Costa Rica attracts many tourists because the natural beauty and exotic locales are hard to find elsewhere. It is a small country, but there is no shortage of great places to stay when it comes to great hotels.
If you are looking for the perfect vacation rental in Costa Rica, you have probably considered using Airbnb, but these days it’s not so easy to find a good one. Since the start of the pandemic, companies in Costa Rica – along with those around the world – have gone remote, allowing their employees to work from anywhere. That has led to a deficit in beach rentals in Costa Rica, as workers have fled the city for the peaceful surroundings of the jungles and beaches.
So if you’re going on vacation to Costa Rica, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.
Difference Between Hotels and Airbnb in Costa Rica
When deciding between booking a hotel and booking an Airbnb in Costa Rica, there are many factors to consider. Naturally, travelers tend to think about the attraction of hotel accommodation, such as the beachfront villas and bungalows of Alma Del Pacific Hotel, as well as the convenience for travelers who do not want to worry about transportation or getting lost.
Likewise, there are those who want to take advantage of hotel amenities like free wifi and a fully-stocked kitchen.
While AirBnBs do allow guests to immerse themselves in the local culture by staying with a local or in a regular house or condo in the area, they rarely offer the conveniences of hotel amenities.
Many travelers find them unsuitable. For example, if you need a lot of space or have mobility issues, you might struggle with Airbnbs because they tend to be smaller than hotels and aren’t always fitted to accommodate those in need.
Some locations can also have unreliable wifi or unfriendly hosts. Additionally, while some people may view Airbnb vacation rentals as an affordable alternative to hotels, others may see them as an equal, if not a more expensive option that doesn’t offer certain benefits like free wifi or daily housekeeping.
When deciding between a hotel and an Airbnb in Costa Rica, consider the following factors:
Costa Rica Hotel Amenities Can’t be Beat
Costa Rica is a popular vacation destination, which is reflected in the quality of accommodation you can expect to find in this beautiful country. No matter where you stay, you’re sure to find a hotel with more amenities than you could imagine. For example, if you are looking for a place with a fully-equipped spa center to refresh your body and mind, you can enjoy these services from hotels such as Hotel Arenal Kioro, Hotel Tango Mar, and Hotel Capitan Suizo. In addition, the spa-like resorts offer guests an experience that includes all-inclusive meals, wellness and beauty treatments, yoga classes, and more.
Recreational activities and classes are other amenities that a hotel can provide that an Airbnb cannot. For example, The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel has a surf school and club with the only Surfing Association-certified instructors in the area. They also provide surfboards, wetsuits, and other equipment for their guests.
Costa Rica Hotels are Great for Groups Too
If you’re looking for a bit of luxury, the Zephyr Palace, from the Hotel Villa Caletas, is ideal for large families and groups in Costa Rica. The hotel provides guests with various amenities, including reserving the whole hotel for your exclusive use. It is a 5-star resort that offers guests a chef, who can prepare meals special to your tastes and preferences, and who can also cater weddings or other important events for up to 100 guests, and an all-inclusive plan that includes not just meals and drinks, but also all activities at the resort and transportation between it and Liberia International Airport.
Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is another option for larger groups, as it is possible to book the entire lodge and is an excellent location for an eco-retreat. The lodge offers 16 guest rooms housed in individual casitas built by local craftsmen and is fully screened for maximum comfort and to allow for the full enjoyment of the surrounding rainforest and sea breezes. The unique location of Playa Nicuesa allows visitors to experience various activities. Visitors can explore the rainforest on hiking trails, swim in freshwater pools and clear rivers, or relax on white-sand beaches lined with palm trees.
You Always Know What You’re Getting With a Small Distinctive Hotel in Costa Rica
Booking an Airbnb in Costa Rica may be more complicated than you might expect. The uncomfortable thing about booking an Airbnb is never knowing what kind of accommodations you’ll get until you walk through the door. While some hosts provide detailed descriptions and photos so that you know exactly what you’re paying for, others quietly leave out important details like the type or number of beds or how much space is available until you arrive. Also, some hosts fail to update their listings when something changes.
Because hotels are more regulated, they must provide exact specifications for their services.
Hotel Belmar, for example, describes its Peninsula room as having two queen beds, a terrace, and a hammock. Meanwhile, the Peninsula superior rooms feature king-sized beds, balconies, views of the Nicoya Peninsula, and an open bathroom concept.
The main lodge at Hotel Belmar is home to a fine dining restaurant, bar and lounge, coffee shop, gift shop, library, spa and wellness center, conference facilities, and meeting rooms. So, upon arriving at the hotel, you can expect the accommodations to be exactly what you booked.
Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica are Always a Great Option
Costa Rica hotels offer amenities and social areas that Airbnb vacation rentals often can’t provide. As a result, you don’t have to worry about coordinating with other guests or making sure you have access to all of the services you need, such as having access to the best French restaurant in the county like Hotel Grano de Oro Restaurante at Hotel Grano de Oro.
If you’re ready to book a great hotel in Costa Rica, get in touch today. We can help you plan your perfect Costa Rica vacation.
