Costa Rica is a great place to visit in Central America. It has a diverse landscape that offers tons to do and it’s one of the most beautiful, tropical locations in the world. A trip staying in a unique hotel in Costa Rica will be an unforgettable and lasting experience.
It will provide solace and allow you to recharge, relax, and most importantly have fun. Because what is the point of vacation if you don’t make memories that will last.
Staying in one of these unforgettable hotels will make your vacation all the more special.
Read on to find out about
11 Most Unique Hotels in Costa Rica
1. La Carolina Lodge
La Carolina Lodge is located within the forest on a river for the perfect “off-the-grid experience” that people dream of. The views from this cozy lodge are amazing and the opportunity for exploration is grand.
Check out nearby Volcano Tenorio, bathe in the wood fire-operated hot tub, enjoy the sun on your face from the deck, and explore the tropical forest right at your fingertips.
You’ll also have the opportunity to go on river floats and rafting tours on the Rio Corobici River, check various waterfalls, visit Las Pumas Wildcat Refuge, and explore two different cocoa farms.
There are also great day trips to the Arenal Volcano, Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, and Palo Verde National Park.
For the less adventurous, bird watching is huge around this area with so many unique birds to see, and strolling around the lodge and the edge of the forest might bring you in contact with sloths, monkeys, or other animals.
On-site activities at La Carolina Lodge include yoga, visiting the spa, horseback riding, bird watching, garden and orchard tour, milking cows, swimming, fishing in the river, hot tub bathing, and hiking.
La Carolina Lodge is unique because it offers much to do without ever having to leave the lodge. If you need a reset from life this is the perfect place to be. Enjoy all the amenities and activities this hotel has to offer and come back to reality refreshed and relaxed.
2. Nayara Gardens
With views of the Arenal Volcano, Nayara Gardens is a unique and amazing hotel to stay at. Seriously, each morning you’ll wake up with a volcano backdrop, surrounded by the rainforest in a beautiful room, what more could you ask for?
For those looking to relax, the hotel has a spa that offers massages, facials, and treatments using coffee scrubs, volcanic mud, and chocolate clay.
There is also a jacuzzi and outdoor shower at the open-air spa. You can partake in yoga and walk the trails around the property where you may spot monkeys, sloths, birds, frogs, exotic plants, flowers, and more.
For the adventurous type, there is a long list of activities at your disposal.
You can go zip-lining through the rainforest, rock climb down the Arenal Waterfalls, go white water rafting on the Sarapiqui River, walk along hanging bridges over lava fields in the rainforest, hike the Arenal Volcano, visit hot springs, horseback ride to the Fortuna Waterfall, among many other unique and exciting adventures.
Other fun activities include visiting a coffee plantation and learning about the culture, explore Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, and discover Maleko Village, where an indigenous group of people still live.
Arenal is full of plenty of things to do while you are there.
Other great amenities on-site include an outdoor pool, a wet bar, and several restaurants. What makes Nayara Gardens so great is its location, views, and offerings. You can get leave everyday life behind and enjoy the simple pleasures and beauty of the world while relaxing, adventuring, and recharging yourself.
3. Ocho Artisan Bungalows
Located in Tamarindo in a National Park, Ocho Artisan Bungalows is a great beachfront boutique hotel. It’s very close to downtown, yet separated for a wilderness meets beach experience.
What makes Ocho Artisan Bungalows so unique is that you’re just minutes from downtown Tamarindo with access to all the restaurants, bars, and fun it has to offer but when you’re at the hotel it feels like you’re in a faraway, isolated, and wild location.
It’s perfect for getting away and relaxing, leaving the world behind for a moment.
There are tons of activities at your fingertips including ATV and buggy tours, surfing and paddleboard lessons, zip-lining, horseback riding, white water rafting, scuba diving, snorkeling, cliff diving, boat safari, yoga, visiting Rincon de la Vieja National Park, hiking, mountain biking, visiting waterfalls, and even sports like tennis, golf, mini-golf, and skating.
If you’re looking for more relaxation and less adventurous activities, consider fishing, sunset cruises, catamaran cruises, visiting hot springs, and going to a spa. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it at Ocho Artisan Bungalows.
4. Tortuga Lodge and Gardens
Tortuga Lodge and Gardens is located in the jungle on the Tortuguero River. All rooms have amazing views of the river along with luxurious amenities.
It’s the perfect vacation spot, away from daily life, creating the opportunity to be one with nature. With hammocks all along the property and beautiful views of the river, you’ll no doubt be able to relax.
Some activities offered at this hotel include daily nature walks, visiting turtle nesting sites, boat rides on the river, kayaking, hiking, and fishing. The hotel has open-air dining and a saltwater infinity pool for you to enjoy onsite.
You’ll leave Tortuga Lodge and Gardens feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle everyday life again. Sometimes a good break from reality is necessary and this is the perfect place for that.
5. 727 Fuselage Home
Definitely, one of the most unique accommodations in Costa Rica and even the entire world is this 727 Fuselage hotel. It’s a 1965 Boeing 727 airframe that has been refurbished and renovated into a hotel! At one point it flew people to South Africa and Columbia and now hangs out in the middle of the Costa Rica jungle.
The plane sits over the canopy of the trees on a 50-foot pedestal, giving you the perspective like your “flying” over the jungle and has great views of the ocean and the surrounding area.
The two-bedroom airplane has a deck, two private bathrooms, a kitchenette, and a dining area.
Enjoy the ocean views from the terrace and you may even spot tree top animals like the sloth and monkey. This Instagram-worthy hotel is so unique and something you can’t experience anywhere else.
6. Sunset Lodge
Drake Bay Sunset Lodge is located near Drake Bay and is surrounded by nature. It’s a family friend and a great private getaway for some relaxation. It’s just a 5-minute walk to the ocean where you can swim and enjoy amazing views.
If you’re looking for some adventure during your stay you can tour Corcovado National Park, go whale and dolphin watching, snorkeling, diving at Cano Island, horseback riding, kayaking, and hiking.
You can also visit Rio Clara ecological reserve, discover waterfalls, and more! The bungalows have handmade furniture, a private bathroom, kitchen amenities, and a balcony.
7. Cala Lodge
Cala Lodge is 5 minutes from the town center of Santa Elana but surrounded by nature on a large property, allowing it to feel super secluded and private.
The property has trails, mountain views, and lots of lands to explore.
There is also a bar, a tour desk to book excursions and adventures, and a sun terrace to relax on. The idea behind Cala Lodge is to be a hotel that provides a sanctuary for visitors while offering natural and cultural opportunities.
8. Shawandha Ecolodge
Shawandha Ecolodge is located by the beach near Cahuita National Park. The property has an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, lounge, free breakfast, and tons of other amenities. The accommodations come with balconies or patios and in-room massages.
The hotel has scenic garden views and ocean views. You can spend your days relaxing under the sun by the pool or on the beach.
Activities include biking, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, with many other excursion opportunities nearby like horseback riding, visiting Cahuita National Park, Playa Chiquita, and other great spots.
You’ll never want to leave after a relaxing vacation at Shawandha Ecolodge.
9. Finca Kobo
Finca Kobo stands for “dreams” and is located on the Osa Peninsula. The goal of this establishment is to conserve the rainforest while sustainably co-existing and benefiting humans, animals, and nature in the process.
The tropical rainforests need to be preserved and fought for because it’s home to many animals.
A lot of the land at Finca Kobo is dedicated to protecting the rainforest and land is also being used for a farm with the protection of the soil, water, and ecosystem at the forefront.
Here you’ll find cacao crops, bananas, starfruit, pineapple, coffee, papayas, and citrus fruit among many other fruits and vegetables. Depending on the time of year there are about 30 different products.
The rooms are surrounded by a tropical garden and there are only 6 rooms at the lodge because Finca Kobo does not want to disturb the forest by having too many guests at one time.
When exploring the rainforest at Finca Koba, it is done slowly and with precision. It’s important to not disturb the fragile ecosystem so exploring is not done at free will but with guides so that the rainforest can have its peace.
What makes Finca Kobo so unique is its drive to protect nature and leave a positive footprint.
10. Red Sunset Vacation Home
Red Sunset Vacation Home is located in the hills of Guanacaste with amazing views of Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano. You’ll never want to leave because of the beautiful landscape and of course, the sunset is amazing each night.
There is a pool, jacuzzi, free breakfast, a gym, massages, and other amenities that will make your stay feel luxurious and relaxing.
You’re also very close to many activities that might interest you including visiting the volcano, swimming, hiking, white water rafting, horseback riding, kayaking, canopy tours, and more.
The accommodation also has a kitchen for your use as well as your own private dining area so you can cook your own meals and never have to leave if you’d like.
Red Sunset Vacation Home has 6 bedrooms. It is the perfect private accommodation for a group of friends or family to stay together.
11. Hotel Colonial
Located in the city center of the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, Hotel Colonial is an awesome stay. The hotel was built in the first half of the last century and is a neo-colonial-style building.
The hotel has balconies, a terrace, a pool, garden, bar, and a free buffet breakfast.
If you’re looking for a great place to stay in the center of a bustling city then this is the perfect hotel for you.
Hotel Colonial is an ideal place to stay and enjoy the surrounding city because you’re within reach of any restaurant, bar, or shop you could dream of!
Closing thoughts on unique hotels in Costa Rica
As you can see Costa Rica has a ton of unique accommodations throughout the country. They have beautiful views, offer tons of excursions and activities, and have unique lodging.
A trip to Costa Rica at one of these hotels will leave you rejuvenated and refreshed. You’ll enjoy all of Costa Rica and what these beautiful places have to offer. Enjoy your stay at a unique hotel in Costa Rica.
Have you been to Costa Rica before? Do you have a favorite unique hotel that you love to stay in that is not mentioned on this list? Say so in the comments below.
