed family vacation with rainforest location and beautiful views
Read more reviews

5. Studio for two at Casa Bambora; Tamarindo (from USD 98)

Perched atop a hill that fronts magical ocean views, Casa Bambora is a haven for nature lovers. Its strategic location affords guests tranquility and scenery, as well as proximity to must-see attractions. Tamarindo’s shopping and food scene can be reached in 5 minutes on foot from here, and the beautiful local beach is 10 minutes away.

The villa/complex offers studio-type rentals for two, with private kitchens and Internet access. Shared facilities, such as an observation deck and barbecue area, are laid out on the property, too. The icing on the cake is the weekly discount that will apply to guests who stay here for at least seven days.

Stayed at this property?
Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Apartment 2 Guests 0 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very clean and comfortable
Host:
owner & staff were very helpful & had great recommendations
joey jen and adam were lovely and helpful
the room was cozy and joey was a perfect host
joey was an excellent host and the property is beautiful and well maintained loved the pool and rooftop space
joey was super knowledgeable and friendly property is very well maintained quick walk to all the action
Location:
quiet residential area close to the town and beach a good-sized comfortable suite
wow what a great place
Read more reviews

6. La Gaviota; Potrero (from USD 189)

When vacationing in a gorgeous tropical country such as Costa Rica, you can enjoy an authentic experience by booking accommodation right in the heart of a verdant property. Check out this tropical oasis that will afford you the most magical setting, peace of mind, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. With an outdoor pool, adorned with vibrant blooms and underneath starry skies, the property will entice you to stay all day long.

La Gaviota is part of Stef Surf complex. It boasts bedrooms with balconies, a well-appointed kitchen, and entertainment facilities from WiFi to Netflix. Barbecue equipment is also available for your cookouts. If you book this rental for longer than seven days, a weekly discount is offered.

Stayed at this property?
Potrero, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
villa 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there is ac in both bedrooms and the living room which was very nice
we also enjoyed relaxing by the pool and sitting on the balcony watching the wildlife at stef surf
Cleanliness:
property is well kept unit is clean and comfortable
our condo was very clean and provided everything we needed
the house is very clean and feels like home
spacious clean beautiful with multiple decks and outside seating areas and lots of privacy
Host:
francisco and marling were so friendly
everyone was so kind and friendly
greg and gladys were wonderful hosts
throughout the planning of our reservation communication with the super friendly host joellen was really easy and joyful
francisco and marlene the onsite caretakers are just lovely and very helpful
Location:
this place is located 3 minutes away from a nice calm beach ideal for kids and sunbathing
very short walk to the beach which we really enjoyed
i could go on and on about this ideal place for a stay in costa rica
once on location you rapidly get the immense beauty of this estate
there's a convenience store super wendy that's about a 7 minute walk
Read more reviews

7. Casa Cola Ballena, Uvita (from USD 400)

Daydreaming of a blissful holiday filled with exciting outdoor activities and majestic ocean scenery in Costa Rica’s Costa Ballena? Treat yourself to a much-deserved holiday and book Casa Cola Ballena, set in a gorgeous jungle setting that fronts Whale’s Tail. Let the chirping of birds and the cool mountain breeze wake you up in the mornings. Besides fully furnished interiors, a deck, and an idyllic pool area, this accommodation is well-loved for its superb hospitality services. The management can arrange your tours, transport services, and even in-house massages that are just delightful after days of adventure.

Best of all, this WiFi-ready home away from home has discounts for weekly stays!

Stayed at this property?
Uvita, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 7 Guests 3 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the wifi was amazing with 4 laptops going at once
Cleanliness:
first the home is amazing- beautiful clean pool incredible ocean and jungle view from the deck
Host:
sarah was a fantastic host
mark and sarah are wonderful host that owner an incredible property
they are wonderful hosts and very special people
sarah and mark are friendly gracious hosts and readily available to help out or answer questions
she was so attentive great at communicating answered my many questions
Read more reviews

8. The Zabala house; Monteverde (from USD 135)

Escape to nature when you post up in this characterful hand-built abode amidst an idyllic and quiet coffee plantation. The Zabala house will wake you up to mesmerizing views of rich vegetation, with lime and mango orchards on the property. Here, you’ll have all the comforts of home, including a well-equipped kitchen. A maid will come by the house twice a week to provide assistance, such as cleaning, dishwashing, and laundry. One of the best things about this accommodation is that it welcomes all family members, including your fur babies.

You’ll also find the 5% weekly discount to be a convenient perk.

Stayed at this property?
San Rafael\/ Monteverde, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds were comfortable and stocked with extra pillows and blankets
Cleanliness:
clean and caretakers were ready and willing to help
the rooms and spaces were clean and welcoming
Host:
the host was very welcoming attentive and helpful
our hosts were very welcoming helpful and accommodating
amazing friendly and helpful owner
directions from the owner ken were great from liberia airport
the good- friendly host vegetable garden washer dryer in owners home
Location:
a beautiful quiet location outside of town but close enough to everything monteverde has to offer
Read more reviews

9. Idyllic guesthouse for big groups; El Sauce (from USD 62)

Suitable for big groups, this guesthouse can accommodate 16 guests, and fur babies can tag along, too! Apart from the comfortable living space, the beautiful lush surroundings with picturesque views of Turrialba Volcano appeals to guests, too. Along with the fully furnished interior, vacationers can enjoy an outdoor pool surrounded by shady greens. Guests arriving by car can find a secure space for their ride on the premises.

You can book this Airbnb for longer than seven days to get a 10% weekly discount.

Stayed at this property?
El Sauce, Turrialba, Cartago, Costa Rica
142 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cottage 16 Beds 16 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 16

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the wifi was good enough to telecommute to america
hidden within a coffee plantation with nice gardens clear clean and refreshing pool
the place is as described beautiful big house with private pool
Cleanliness:
house was clean and comfortable
the place is very clean and spacious
the caretakers were so attentive and the house clean and very comfortable we will be back for sure
Host:
sairy was an amazing host
host was super quick responding and accommodating
the host were awesome and very helpful
thank you for hosting us
sairy and co-host were extremely friendly and made sure to meet us at the house upon check in
Location:
nice place however almost an hour drive from location shown at airbnb
an amazing place close enough to escape out of the city
Read more reviews

10. Terrazza Cafe Viejo; Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (from USD 99)

If you have a soft spot for Pinterest-worthy accommodations, you’ll fall in love with this Airbnb. It showcases a beautiful interior design with pastel-colored walls, plenty of wooden finishes, and natural light. Families appreciate the fully furnished concept and the pet-friendly policy. Since WiFi is available here, it can also be ideal for business travelers. Sun-seekers can enjoy proximity to Puerto Viejo beach, which is only a two-minute stroll away.

Enjoy a 10% weekly discount by booking this accommodation for more than seven days.

Stayed at this property?
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón, Costa Rica
457 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 3 Beds 5 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 5

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a/c in the bedrooms is fantastic
the ac worked great and the beds were comfortable
the apartment itself is quite big and air conditioners makes the stay very comfortable
the bedrooms were very comfortable throughout the day (air conditioning was available)
wonderful air conditioned bedrooms and a spacious living room well-stocked kitchen and dining area
Cleanliness:
clean & comfy bedrooms
clean and beds were so comfortable
extremely clean and comfortable
it was clean well-kept and comfortable
very clean each bedroom had a bathroom with all the necessities
Host:
the host and his family were very kind and helpful
he responds quickly to questions and is so helpful
the host is the best i met till date
the host's restaurant is great and conveniently right downstairs
the host is extremely communicative and parking is super convenient
Location:
great central location in bustling puerto viejo
perfect location and very safe
great location for those who wish to be in a location accessible to everything
awesome location and ambiance
amazing spot amazing location
Read more reviews

Immerse in the beauty of nature in Costa Rica

From gorgeous natural wonders to unforgettable adventures, exciting things are in store for travelers in Costa Rica. You can also find excellent accommodations with dreamy settings and discounted weekly rates ready to provide you with a comfortable, worry-free, and pleasant vacation. If you need help finding the perfect match for you, refer to this list of the best short-term rentals in Costa Rica.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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She is a lover of life and a very optimistic person. She thinks of herself as a vessel of a billion possibilities, which can harness limitless potential. Trying new experiences, going places she's...Read more

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