Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [364]
Get a bird’s eye view from the top of a 60m ficus tree. Tree-climbing tours are offered by Everyday Adventures.
Experience tropical paradise among the orchids, bromeliads and heliconia at the Casa de Orquídeas (Click here).
Cabinas Oro Verde (2735-5241; r per person US$15) Simple and central: this is what you’re looking for in a budget hotel. Rooms are clean, if a little musty, and the bars on the windows are not pretty, but at least you know the place is safe. All in all, this is a good place to stumble back to late at night, but don’t be surprised if you’re woken up in the morning by early-bird shoppers.
Cabinas Iguana Iguana (2735-5158; r per person US$20; ) Wood cabins are set on quiet and shady grounds here on the northern edge of town. The rooms are slightly dank, and the swimming pool bears a striking resemblance to a frog swamp, but the overall atmosphere is pleasant. The onsite bar is among the town’s hottest spots on weekend nights so light sleepers should probably stay elsewhere.
Cabinas Carolina (2735-5696; d with/without air-con US$40/35; ) The lack of windows makes this low-priced stalwart feel something like a concrete prison, but at least it’s got air-con and a central location. The attached soda, Restaurant Carolina, is a Jiménez institution, so even if you’re looking for something in a higher price bracket, don’t miss the stellar casados (set meals) on offer here.
Cabinas Bosque Mar (2735-5681; d with/without air-con US$40/35; ) This hot-pink motel-style building is one of the best bargains in Jiménez, especially considering that all the rooms are large and airy. Although the atmosphere is nothing to write home about, there is a decent onsite restaurant for those feeling too lazy to head into town, as well as a helpful onsite tour agency.
Cabinas Eilyn (2735-5465; d with/without air-con US$40/35; ) Hospitality is a family affair at these quiet quarters on the edge of town. High ceilings, tile floors and a comfy porch enhance the decor of the four cozy cabinas that are attached to the Tico owners’ home. Prices include a home-cooked breakfast of hearty gallo pinto (rice and beans) and fresh fruit.
MIDRANGE
Cabinas Jiménez (2735-5090; www.cabinasjimenez.com; s/d from US$35/50; ) The efforts of the recent change in ownership are evident at this long-standing clutch of cabins. All of the rooms have jungle scenes painted on the walls and underwater murals in the hot-water bathrooms. Refrigerators and safes are practical, while details such as carved wooden furniture, woven textiles and batik curtains add an elegant flair. The pricier rooms have fantastic views of the lagoon.
La Choza del Manglar (2735-5002; www.manglares.com; r US$40-99; ) Set on the edge of the mangrove swamp, this tropical inn is – as it claims – ‘a very natural place.’ Wildlife sightings are de rigueur on these beautifully landscaped grounds – from crocodiles to kinkajous, monkeys to macaws. Bright and airy rooms have hand-carved furniture and mural-painted walls, as well as large windows overlooking the lush surroundings.
Cabinas Marcelina (2755-5286; d with/without air-con US$50/45; ) Marcelina’s place is a long-standing favorite among budget travelers looking for a peaceful night of sleep. The concrete building is painted salmon pink and surrounded by blooming trees, lending it a homey atmosphere that invites good dreams. Rooms have modern furniture, fluffy towels and tile bathrooms, which are certainly a welcome sight at this price range.
Palms (2735-5012; www.thepalmscostarica.com; r US$45-85; ) A modest attempt at approximating boutique cabinas, the Palms offers rooms of varying sizes and shapes with artsy touches – from the hand-painted sinks and murals to the soft lighting and fine linens. The biggest draw, however, is Mother Nature, who regularly provides cooling breezes that sweep through the well-situated waterside property.
Playa Preci-Osa Lodge (8818-2959; www.playa-preciosa-lodge.de; Playa Platanares; s/d from US$45/70; ) All of the options at