Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [474]
Camping is the way that many Ticos (Costa Ricans) can enjoy the more expensive seaside towns, especially since these days most accommodations cater specifically to foreigners. As a result, most major tourist destinations have at least one campsite, and if not, most budget hotels outside San José accommodate campers on their grounds. Although these sites usually include toilets, cold showers and basic self-catering facilities (a sink and a BBQ pit), they can be crowded, noisy affairs.
In most national parks, however, campsites are generally of excellent quality and are rigorously cleaned and maintained by dedicated staff. As a general rule, you will need to carry in all of your food and supplies, and carry out all of your trash.
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Hostels
Although there are still a handful of Hostelling International (HI) hostels left in Costa Rica, the backpacker scene has gone increasingly top market in recent years. Compared to other destinations in Central America, hostels in Costa Rica tend to be fairly expensive affairs, though the quality of service and accommodations is unequalled.
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Hotels
It is always advisable to ask to see a room – and a bathroom – before committing to a stay, especially in budget lodgings.
BUDGET
For the most part, this guide’s budget category covers lodging in which a typical double costs up to US$40. The cheapest places generally have shared bathrooms, but it’s still possible to get a double with a bathroom for US$25 in some towns off the tourist trail. (Note that ‘private bathroom’ in some low-end establishments consists of a stall in the corner of your hotel room.) On the top end of the budget scale, rooms will frequently include a fan and bathroom that may or may not have hot water. At the cheapest hotels, rooms will frequently be a stall, with walls that don’t go to the ceiling.
HOSTEL & HOTEL SECURITY
Although hotels give you room keys, it is recommended that you carry a padlock for your backpack or suitcase for extra security. Furthermore, don’t invite trouble by leaving valuables, cash or important documents lying around your room or in an unlocked bag. Upmarket hotels will have safes where you can keep your money and passport, so it’s advised that you take advantage of them. If you’re staying in a basic place, it’s probably wise to take your valuables with you at all times. Theft is perhaps the number-one complaint of travelers in Costa Rica, so it can’t hurt to take a few extra precautions.
Hot water in showers is often supplied by electric showerheads (affectionately termed the ‘Costa Rican suicide shower’). Contrary to traveler folklore, they are perfectly safe – provided you don’t fiddle with the showerhead while it’s on. The electric showerhead will actually dispense hot water if you keep the pressure low.
MIDRANGE & TOP END
Midrange generally covers hotels that charge between US$40 and US$100. These rooms will be more comfortable than budget options, and will generally include a bathroom with gas-heated hot water, a choice between fans and air-con, and cable or satellite TV. Some places will also offer tour services, and many will have an onsite restaurant or bar and a swimming pool or Jacuzzi. In this price range, many hotels offer kitchenettes or even full kitchens, and using them is a great way to save money if you’re traveling in a large group or as a family.
Anything more than US$100 is considered top end, and includes ecolodges, all-inclusive resorts, business and chain hotels, in addition to a strong network of more intimate boutique hotels, remote jungle camps and upmarket B&Bs. Many such lodging options will include amenities such as hot-water bath tubs, private decks, satellite TV and air-con as well as concierge, tour and spa services.
Most midrange and top-end places charge 13% in taxes. This book has attempted to include taxes in the prices listed throughout. Note that many hotels charge per person, rather