Costa Rica’s Santa Teresa Beach offers a combination of many lifestyles. Here are the best hotels in Santa Teresa to discover them, ranked from the most luxurious to the most economical!
Santa Teresa Beach was part of our Costa Rica 10-day itinerary and we can’t recommend it enough. It offers both a surf and indie vibe, as well as a host of high-end luxury experiences in a heavenly beachfront setting.
Since accommodations play an important role in whether you like a place or not, we only chose hotels in Santa Teresa that will make your trip ten times better. Let’s jump into it, shall we?
💲💲💲 Luxury Hotels in Santa Teresa Costa Rica
There are a few places like Costa Rica in the world, but only a few that can compare to the laid-back atmosphere of Santa Teresa. To help you live this experience as if you were royalty, we’ve selected a handful of luxury hotels in Santa Teresa whose reputation is second to none.
Best treehouse hotels in Santa Teresa
One thing is for sure, visitors have to stay in a treehouse hotel in Costa Rica at least once during their trip. Costa Rica is home to 6% of the world’s biodiversity, with its endless rainforests and incredible marine reefs.
Staying in a treehouse in Santa Teresa is one of the best ways to understand how important nature is to this country and its people. Here are the best options you can find in town.
Little Escape lives up to its name. Each guest has its own private treehouse, equipped with modern facilities. The jacuzzi and outdoor pool are also great advantages! Note you have to stay at least 3 nights to make a reservation.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 9,6/10 based on these reviews
Only 200 meters from the beach, Hotel Somos is a perfect blend of nature and modernity. It blends wood and concrete to create a super-warm environment, with huge windows overlooking the surrounding nature. The onsite restaurant and pool adds to the charm.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,1/10 based on these reviews
The Canaima Chill House is simply stunning. It’s an eco-friendly hotel with spacious rooms in a very natural setting, an open-air bath and an incredible swimming pool.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,4/10 based on these reviews
Cabinas Playa Surf Hostel is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach, supermarkets and restaurants, while still feeling surrounded by nature. The wooden buildings, swimming pool and communal areas are beautiful!
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8/10 based on these reviews
Best boutique hotels in Santa Teresa
If you’re anything like us, you may be wondering what exactly a boutique hotel is. Generally speaking, it’s a small hotel with few rooms, offering personalised services to its guests and respecting the local culture.
Costa Rica has a lot of boutique hotels! Here are the best ones of Santa Teresa.
The strong points of Ventura Santa Teresa are its location and its design, both inside and out. The open terrace surrounded by vegetation overlooks the pool, and the rooms are spacious.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 9,2/10 based on these reviews
The Nala Luxury Living is a small, charming hotel offering comfortable, well-equipped rooms for groups or families, with a modern decor combining wood, marble and industrial materials. The swimming pool is beautiful!
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 9,3/10 based on these reviews
Secluded in tropical gardens, while being only 100 meters from the beach, the Manala Hotel offer spacious rooms and bungalows. The outdoor pool is stunning as well!
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,6/10 based on these reviews
Private houses in Santa Teresa
When looking for the best hotels in Santa Teresa Costa Rica, private houses are the key! You can get such incredible value for not that expensive when you rent a house with many people, friends or family.
Here are the top villas in Santa Teresa.
Renting the Laurel Jungle & Ocean means having a private home with ocean and jungle views, with large spacious rooms and perfectly equipped just for you! The hosts are very attentive to your needs and there are even yoga classes on site.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 9,9/10 based on these reviews
With direct access to Santa Teresa beach, Beach Villa S can be rented for 2 to 7 people. It is fully equipped with a kitchen, living room, bedrooms, balcony and garden with swimming pool! Restaurants and supermarkets are also just a few minutes’ walk away.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,8/10 based on these reviews
Located between the beaches of Carmen and Santa Teresa, Munay House is a sublime house with exceptional features worthy of a great interior designer. The grey concrete walls are in perfect harmony with the designer wooden furniture. The pool surrounded by greenery is idyllic.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 10/10 based on these reviews
💲💲 Best Mid-Range Hotels in Santa Teresa Costa Rica
There are a bunch of hotels in Santa Teresa Costa Rica that could be considered upscale accommodations, yet are financially accessible. These hotels are perfect for families or people who simply want a quiet stay away from the party crowd, without breaking the bank.
Best family hotels in Santa Teresa
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most family-friendly destinations. Its biodiversity is impressive to observe for adults and children alike. There is access to two oceans – yes, you can go scuba diving in Costa Rica – and an infinite number of fun activities with all kinds of thrills.
That’s why there are so many family-friendly hotels in the country! We have selected these three hotels on the basis of their location and facilities, to help make this family trip a success.
Zeneidas Surf Garden, right by the ocean, offers one of the best value for money deals for a family! The communal areas are impeccable and there are all types of shared and private rooms and houses. It is one of the best places to stay in Santa Teresa for yoga and surf classes.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,3/10 based on these reviews
We understand why the reviews of Point Break Santa Teresa are so good: it’s a very peaceful place, within walking distance of the beach, restaurants and bars. The staff is so helpful and the family rooms are a blend of treehouse spirit and modern decor.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,5/10 based on these reviews
The Santa Teresa by the Beach hotel was completely renovated in 2023, and it shows. It’s one of the most well thought places to stay in Santa Teresa for families. It is a modern, eco-friendly hotel located just 50 meters from Playa Carmen. It offers an inclusive breakfast, 24-hour reception, swimming pool and on-site spa!
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 9/10 based on these reviews
Best places to stay in Santa Teresa Costa Rica, without breaking the bank
Looking for cheap luxury? Well, we got you covered. Luckily for us all, Costa Rica does have amazing hotels that you can access for an acceptable amount of money.
Here’s the jewel in the crown of Santa Teresa accommodation.
The sea and vegetation views from the terrace of the Santa Teresa Surf Vista Villas would be enough to convince anyone. But on top of that, the establishment offers very pretty rooms, with the same view, and a swimming pool to refresh all year round!
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,8/10 based on these reviews
Speaking of views, the Vista Naranja Ocean View House does not fall short of the mark: its ocean-view terrace and infinity pool are sumptuous. All rooms have private bathrooms and sitting areas. The hotel offers yoga classes!
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 9,3/10 based on these reviews
Surf Paradise is a superb hotel hidden amongst the palm trees. They’ve managed to build colourful tree houses that blend seamlessly into the natural environment. Surfing is just a two-minute walk away!
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 9,2/10 based on these reviews
💲 Best Affordable Hotels in Santa Teresa Costa Rica
Santa Teresa attracts many backpackers because of its laid-back atmosphere and opportunities for surfing and yoga. If you’re one of them, you know we love a good clean hostel that costs just a few dollars a night.
Many inexpensive accommodations have sprung up to cater to this new tourist population. When looking for cheap hotels in Santa Teresa, the first thing that comes to mind (and in the Booking search results) are hostels.
Here are the best hostels in Santa Teresa.
There are many Selina hostels in Costa Rica, and one of them happens to be one in Santa Teresa. Basically, they offer beds in dorms and private rooms, with a swimming pool and a bunch of fun, free activities to meet other travelers or explore the surroundings.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 7,7/10 based on these reviews
El Gato Rojas Surf Hostel is a comfortable and friendly hostel, 1 minute’s walk from Playa Carmen. It offers beds in dormitories, tent areas and private rooms. The communal areas are well-managed and animated.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8/10 based on these reviews
ICO Living Hostel is a modern hostel with a minimalist and modern design, with a staff attentive to detail, ready to go out of their way to help you make the most of your trip.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 9,1/10 based on these reviews
Best hotels in Santa Teresa: Frequently Asked Questions
Where to stay in Santa Teresa Costa Rica?
Santa Teresa is a small town with just one main road running alongside the ocean. By staying close to this main road, which runs parallel to Playa Santa Teresa or Playa Carmen, you’ll have easy access to the beach, restaurants, bars and supermarkets.
How much does a night in Santa Teresa cost?
It depends on the season and type of accommodation. While a bed in a dorm can be as cheap as $25 USD a night, a hotel room in a boutique hotel can cost a few hundreds dollars a night.
How many days do you need in Santa Teresa?
You will need as many days as you want to chill, surf and enjoy the slow travel life! Basically, count one day to visit the Montezuma waterfalls, and then as many days as you wish to go to the beach, surf and do yoga.
TOP TIP: if you are into waterfalls, do not miss the jewel of the country, the Rio Celeste Waterfall. 💦
Is Santa Teresa or Tamarindo better?
That is one of the most asked questions of backpackers on the road. For me, Santa Teresa wins out. Its laid-back atmosphere offers a slower pace, perfect for those looking to relax and unwind. The beaches are pristine, the surf spots are less crowded and the town emphasises yoga and wellness.
On the other hand, Tamarindo is more vibrant, with a lively party scene that attracts those looking for more action and nightlife. If tranquility and relaxation are your priorities, Santa Teresa is undoubtedly the best choice.
Final thoughts on the hotels in Santa Teresa Costa Rica 🌴
From high-end treehouses for families, friends or couples to budget hostels for backpackers and solo travelers, or the other way around, Santa Teresa attracts all kinds of travelers! That creates such a special, lovely laid-back vibe.
However, we can recommend visiting other places in Costa Rica than only Santa Teresa, to understand the true “Pura Vida” spirit of the country. You can’t leave without bathing in the incredible hot springs of Costa Rica, or exploring its ancient ruins.
Since Costa Rica isn’t the easiest country for transportation – yes, it has to have one downside – we listed the best ways to go between the main towns:
San Jose to Monteverde
La Fortuna to Monteverde
