Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [302]
HOSTELS
Vista Serena Hostel (2777-5162; www.vistaserena.com; 3-/4-bed dm US$10/15, bungalows without bathroom US$50; ) In an area that is hopelessly overpriced, it’s a relief to find such a great budget hostel. Perched scenically on a quiet hillside, this truly memorable spot allows guests to enjoy spectacular ocean sunsets from a hammock-filled terrace. Unsurprisingly, most travelers find themselves getting stuck here for longer than they planned, especially when you can spend your days hiking down from the hostel through a farm to a remote wilderness beach. Catering to the needs of backpackers, Vista Serena offers spic-and-span white-tiled dorms with shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen and a TV lounge, as well as affordable private bungalows for couples that want a bit more privacy. Sonia and her son Conrad, the superhelpful Tico owners, speak fluent English, and are commendable for their efforts in assisting countless travelers.
MIDRANGE
Hotel Mono Azul (2777-2572; www.monoazul.com; r US$40-65, child under 12yr free; ) This is a great family option, as the entire hotel is decorated with animal murals and rainforest paraphernalia, not to mention the three pools and games room. You’ll also sleep well at night knowing that your money is going to a good cause. The Mono Azul is home to ‘Kids Saving the Rainforest’ (KSTR), started by two local schoolchildren who were concerned about the endangered mono tití (Central American squirrel monkey). Many of these adorable critters were run over on the narrow road to the national park, or electrocuted on overhanging electrical cables, so KSTR purchased and erected monkey ‘bridges’ across the road (you can see them, often in use, as you head to the park). Ten percent of hotel receipts are donated to the organization.
Hotel Plinio (2777-0055; www.hotelplinio.com; d with/without air-con US$75/65, 2-/3-story ste US$85/110, jungle house US$100; ) This cozy hotel is nestled on the verdant edge of the rainforest, and is the perfect retreat from all of your stresses. Rooms have superhigh ceilings, which create a tranquil, relaxed atmosphere. Larger suites are two and three stories tall, and have great polished-wood decks for lounging, while groups of up to five can live it up in the jungle house. The grounds boast 10km of trails into the forest, where you’ll find a 17m-high lookout tower (open to the public).
EXPLORE MORE: FILA CHONTA MOUNTAINS
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in the Quepos and Manuel Antonio area, consider a day trip to the inland Fila Chonta mountain range. Excursions can be arranged through the Hotel Sí Como No (2777-0777; www.sicomono.com/tours/santa_juana.php; adult/child US$95/50), and include round-trip transportation by 4WD Land Cruiser, a bilingual guide and a traditional campesino (farmer) lunch. The tour stops at the village of Santa Juana, which is working in close collaboration with the owner of Hotel Sí Como No to develop various community-based ecotourism initiatives. You’ll get the opportunity to swim in waterfalls, try your hand at tilapia fishing, learn about citrus growing and coffee production, and even participate in a tree-planting initiative. This tour is not only a wonderful example of how tourism can empower local communities, but also a nice day out for you and your friends or family!
Mimo’s Hotel (2777-2217; www.mimoshotel.com; d/ste from US$65/95; ) Run by a delightful Italian couple, this whitewashed and wood-trimmed hotel has spacious, clean, terra-cotta–tiled rooms that are positively lit up with bright, colorful murals. Highlights here include the palm-fringed swimming pool, a fiber-optically lit Jacuzzi and restaurant-bar serving Italian-influenced dishes. The owners speak half a dozen languages, and can share with you a wealth of knowledge about Costa Rica.
Hotel Las Tres Banderas (2777-1871; www.hoteltresbanderas.com; d/ste/apt US$80/120/250; ) This welcoming roadside inn is owned by a Polish-born US citizen who lives in Costa Rica – hence the very appropriate moniker,