Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [288]
Villa Gecko (Map; 2643-1314; www.villagecko.net; Calle Hidalgo; 2-3 person studios US$80, 3-5 person ste US$150; ) By far the most charming accommodations on the beach, Villa Gecko is managed by a French artist whose touch can be seen throughout the property. From stenciled drawings on the walls to mosaic murals in the bathrooms, every corner of the property projects European sensibility and imaginative design. Rooms have air-con and hot water, and there’s a shared kitchen and a pool.
Hotel Copacabana (Map; 2643-1005; www.copacabanahotel.com; Calle Anita; r/ste from US$95/159; ) This three-story resort hotel gets good marks for offering a variety of rooms and suites to meet the size and needs of your party. If you’re traveling either by yourself or with your significant other, fairly modern standard rooms are well priced considering the hotel’s convenient beachfront location and rich offerings of amenities, including an attractive pool and hot tub. Of course, the hotel really packs in the value with its larger suites that come equipped with a well-stocked kitchenette and spacious private balcony from where you can get a personal view of the Pacific sunset.
Best Western Jacó Beach Resort (Map; 2643-1000; www.bestwestern.com; Av Pastor Díaz btwn Blvr & Calle Ancha; r from US$97; ) Despite whatever preconceived notions you may have about the Best Western, this particular establishment in the famous US chain is the original full-service beach resort in Jacó. With that said, dark and dingy rooms are certainly showing their age, though you can’t beat the impressive grounds, convenient beach access and the laundry list of resort activities on offer. Of course, these days gringos prefer to bed down in some of the newer top-end resorts, though the Best Western does attract a loyal Tico-family following. If you’re planning on spending the night here, it pays to check the internet for special discount rates.
TOP END
Jacó is in the midst of going upscale, though it’s still going to be a few years before some of the proposed top-end resorts and hotels open up to the tourist masses. In the meantime, however, there are a number of all-inclusive–style resorts and a few boutique hotels and guesthouses where your dollars can buy you a nice slice of luxury.
Hotel Poseidon (Map; 2643-1642; www.hotel-poseidon.com; Calle Bohío; d from US$105; ) It’s hard to miss the huge Grecian wood carvings that adorn the exterior of this small European-run hotel. On the inside, sparkling rooms are perfectly accented with stylish furniture and mosaic tiles, though the highlight of the property is the elegant open-air restaurant that specializes in fresh fish – it’s one of the best spots in town. There’s a pool with a convenient swim-up bar, as well as a small Jacuzzi for getting to know your neighbors.
Hotel Tangerí (Map;2643-3001; www.hoteltangeri.com; Av Pastor Díaz btwn Calles Las Palmeras & Las Olas; r from US$115, villas from US$190; ) This low-key resort complex is smack-dab in the middle of it all, but surprisingly manages to remain tranquil despite the ensuing craziness surrounding it. The tropical-infused grounds are extremely well manicured, and home to no less than three pools where you can soak up the rays while floating the daylight away. Rooms are fairly standard, though they do boast ocean views and are brightened up a bit by the colorful linens. However, if you have a bit of extra cash to burn, larger villas with full kitchens are certainly worth the splurge and help you make the necessary transition to resort living.
Docelunas (Map; 2643-2277; ww.docelunas.com; Costanera Sur; d/junior ste incl breakfast US$140/160; ) Situated in the foothills across the highway, ‘Twelve Moons’ is a heavenly mountain retreat consisting of only 20 rooms sheltered in a pristine landscape of tropical rainforest. Each teak-accented room is intimately decorated with original artwork that’s available for purchase, and the luxurious