Costa Rica Great Values

Shawandha Lodge is a tropical village of sorts, lost amid the lush, coastal jungle between Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo, a few hundred feet from Playa Chiquita on the Caribbean coast. Thirteen stunning, thatched-roof bungalows with high ceilings, hardwood floors, poster beds, balconies with hammocks, and mosaic tile bathrooms are only the start of this neo-rustic retreat. Equally attractive are the rambling gardens, the onsite French-Caribbean cuisine, access to surfing the Salsa Brava, and proximity to several national parks.

Opened in January 2008 after a series of renovations, Beija Flor weighs in as a surprising good-value retreat. The 11 guest rooms and two villas are sparsely chic and set in a tropical garden. When the surf isn’t up, guests indulge in spa treatments, yoga classes, and sunset horseback rides. The open-air restaurant serves an appealing French-Asian fusion cuisine. Driving to the resort is possible, but flying to nearby Playa Tambor via a local airline from San José is best.

One of Monteverde’s original eco-lodges, and still one of the most visited, this property offers amazing deals – their three garden rooms begin at under $150 per night. The 24 more expensive, standard rooms have vaulted ceilings and big bay windows overlooking the lush green canopy that extends from the nearby Monteverde cloud forest reserve. It’s very eco-friendly, with solar-heated water and high efficiency lighting, but perhaps the best feature is the 14-person Jacuzzi in the lobby atrium.

Located on a spit of land on the Tortuguero River, just before it meets the Caribbean, this 27-unit eco-resort offers short boat rides into Tortuguero National Park, where you can hike on several miles of trails to spot howler monkeys and caimans, yet still come back to a chic room with full amenities, an infinity pool, and a dockside bar and restaurant. There’s not a car in sight, but they’ll ferry you over to the beach or into town whenever you want.

The Spanish-style hacienda in Barrio Amón, originally the home of coffee plantation owners, is one of the hidden gems of downtown San José. Papa Hemingway would love the leafy courtyard and rambling hallways. Each of the 17 rooms is a little different in size and décor, but all have a uniform style and character that, in spite of being somewhat worn and faded, maintains its charm with a winning combination of antique furniture, wood floors, and tropical plants.

Downtown San Jose is where you’ll find the best Peruvian restaurant in the country. Decent...more

It’s hard to miss this trendy restaurant right on the road to Papagayo. Mediterranean and...more

One of the best traditional restaurants left in Costa Rica, this tiny, undeniably rustic shack...more