The Best Hotels to Book in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Cocooned by greenery, this boutique hotel is a short walk from Playa Langosta – Tamarindo’s sister beach. The hotel’s name means “Cove of the Moon,” and the interior design reflects this, with lunar grays and cosmos blues everywhere. Choose to stay in a room or a villa with a private pool. Don’t miss a meal in the hotel’s restaurant, which uses locally sourced ingredients and makes most things in-house, including ricotta.

Only a light row of palms separates Capitán Suizo from Playa Tamarindo. Pick a beachfront bungalow for panoramas of the foam-white sand from your terrace. The other accommodation options at the hotel offer views of the gardens, home to 40 different tree species. A wildlife bridge connects the hotel’s lush grounds to a protected forest area, so you might be able to see howler monkeys, porcupines and anteaters among the greenery.

This adults-only hotel is a short walk from Playa Tamarindo. There’s plenty to tempt you away from the sand, though – not least the pool with its waterside hammocks, beanbags and sun loungers. There’s a range of rooms here; the deluxe king rooms have outdoor showers with a view of the stars. Whichever room you choose, you’ll be able to tuck into a hearty breakfast every morning – the banana bread is delicious.

The Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort is right on Playa Tamarindo. Take in views of the sand and sea from the lounger-topped gardens that border the beach, the terrace of the palapa-style Brisa Mar restaurant, the oceanfront pool and some of the rooms. If you’re coming here without kids, you’ll want to book into the adults-only Tropicana section of the hotel; it comes with a private pool with a swim-up bar.

The rooms at Ten North have a beachy vibe – think driftwood headboards, seafoam-blue upholstery and turtle sculptures – reminding you that Playa Tamarindo is only a block away. Each room also has blackout drapes and a white noise machine, offering a good night’s sleep. Don’t skip breakfast; it offers toasted tortillas, Costa Rican black beans, guacamole, salsa and your choice of eggs.

A little more than 1mi (2km) from the center of Tamarindo, Occidental Tamarindo is fronted by a rugged white beach. Some rooms have partial views of the sand, while others look out over Marino Las Baulas National Park, with its mangroves and sea turtle nesting sites. Unlike many hotels in the city, this place offers all-inclusive stays. These packages include a buffet spread at breakfast, lunch and dinner and cocktails from the Lobby Bar.

Bamboo ceilings, teak decks and patio hammocks are just a few of the features you’ll find among the bungalows and rooms at Hotel Arco Iris, near Playa Tamarindo. This boutique hotel is also home to a swimming pool and a poolside restaurant, which goes beyond your typical poolside burgers. Instead, it showcases Mediterranean fusion dishes and lots of locally caught seafood. There’s even a “you catch it – we cook it” option.

As the name suggests, this hotel is right on the edge of Playa Tamarindo and has sunbeds and hammocks on the sand just for hotel guests. There’s plenty more sunbathing space by the pool, too, including in-water loungers. For accommodation, choose from a selection of suites, bungalows, studio apartments and villas – for ocean views, book a beachfront room with a balcony.

The Mar Rey Hotel has one of the best addresses in town – it’s at the center point of Playa Tamarindo, close to the best bars and restaurants in the area. The swimming pool is the heart of the hotel, surrounded by loungers and with a whirlpool section, too. Meanwhile, the rooms are simple spaces with handy amenities such as microwaves, coffee makers and fridges.