The Best Bed and Breakfasts to Book in Costa Rica

You’ll be wowed by the verdant, landscaped green gardens at Luna Inn B&B before entering this charming colonial-style home in upscale Cariari, a town close to San Jose. Staying here you’re close to both the Juan Santamaría International Airport and the Tobias Bolanos Domestic Airport. It’s a cinch to settle into, with cozy rooms, traditional furnishings and bright splashes here and a Frida Kahlo mural and dizzily tiled floors there. Facilities are modern-luxe – you can even pay to stay with Bitcoin. All in all, it’s the perfect place for a little R&R away from the lively restaurants and shopping buzz nearby.

With fine views of the Cariari Country Club, this colorful guest house in Costa Rica is a special home away from home. Every morning, you’ll be woken by scents of freshly baking banana bread and coffee and the trilling of exotic birds outside. Head downstairs to the dining or terrace room to enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast – complete with a huge fruit platter, eggs any style, plantain and assorted meats and bread. When you’re ready to burn off some of those calories, property owner, Laurie will also be able to help you with walking routes, bird-watching places and outlets renting bicycles.

For an authentic Costa Rica B&B experience, book the Camino Verde Hotel – an easy bus ride from San Jose, inspired by a rustic vernacular. Formerly the owner’s family home, it opened its doors as a guest house in 1997 and for more than two decades has been welcoming visitors from around the world. The 19 rooms are snazzily bright, with extravagant towel art and abstract canvases on walls. From the large terrace, admire the breathtaking view of the mountains and the Gulf of Nicoya over your morning breakfast – or relax with a sundowner, listening to the peaceful sounds of nature.

You won’t get a more sophisticated guest house in Costa Rica than Casa Amanecer. Designed by local architect, Luis Diego Quirós, it’s a head-turning modern creation in San Ramon – with five bedrooms each with their own bathroom. Set amid coffee plantations northwest of San Jose, it overlooks majestic mountains, picturesque hills and the dormant volcano, Espíritu Santo. Because of the profusion of tropical plants, there’s plenty of bird-watching on the cards – expect daily sightings of parrots, hummingbirds, hawks, woodpeckers, cuckoos and toucans. This is a great place for twitchers and those who want to appreciate the fresh mountain air and tranquility.

You’ll have your head in the clouds at the family-run Monteverde Mar Inn Bed and Breakfast as it’s situated up a rugged hill path about 10 minutes from town. It comes with plenty of comforts for your time in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Your fellow guests will be families, adventurers and solo travelers here to make the most of the action, from ziplining to sipping – while the Happy Hour is exactly what you need to get your heart rate down after a swing through the treetops.

Designed for comfort, this cozy, family-owned Costa Rican B&B is a little-known beauty, just 30 minutes from the International Airport Juan Santa Maria and six minutes from the center of Grecia itself. Your hosts, Ronaldo and Illiana, will make your stay as perfect as possible, with no request too big or small if you need advice on exploring. Each room at Garden Grecia has orthopedic kingsize mattresses and Wi-Fi and there’s one deluxe room with a welcome whirlpool tub. A hearty, home-cooked breakfast is served each morning – ask to take yours on the terrace overlooking the beautifully manicured gardens. You’ll even have access to an outdoor pool.

Run by the super-friendly Monika and Rob, the Lucky Bug is a delightful Costa Rican guest house that pays special attention to local arts. It’s on the main route around Lake Arenal – the ideal place to stop if you’re moving from the Atlantic to the Pacific in the northern zone. The passionate owners have created a delightfully cosy home to ensure all guests feel welcome. The vibe is enhanced by the homemade soaps and crafts – ​​Lucky Bug is essentially a gallery with impressive works of Costa Rican art, ceramics and sculpture. Rise to enjoy a home-cooked breakfast every day on the stunning outdoor terrace overlooking the lush gardens and pond and enjoy the tranquility as butterflies do their thing and flutter by.