Where To Stay In Jaco (Honest Review Of The Best Hotels)

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There are many hotel choices in Jaco, ranging from cheap hostels to fancy suites. The Best Western Jaco Beach is a top choice for an all-inclusive option. Hotel Beachfront Vista Hermosa is the best beachfront hotel in Jaco, and Los Suenos Resort is an excellent one for couples. 

The first thing I learned during my first stay at Jaco was that Jaco Beach, Playa Herradura, and Playa Hermosa are areas that have beautiful beaches, bars, restaurants, and lots of outdoor activities.

Therefore, the best hotels are in those areas. But taste in accommodation varies. Are you a family, couple, solo traveler, or on a tight budget? How do you know the right hotel to check in at?

Having stayed at over a dozen hotels in Jaco, I have written this extensive guide to show you some of the best hotels in Jaco. 

You’ll learn about the budget for staying in these places, the quality of services you can expect, and other relevant information for a fantastic stay in this Costa Rican city. 

Key Takeaways

  • If you’re traveling with a family of four or more, the Apartotel Girasol Hotel in Jaco is the most affordable and quality option.
  • If you’re on a tight budget, Villas Majolana is an excellent choice. It offers impressive accommodation value at lower costs. 

Best Hotels to Stay in Jaco: Compared 

In case you’re in a hurry and need to make a quick decision, here is a table comparing our top recommended hotels to stay in Jaco, the different reasons why we rate them this high, and the base budget to stay there per night:

Verdict Best Hotels to Stay in Jaco Location Budget 
Where are the all-inclusive hotels in Jaco? Best Western Jaco Beach Pastor Diaz Ave., Puntarenas Province, Jaco $235
Best for families Apartotel Girasol  J95F+VP8, Puntarenas Province, Jaco, Costa Rica $100
Best for Beachfront Hotels Hotel Beachfront Vista Hermosa Playa Hermosa is located 300 meters south of the football plaza on the main road in Garabito, Puntarenas. $138
The Best 5-Star Luxury Hotels in Jaco Casa La Cima  Valle Perdido House #25, 61101 Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica $254
Best in affordability  Villas Majolana Playa Agujas, 500 M norte del restaurante Agujas, Herradura, Garabito Municipality, Costa Rica $90
Best hotels for couples Los Suenos Resort  800 meters west of Herradura Entrance, Herradura, Garabito Municipality, 028-4023, Costa Rica $269
Best for solo travelers and backpackers  Room2Board Hostel 10m south of Bahia Azul on the beach, Puntarenas Province, Jaco $85

 

Note:

  • Hotels are ranked in no particular order.
  • Budgets are at the time of writing and per night.

Read on to learn more about these hotels and what you can expect when you lodge at any of them.

1. Best Western Jaco Beach

  • Budget: $235

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive hotel to stay at in Jaco, look no further than the Best Western Jaco Beach. 

This resort is like a non-stop party place, with lots of entertainment, food, drinks, and loud music all day. It’s perfect if you want to have fun and party. 

But if you’re looking for a family-friendly place, you should check somewhere else. The pools are good but they are always packed and noisy because of the constant music. 

The beach nearby is nice and safe, with security around. There’s plenty of food and drinks available, but again, the music never stops at the bars. 

If you’re traveling alone or with friends and like the party environment, this is a place you should consider.

What I like about this place 

  • It’s all-inclusive (drinks and meals). 
  • Walking distance from shops and restaurants is okay, and a taxi is only about $2 to go to places nearby.
  • Not overcrowded

What is it about this place that I dislike?

  • This isn’t a great place for families who want their kids to sleep well on vacation. 
  • No microwave or refrigerator (drinks come from the bar or meals).

Check availability on Bookings.com and Trip.com.

2. Apartotel Girasol 

  • Budget: starts at $100 
  • Instagram page
  • Rating: 4/5 on TripAdvisor

Located just 90 meters from Jaco Beach, Apartotel Girasol offers comfortable accommodation in Jacó. The best part about this place is the outdoor pool and garden, with security available all day. This beachfront property provides free WiFi and private parking.

The location is fantastic, with a well-kept garden leading directly to the beach. It’s only a two-minute walk to the main street, where you’ll find restaurants, bars, and shops.

Each room has large folding doors or windows that open onto a private patio. The patio has two chairs and a small table, surrounded by beautiful plants for privacy. 

The unit itself is clean and cozy, and the kitchen is well-equipped for meal preparation, making it ideal for families.

What I like about this place 

  • An affordable option for families 
  • Close proximity to the beach
  • Amazing swimming pool 
  • Well-kept lounge chairs in the yard facing the beach.
  • There is a little library in the reception area.

What is it about this place that I dislike?

  • A retro look may not appeal to some families.

Check availability on Bookings.com and Trip.com.

3. Hotel Beachfront Vista Hermosa

  • Budget: $138

Situated on Jacó’s Vista Hermosa Beach, Hotel Vista Hermosa boasts an outdoor pool, restaurant, and surfing lessons, making it an ideal beachfront hotel choice in Jaco.

If you’re a surfing enthusiast, you can enjoy lessons and practice on the nearby beach. Hiking, horseback riding, and beach strolls are other leisure options at this hotel.

Despite its simple rooms, it stands out for its proximity to the beach. Each room includes a TV, air conditioning, microwave, refrigerator, and dining table. Private bathrooms feature showers. 

The hotel offers a garden, barbecue, terrace, and water sports facilities. Free parking is available. 

What I like about this place 

  • There is a lovely pool overlooking the beach.
  • Restaurants and bars are all within walking distance.
  • The best spot for a beachfront hotel in Jaco

What is it about this place that I dislike?

  • None so far.

Check availability on Bookings.com and Trip.com.

4. Casa La Cima 

  • Budget: $254
  • Contact: 

If you’re looking for the best 5-star hotel in Jaco, Casa La Cima is worth a visit. 

It’s a cozy three-bedroom, three-bathroom vacation home in the Valle Perdido neighborhood, ideal for a family of four. 

What we love most about this place is the spacious living room, which is perfect for movie nights, and the fully equipped kitchen. 

But what people talk most about is the stunning views of Playa Hermosa’s pristine mountains from the bedrooms.

Located just 5 miles from downtown Jaco, it provides a peaceful retreat yet remains conveniently close to town. 

Just make sure you rent a car or pay for a driver. Otherwise, you will be at the mercy of Uber drivers, who will literally cancel your ride when they see the address.

What I like about this place 

  • Amazing view 
  • Really stunning environment 
  • Opportunity to see a lot of wildlife every day!
  • Super spacious 

What is it about this place that I dislike?

  • It is pretty pricey for a budget-conscious family.

Check availability on Bookings.com and Trip.com.

5. Villas Majolana

  • Budget: $90

This budget-friendly accommodation in Jaco has well-equipped units with private bathrooms and a shared outdoor pool. 

I recommend it because it’s a peaceful spot where you can listen to the ocean, watch birds, and relax by the pool. 

The bungalows are cozy, with amenities like a fridge and coffee maker. 

Nearby, there are shops, a restaurant or bar, and beautiful beaches to explore.

Located near Playa Herradura, it’s an excellent choice for families on a budget, with easy access to local amenities and attractions. 

If you don’t want to spend much but still want to truly unwind and experience the Pura Vida lifestyle, come to Villa Majolana. 

What I like about this place 

  • Nice and cute little bungalows
  • Calm and relaxed neighborhood
  • Close to the beach, Agujlas. 
  • Parkspace is right beside the bungalow inside the gated place.

What is it about this place that I dislike?

  • Not for families who want high-quality accommodation options and are willing to splurge.

Check availability on Bookings.com.

6. Los Suenos Resort 

  • Budget: $269

The Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is a luxurious place to stay in Jaco, Costa Rica. 

The ground floor has spacious rooms, making it easy to access the pool and beach. Finding shade may be crowded, but it’s manageable. The pool bar offers good service, but the drinks and food are expensive. 

The nearby beach is lovely and uncrowded. The resort has decent conference facilities and beautiful outdoor dining areas. Breakfast is excellent but pricey. 

While there are good restaurants nearby, they can be expensive.

What I like about this place 

  • The longest and loveliest pool I have seen
  • A beautiful beach with amazing sunsets
  • Many activities are included for free in the hotel rate.
  • In proximity to a few other restaurants and to the marina
  • While not a “historical” hotel, they tried to recreate the feel of a hacienda, giving it a lot of character.
  • Rooms are modern and comfortable.

What is it about this place that I dislike?

  • Expensive.
  • You are a bit isolated as you are within the Los Suenos resort.
  • It is challenging to have real visibility into what activities exist. They are not written down on the website or on any piece of paper. You have to talk to the activity desk directly.

Check availability on Bookings.com and Trip.com.

7. Room2Board Hostel

  • Budget: $85

Room2Board is a new hostel and surf school in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica. Designed to be eco-friendly, Room2Board provides adventure travelers, surfers, and backpackers with a clean, safe, and affordable place to stay.

I’ve been going to Costa Rica for years, and this hostel is one of the best I’ve found.

The pool has a slide and is a lot of fun. It’s only 10 seconds from the beach, perfect for surfing all day! 

They have a variety of rooms to fit any budget. It’s like a hotel with a youthful vibe. And don’t forget the rooftop, perfect for chilling and watching the sunset! 

What I like about this place 

  • The rooms, common areas, pool, and bar are clean and amazing.
  • The location is right on the beach! 
  • It is an affordable place to stay for solo travelers and backpackers.

What is it about this place that I dislike?

  • If you want your room to be cleaned every day, you need to inform the reception (for $80/night thereabout).

Check availability on Bookings.com and Trip.com.

How to Choose the Best Area to Stay in Jaco 

In Jaco, there are four main areas to stay: North Jaco and South Jaco are lively with lots of bars and restaurants, great for surfing; Playa Hermosa is quieter with solid waves, suitable for expert surfers; and Playa Herradura is even more peaceful, ideal for families, with gentle waves and fewer amenities. 

I came up with this chart guide to help you decide the best area to stay in the city: 

Things to Do While in Jaco 

The most popular thing to do in Jaco is surf, especially for beginners. But the fun doesn’t end there. While you’re lodged at a nice hotel in Jaco, you can consider visiting bars like PuddleFish Brewery, eating at the Jerah Thai Restaurant, or even hiking in the Miro Mountains. 

Here are my top recommendations on activities to do while you’re at Jaco: 

My favorite of all is the sunset cocktail enjoyed at the Villa Caletas Hotel, plus the beautiful views from the “theater.” 

Wrapping Up

While there are many hotels in the bustling Jaco area, ranging from cheap hostels to pricey suites, some tourists I’ve met one-on-one tell me they prefer staying just outside Jaco for a quieter and less crowded experience.

Whatever your preferences are, this guide should help you find the perfect hotel in Jaco to make your stay more enjoyable.

Have you visited any of these areas in the past? I’d appreciate your contribution in the comment section. 

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About 

Born in California, Michelle traveled extensively through the USA and Europe before moving to South Florida during the pandemic. Her career in Marketing has taken her all across the world. Her favorite country is France but she'll never turn down a beach vacation!

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