3 Best Hotels in Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

A birders' and nature-lovers' Valhalla, this magnificent nature lodge on a promontory has amazing views of the forest, river, and coast north of Nosara. The lodge's private nature reserve is directly below, down a steep path that takes you through a forest and an eerily beautiful mangrove swamp, with fantastical stilt roots and snap-crackling sound effects from respiring mollusks. More than 270 bird species have been spotted here, including long-tailed manakins. The trail ends at the river and out to Playa Pelada and surfing waves. The hotel was built with a focus on sustainability, with spacious suites with garden showers and sliding-glass doors leading out to large terraces with either forest, ocean, or river views. The restaurant offers a menu focused on fresh fish and seafood, such as skewered prawns with bacon, and poached fish with a lemon sauce. There is also a romantic cocktail Sunset Bar and a poolside bar overlooking the reserve. The breakfast is delicious, with Costa Rican classics and fresh breads and homemade jams and espresso. Proximity to the adjacent nature reserve, Reserva Biológica, means you'll have plenty of tour options including jungle treks, turtle-and-birdwatching tours, eboat excursions, evening hikes, and more. Rooms are void of TVs but boast strong Internet. 

Opened in 2022, this beachfront hotel gave Samara the boutique boost it needed with a courtyard setting offering a bit of intimacy, yet close enough to the Costa Rican action. After a day in the surf, the outdoor shower and small pool are a great way to wash away the salt, or you can lounge in the sand on the private day beds. In bustling Samara, the security and parking are a welcomed bonus, as is the large breakfast included in the reasonable room rate. Although basic, most rooms have a/c and Wi-Fi, and even a full kitchen when booking one of the two apartments.

If quiet and cool is what you are seeking, these comfortable, tastefully decorated rooms above the popular restaurant of the same name are air-conditioned and soundproofed—and they are a bargain. Since 1989, Sano Banano has been the go-to community spot in Montezuma, ever since they offered movie night long before Internet came to town. Modern bathrooms, gorgeous jungle murals on the walls, colorful bedspreads on firm beds, and breakfast in the restaurant are included. The only drawback is that most of the rooms have no windows, and some of those that do don't open. The central location and affordable rates make this the perfect hotel for travelers that want to spend time exploring. For some views and fresh air, you can walk 10 minutes along the beach to sister hotel Ylang Ylang Beach Resort, and use the beach resort’s pool and lounge on their hammocks.