Best Hotels in Nosara Costa Rica: Where to Stay in Nosara Beach

Looking for the best hotels in Nosara Costa Rica? This detailed guide on Nosara hotels and where to stay in Nosara will help make your decision an easy one. 

Nosara, Costa Rica, with its boujee yet bohemian way of life, offers friendly surf conditions for beginners and intermediates, an expansive beach for walking and a small but great selection of restaurants and cafes. Where Nosara shines the most though, is its collection of stylish, down-to-earth hotels. Nosara hotel options are great for families, couples and solo travellers alike.

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There’s no doubt, that the price point of Nosara Costa Rica hotels rings in a bit higher than your average Central American beach community, but you will also find a couple of economical Nosara hotels in the outlying areas of Playa Garza and Nosara Town for any backpackers wanting to make the trip.

Or simply book a stay at the famous Nosara hostel, Selina – one of my top recommendations for younger travellers or digital nomads in need of a solid internet and social connection. 

This complete hotels Nosara Costa Rica guide details the best hotels in Nosara Costa Rica, from the effortlessly cool Nomadic Nosara hotel, the unique Nosara Satori Bubbles, the light, bright and artsy Yaxa Nosara, and the funky ocean view Nosara Beach Hotel, I’ll cover it all. 

Plus, I’ll give you information on what to expect from each hotel, and who it’s best for. And, of course, I’ll provide a breakdown of the best areas to stay in Nosara to make the most of your holiday.

Check out my Perfect 10 Days in Costa Rica Itinerary

Nosara Hotels Quick Guide

In a hurry? Here are my top recommendations for the best hotels in Nosara based on your group type or priority.

About Nosara Costa Rica

NOTE | Firstly, it’s important to note that the village of Nosara (located within a 15-minute drive inland) and the Nosara coastline community are two different things. Both are located in the district of Nosara. I will be speaking about the popular Nosara coastline community in this Nosara hotel guide.

Nosara Location

The Nosara coastline community is located along the shores of the Pacific Ocean in the Guanacaste Province on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. in the 1970s, an American surfer discovered the impeccable and friendly surfing conditions along the main beach of Playa Guiones. 

Nosara History

Since converted from mass clear-cut cattle pastures, Nosara now enjoys acres of protected rainforest, thanks to the ‘American Project’, a responsible development consisting of nearly 3,000 acres. From here, as more adventurous Americans moved to Nosara, simple infrastructure like a dirt access road was installed (it’s still dirt!).

Nosara Today

Today, you will find a pleasant little community of boutique hotels, sustainably-minded restaurants and basic amenities nestled amongst the rainforest a short walk from the beach. Tourists come for the fun surf and the peace and quiet you won’t necessarily find in neighbouring Santa Teresa or Tamarindo. 

Given this, it’s more common to find boujee families, older digital nomad couples and surfers in Nosara instead of partying backpackers. And, yes, you will still find that most roads in Nosara are either of a gravel or dirt nature, with a few potholes to make it interesting.

About Hotels in Nosara

Resorts in Nosara Costa Rica aren’t really a thing. There are no large all-inclusive type establishments here and finding a property right on the beach is almost impossible. Costa Rica does a really great job, in general, of preserving its coastline rainforest, so any Nosara hotel you book will involve at least a short stroll to the water’s edge. 

Instead, expect smaller boutique offerings with quality finishes and amenities tucked amongst the trees with the sound of tropical birds as your morning alarm. Since the Nosara coastline community is somewhat undeveloped (rapidly growing though!), the hotels in Nosara have more land to offer outdoor spaces, pools and parking without sacrificing the atmosphere. 

Of course, there are a few options when it comes to Nosara Costa Rica hostels, too. There’s something for everyone.

From my time spent in Nosara, I can recommend it as a great place to book longer stays. A week spent amongst the rainforest, and frolicking in the water sounds like the perfect amount of time and the bare minimum I would suggest. Plus, Nosara, with its dirt access road is a bit tougher to get to than neighbouring Tamarindo, so make it worth your while.

Best Hotels in Nosara Map

Here’s an idea of where all of the best Nosara Costa Rica hotels are located. Click on the Nosara map below to explore more on Google Maps.

Where to Stay in Nosara Costa Rica

The Nosara coastline community is privileged with four Nosara beaches: the main expansive Playa Guiones in the centre, with Playa Pelada and Nosara Beach (not the main beach!) to the north and Playa Garza to the south. 

In this Nosara hotel guide, I will talk about five areas to stay in Nosara. 

Since Playa Guiones runs a 7km stretch, I’ll split it into North Playa Guiones and South Playa Guiones divided by Calle Los Palmos. These two areas house the majority of Nosara hotel Costa Rica options. 

I’ll also briefly touch on the outlying areas of Playa Pelada (an up-and-coming spot), Playa Garza and the inland Nosara village.

Visiting Santa Teresa, too? Here are the best hotels in Santa Teresa

North Playa Guiones (Centre)

It’s important to note that Costa Rica, in general, does a great job of maintaining the natural rainforest along its beaches. So with that in mind, you won’t find much in terms of ocean views (with the odd exception in Playa Pelada), but you will find serene green spaces a short walk from the sands of Guiones Beach. 

Yes, North Playa Guiones Nosara can be considered the town centre of the beachfront community. It’s here you will find the majority of shops, restaurants and amenities.

Although all of Nosara’s amenities can be found here within walking distance, keep in mind that things are still relatively spread apart. Conveniently, North Playa Guiones services this area well by tuk-tuk. You can find them sitting by Go Juice, or across the street from Organico Grocer.

What’s also great about North Playa Guiones Costa Rica is that it still maintains a quiet demeanour, with the exception of an ATV roaring by once in a while. Nosara hotels in this area, are normally set back from the road and surrounded by trees, dampening any noise you’d get from the street. 

The Nomadic is a clear winner.

North Playa Guiones would be my top recommendation for the best area to stay in Nosara Costa Rica, especially for first-timers.

The Nomadic

Located on one of Nosara’s central yet undeveloped main roads, you can find The Nomadic tucked back into a large green space with a 3 story building surrounding a large outdoor fresh saltwater pool. 

You can find an outdoor yoga pavilion, an open-air bar with table seating, and multiple communal spaces for relaxing and socializing. Don’t forget about the awesome complimentary breakfast served every day from 7:30-9:30AM.

The Nomadic is the creme-de-la-creme of Nosara hotels for digital nomads, couples and solo travellers seeking a stay in a quieter, more upscale accommodation. Deluxe king-sized rooms are the way to go if you are a digital nomad looking for decent desk space. 

While boutique 8-bed mixed dormitory rooms with large private bathrooms at The Nomadic hotel Nosara are perfection for a solo traveller. 

White-washed walls are complimented with trendy concrete floors and warm wood ceiling panelling and furnishings. Bright patterned accents reminiscent of Oaxaca Mexico, with trendy plants, finish the space. You can even find a blackboard with the latest surf forecast at the bar.

The Nomadic is my top pick for luxury hotels Nosara Costa Rica has to offer.

The Gilded Iguana

The Gilded Iguana is a Nosara institution. You could almost describe it as its own little village, and you can definitely call it the closest thing to an all-inclusive style resort that Nosara has, although to a bit more of a boujee scale. If you want somewhere you can just drop your bag and not worry about a thing, The GIlded Iguana is your place.

Although you won’t get complimentary food and beverages around the clock, you can certainly find a plethora of meal and drink choices at their onsite restaurant and bar featuring Mediterranean and local cuisine alike. Plus, you can opt for a fresh-pressed juice or a smoothie bowl in the morning from their juice bar. 

What makes The Gilded Iguana extra exciting, is its surf club. If you are a surfer, look no further. With extensive facilities for storage, board selection and instruction, it’s perfect for beginners to advanced surfers alike. And don’t forget about the onsite athletics centre and yoga classes for a true wellness journey.

The Gilded Iguana also offers bicycle rental for as low as $10USD/day. A great way to cruise around and explore beautiful Nosara.

Living Hotel

A mix between modern Californian and charming Costa Rica design, you can find Living Hotel smack dab along the most concentrated area of North Playa Guiones Nosara. From here you have some of the best restaurants (and even a food truck park!) just outside your door. Plus, it’s only a 3-minute walk to the glorious sands of Playa Guiones.

Living Hotel Nosara features an open-air lounge with hammocks and a large inviting pool surrounded by spacious rooms and attached casita-style accommodation. You can expect cozy beds and rooms that fit up to 6 people, making it perfect for families or groups of friends.

Don’t forget to grab yourself a juice at the Living Juice Bar before heading out on your Nosara adventures. 

The Sunset Shack

The Sunset Shack Nosara exudes classical surf lodge vibes. This two-story motel-style Nosara hotel features outside chairs along a shared walkway or balcony. Plenty of outdoor seating in the form of picnic tables and loungers stands among the greenery surrounding a large central pool. 

The best feature of The Sunset Shack is that rooms come with a basic kitchenette, which makes it perfect for longer-term stays and those who want to store snacks and fresh fruit in a fridge. The kitchenettes don’t have any cooking amenities, but it’s great for assembling meals, making coffee and washing up. 

The staff at this hotel in Nosara can also arrange bicycle and car hire if you plan on venturing out to Ostional National Wildlife Refuge or up into the hills.

Selina Nosara

This popular hostel chain offers travellers a consistent experience throughout its many locations across Central America and beyond. What Selina brings to the table is great social activities, coworking spaces and an assortment of room types including mixed dorm rooms and king-sized rooms with private bathrooms. They even have a rockstar room!

Selina Nosara is a fantastic accommodation for digital nomads looking for a solid internet connection and for younger travellers looking to make new friends. Selina hostel Nosara Costa Rica has a fabulous outdoor space complete with a swimming pool and bar surrounded by the epic jungle with twinkly lights to really set a fun mood. 

Hotel Nosara Selina has a shared kitchen and lounge for cooking up your own meals, or simply enjoying the a la carte breakfast offered at the property.

It’s important to note that Selina Nosara is located on the main road between North Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada and renting an ATV or bicycle, or even a car is recommended. You most definitely can walk to the beach in about 30 minutes, but do be aware that part of this journey will be along a narrow winding road with no sidewalks. 

This is my top recommendation for the hostels Nosara Costa Rica has to offer. You can also find Selina in La Fortuna, Monteverde and Santa Teresa.

South Playa Guiones

Dominated mainly by small hotels tucked away in the rainforest, this area offers less in terms of access to amenities. A car or ATV rental is highly recommended if staying in South Playa Guiones. If you aren’t arriving in the area with a rental car, you can stop by Tiko Tours Nosara to pick up an ATV.

You will still have direct access to the long and glorious Playa Guiones (within walking distance), but make sure to account for approximately a 10-minute drive along dirt roads to reach the town centre. 

Here is also where you will find a nice selection of yoga retreats and surf schools, some in the Nosara boutique hotel range. With hotel Nosara Costa Rica options called The Green Sanctuary, it starts to paint a picture of the type of accommodation you’re likely to find in South Playa Guiones.

The White Palms of Nosara Hotel 

Across the street from the famous Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort where you can help yourself to a multitude of yoga classes, The White Palms of Nosara hotel offers a higher-end experience. Smooth concrete angles melt into nature and loungers surround a central pool. 

The rooms at The White Palms suit couples and older travellers with large king-sized beds and spacious private bathrooms. You can choose from superior suites, apartments with terraces and executive suites, suiting up to 3 people if needed.

Enjoy an exceptional complimentary breakfast on the sun terrace and then make your way down to Playa Guiones to spend the day frolicking in the ways, surfing or simply enjoying the weather.

Olas Verdes Hotel

This is as close to the beach as you can get. Olas Verdes Hotel offers guests the ability to get out of bed in the morning and be at the water’s edge in about 2 minute flat. Perfect for surfers who want to catch those waves at first light. 

Olas Verdes Hotel Nosara offers an onsite restaurant serving up local cuisine, a bar and ample outdoor space with a swimming pool. You can also expect free private parking for your rental car, or if you find yourself without a car in Costa Rica, you can grab one of their complimentary bike hires – a perfect way to see Nosara town centre. 

This Nosara hotel also offers luggage storage if you find yourself with a late flight or shuttle, and complimentary laundry services, which come in handy when travelling for more than a week in Costa Rica.

For the kiddos and adults alike, you can find a great surf school and board rental facilities on site, one of the top things to do in Nosara!

Do keep in mind that the beachfront location isn’t complemented by ocean views, rather you will have to make a quick 1-minute walk through the rainforest to reach the golden sands of Playa Guiones.

The Green Sanctuary

Located on the furthest edge of South Playa Guiones, this secluded Nosara hotel offers a great environment for families. 

Their unique accommodations are located in recycled shipping containers that each contain a double bed or triple bed set up, great for two people (3 max). Why this is great for families, is that you will find two shipping containers attached to one another, providing parents and kiddos with a bit of separation and privacy.

Expect an enjoyable complimentary breakfast served up by friendly staff and if you don’t feel like jumping into your car and exploring, you can always spend some time at the onsite swimming pool. 

Jungles Edge Nosara

Backed by the hills along the coastline you can find the large property of Jungles Edge across the main road, away from the town centre and nestled into the jungle. When it comes to hostels in Nosara Costa Rica, this can be best compared with the classic backpacker hostel. 

Jungle’s Edge Ecolodge is great if you want to explore Nosara and stick to a decently strict budget. The hostel offers a large open-air restaurant serving breakfast and drinks, a pool table and a swimming pool. Jungles Edge also has a large pavilion regularly dedicated to martial arts. When class isn’t in session, you can use the space for your own workouts.

If you can, opt for a glamping hut with a bathroom for more privacy. Expect a 20-minute walk to the water’s edge, or a 6-minute drive using a car rental or ATV rental.

Playa Pelada

Back up to the main road and down the coast to the north of Nosara, a 10-minute drive from the town centre will take you to the beach community of Playa Pelada. Although Playa Pelada can be accessed along the coastline and over the small peninsula on foot from Playa Guiones in a short amount of time, there is no road conveniently connecting the two. 

You can really feel this separation from the town centre of Nosara, and that can be a really great thing. The golden sands of the semi-unfurled crescent-shaped Playa Pelada offer epic sunset views, whether you decide to spend them drinking cocktails at La Luna, throwing back a beer at the quaint local beach bar or plonked down on a towel, you are sure to be in for a great experience. 

Villas and Airbnb Nosara-style accommodations in Playa Pelada are set back from the beach. But what makes this area truly special is the hilly border shared with the Nosara Biological Reserve. 

Snag a room at the moderately priced Hotel Boutique Largarta Lodge which offers prime hilltop views of the rainforest, coastline and the Pacific Ocean. One of my top recommendations for the best Nosara hotels Costa Rica.

Or, you can simply book a Nosara luxury hotels stay at the Nosara Beach Hotel, a funky-shaped Nosara Costa Rica resort (not all-inclusive) perched out on the peninsula between Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada for the best of both worlds.

Nosara Beach Hotel 

When it comes to Nosara Costa Rica resorts, the Nosara Beach Hotel property is a clear winner. Perched on the peninsula between Playa Pelada and Playa Guiones, its a one-of-a-kind type place, with some funky design to boot. 

Lounge on the large terrace surrounding the shared pool or on your own private patio or balcony. Play billiards, sip a cocktail from the bar, dig into a big breakfast at the onsite restaurant or make the short walk to either Playa Pelada or Playa Guiones to watch the sunset. Expect free parking for your car rental.

Nosara Beach Hotel Costa Rica offers spacious rooms fitting up to 5 people, perfect for families. Some rooms come with a cozy lounge area to enjoy a good book or a chat. If you are travelling with your partner, the deluxe double with balcony and sea view is the top ticket here.

Remember that the road leading to Hotel Nosara Beach Costa Rica is accessed through Playa Pelada, so a drive into town centre located in North Playa Guiones will take roughly 12 minutes.

Hotel Boutique Lagarta Lodge Nosara

Offering the best ocean views in Nosara, The Lagarta Lodge is perfect for couples, or those who want to just sit and appreciate the coastline panoramas, especially from the onsite restaurant.

Extra comfy king-sized beds adorn spacious suites with roomy tiled bathrooms. If visiting the Largarta Lodge with your small family, you have access to the Family Suite, with 2 single beds for the kiddos and one large bed for the adults. The bathroom even has double vanities making getting ready in the morning extra easy.

Lagarta Lodge is also the only Nosara hotel with direct access to the Nosara Biological Reserve, via a trail leading down from the property. Note – it can get muddy! But it’s a fabulous walk through nature.

As The Hotel Boutique Lagarta Lodge is settled on the hill set back from Playa Pelada and overlooking Nosara Beach, you can expect to require a car rental during your stay here. It will take approximately 12 minutes to drive into town.

Nosara Satori Bubbles

The Nosara Bubbles are a unique experience tucked in the hills backing the beach community of Nosara. If you’ve never heard of a bubble tent, imagine yourself lying on your bed with nothing between you and the stars above other than the clear material of the bubble roof. It’s one of those experiences you’d want to book for a birthday or anniversary, proposal or special occasion. 

Nosara Bubbles also offer a private walled compound for each bubble including your own swimming pool and outdoor lounging area. You can also spend time in your own beautiful bathtub, a true treat after a day of adventuring. 

Wake up in the morning to a fabulous complimentary breakfast delivered right to your private bubble.

Villa Mango Nosara B&B

Villa Mango Bed and Breakfast graces the hilltop in Playa Pelada with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean from the cozy common areas. Expect charming local design with wood features and colourful linens and furniture. 

Although this Nosara hotel is located a 10-minute drive from the centre of Playa Guiones, it’s one of the best values you can find in the Nosara area. If you want to truly immerse yourself in the Costa Rican culture, this is the place. Chat with the friendly hosts Agnus and Jo for all the fabulous recommendations of where to eat and things to do in Nosara.

Some queen and double-sized rooms come with the added benefit of a pull-out couch for sleeping up to 6 people. If you are visiting as a couple then the queen room with an ocean view is the best choice.

Other Areas to Stay in Nosara
Costa Rica

Playa Garza

Playa Garza Costa Rica is located south of Nosara about a 15-minute drive by car or ATV. this south-facing semi-circle beach is relatively untouched, but unlike Playa Guiones, hotels and restaurants are found right on the beach. One of my favourite Nosara beach restaurants, Perozah, is located here – fabulous cocktails! 

In terms of accommodation options here though, the itzy-bitzy hamlet of Playa Garza offers one lower-budget Nosara Costa Rica hostel option, Surfhost. This a great way to save money if you rent a bicycle and don’t mind spending time cycling into Nosara, or just want a quiet cost-effective beach vacay.

Nosara Village

Nosara village, located inland about a 15-minute drive from the beach community around Playa Guiones isn’t where most visitors to Nosara will choose to stay. But, what Nosara village provides is great accommodation in the shape of fully self-contained homes, with parking and proximity to local markets at cheaper prices. 

If you have access to a car and are travelling with a group of friends or couples who would all prefer their own rooms, Estancia Santa Teresita House is for you. This will likely be the most economical Airbnb Nosara Costa Rica has to offer.

Best Nosara Hotels Conclusion

So, there you have it! Where to stay in Nosara Costa Rica, plus the best hotels in Nosara Costa Rica in each area. If you are a first-timer to Nosara, I’d recommend staying in the more lively North Playa Guiones. Here you will find all the amenities, restaurants and shops, but also get a nice sense of staying in the Costa Rican jungle. 

If you have access to a car, I’d recommend staying in the hilltop area of Playa Pelada, either at Villa Mango B&B (a great value when it comes to Nosara Costa Rica hotels!!) or at the more upmarket Lagarta Lodge. 

If surfing is the priority, The Gilded Iguana or the Sunset Shack are what come to mind in terms of the best hotels Nosara Costa Rica offers close to the beach. And for those digital nomads looking for a solid internet connection and some workspace, the Nosara hostel Selina or The Nomadic Nosara hotel are my top picks!

Enjoy your travels through Costa Rica. x

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