Costa Rica Family Hotels

A great family vacation creates memories that’ll last a lifetime. It’s a wonderful opportunity to escape the stresses and demands of day-to-day life and spend quality time with the people who mean the most to you. It’s not always easy to find a destination that’s affordable but still offers fun for the whole family, but we know one place where you can have it all: Costa Rica!

Why Costa Rican is ideal for family travel?

Visiting Costa Rica is a popular choice whether you’re on your own, sticking to a budget or planning a luxury trip. Visiting Costa Rica with kids is an increasingly popular option, and a number of resorts are catering to the family demographic. Costa Rica is not especially far from many North American cities, reducing travel time with younger children or teens. Plus, Costa Rica is home to some spectacular resorts where visitors of all ages can play outdoors, try new recreational activities and even enjoy a little pampering.

What to look for in a family hotel?

There are lots of Costa Rica family resorts to choose from, but it is important to select the right one. The perfect choice of a family-friendly resort means that everyone in the family, from parents to teens, will have an amazing time. Here are some points to take into consideration when selecting a family hotel:

  • Amenities for all ages: One of the biggest concerns for parents choosing resorts in Costa Rica is whether the amenities are truly suitable for all ages. Look for activities that younger children will enjoy, and then scope out the options for teens. Luckily, the amazing weather and location of Costa Rica ensures that there is something for everyone. Just in case, look for a few rainy-day activities, which most resorts will have in abundance!
  • Travel time to and from the resort: For parents traveling with children, getting from the airport to the resort can be a concern. Luckily, many family resorts make it easy to get to your final destination. Close proximity to airports as well as shuttles let you worry less and relax a little more at the beginning and end of your holiday.
  • Dining options for all: Teenagers can put down a substantial amount of food, and younger children might be very picky when it comes to dining options. Add to that a grown-up desire for culinary delights, and it is hard to meet everyone’s needs in one destination! Fortunately, many resorts in Costa Rica allow everyone to enjoy their favorites. There are plenty of traditional classics for picky eaters, ethnic delights for foodies and sweet treats to round it all out. Dining options at a family-friendly resort mean there is one less thing for parents to worry about.

Planning an international trip to Costa Rica can be challenging, especially if you’re traveling with children. Fortunately, help finding the right resort geared to families in Costa Rica can make all the difference. Below you will find a selection of hotels and accommodations that our destination experts feel are great options for family travel.

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa

11 Km NW from La Fortuna Downtown

Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, Costa Rica 21007

Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa is located in the foothills beneath the Arenal volcano. This is your perfect launch point for exploring the region; winding hiking trails and adventurous ecotours are all within easy driving distance. The hotel sits on 27 acres of unspoiled property, and is bordered on each side by the La Palma and Kioro streams. This award-winning hotel holds a certificate in Sustainable Tourism.

Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort

From Fortuna Center, 7km towards Arenal Volcano (4.5 miles)

Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, Costa Rica 21007

Arenal Manoa Hotel is a quaint and charming resort which is an ideal retreat for people who want a great view of the Arenal Volcano. It is situated by the gardens and even animals. Rooms in the hotel are strategically placed so that guests can enjoy a panoramic Arenal Volcano scenery.
Guests can enjoy the quiet and peaceful gardens for walking, sight-seeing, and meditation. Additionally, visitors can also take advantage to witness the sights and sounds of a unique farm located nearby the hotel.

Arenal Springs Resort

5 Miles West of Catholic Church of la Fortuna

Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, Costa Rica 21007

Just east of the Arenal Volcano National Park, nestled in the lush forest of La Fortuna is the Arenal Springs Resort. This resort is well-positioned for travelers that want to experience both the stunning natural beauty of Costa Rica as well as many of the best adventure sites in the region, including kayaking, hiking, rappelling, and more.

Cabanas Valle Campanas

300m West from the Santa Elena Cemetery

Puntarenas Province, Santa Elena de Monteverde, Costa Rica 60109

Situated in the Tilaran Mountain Range, Cabnas Valle Campanas is a small, family-run hotel just five minutes away from the shops and restaurants in Santa Elena. Guests can choose from standard or deluxe cabins surrounded by lush vegetation and trees native to the area. Cabañas Valle Campanas takes great pride in its sustainable practices. Guests can try homemade sweets made out of sugarcane harvested on the onsite farm, as well as other delicious treats. If you´re seeking a quiet property near Monteverde attractions, consider staying at Cabañas Valle Campanas.

El Establo Mountain Hotel

Cerro Plano. Diagonal from Rafael Argueds School

Puntarenas Province, Monteverde, Costa Rica 60109

Conveniently located on a hillside in the Cerro Plano area, EL Establo Mountain Hotel is an elegant property ideal for families and nature lovers. The hotel is set on a private 150-acre farm adjacent to the Monteverde and Santa Elena reserves, making it a great place to explore the surrounding area and visit nearby attractions. Owned by a half Quaker and Costa Rican family, El Establo Hotel offers a variety of activities, restaurants and amenities that will make your stay in Monteverde memorable.

Ficus Sunset Suites

50 Mts. East of Correos de Costa Rica

Puntarenas Province, Monteverde, Costa Rica 60109

Ficus Sunset Suites is a lodge-style hotel built from indigenous wood, situated in the Tilaran Mountaing Range surrounding Monteverde. This modern property is just a 5-minute walk from downtown Santa Elena, which offers a variety of dining and shopping options. Featuring stunning views of the Nicoya Peninsula and the Caribbean on clear days, Ficus Sunset Suites Hotel is a great option for travelers looking for a small hotel in a natural setting. The world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Cheese Factory are just minutes away, making this hotel a great base to explore the surrounding area.

Hotel Cabañas Los Pinos

150 Mts Southest from the Rafael Arguedas H Public School, Cerro Plano

Puntarenas Province, Monteverde, Costa Rica 60109

Situated on a beautiful, private 8-acre reserve, the Hotel Cabañas Los Pinos is a cozy property that offers rustic cabins surrounded by lush vegetation. It is ideal for anyone who wants to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life without sacrificing high-quality amenities and a great location. Each cabin is set apart from the others, allowing for greater privacy and tranquility. The Hotel is conveniently located between the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and downtown Santa Elena, just steps away from nearby restaurants and shops.

Hotel Costa Verde

Km 5 Road to Manuel Antonio

Puntarenas Province, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica 60601

Hotel Costa Verde is situated next to the Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica, a lush rainforest full of unique wildlife and countless shades of green. The resort is situated on a beach with cliffs, offering intense views of both the Pacific Ocean and the rainforest canopy. People come here for honeymoons, vacations, adventures, and more. For whatever reason they’re coming, travelers won’t be disappointed by such a beautiful place with so much to offer.

Hotel Los Jardines

700m SE from the Cerro Plano School

Puntarenas Province, Monteverde, Costa Rica 60109

Located in the charming mountain town of Monteverde, Hotel Los Jardines is a quiet property ideal for families and couples seeking a tranquil atmosphere. This small property has stunning views of the Nicoya Peninsula, as well as colorful sunsets. Hotel Los Jardines is located in the Cerro Plano area of Monteverde, about 5 minutes from the shops and restaurants in downtown Santa Elena and within walking distance of nearby points of interest.

Hotel Parador Resort and Spa

Punta Quepos

Puntarenas Province, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica 60601

Hotel Parador Manuel Antonio offers amazing accommodations. There are hotels and suites to ensure that there is enough space for anyone who is traveling. While there are kid-friendly activities and babysitting services there are also adult-only features, including an infinity pool. A conference room, restaurant, and spa are on premises to attend to everyone’s needs. Additionally, 360-degree views are offered from the very top, making it possible to see the hotel garden, the nearby jungles, and the Pacific Ocean.

Hotel Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort

2.5mi / 4km from Fortuna

Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, Costa Rica 21007

Hotel Royal Corin is a luxury resort in touch with nature. Situated near the mountains, it gives pleasurable and peaceful accommodations for people who want upscale amenities without compromising the beauty of nature.
The Royal Corin is known for its wonderful hot springs pool, serene spa experience, hip and lively lounge, as well as an excellent restaurant with quality dining choices.

Hotel Tropico Monteverde

500 Meters S from the gas station 606

Puntarenas Province, Monteverde, Costa Rica 60109

Situated just five minutes from shopping and dining in downtown Santa Elena, Hotel Tropico Monteverde is a small lodge with stunning views of Gulf of Nicoya and comfortable accommodations. The hotel has a restaurant which serves a complimentary breakfast and dishes made from local produce. Travelers seeking a quiet hotel with a convenient location should consider booking Hotel Tropico Monteverde.

Monteverde Country Lodge

300 Mts Southwest from Cerro Plano Elementary School

Puntarenas Province, Monteverde, Costa Rica 60109

Monteverde Coutry Lodge is a cozy family-style hotel reminiscent of a 1980s ski lodge, situated just 10 minutes from the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Wooden finishes and friendly staff make guests feel at home while surrounded by beautiful, natural settings. Monteverde Country Lodge, like it´s sister property, Hotel Poco a Poco, strives to be sustainable through reducing its environmental impact. Visitors are invited to participate in the “Eco-Guest” program, which aims to reduce waste and educate guests about the local ecosystem.

Mountain Paradise Hotel

La Palma, Costa Rica: roughly 0.8 km northeast of Highway 142

Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Located three kilometers away from two national parks and a hot springs resort, the Mountain Paradise Hotel is an ideal Costa Rican getaway. Established in 2001, it has a stunning view of the Arenal Volcano to its southwest. Those seeking a memorable vacation in a lush Costa Rican jungle that includes an actual volcano will be thoroughly pleased with what this slice of paradise has to offer.

Occidental Papagayo

Playa Hermosa

Guanacaste Province, Papagayo, Costa Rica 50503

Occidental Papagayo – Adults Only – All Inclusive is located in Guanacaste on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It’s 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Playas del Coco village, 7 miles (12 kilometers) from the Congo Trail Canopy Tour, and a 35-minute drive from the Liberia International airport. This Costa Rica resort offers airport transportation.
Occidental Papagayo has bright, spacious rooms designed to provide everything guests could require in an adults-only environment.
The hotel has a magnificent range of dining options, which includes 2 international à la carte restaurants, a buffet serving international cuisine, a snack bar and a lobby bar with excellent views.

Rafiki Safari Lodge

16 km from the Coastal Highway, Savegre River, Provincia de San José, Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica

Puntarenas Province, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica 60109

With a name that means “friend” in Swahili, the Rafiki Safari Lounge can provide the ideal getaway vacation away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. This exquisite lodge overlooks the lush beauty of the Los Quetzales National Park in Costa Rica, and the expanse of the Pacific Ocean is only a short drive away. With activities ranging from horseback riding to rainforest exploration, it’d be hard to be bored in this jungle paradise.

The Springs Resort and Spa

9 Km West and 4 KM North of downtown la Fortuna

Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, Costa Rica 21007

Conveniently located in La Fortuna, The Springs Resort and Spa is close to the best that Costa Rica has to offer. Guests will find plenty to do at The Springs, which has its own outdoor sports center. Honeymooners and couples will find a romantic retreat at The Springs, whether they’re seeking to relax together at the spa or spend some time in the hot springs. The resort also boasts a claim to fame: an episode of The Bachelor was filmed here in 2011.

The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal

Cabo Velas

Guanacaste Province, Playa Conchal, Costa Rica 50308

Spend the day relaxing at the beach, practicing your swing on The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal – All Inclusive’s golf course, or pampering yourself at the full-service spa. Then enjoy a meal at one of the resort’s 9 restaurants.