Tucked away on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, with all its stunning beauty and exciting attractions, lies the highly coveted destination of Tamarindo. This town is famous for its vibrant and lively atmosphere, with Tamarindo Beach attracting surfers and sun-seekers alike.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Tamarindo, from horseback riding on the beach to soaking in the vibrant nightlife. As a popular beach destination, there’s plenty of different places to stay in Tamarindo, Costa Rica – making it difficult to choose which option is best for you.
Luckily I did the research for you! During my visit to Tamarindo, I delved deep into its different areas and hotel accommodations. Based on this experience, I’ve crafted this comprehensive guide on where to stay in Tamarindo. So read on and you’ll have everything you need to make the perfect choice.
Don’t have time to read the whole post? Here are the Top 3 Places Where to Stay in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
- Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel – Central location
- La Ramona Charming Hotel – Perfect for families
- Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel – Beachfront luxury
Where to Stay in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Tamarindo, Costa Rica, offers a range of lodging options, from budget-friendly stays to luxurious beachfront resorts.
When it comes to location, you can choose between Tamarindo Beach and the town of Tamarindo. Both are ideal for a centralized stay, providing easy access to both the beach and town amenities.
However, there’s also plenty of places to stay on nearby beaches like Playa Langosta and Playa Grande, and more local neighborhoods such as Villareal. These options are great for those looking for a quieter or more affordable stay.
Here, you’ll discover a detailed overview of each of these distinct areas, along with the top-rated hotels in each. These accommodations boast excellent ratings and a host of amenities, ensuring a memorable stay in Tamarindo. If you do your research and book at the right time, you might just snag some awesome hotel deals!
Tamarindo Beach: Best for First-Time Visitors
Tamarindo Beach is a gorgeous sandy beach, stretching for 1.5 miles and directly adjacent to the town of Tamarindo. Due to the calm waves, this beach is one of the best places in Central America for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.
Why Stay in Tamarindo Beach
Opting for a beachfront hotel in Tamarindo offers easy beach access, stunning views, and a short walk to downtown’s vibrant bar and restaurant scene.
Tamarindo Beach is also home to numerous beach clubs and bars, ideal for those seeking a lively atmosphere.
If you’re undecided about where to stay in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, I highly recommend choosing accommodations along the beach. This location not only provides proximity to all the town’s attractions but also ensures effortless access to the ocean.
Things to do in Tamarindo Beach
- Spend the day at Tamarindo Beach
- Try watersports like snorkeling or surfing (be sure to pack all the essentials for a family beach vacation)
- Spend the day at a beach club
- Take a catamaran sunset cruise
- Walk through downtown Tamarindo, enjoy local restaurants and nightlife
Best Hotels in Tamarindo Beach
Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel
⭐ Rating: 9.4/10 Price Range: $$$ Luxury ☑️ Book Here
Highly rated by guests, Capitán Suizo Beachfront Hotel is easily one of the best luxury hotels in Tamarindo. This hotel is located on the south end of Tamarindo Beach and has a quieter, more secluded feel to it.
Experience the essence of tropical luxury in this stunning hotel, adorned with wooden décor and vibrant accents. Opt for a superior room for a serene experience, complete with a private terrace or balcony, or indulge in the unique charm of a standalone bungalow.
The beachfront location provides easy access to the ocean and gorgeous views. This hotel is surrounded by tropical gardens, home to a variety of exotic birds, iguanas, and monkeys.
There’s also a spacious outdoor pool area, with plenty of sun loungers to soak up some rays. Other amenities include complimentary breakfast, a business center, on-site shops, a bar, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
⭐ Rating: 8.3/10 Price Range: $$ Luxury ☑️ Book Here
Hotel Tamarindo Dira Beach Resort is a large, spacious resort located directly on the beach.
Adorned in stunning tropical blues, these rooms are beautifully decorated. Select options feature balconies offering stunning views of either the pool or the ocean.
Ideal for family trips and large groups, this expansive resort offers a master suite, comfortably accommodating up to four people.
Nestled on the beachfront, Hotel Tamarindo Dira boasts four outdoor pools surrounded by sun terraces and lush garden spaces. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of a casino, a full-service spa, four restaurants, and four bars on-site.
⭐ Rating: 9.8/10 Price Range: $$ Mid-Range ☑️ Book Here
Boho Tamarindo is a boutique, adults-only hotel just steps from Tamarindo Beach. Highly acclaimed, this prime location has received plenty of praise from guests for its exquisite decor and welcoming staff.
The rooms here are carefully designed for comfort, featuring a minimalistic style with charming bohemian wood accents. Not to mention each room includes its own private patio space.
The hotel is small in size but feels like its own tropical paradise, with an outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees. Kickstart your day with a complimentary breakfast served each morning.
⭐ Rating: 8.7/10 Price Range: $$ Mid-Range ☑️ Book Here
On the southern end of Tamarindo Beach, The Coast Beachfront Hotel gives it a more secluded feel while still providing easy access into town – only about a 5-10 minute walk away.
Enjoy suite-style rooms, each equipped with a comfortable bed, living space, a small kitchenette, and a private balcony or terrace.
One of the best parts about this hotel is its prime beachfront hangout spot. Catch some rays in sun loungers or beach chairs, and maybe even take a boogie board out for a spin. This is also a very popular spot for surfing.
Other amenities at this hotel include breakfast brought to your room, an outdoor pool, and concierge services.
Ten North Tamarindo Beach Hotel
⭐ Rating: 8.9/10 Price Range: $ Budget ☑️ Book Here
My favorite budget-friendly option, Ten North Tamarindo Beach Hotel offers a comfortable stay just a few minutes’ walk from Tamarindo Beach.
Take your pick of several different room types, all with a classic tropical feel. There are hotel rooms with a comfortable bed and private bathrooms or apartment rooms that include 1-2 bedrooms, a living space, and a kitchen area.
This is another great option for families or groups, as the 2-bedroom apartment can sleep up to five people.
The hotel also features an outdoor pool surrounded by tropical plants, and a fresh breakfast served daily.
Tamarindo Town: Most Central Location
The town of Tamarindo is the largest town in the Guanacaste region, making it a hot spot for tourists. While renowned for its beaches, Tamarindo is also loved for its vibrant atmosphere and nightlife scene.
Its central location makes Tamarindo a perfect choice for those who want to explore the beaches, enjoy the local town, or even take a day trip to the surrounding areas.
Why Stay in Tamarindo Town
Staying directly in the town of Tamarindo will put you in the center of the action, plus it’s just a short walk to the beautiful beach.
Hotels in the town of Tamarindo are ideal for those seeking lively nightlife and a wide range of activities. However, it’s worth noting that accommodations in town may experience more noise compared to the tranquil beachfront areas.
Things to do in Tamarindo Town
- Spend the day at Tamarindo Beach, just a short walk from town
- Join a day trip from Tamarindo to explore nearby waterfalls, hot springs, and a volcano at Rincon de la Vieja
- Take a Zipline Tour through the Jungle from Tamarindo
- Have dinner at The Roof for incredible sunset views
- Enjoy the lively nightlife on your own or join a Tamarindo Bar Crawl
Best Hotels in Tamarindo Town
Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel– Adults Only
⭐ Rating: 9.2/10 Price Range: $$$ Luxury ☑️ Book Here
Nestled in the heart of Tamarindo, this adults-only boutique hotel offers an ideal setting for a luxurious stay in Costa Rica. With its prime location, guests can enjoy stunning beach views along with the vibrant energy of the town.
The rooms are stylish and modern, but the best part is that you can either book a room with a balcony or a private garden terrace. Some of the garden terrace rooms even include a private hot tub.
While this isn’t a fully all-inclusive hotel, your stay does include breakfast & dinner, as well as parking and high-speed internet.
Other amenities include a spa & wellness center, an on-site restaurant, and an outdoor pool which is surrounded by tropical gardens.
⭐ Rating: 9/10 Price Range: $$ Mid-Range ☑️ Book Here
This adorable boutique hotel is located in the town of Tamarindo, less than half a mile away from the beach. The central location makes for an easy walk to Tamarindo’s restaurants and shops.
The hotel offers spacious, suite-style rooms with separate entrances. Featuring comfortable beds, with modern decor, many of the rooms include a pool view or an outdoor terrace. The deluxe suite even features a private outdoor bath.
This is an excellent option for families, offering a spacious suite that comfortably sleeps four. Guests can also enjoy a generously sized outdoor pool, perfect for swimming and relaxing. Additional amenities include a shared kitchen area, outdoor terrace, parking facilities, and a complimentary breakfast.
⭐ Rating: 8.9/10 Price Range: $$ Mid-Range ☑️ Book Here
Located just a 5-minute walk from the bustling center of Tamarindo, this hotel offers easy access to a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants.
The rooms are designed with a bright, contemporary style, accented by wooden finishes. Some rooms are designed in a bungalow style, while others feature small balconies offering tropical views.
The hotel boasts a stunning outdoor pool area, surrounded by lush gardens, creating a tranquil tropical oasis. Comfortable loungers are available for relaxation by the pool, and guests can also enjoy fresh Mediterranean-style cuisine from the on-site restaurant.
Your stay includes complimentary breakfast, high-speed internet, and on-site parking – simply relax and enjoy!
Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel – Adults Only
⭐ Rating: 9.3/10 Price Range: $$ Mid-Range ☑️ Book Here
Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel is an adults-only hotel, located just steps away from the heart of Tamarindo and a short walk to the beach.
This hotel is perfect for those who want to experience some of Costa Rica’s stunning wildlife. A large terrace overlooks this hotel’s tropical gardens. Observe a variety of birds, iguanas, and even monkeys!
The rooms are spacious and modern, with tropical wood accents. Most rooms include either a private balcony or a garden terrace – the perfect place to enjoy coffee or a cocktail.
For those looking for more space, this hotel offers a 600 ft apartment for rent, complete with a kitchenette.
The amenities include an outdoor pool, a beautiful terrace with surrounding tropical gardens, complimentary breakfast, and free parking.
⭐ Rating: 8.3/10 Price Range: $$ Mid-Range ☑️ Book Here
Wyndham Tamarindo is a sprawling resort situated on the outskirts of Tamarindo town, offering a serene and tranquil atmosphere. However, guests can easily access the main area of Tamarindo with a convenient shuttle service. Perched atop a hill, the resort provides stunning ocean views, the perfect place for a photo-op, or to simply gaze out and enjoy.
The spacious, sleek, and modern rooms at the resort are designed for comfort and style. Most rooms offer ocean views from a private balcony or terrace.
A standout feature of the hotel is its infinity pool, offering a refreshing dip with a stunning ocean view. The pool area is complemented by a spacious outdoor terrace and a pool bar, creating a relaxing retreat for guests.
Additional amenities include a complimentary breakfast, a full-service spa, and an on-site restaurant serving traditional Costa Rican cuisine, where guests can enjoy the authentic taste of the local flavors.
Hotels in Playa Langosta: Best for Families
Located just south of Tamarindo Beach, Playa Langosta is perfect for those who want to be close to Tamarindo but stay in a quieter atmosphere.
Playa Langosta is about 1 mile from Tamarindo, which means you can easily visit Tamarindo Beach and explore the abundance of shops and restaurants in town.
Why Stay in Playa Langosta
If you are planning a family vacation in Costa Rica, Playa Langosta in Tamarindo is the perfect place to stay. The beach and hotels provide a laid-back and calm atmosphere.
While Playa Langosta’s beach features several large rocks that can make swimming challenging during high tide, these rocks create smaller tidal pools during low tide, ideal for relaxing and swimming. These pools are great for kids, as they are shallow and safe for swimming.
Things to do in Playa Langosta
- Enjoy a relaxing beach day on the sandy beach of Playa Langosta
- Watch the sunset from the beach
- Try an adventurous activity like surfing, snorkeling, or renting an ATV
- Visit Tamarindo Town, around 1 mile away
Best Hotels in Playa Langosta
Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas
⭐ Rating: 8.8/10 Price Range: $$$ Luxury ☑️ Book Here
Just a few miles from Tamarindo, Cala Luna is a luxury boutique hotel located near Playa Langosta. Enjoy a private, relaxing stay in this secluded area.
The rooms at Cala Luna are stunning, with sleek decor and wood accents. Some rooms include private patios with hammocks and a seating area.
The hotel has a private beach area and a spacious outdoor pool, surrounded by tropical plants. At the on-site restaurant, indulge in Italian seafood fusion cuisine, afterward you can unwind with a cocktail on the outdoor terrace.
Occidental Tamarindo – All Inclusive
⭐ Rating: 7.7/10 Price Range: $$ Mid-range ☑️ Book Here
If all-inclusive resorts are more your speed, look no further than Occidental Tamarindo. Located on the relaxed beach of Playa Langosta, this is hands down the best option for all-inclusive near Tamarindo.
This resort features spacious, comfortable rooms, and sleeps up to 4 people. Each room has garden views and a private terrace or balcony.
Amenities include 2 outdoor swimming pools, 3 restaurants, a fitness center, and a spa with hot tub and massage treatments.
Playa Grande: Best Beach Area on a Budget
Playa Grande is an absolutely serene getaway, located just north of Tamarindo Beach.
With fewer visitors compared to Tamarindo, Playa Langosta offers a more private and secluded atmosphere.
This beach is one of the most popular spots for surfing, as the long stretch of Playa Grande Beach offers some great waves.
Why Stay in Playa Grande
Playa Grande is an ideal destination for those seeking a stunning and secluded getaway, far from the crowds. Not to mention it’s a haven for surfers. The accommodations here are also much more budget-friendly compared to Tamarindo or Playa Langosta.
However, one downside to staying in Playa Grande is its distance from Tamarindo. While you can easily hop on a short boat ride across the river to Tamarindo Beach during the day, getting to Tamarindo at night would require a taxi or a 40-minute drive.
Things to do in Playa Grande
- Catch some waves and try surfing
- Join a Sea Turtle Nesting Tour to see baby turtles hatch while following a guide to respect the natural habitat and ensure the safety of the turtles
- Take a Boat Safari through Las Baulas National Park
Best Hotels in Playa Grande
⭐ Rating: 9.1/10 Price Range: $ Budget ☑️ Book Here
Located on a private beach in Playa Grande, this is a great option for budget-savvy travelers who want to spend time surrounded by the natural beauty of Costa Rica.
Pipe House Playa Grande is a mix between a hostel and a hotel. You sleep in a unique private compartment with a comfortable bed, then utilize a house with shared bathrooms, kitchen, and washing machines.
Other amenities include a spacious outdoor terrace, a BBQ area, and a private beach where you can enjoy surfing or swimming.
⭐ Rating: 8.7/10 Price Range: $ Budget ☑️ Book Here
Just steps away from Playa Grande beach, this is the perfect choice for anyone looking to spend the majority of time surfing or relaxing at the beach.
Playa Grande Surf Camp is a budget-friendly option, making it perfect for those looking to save on accommodation. The rooms are unique, colorful huts that feature a comfortable bed. There are also some hostel-style accommodations available.
The hotel has several amenities, including an outdoor pool, hammocks, a BBQ area, and an outdoor kitchen.
Hotels in Villareal: Best for a Local Experience
Villareal is a neighborhood located around 3 miles inland from Tamarindo Beach. The area has a very local feel to it, which makes it ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the Costa Rican culture.
Why Stay in Villareal
Not only does Villareal provide a more local experience to Costa Rican culture, but is also extremely budget-friendly due to its location.
The one thing to consider about staying here is that you will need transportation to get to Tamarindo. There is some public transport available, but renting a car is probably going to be your best option, as it’s a more reliable way of getting around.
Things to do in Villareal
- Try local food at Soda El Guanacaste
- Visit Tamarindo Beach or town, about 5km from Villareal
- Relax at the Sibou Costa Rica Spa & Wellness Center
Best Hotel in Villareal
⭐ Rating: 9.2/10 Price Range: $ Budget ☑️ Book Here
If you’re seeking an authentic immersion into local Costa Rica (and want to save some money), look no further than Hotel Casa Carlota Tamarindo. The hotel is just a 10-minute drive from the beach and very close to a local supermarket.
The rooms are basic, but clean and comfortable. Amenities include air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a mini fridge, and a small terrace. There’s a relaxing pool area with plenty of shaded space, as well as a small outdoor kitchen.
FAQ: Where to Stay in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
There are so many things to consider when planning a trip (especially when you’re planning a family vacation), so here are a few commonly asked questions about Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
Tamarindo is absolutely worth visiting. The laid-back beach town has a beautiful sandy beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. The town of Tamarindo is a lively and fun place, with plenty of beach bars, shops, restaurants, and nightlife options.
Spending 3-5 days is ideal for a trip to Tamarindo, Costa Rica. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy the beach or try some of the local activities like surfing, hiking, or horseback riding. However, you could easily spend more days in Tamarindo, as it is a great base for exploring this part of Costa Rica.
Tamarindo and Jaco are both lively and fun beach towns that have great nightlife options. However, Tamarindo has a more laid-back and relaxed beach atmosphere compared to Jaco. Jaco also has more of a local vibe, while Tamarindo is a more family-friendly destination and offers a wider variety of accommodation options.
The Wrap-Up: Best Places to Stay in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
There are many great options when it comes to places to stay in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. From budget-friendly hotels to luxury beachfront resorts, there is something for everyone in this part of Costa Rica.
Similarly, there are also many options for where to stay in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. You may choose to stay in the center of the action in Tamarindo town or beach, or maybe you prefer one of the more secluded and quiet beaches in surrounding areas.
No matter where you choose to stay, you are sure to fall in love with the fun beach town of Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
