As a country known for its sprawling jungles, pristine beaches, and incredible views, there are dozens of unique places to stay in Costa Rica that capture the essence of the country’s beauty.
From boutique beach hotels to glamping to treehouses, there is so much unique lodging in Costa Rica to explore. Below is a list of some of the most unique hotels costa rica can offer as well as vacation rentals such as airbnbs and apartments with interesting touches.
In Costa Rica you can expect a lot of open air spaces with earthy design and proximity to natural wonders like waterfalls and volcanoes, but each place is a bit different. Let us take you on a journey of our favorite cool and unique places to stay (with selections ALL over the country – see the map below) and we’re sure you’ll be able to pick a favorite.
If you love unique places + things, also see 30+ unique things to do in Costa Rica!
Pacuare Lodge: a Unique Cota Rica Hotel in the Jungle
Nestled in the mountainous jungle, the Pacuare Lodge is one of the most unique places to stay in Costa Rica. Located in Limon Province, between the cities of San Jose and Limon, guests will enjoy chic, nature-inspired suites with incredible views.
The hotel includes an epic pool, room balconies with hammocks, a spa, and outdoor (yet private) showers and baths. The hotel offers an abundance of outdoor activities such as rafting, hiking, rappelling, and birdwatching. For couples, families, and group celebrations, the suites at the Pacuare Lodge are the perfect escape for an unforgettable trip at one of the highest-rated unique hotels in Costa Rica.
Art Villas Resort + Coco Glamping Villas
The Art Villas Resort, located in the mountains outside Uvita (making it a fantastic place to unwind after Envision festival), is like a luxury playground. With two villa options and glamping pods, guests can choose what suits them – from staying at The Art Villa, The Atelier, or The Coco.
Each villa has a pool, outdoor patios, and of course, incredible jungle views. While all villas offer an upscale experience, the Coco Glamping area has an individual charm, with a water slide and unique pod designs.
Whether traveling in a large group or with a friend or partner, the Art Villas Resort will go beyond guests’ expectations, immersing them into a destination unlike any other.
Kura Boutique Hotel
The Kura Boutique hotel fuses the height of luxury with minimal design atop a hill in the Costa Rican rainforest. Located above the gorgeous sealine of Uvita, this is one of the unique hotels in Costa Rica not to be missed for nature and ocean lovers.
The eight suites include incredible jungle and ocean views, private terraces, and open floor plans for maximum enjoyment and comfort. Select the Master Suite and you’ll be delighted not only by the suite amenities but with your own private pool.
The adults-only resort also boasts an infinity pool, a sky lounge perfect for morning yoga and nightly stargazing, a spa, and an ocean-view restaurant. This is truly one of the most unique hotels in Costa Rica if you love design and views.
Tortuga Lodge and Gardens
Rated the top hotel in Tortuguero, the Tortuga Lodge and Gardens embraces Caribbean-Victorian interior design in one of Costa Rica’s top destinations. Hosting a private nature reserve, visitors can book a variety of experiences such as watching baby turtles hatching, river kayaking, and Atlantic sea fishing.
This unique lodging in Costa Rica hosts a variety of spacious and often very coloful suites that offer beautiful views and some include their own private balcony. Looking to host more than two people? The lodge also offers a villa that holds up to five people, featuring a private pool, deck, and two full bathrooms.
Igloo Beach Lodge: Unique Boutique Lodging by the Beach
Combining the elements of unique architecture, clean living, and harmony in nature, the Igloo Beach Lodge is the perfect place for beach lovers and travelers keen on visiting the famous Manuel Antonio National Park.
Don’t get it twisted, these Igloo Lodges are not designed to keep you from the cold, after all this is Costa Rica! The unique design of these Igloos features modern and minimal design inside and out. While it would be great in dry or rainy season, make sure to check Costa Rica weather by month beforehand so you can be prepared.
The double and quadruple rooms offer smart TVs, fridges, and private showers, and are pet friendly! The lodge also includes a plant-based restaurant with locally produced foods and fresh fish from the Pacific Ocean. Plus, in just a few minutes’ walk, you can enjoy the hotel’s private beach club!
Rio Perdido Hotel + Thermal River
Located in the famous La Fortuna, the Rio Perdido Hotel + Thermal River is one of the most unique places to stay in Costa Rica and the perfect mountain getaway.
This hidden gem in Costa Rica not only embraces the area’s natural ecosystem, but also local living by being a part of local sporting events, festivals, and more, aiming to support and bring economic opportunity.
The hotel offers 30 spacious bungalows, all connected to the central hotel area by elevated paths. Being in the mountainous region, there’s an abundance of activities from adventurous mountain biking and ziplining, to relaxing hiking and yoga. Of course, a dip in the thermal river is not to be missed by any guest!
El Faro Containers Beach Hotel
Located just minutes from the entrance to Manual Antonio National Park, guests will be delighted by the El Faro Beach Hotel’s unique container-style rooms. Although the hotel design is simple, the site includes a pool, free WiFi, and a bar.
With double, triple, and quadruple rooms available, guests can enjoy air conditioning, private bathrooms, and pool or ocean views. The hotel also offers a suite for those who want to enjoy extra space and a private balcony. What makes this hotel unique and ideal for Costa Rica travelers is its convenience to the spectacular surrounding areas.
Tifakara Boutique Hotel and Birding Oasis
Nestled in the mountains of La Fortuna, visitors who seek to be surrounded by nature will find their peace right here. Rated as a 2022 Travellers Choice by Trip Advisor, this unique lodging in Costa Rica offers individual, modern cabins along the property for immersion in nature.
The common outdoor area includes a pool, jacuzzi, and lounge chairs so when you aren’t out adventuring, you can relax and surround yourself with the hotel’s gardens. Plus, a variety of massages are offered from hot stones to chocolate. And of course, the hotel can organize tours for guests such as water rafting, hot spring visits, and waterfall rappelling.
Finca Bellavista Treehouse community
The Finca Bellavista has to be one of the most unique places to stay in Costa Rica – it’s not for the luxury traveler, but for the adventure-spirited who are willing to get off the beaten path in Puntarenas.
The property hosts seven cabins and tree houses, some with and some without electricity – yes! We said it, no electricity. The community has housing options that can fit groups of three to eight people and include kitchens and hot showers.
In addition to being off-grid, the homes are all accessible from the base camp via hiking trails, so not only do guests get their full privacy, but an escape into nature and a bit of exercise!
727 Fuselage Home: Suspended Airplane Lodging
If you’re seeking one of the most unique places to stay in Costa Rica, look no further. Not only is the 727 Fuselage Home ideal for travelers planning a visit to Manual Antonio National Park, but it may also be one of the most interesting places guests will ever stay.
Why? Because it’s a two-bedroom home that’s located inside a refurbished 1965 Boeing 727 airplane! Elevated above the jungle brush, guests will enjoy jungle and ocean views from the terrace – heck, you might even see sloths and monkeys from there! Equipped with an air-conditioner, the home includes a kitchenette and both bedrooms include private bathrooms and queen-size beds.
The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal
With over 1,000 reviews on hotels.com, the Springs Resort and Spa has a rare 9.8 out of 10 rating – need we say more? Well, we will. Nestled in the lush greenery of Arenal, the 165-acre five-star resort hosts a spa, hot springs, a variety of dining experiences, and course, an incredible view of the Arenal Volcano.
The resort aims to cater to everyone – from families to couples and groups. With three accommodation options including rooms, suites, and villas, visitors will have the perfect space just for them at one of the most unique hostels in Costa Rica!
Visit the spa for a natural hot spring clay body wrap or book a rock wall climbing experience, whatever you chose, it will be just the experience you were looking for.
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation and Inn
Travelers that want to get to know the true essence of Costa Rica will certainly experience it here. Rooted in local culture and sustainability, this is one of the most unique hotels Costa Rica can offer.
Those who want to firsthand live the Finca lifestyle will love it here, where they’ll experience food grown onthe land and of course, Costa Rica’s incredible coffee!
Located in Heredia Province just above the capital, San Jose, the lodge offers villas and suites to suit everyone’s needs – and no two are the same! The accommodations boast beautiful wood and tile work as well as art that exude the Finca lifestyle.
The Jungle Hub
The Jungle Hub is a unique lodging in Costa Rica perfect for escaping society and embracing the Finca lifestyle. Nestled in the mountains outside of San Ramon (about an hour North-West of San Jose), guests will be delighted by the opportunity to enjoy starry nights, homecooked meals, and a private waterfall.
The hosts built this unique lodging in Costa Rica with sustainability in mind, using solar panels to provide electricity and other permaculture practices to leave little to no impact on the environment.
The spacious room homes a comfortable queen bed, a seating area, and a small deck. Be prepared for a rustic, yet luxurious experience living in nature and practicing permaculture along the way, and you can even book a 7 night inclusive retreat package.
Cielo Lodge
Get into the off-grid, luxury rainforest life here in the Cielo Lodge for an unforgettable and unique place to stay in Costa Rica. With spectacular views over Golfo Dulce, guests will be amazed by the massive suites this modern eco-lodge offers.
Each 660-square-foot suite includes a king-size bed, a full-size sofa bed, two rain showers, and a large covered deck with hammocks for enjoying jungle canopy views. With the world so full of noise and light pollution, the suites are perfect for star-gazing in absolute peace, free of artificial light and noise. Another highlight of the lodge is its all-inclusive meals and the main lodge hosts a spa, restaurant, and pool.
Topo’s Tree House
Although Costa Rica boasts its amazing connection to nature, in Topo’s Tree House, you are literally living in nature itself – in a giant rubber tree! Located in Cahuita, on the Southern-Carribean side of Costa Rica, guests will enjoy a spacious home above the jungle grounds.
The two-bedroom house (which can host up to 4 people) has two floors, three decks, a kitchen, and of course, a hammock! Up about 100 meters from Playa Negra, visitors will live fully immersed in the jungle. They might even see a few jungle friends such as sloths and howler monkeys at one of the most unique places to stay in Costa Rica.
Selina Jaco: Unique and Colorful Boutique Hotel/Hostel with Tube Rooms
Located in the small beach town of Jaco, Selina offers a social environment in a modernly designed hostel. Like all Selina properties, they offer dorm rooms and also unique family and individual rooms to suit every traveler’s budget.
Regardless of which room suits guests, they’re bound to love to design and comfort each room provides. The hostel, just steps away from the beach, has everything travelers to Jaco need – a restaurant, pool, outdoor seating area, and a surf shop – yes! They offer surf lessons right there. In addition, an array of free activities are offered to guests on-site such as yoga, salsa classes, and meditation.
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo
For those who want to combine the luxury and boutique beach lifestyle, this is the place! Nestled in the Papagayo Peninsula in Guanacaste in North-West Costa Rica, guests will feel like they’ve acquired their own private tropical sanctuary.
Perched along the hillside, the 131 rooms and 21 suites offer spectacular jungle or bay views. Guests of Andaz can also have tours and activities organized for them, including sloth-sanctuary visits, ziplining, surfing, and scuba diving.
In addition, the resort provides complimentary use of kayaks, paddle boards, and a bike share for getting around the 1,400-acre resort.
Gaia Hotel and Reserve (Adults Only)
Titled the “World’s Leading Green Hotel” in both 2021 and 2022, by World Travel Awards, the Gaia Hotel and Reserve is one of the most unique hotels in Costa Rica for many reasons. Located near Manual Antonio, it’s the perfect getaway for adults and teenagers – no one under 13 is allowed!
With a variety of spaces available, from studio rooms, and suites, to a two-bedroom villa, there’s something for everyone. The 5-star eco-hotel also offers packages for those looking for something special, such as adventure, relaxation, and romance.
When booked through their website, visitors will recieve the VIP package, which includes many perks such as daily breakfast, transportation to and from Manual Antonio beach, and pool perks.
Arenal Springs Resort
If you haven’t yet experienced hot springs in your life, take this as your sign! The resort offers three suite sizes to make sure every guest feels at home, some suites having direct views of the Arenal Volcano and others with bathtubs that use thermal water.
With three on-site restaurants (Italian, Japanese and international), a spa, and of course, hot springs, guests won’t have to do anything but enjoy! Due to the famous area, the hotel also offers organized tours as adventurous as cave exploration to as relaxing as bird watching. Awarded a 2022 Traveler’s Choice by Trip Advisor, guests can’t go wrong here!
That’s it for the coolest lodging and hotels Costa Rica can offer. Let me know which one you booked in the comments below!
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.