Puntarenas is Costa Rica's largest province, stretching along most of the country's Pacific coastline from the Gulf of Nicoya south to the Panama border. It serves as the gateway to surf towns, national parks such as Manuel Antonio and Corcovado, and island reserves reached by ferry from Puntarenas city.
Accommodation overview
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly (under $50/night)
Selina Jacó
Part of the international Selina boutique hostel brand, Selina Jacó combines hostel dormitories with private rooms, a co-working space, pool, and social events. A great option for solo travellers and digital nomads who want community and comfort.
Check rates on Booking.comManuel Antonio Hostel
A friendly, well-run hostel close to Manuel Antonio National Park entrance offering dorm beds and basic private rooms. Communal kitchen, hammock area, and helpful staff make it a popular choice for budget backpackers.
Check rates on Booking.comHostel Quepos
A clean and social hostel in downtown Quepos, convenient for the town's restaurants, bars, and bus connections. Good base for visiting Manuel Antonio without paying Manuel Antonio prices.
Check rates on Booking.comWide Mouth Frog Backpackers
A legendary backpacker hostel in Santa Elena known for its social atmosphere, helpful staff, and great information on Monteverde attractions. Dorm beds, private rooms, communal kitchen, and a garden where toucans sometimes visit.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Alamar
One of the better hotels in Puntarenas City, offering spacious air-conditioned rooms with Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, two pools, a hot tub, and an on-site restaurant. A practical choice for those catching an early ferry or exploring the city.
Check rates on Booking.comFlutterby House
A beloved hostel in the bohemian village of Montezuma, offering dorm beds, private rooms, a hammock terrace, and a communal kitchen. Steps from the beach and a short walk to the famous waterfall. Very social and backpacker-friendly.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range ($50-150/night)
Hotel Costa Verde
A quirky and beloved hotel featuring converted Boeing 727 fuselages as accommodation units in the jungle canopy. Rooms range from standard to unique aircraft suites. The location is surrounded by wildlife and the grounds are excellent for spotting monkeys and sloths.
Check rates on Booking.comVillas Nicolás
A charming small hotel of garden villas with ocean or jungle views, nestled on a hillside in Manuel Antonio. Family-run and welcoming, Villas Nicolás offers comfortable rooms, a lovely pool, and personal service in a peaceful setting.
Check rates on Booking.comByblos Resort & Casino
A full-service resort near Quepos with casino, pool, restaurants, and comfortable rooms. A solid mid-range option with more amenities than similarly priced properties, conveniently located between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Playa de Jacó
A well-located beach hotel in the heart of Jacó with comfortable rooms, a good pool, and easy beach access. Ideal for surfers and beach-goers who want central location at a reasonable price point.
Check rates on Booking.comBest Western Jacó Beach Resort
A reliable international brand hotel directly on Jacó Beach with a pool, restaurant, and comfortable air-conditioned rooms. Good for families and travellers wanting consistency and reliability in a prime location.
Check rates on Booking.comLa Colina Lodge
A friendly lodge-style hotel in Monteverde with comfortable rooms, mountain views, and homestyle meals. Well-situated for exploring Monteverde Reserve, hanging bridges, and local attractions. Warm staff and helpful tour advice.
Check rates on Booking.comSenda Monteverde Hotel
A modern boutique hotel in Santa Elena with clean, comfortable rooms, lovely garden views, and proximity to all Monteverde activities. The rooftop terrace offers stunning cloud forest panoramas.
Check rates on Booking.comZephyr Palace
A beautifully designed hotel with a fairytale aesthetic — each room is uniquely themed with artistic décor, stained glass, and murals. The pool area and common spaces are stunning. An affordable alternative to full-luxury resorts in the Manuel Antonio area.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury ($150+/night)
Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
An award-winning eco-luxury resort set on a private beach cove adjacent to Manuel Antonio National Park. Each room has ocean or rainforest views, private terraces, and butler service. The resort is renowned for wildlife — monkeys and sloths visit the grounds daily.
Check rates on Booking.comMakanda by the Sea
Adults-only boutique luxury resort perched on a hillside above the Pacific with stunning ocean views. Villas and studios feature private plunge pools, high-end design, and personal service. One of the most romantic properties in Costa Rica.
Check rates on Booking.comSi Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge
A long-standing luxury eco-resort in Manuel Antonio with two stunning pools, an open-air cinema, and excellent wildlife viewing. Certified sustainable, the resort has its own wildlife refuge and contributes to local conservation.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Parador Resort & Spa
A grand hillside resort with panoramic views of the Pacific coast, multiple pools, a spa, and private beach access. The Parador is one of the largest luxury resorts in the Manuel Antonio area with Spanish colonial architecture.
Check rates on Booking.comLos Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
The flagship resort of the Los Sueños complex on Playa Herradura, this Marriott offers world-class sport fishing access, a championship golf course, multiple pools, and full resort amenities on a tranquil bay north of Jacó.
Check rates on Booking.comVilla Caletas Hotel
An extraordinary clifftop boutique hotel with Victorian-inspired architecture, perched 350 metres above the Pacific with sweeping views. Famous for its spectacular amphitheatre-shaped infinity pool and some of the best sunset views in Costa Rica.
Check rates on Booking.comTabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort
One of Central America's most spectacular resorts, Tabacón's hot springs are fed by Arenal Volcano's geothermal activity. The gardens, with their cascading natural thermal pools surrounded by jungle, are unmatched in the region.
Check rates on Booking.comGaia Hotel & Reserve
An ultra-exclusive adults-only boutique resort with just 20 suites carved into the rainforest hillside above Manuel Antonio. Personalized butler service, world-class dining, infinity pool, and unparalleled privacy define the Gaia experience.
Check rates on Booking.comBest neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
City Center
The heart of Puntarenas with easy access to main attractions, restaurants, and transportation.
Best for: First-time visitors, short stays
Old Town
Traditional architecture and local character. Walking distance to historical sites and authentic dining.
Best for: Culture enthusiasts, photographers
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
An award-winning eco-luxury resort set on a private beach cove adjacent to Manuel Antonio National Park. Each room has ocean or rainforest views, private terraces, and butler service. The resort is renowned for wildlife — monkeys and sloths visit the grounds daily.
Check rates on Booking.comMakanda by the Sea
Adults-only boutique luxury resort perched on a hillside above the Pacific with stunning ocean views. Villas and studios feature private plunge pools, high-end design, and personal service. One of the most romantic properties in Costa Rica.
Check rates on Booking.comSi Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge
A long-standing luxury eco-resort in Manuel Antonio with two stunning pools, an open-air cinema, and excellent wildlife viewing. Certified sustainable, the resort has its own wildlife refuge and contributes to local conservation.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Parador Resort & Spa
A grand hillside resort with panoramic views of the Pacific coast, multiple pools, a spa, and private beach access. The Parador is one of the largest luxury resorts in the Manuel Antonio area with Spanish colonial architecture.
Check rates on Booking.comLos Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
The flagship resort of the Los Sueños complex on Playa Herradura, this Marriott offers world-class sport fishing access, a championship golf course, multiple pools, and full resort amenities on a tranquil bay north of Jacó.
Check rates on Booking.comVilla Caletas Hotel
An extraordinary clifftop boutique hotel with Victorian-inspired architecture, perched 350 metres above the Pacific with sweeping views. Famous for its spectacular amphitheatre-shaped infinity pool and some of the best sunset views in Costa Rica.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book 2-4 weeks in advance for better rates and availability, especially during peak tourist season.
Check multiple booking platforms — direct hotel bookings sometimes offer better rates or perks.
Read recent reviews carefully — conditions can change. Pay attention to comments about cleanliness and Wi-Fi.
Confirm your booking directly with the hotel before arrival, especially for smaller properties.
Ask about airport transfers — many hotels offer pickup services that can save hassle on arrival.
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.