The Best Hotel in The Osa Peninsula and the South Pacific, Costa Rica

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Expect reasonable comfort in unbelievably wild settings. Most accommodations are in small hotels, lodges, and cabins run by hands-on owners, many of them foreigners who fell in love with the country during a vacation here and stayed. Generally speaking, the farther south and more remote the lodge, the more expensive it is. Bad roads (causing supply problems) and lack of electricity and communications make hotel-keeping costly, especially in the Osa Peninsula and Golfo Dulce, where a fresh egg can cost up to a dollar. When comparing per-person prices, take into account that most of these places include meals, transport, guides, and unique locations.

The country's premier eco-lodges are almost all in the Southern Zone, ranging from simple tents to sophisticated lodges. But keep in mind that if you yearn to be close to nature, you have to be prepared for encounters of the natural kind in your shower or bedroom. Keep a flashlight handy for nighttime trips to the bathroom and always wear shoes.

Casa Botania B&B

$$ | Road to Wilson Botanical Garden, 5 km (3 miles) south of San Vito, San Vito, Costa Rica

Comfortable rooms with sweeping views of forest and mountains, birding trails, and bountiful buffet breakfasts are the highlights at this delightful, small hilltop B&B. Rooms are furnished with attractive furniture made by local artisans and have satellite TV. Two bungalows have queen beds and modern bathrooms. Two superior cabins, one with a queen and two single beds and the other a large studio with kitchen and king-size bed, share the spectacular valley view with a spacious two-bedroom, fully equipped house. Start the morning early with a guided birding walk ($15) along trails through the garden, or farther afield near Wilson Botanical Garden. Then enjoy breakfast on the spacious deck framed by entwined tree branches, and keep your binoculars close at hand. Pepe, a professional bird guide, will help you identify visiting birds, as well as organize birding and hiking excursions (tours starting from $20 per person). Kathleen, a tour guide who speaks five languages, prepares elaborate three-course, gourmet fish and plant-based dinners ($22) for guests by reservation.

Pros

  • Amiable hosts
  • Scenic garden setting
  • Birding and photography tours

Cons

  • Close to road and traffic noise (but not much at night)
  • Big but friendly dog
  • Slightly cramped dining terrace
Road to Wilson Botanical Garden, 5 km (3 miles) south of San Vito, San Vito, Costa Rica
2773–4217
www.casabotania.com
Hotel Details
5 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

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