Accommodation in Costa Rica

Types of Accommodation You’ll Encounter

Costa Rica offers a wonderfully diverse range of lodging, from rustic jungle hideaways to polished luxury resorts. Your booked accommodation will fall into one of the following categories, each providing a distinct experience tailored to its unique setting and philosophy.

Eco-Lodges & Nature Reserves

• Focus: Sustainability, deep immersion in nature, and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities are the cornerstones of the eco-lodge experience.
• What to Expect: Accommodations are often rustic yet comfortable. It is common to find limited electricity hours or a reliance on natural ventilation instead of air conditioning. Many are situated in remote locations that may require 4×4 vehicle access.
• Your Experience: Your stay is enhanced by activities like guided nature walks and expert-led birdwatching tours. There is a palpable emphasis on conservation and environmental education.

Hotels & All-Inclusive Resorts

• Focus: These properties prioritize convenience, offering extensive amenities and a comprehensive range of services for a seamless stay.
• What to Expect: Typically located in popular tourist destinations, they provide standard hotel amenities such as air conditioning, swimming pools, on-site restaurants, and daily housekeeping.
• Your Experience: All-inclusive resorts conveniently bundle meals, drinks, and often a selection of activities into the rate. Standard hotels offer greater flexibility, encouraging you to explore the local dining scene.

Boutique Hotels & B&Bs (Cabinas/Villas)

• Focus: Expect personalized service, a unique local character, and a more intimate and welcoming atmosphere.
• What to Expect: These establishments are often family-run. You will frequently encounter the term “Cabinas,” which refers to smaller, cabin-style rooms. A homemade breakfast is frequently included.
• Your Experience: This style of lodging offers a superb opportunity to connect with local culture and gain valuable insider tips from your knowledgeable hosts.

Vacation Rentals (Villas & Condos)

• Focus: These are designed for travelers seeking independence, more space, and the amenities for self-catering.
• What to Expect: Features typically include full kitchens, living areas, and often private pools or balconies. Housekeeping services may be less frequent than at a traditional hotel.
• Your Experience: This is an ideal choice for families or groups. It requires a degree of self-sufficiency, such as planning for grocery shopping and meal preparation.

What to Expect: Common Amenities & Services

To help you settle in comfortably, it is useful to understand the standards and services that are considered normal for accommodations throughout Costa Rica. This ensures your expectations are aligned with the local context.

Air Conditioning & Hot Water

• Air Conditioning (A/C): A/C is not always a standard feature, particularly in cooler mountainous regions or in rustic eco-lodges designed for natural airflow. Accommodations in coastal and lowland areas, however, typically provide it. Please refer to your booking details for confirmation.
• Hot Water: The vast majority of tourist accommodations provide hot water. It is often supplied by on-demand electric units fitted directly to the showerhead. Be prepared for water pressure that may vary from what you are used to at home.

Wi-Fi & Connectivity

• Availability: While Wi-Fi is common, its performance can be inconsistent. Connections may be slow or unreliable, a reality especially true in more remote lodges.
• Best Practice: We highly recommend downloading maps, booking confirmations, and other important documents to your device before you travel. It is wise not to depend on a strong connection for work obligations or media streaming.

In-Room Features

• Safes: Most mid-range to high-end establishments provide an in-room safe. We urge you to use it for your passport, spare currency, and other valuables.
• Screened Windows: Insects are a natural part of the tropics. You can expect and will appreciate well-fitted screens on windows and doors. It is crucial to keep these closed, especially around dusk, to keep your room comfortable.
• Coffee Makers: A coffee maker, often accompanied by a sample of delicious local Costa Rican coffee, is a delightful and very common in-room amenity.

Practicalities at Your Accommodation

Understanding the logistical details of your stay, from arrival to departure, will contribute to a smooth and enjoyable experience at your hotel or lodge.

Check-In & Check-Out

• Check-In: Please have your passport ready upon arrival. The name on your reservation must match the name on your passport exactly. A credit card is also typically required to be kept on file for any incidental charges.
• Check-Out: To ensure a swift and uncomplicated departure, we suggest settling any extra charges from your stay (such as mini-bar use or restaurant meals) the evening before you leave.
• Typical Times: Check-in is generally after 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM. Check-out is typically between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

Understanding Costs: Taxes & Tipping

• Taxes: A 13% Value Added Tax (VAT) is standard on hotel rooms in Costa Rica. This tax is almost always included in the pre-paid price of your booking with us.
• Service Charge: In hotel restaurants, a 10% service charge is often automatically added to your bill.
• Tipping:
  • Housekeeping: A gratuity of approximately $2-5 USD per day is a thoughtful gesture. It is best to leave this daily, as housekeeping staff may rotate.
  • Bellhops: A tip of around $1-2 USD per bag is customary for porter service.

Safety & Etiquette During Your Stay

Wildlife Is Wild

• Do Not Feed the Animals: Feeding wildlife is detrimental to their health, disrupts natural behaviors, and can cause them to become aggressive. This rule strictly applies to all animals, including the charismatic monkeys that may visit your balcony.
• Secure Your Room: Always keep doors and unscreened windows closed. This simple habit prevents insects and curious creatures from finding their way into your room.
• Check Your Shoes: In rural and jungle settings, it is a prudent habit to give your shoes a quick shake and check before putting them on.

Resource Conservation

• Water & Electricity: These vital utilities can be scarce resources, particularly during the dry season or in remote areas. Please be mindful of your consumption by turning off lights and conserving water.
• Power Outages: Brief power outages can occur, especially during the rainy season. Most hotels and lodges are well-prepared with backup systems.

Security & Valuables

• Use the Safe: Always store your passports, extra cash, credit cards, and valuable electronics in the in-room safe when you are not using them.
• Lock Your Doors: Consistently lock your main room door as well as any balcony or patio doors, both when you leave the room and when you are sleeping.