If you’re looking for a hotel that provides easier access to the beach in Santa Teresa, consider Hotel Santa Teresa by the Beach and Casa Cecilia Beach Front. They all offer a mixture of vacation partying and easy beginner surfing. However, there are many other options, depending on your budget and location in town.
Many new visitors to Santa Teresa often have trouble finding suitable housing accommodations, especially ones that are within walkable distance of the nearest beach. Perhaps you want to surf and meet travelers enjoying some nightlife.
In this article, I’ve reviewed 20 of the most recommended hotels that are either located on the beach or are within a short distance of some of the best beaches in town.
But in case you’re in a hurry and need to make a quick decision, you can carefully go through the next section.
Key Takeaways
The best beachfront hotels in Santa Teresa depend on your budget, the type of facilities you want, and the location you prefer to stay in town.
Some hotels perform better in certain areas than others. Here’s our final remark on some of the best options:
Beachfront hotels near Santa Teresa | Hotel | Address | The budget per night starts from |
With a private pool | Hotel Santa Teresa by the Beach | JRHX+4J, Provincia de Puntarenas, Puntarenas, Carmen. | $175 |
Cheap (with more value) | Ranchos Itauna | JRPQ+GF5, Provincia de Puntarenas, Puntarenas, Carmen, 60111, Costa Rica | $260 |
Luxury | Laloon Luxury Suites | Calles de Buenos Aires Puntarenas, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica | $1,100 |
For solo travelers | Lost Boyz Hostel | Lost Boyz Santa Teresa, 200m south of the football field, 50m east, Calle Lost Boyz, Provincia de Puntarenas, Santa Teresa, 60111, Costa Rica | $60 |
For couples | Akwa Resorts Ocean View | Playa Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa 60111, Costa Rica | $5,400 for three nights |
For families with kids | Hostel La Posada | 400m norte, Cruce Mal País 25mts este Puntarenas Santa Teresa, 60111 | $102 |
1. Hotel Santa Teresa by the Beach
- Address: JRHX+4J, Provincia de Puntarenas, Puntarenas, Carmen.
- Budget: $175
- Contact: +506 2640 0404
- Rating: 5/5 on TripAdvisor
Hotel Santa Teresa by the Beach is a cozy and eco-friendly hotel right by Santa Teresa Beach. Their private pool is a highlight. Your stay includes a tasty Costa Rican breakfast with fresh fruits and eggs.
The 26 rooms and three one- and two-bedroom apartments offer ocean or courtyard views, comfy beds, and modern amenities like espresso machines and Wi-Fi. The beach is a short walk away (½ block distance), perfect for sunset strolls and surfing.
You can rent ATVs or Jeeps nearby to explore. We rented a jeep to Montezuma Falls. Exceptional international restaurants are within walking distance from the hotel.
It’s a lovely spot for a relaxing beach getaway, with plenty of nearby activities.
What I like about this hotel
- The room was spotless.
- Amazing private pool
- The hotel is in a good location, near the beach and the center.
- friendly and helpful staff.
What is it about this hotel that I dislike?
- One could offer assistance with luggage carrying for older adults.
2. Hostel La Posada
- Address: 400m norte, Cruce Mal País 25mts este Puntarenas Santa Teresa, 60111
- Budget: $102
- Contact: +506 7289 7639
- Rating: 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor
If you want that home-away-from-home vibe and you’re coming with your kids, I totally recommend La Posada.
It is a surf camp and hostel in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, close to great surfing spots and stunning sunsets. Lush jungles, waterfalls, and national parks surround it. The hostel is clean and family-friendly.
While at the hotel, you could easily walk to the beach and even spot monkeys along the way. Supermarkets are just a minute away, and banks, shops, and pharmacies are within three minutes’ reach. It’s a fantastic location for enjoying nature and convenient amenities in Santa Teresa.
What I like about this hotel
- Great spot for surfing
- Kids- and pet-friendly
- Home away from home vibe
- Quite affordable for its value.
What is it about this hotel that I dislike?
- You’d need at least some basic Spanish to socialize here.
3. Playa Cielo
- Address: Main Street, Santa Teresa, 60111, Costa Rica
- Budget:
- Contact: +506 8832 4338
- Rating: 5/5 on TripAdvisor
Playa Cielo comprises four villas, all wonderfully taken care of. The villa we stayed in was well suited for a family of four, with a king-size bed and a sofa with a bed underneath (drawer type), which can easily accommodate two children.
You can enjoy the beachfront chemical-free swimming pool with lounge chairs and hammocks, perfect for watching breathtaking sunsets.
The villas are centrally located near supermarkets and restaurants. Every morning, the staff delivers fresh fruit to your room.
What I like about this hotel
- The beach is 2 minutes out of your front door and beautiful.
- The food at Habaneros is excellent; try the lobster tacos.
- The location is close to many restaurants, and you can walk to a grocery store.
What is it about this hotel that I dislike?
- Because they are a bit bumpy, the roads in Santa Teresa are part of the adventure.
4. Lost Boyz Hostel
- Address: Lost Boyz Santa Teresa, 200m south of the football field, 50m east, Calle Lost Boyz, Provincia de Puntarenas, Santa Teresa, 60111, Costa Rica
- Budget: $60
- Contact: +50626400805
- Rating: 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor
I recommend Lost Boyz as the best beachfront hotel for solo travelers because of the vibrant and welcoming communal areas, perfect for meeting fellow travelers.
The beach is just a 3-minute walk away, and local amenities are nearby. The dusty main road in Santa Teresa conceals Lost Boyz. So this gives you a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the town.
All the open spaces encourage easy interactions, making it an excellent place for a solo traveler to find friends. There’s a sizeable, well-kitted kitchen area with plenty of cubbies and fridge space for guests’ food, where they host several family meals every week.
What I like about this hotel
- It is the perfect hostel for those who want to spend fantastic holidays surfing, doing yoga, chilling, and staying quiet.
- You have a great view of a beautiful, vast garden where Congo monkeys pass in the morning and iguanas and squirrels walk around.
- Affordable
What is it about this hotel that I dislike?
- Not ideal for a family accommodation experience
5. Casa Cecilia Beach Front
- Address: Apdo. 41 Provincia de Puntarenas Cobano, 60111, Costa Rica
- Budget: $150
- Contact: +506 2640-0115
- Rating: 5/5 on TripAdvisor
Casa Cecilia Beach Front sits right by the beautiful Santa Teresa Beach, just 400 meters away.
They offer comfy, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. Some rooms even have lovely sea views.
Guests can enjoy a tasty breakfast every day and relax in the garden, terrace, or shared lounge. The hotel provides free private parking and offers airport transfers.
Plus, you can rent bicycles to explore the area quickly. With a barbecue area and a private beach, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxing vacation by the sea.
What I like about this hotel
- It is a beautiful beachfront location with lounge chairs to relax in.
What is it about this hotel that I dislike?
- None so far.
6. Akwa Resorts Ocean View
- Address: Playa Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa 60111, Costa Rica
- Budget:
- Contact: +506 8986 3331
- Rating: 4/5 on TripAdvisor
Akwa Resorts is a sought-after spot for couples. It is just 300 meters from Santa Teresa Beach. They offer villas, bungalows, and rooms with outdoor pools and stunning Pacific Ocean views.
Bungalows feature one bedroom, a kitchenette, a private pool, and a terrace, while villas include two bedrooms and a convertible living room. Free WiFi and parking are provided. Guests can enjoy activities like surfing, yoga, and golfing nearby.
Staff can arrange excursions to Cabo Natural Reserve. Tambor Airport is 60 km away. It’s a perfect retreat for couples seeking relaxation and adventure by the sea.
What I like about this hotel
- It is also quiet and peaceful compared to the rest of Santa Teresa, which can be pretty hectic at certain times.
- Personalized service.
- Ideal for romantic getaways in Santa Teresa
What is it about this hotel that I dislike?
- It is not ideal for solo travelers.
- Quite pricey
7. Ranchos Itauna
- Address: JRPQ+GF5, Provincia de Puntarenas, Puntarenas, Carmen, 60111, Costa Rica
- Contact: +506 2640 0095
- Rating: 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor
I highly recommend Ranchos Itauna as a budget hotel that still provides excellent access to the beach. Remember that something being affordable doesn’t necessarily have to do with the cost per night. But the value-to-cost ratio.
When you stay at Ranchos Itauna, you get more goodies for less. Nestled between two prime surfing beaches in St. Teresa, surrounded by lush tropical greenery, our hotel boasts the area’s finest natural pool right in front. With four comfortable, clean, and secure rooms, including two with kitchens, we ensure a relaxing stay. I like that they offer exciting excursions, professional surf instruction, and rejuvenating yoga classes.
What I like about this hotel
- A beautiful beachfront property
- Restaurant on site
- Bar on site with good cocktails (but weak!)
- Located between two surf locations (a 5-minute walk to each),
What is it about this hotel that I dislike?
- Be prepared to pay in cash!
- They have two large (but friendly) dogs that bark and wake us up a few times.
- Trash littering the property from Saturday’s party will be left to bake (stink) in the sun until Monday.
8. Banana Beach Hotel
- Address: Banana Beach, 1km north of the crossroads at the entrance of town, Puntarenas Province, Santa Teresa, 60111, Costa Rica
- Budget: From $190
- Contact: +506 2640 0320
- Rating: 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor
At Banana Beach Hotel, there are seven spacious rooms and a charming pool just steps from the ocean.
Each bungalow features air conditioning, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a private bathroom with hot water, a safe, a desk, a closet, an outdoor kitchenette, a fridge, a coffee maker, and a cozy terrace with a hammock.
People talk a lot about the breathtaking sunsets and fantastic surfing at Santa Teresa’s renowned beach break. Due to the hotel’s central location, you have easy access to Santa Teresa’s best restaurants, bars, and supermarkets.
This is why Banana Beach Hotel quickly becomes our most preferred all-round accommodation option, perfect for couples, families, groups, and solo travelers alike.
What I like about this hotel
- Rooms are cleaned daily.
- Decent shower
- Good space
- It was very close to the beach, and as surfers, this was unreal.
What is it about this hotel that I dislike?
- Stray cats engage in nighttime fights.
- You will hear party noise, which didn’t bother us, but many other families or couples
- The restaurant is attached on the expensive side, but I believe this is a separate business from the ‘hotel.’
- The office is only open about 2 hours a day but is very responsive on WhatsApp.
9. Laloon Luxury Suites
- Address: Calles Buenos Aires Puntarenas Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
- Budget: From $1,100
- Contact: +506 8386 4568
- Rating: 5/5 on TripAdvisor
If you have a high budget and want a luxurious stay experience, consider LaloonHotel.
With a central location just minutes from shops and famous beaches, you will enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest with a breathtaking bay view.
The stunning views and immaculate layout exceeded the already impressive pictures on their website. Many visitors speak of the prompt service, heavenly bed, and luxurious linens.
The most exciting part is the safe and stunning retreat, which makes the hotel perfect for solo relaxation or a romantic escape. You won’t be disappointed.
10. Hotel Nantipa
- Address: Unnamed Road, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica.
- Contact: +1 855-626-8472
- Rating: 5/5 on TripAdvisor
It’s hard to rank the best hotels in Santa Teresa without giving Nantipa flowers.
Nantipa is a cozy resort in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, known for its laid-back vibe and stunning natural beauty. It’s close to the beach and offers 19 comfortable bungalows spread across a lush 2.3-hectare property.
The area is famous for its excellent surfing spots, yoga studios, and delicious food. Nantipa’s restaurant, Manzu, serves authentic Costa Rican dishes with a view of the beach and sunset.
Lush forests surround the resort and offer easy access to swimming spots and surf breaks.
It’s pretty expensive, as you can end up paying $408 for two nights, but the price is worth it.
What I like about this hotel
- Visually, the hotel is lovely, and it has great ocean views.
- The hotel is away from the busy Santa Teresa town.
- The rooms are very spacious and clean.
- It has excellent gardens with native plants, as well as a decent pool area.
What is it about this hotel that I dislike?
- The hotel is not usable for anyone who is a senior or has prosthetic hips. The large stone driveway in front of the reception is difficult to walk on.
- This hotel is a bit overpriced, given that it is basically the pool and the restaurant.
- The balcony needs taller chairs so nature can be seen while sitting.
11. Makanas Beach Bungalows
- Address: 200 meters north of Flor Blanca Puntarenas, Costa Rica
- Budget: $152
- Contact: +506 8568 8098
- Rating: 5/5 on TripAdvisor
Makanas Beach Bungalows has four cozy bungalows near the ocean. In your room, you can see monkeys and hear birds.
What I love most about it is that the hotel isn’t in busy downtown Santa Teresa but is still close to its famous beaches.
Choose this option to enjoy surfing, fishing, good food, and beautiful sunsets.
It’s hard to categorize who this hotel will favor because we’ve seen couples, families, and even big groups say that they enjoyed their stay here.
And for the amenities, you’ll be paying around $152 for two nights (starting from there).
So it’s worth the shot.
What I like about this hotel
- A reasonable price is between $30 for a for a hostel and $600-$800 for a hotel.
- There is a short path to the beach, past a few other homes. You can also walk to Rocomar Beach restaurant.
- Numerous nearby beaches offer surfing at all levels.
What is it about this hotel that I dislike?
- No ocean view.
12. Lucero Surf Vacations
- Address: 160, Provincia de Puntarenas, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
- Contact: +506.8427.6587
- Rating: 5/5 on TripAdvisor
At LUCERO SURF RETREATS, guests enjoy all-inclusive packages for surfing and surfing combined with yoga.
The hotel location at Lucero is just a short 10-minute walk from the beach, making it convenient for you to enjoy the waves.
I was pleased to see that they offer a variety of surfboards for you to choose from, with surf instruction ranging from okay to excellent.
As an intermediate surfer who hadn’t surfed in years, you might have had a different experience.
13. Fenix Hotel, On the Beach
- Address: Via Ulisse Loc. Conca Verde, 07028, Santa Teresa Gallura, Sardinia, Italy
- Budget:
- Contact:
- Rating: 4/5 on TripAdvisor
If you need a hotel directly on the beach, you can count on the Fenix Hotel. It still even has a pool outside and a piece of beach.
Wi-Fi and parking are free. Rooms have showers, and you get complimentary toiletries. You can see the pool and ocean from your room. Each room has a patio, a place to sit, and a kitchen with an oven and fridge.
There’s a store close by, and locals bring fresh pastries and fish for you to cook.
What I like about this hotel
- Stunning location with a beautiful ocean view
- Lovely grounds, with loungers and hammocks on the lawn and amongst the trees.
- Directly on the beach
- Beach bar/restaurant for snacks and lunch, with tables on the beach or among the trees
- Reasonably priced and delicious food and drinks
- Quiet (no music around the pool), an excellent place to relax.
- The dinner menu changes daily.
What is it about this hotel that I dislike?
- Aside from a beach restaurant (Container Gourmet) next to the hotel, other restaurants are about a 20-minute drive away.
14. Manala Hotel
- Address: 800 metros north of the Cancha de Fútbol de Santa Teresa
- Budget: starts at $180 per night.
- Contact: 506 2640 1132
- Rating: 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor
Manala Hotel is a cozy place that is popular with couples. Found 100 meters from Santa Teresa Beach.
It has lovely gardens and an outdoor pool. Each fancy room is air-conditioned and has a TV, a sitting area, and a mini-fridge.
Also, there’s a private bathroom with a hairdryer and shower. Guests can relax in the hammocks in the gardens or visit Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve nearby, which is about a 20-minute drive away.
Carrillo Airport is 88 km from Manala Hotel.
What I like about this hotel
- Beautiful, quiet grounds.
- Spacious rooms with a fridge and a market are within walking distance.
- It is a beautiful pool that is always empty.
- Across the street from the most lovely beach in Costa Rica,.
- Free Breakfast.
- The most wildlife we saw anywhere was on the grounds, including many monkeys per day.
What is it about this hotel that I dislike?
- Breakfast never changes, and it can get really boring day after day.
15. Otro Lado Lodge and Restaurant
- Address: 300 meters north of the soccer field in Puntarenas, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
- Budget: $131 on average per night.
- Contact: +506 2640 1941
- Rating: 5/5 on TripAdvisor
Otro Lado Lodge has four separate houses, each with two floors and room for four people. The lodge has a peaceful garden with a nice pool. The restaurant is open and has satellite TV and internet.
It’s a peaceful spot in bustling Santa Teresa. The staff is friendly, the gardens are lush, and everything is well-maintained. Breakfast is included and delicious.
The beach is just a short walk away, and there are lots of restaurants and shops nearby.
They even do laundry for $10 per load, which is a good deal. They even give you beach towels. The price is fantastic compared to other places with similar quality.
16. Mariposa Vacation Homes
- Address: JRWH+H24, 160, Puntarenas Province, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
- Contact: (203) 550-1666
- Rating: 5/5 on TripAdvisor
Mariposa Private Beach provides clean, comfortable houses for a great vacation with family and friends. There are three homes right on the beach.
I only got to stay at Casa Ying Yang, one of the homes. It has stunning ocean views, and Martha and her team were fantastic.
They made sure we were comfortable, helped us book activities, and were available for any questions. There are even security guards to make you feel safe. However, be prepared to spend a significant amount on the packages as they vary.
17. Hotel Tropico Latino
- Address: JRJV+H93, Frente super fresco Santa Teresa de Cobano, Provincia de Puntarenas, 60111, Costa Rica
- Budget: From $161 per night
- Contact:
- Rating: 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor
Tropico Latino is a small hotel by the beach in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.
The hotel has bungalows and rooms surrounded by gardens and trees. You can see animals like monkeys and birds in your room.
They have excellent amenities like internet, air conditioning, and a minibar. You can also book a unique suite with a private pool. The hotel has a spa and yoga classes using natural products like fruit and herbs.
What I like about this hotel
- The size of the rooms is perfect for a small family (2-bed villa).
- Beach access is closed.
- The restaurant is excellent; it was unreal, and the chicken salad sandwich was to die for!
- Grounds are gorgeous, lush, and jungle-llike
- Monkeys, iguanas, wild horses on the beach, and the friendliest stray dogs!
- The villa is secluded and quiet.
What is it about this hotel that I dislike?
- Cash only for the hotel portion; you can use a credit card for the spa and restaurant.
18. Somos
- Address: LOTE, 25 MAL SUR FRENTE A LORA AMARILLA, Provincia de Puntarenas, 60101, Costa Rica
- Budget: From $219 per night
- Contact:
- Rating: 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor
Somos is close to La Lora, one of Costa Rica’s best surf spots. You can walk there for excellent waves, but watch out for rocks. Nearby, there are incredible places like Ani’s for wraps and bowls, El Patio for breakfast, and Super Hacienda for organic groceries. Check out Eat Street for tasty treats like curry noodles and carrot cake.
19. Hotel Nautilus Santa Teresa/Mal Pais
- Address: 100 meters east of Selena Hostel Puntarenas Santa Teresa de, Costa Rica
- Budget: $170 per night
- Contact: +506 8954 0491
- Rating: 5/5 on TripAdvisor
There’s nothing special about the Nautilus Hotel. It’s like every other regular one, with a moderate price and a fair share of good and bad reviews.
However, what makes it stand out as a beachfront hotel in Santa Teresa is the access to amenities and activities like ATV rides and surf lessons.
Yoga classes on the rooftop are magical, with ocean breezes and nature sounds.
The onsite restaurant, Olam, serves delicious vegan and vegetarian meals and smoothies until 3 p.m..
The villas are spacious and clean, with an excellent deck for massages.
What I like about this hotel
- More reviews about seamless check-ins
- a roomy villa with everything you need.
- Ambiance
- Proximity to town and the beach.
- Close to El Facon and Nami restaurants
What is it about this hotel that I dislike?
- The pool is pretty small.
- It can get noisy at certain times.
20. Peace Loft Santa Teresa
- Address: Peace Lofts Santa Teresa, 1km north of the Cruzes Puntarenas, 60111, Costa Rica
- Budget: starts at $111 per night.
- Contact: +506 2100 4316
- Rating: 5/5 on TripAdvisor
Peace Loft Santa Teresa is a spacious apartment with two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a terrace, and a pool, all fenced in for privacy.
It’s conveniently located near shops, restaurants, and the beach.
You can choose this hotel if you feel like you need to stay in central Santa Teresa.
Amenities here include air conditioning, hot water, WiFi, and daily maid service. The apartment sleeps up to five people with a sofa bed.
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That brings us to the end of this extensive guide to the best beachfront hotels near Santa Teresa.
It would help to look at the social media pages of these hotels and review rating platforms like Bookings.com and TripAdvisor to know what others are saying about these hotels.
But based on our research and experience in lodging at a few of these hotels, I can guarantee that you’ll have a satisfactory beachfront accommodation experience at any of the recommended hotels in the above article.
I hope you find it helpful. Let me know your favorites in the comment section below.