Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [287]
Camping El Hicaco (Map; 2643-3004; Calle Hicaco; campsites per person US$3; ) The only proper campground in town: there are picnic tables, bathrooms and a lockup for gear, though its proximity to the bars and clubs means you might not get much shut-eye. Don’t leave valuables in your tent as theft is a big problem here.
Cabinas Antonio (Map; 2643-3043; cnr Av Pastor Díaz & Blvr; r per person from US$15; ) Something of an institution among shoestringers and local Tico families, this clutch of cabins at the northern end of Jacó is one of the best deals in town. Basic rooms are uninteresting at best, but they are clean and cozy, and come with private cold shower and cable TV. And of course, when you’re just steps from the surf, it’s hard to be too fussy about your surroundings.
MIDRANGE
Jacó is chock-a-block with midrange hotels, and our list is by no means comprehensive. However, we have tried to select places that have a certain je ne sais quoi, while still offering safety, security and comfortable surroundings to slightly more discerning travelers.
Clarita’s Beach Hotel and Sports Bar and Grill (Map; 2643-3327; www.claritashotel.com; western end of Blvr; s/d from US$60/70; ) The three most important rules in the real-estate business are location, location and location. If you subscribe to this mantra, Clarita’s beachfront location is difficult to top. Basic rooms with cutesy flourishes are modestly priced, especially if you can sleep easy with just a fan at night, while more expensive rooms come with ‘luxuries,’ such as hot-water shower, cable TV and air-con. The attached sports bar and grill is a fun and friendly open-air joint that serves up your typical beer and nachos fare.
AparHotel Vista Pacífico (Map; 2643-3261; www.vistapacifico.com; top of the hill off Blvr; d incl breakfast from US$68; ) Located on the crest of a hill just outside Jacó, this Canadian-run hotel is an absolute gem that is worth seeking out. The views of the coastline from here are phenomenal, particularly at sunset when you’ll have panoramic vistas of a fiery sky, and the mountaintop location also means that it’s a few degrees cooler (and a whole lot quieter) than neighboring Jacó. Homey rooms of varying sizes and shapes cater to all budgets, and are made all the better by the warm and caring hosts. There is even a BBQ pit where you can grill up some killer eats while chatting with other guests.
Villas Estrellamar (Map; 2643-3102; www.estrellamar.com; eastern end of Calle Las Olas; s/d US$75/85, 1-/2-bedroom villas US$85/100; ) While the spacious rooms at the Estrellamar are certainly good value considering they boast a massive bathroom and private balcony, it really is worth paying the small bit of extra cash for your own personal villa. Depending on the size of your party, you can choose from one- and two-bedroom villas that have a full kitchen and plenty of space for stretching out after a day at the beach or a night on the town. Regardless of which accommodations option you choose, be sure to take a relaxing swing in the hammock pavilion, and keep an eye out for the huge iguanas that live on the grounds and feed off the mango tree.
Hotel Mar de Luz (Map; 2643-3259; www.mardeluz.com; Av Pastor Díaz btwn Calles Las Palmeras & Las Olas; d/tr/q incl breakfast US$78/98/118; ) This adorable little hotel with Dutch-inspired murals of windmills and tulips has tidy and attractive air-conditioned rooms that are perfect for a little family fun in the sun. Since it can be difficult sometimes to appease the little ones, the friendly Dutch owners (who also speak Spanish, English, German and Italian) offer two swimming pools, several BBQ grills and plenty of useful information on how to best enjoy the area. The owners are also extremely