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

Overlooking the harbor, these air-conditioned rooms set in a lush garden are the most comfortable in town, and have the best water views. Rooms vary in size and price, but they all have colorful murals of wildlife and foliage, along with bright, tiled bathrooms, making this affordable place a cut above the rest. Coffeemakers and small refrigerators are another nice touch. A two-story house on the property can accommodate up to six. For a waterfront room, request 1, 2, 10, 15, 17, 18, or 21. Bicycles and kayaks are available to guests, and there's Wi-Fi throughout the property. You can enjoy the sound of the surf from your private terrace or the hammock hut. Cool off by jumping right into the gulf at high tide or take a dip in the plunge pool.

This secluded cluster of self-catering cabins right on the beach, under palm trees swaying in the breeze, is designed for parties of two to four people who want to kick back and enjoy the beach. Artist Susan England is a Zancudo fixture, and she can organize any activity, including river safaris, kayaking tours, and visits to nature preserves. Two idyllic, castaway-island cabins have thatched roofs and hammocks and lots of clever decorating details. The other two are 40-year-old renovated banana-company wood houses moved here from Palmar Norte and painted pastel pink and yellow. It's a rare chance to experience a little bit of Costa Rican history. Many guests return the same time every year, drawn to the fully-equipped kitchens where they can cook with ingredients from the nearby market or veggie truck that passes every few days. There's a discount if you rent for a full week or visit during slow season.

On a precipitous ridge, this modest wooden lodge is an affordable and comfortable launching pad for a hike up Chirripó, or a pleasant spot to relax and breathe in fresh mountain air and scenery and watch birds. Along with budget rooms with private bath above the restaurant, there are private, comfortable cabins scattered around a pool, all with gorgeous views of the mountains. The lodge's spartan but fresh rooms above the restaurant can accommodate up to four. The lodge is named for a twisted-wood pelican—one of dozens of idiosyncratic sculptures carved out of tree roots that now reside in a rustic museum on the property. The owners are eco-conscious, and they are part of the consortium that can arrange everything for a climb up Chirripó, from park reservations to transportation to porters to lodging. 

You may feel as though you're on a luxury safari when you step inside one of these spacious South African tents perched on sturdy wooden platforms cantilevered over a rushing mountain river. There's lots of headroom, electricity for reading lights and fans, comfortable beds, and—even more civilized—a private, spring-fresh bathroom with hot shower just a zippered compartment away. You can enjoy bird-watching and river views from your own veranda, hike forest trails to a nearby waterfall or follow the stepping stones to explore the other side of the river, bask on a sun-baked rock in the middle of the river, or go horseback riding. This campers' paradise is the creation of an energetic, eco-minded Dutch couple. Breakfast is excellent—tropical fruits, homemade bread, granola, and Dutch pancakes are highlights—served in a stylish, open-air lodge with Wi-Fi. For guests who prefer to stay in the lodge, there are three comfortable rooms. Tea and coffee are available, but there's no restaurant.

Just as the name implies, there's plenty of sun and sea, as well as a beach fringed by coconut palms and apricot-colored wooden cabinas with porches where you can take in the spectacular views of the Osa Peninsula year-round. Each breezy, roomy cabina (sleeps four) has high ceilings, lots of cooling fans, and has been recently refreshed. Two of the sunny bathrooms feature pebble-lined showers. The alfresco restaurant serves the town's heartiest meals and the tastiest brownies. The popular U-shaped bar is an easy place to meet new friends.

For serenity and mountain greenery, you can't beat this lodge in a secluded valley with panoramic views and the opportunity to see hummingbirds and some of the 200-plus highland bird species on the lodge's list, including the resplendent quetzal. Accommodations are in three wooden cabins, where each room has its own private veranda and tile bathroom with skylight. Try to get room 1 for the best views. In addition, there are two spacious junior suites with fireplaces, kitchenettes, sunken whirlpool baths with views, and king-size beds. Now open to the public, the hotel's Los Colibríes Restaurant, serves tico and international cuisine.