The best hotels in Nosara
Nosara has 200+ places to stay spread between Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada. Most are overpriced yoga retreats with thin walls. We reviewed the standouts. These 10 made the cut.
Our 10 Top Picks in Nosara
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Casa Vitality
Nosara
$190/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
The Beach Break Surf Hotel and Restaurant
Nosara
$188/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Domo Hotel Boutique
Nosara
$137/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Olas Verdes Hotel
Nosara
$176/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences
Nosara
$190/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
astra Hotel Boutique
Nosara
$225/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Esh Hotel & Spa, a Member of Design Hotels
Nosara
$310/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Moana Surf Resort
Nosara
$190/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Iluminar Beachfront Suites
Nosara
$207/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Green Sanctuary Hotel
Nosara
$136/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Here's why each one made the cut.
Casa Vitality
That 5.0 across 227 reviews isn't luck. This place pulls the wellness crowd into Nosara's yoga belt and earns every star. You'll be a short walk from Playa Guiones. No party energy here. It's quiet, intentional, and the kind of stay that actually resets you.
Address:Casa Vitality, K30B, Provincia de Guanacaste, Nosara, 50206, Costa Rica
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The Beach Break Surf Hotel and Restaurant
At $188, this is solid value for Guiones. The on-site restaurant means you don't have to navigate dusty roads after every session. It's earned 4.9 from over 330 guests, and that consistency is real. Stay here if you want surf access without roughing it.
Address:The Beach Break Surf Hotel and Restaurant, 200m South of Gilded Iguana, Guiones, Provincia de Guanacaste, Nosara, 50206, Costa Rica
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Domo Hotel Boutique
73 reviews at a perfect 5.0 is harder to fake than it sounds. At $137, it's one of Nosara's more affordable boutique options. You're in the jungle here, not on the beach, but that's actually the point. Expect character over convenience.
Address:Domo Hotel Boutique, intersection point, 400m west from, Provincia de Guanacaste, Playa Pelada, 50206, Costa Rica
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Olas Verdes Hotel
$176 and a 4.9 from 158 guests puts this firmly in the reliable mid-range. The name means green waves, and the vibe matches: earthy, surf-focused, no fuss. You're close to Guiones without the premium markup of the beachfront spots.
Address:Olas Verdes Hotel, 500m West and 350m South from Organico Market, Provincia de Guanacaste, Guiones, 50206, Costa Rica
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Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences
The Residences option makes this smart for longer stays. A 4-star rating with a 4.9 from 97 guests means actual infrastructure, not just good vibes. You get jungle views and real amenities. It's the pick if you want a base camp, not just a room.
Address:Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences, Lot H1, Guanacaste Province, Guiones, 50206, Costa Rica
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astra Hotel Boutique
Only 32 reviews so far, but 4.9 says early guests are genuinely obsessed. At $225, you're paying for intimacy and curation. This works if you want somewhere that feels personal. Check the specific room photos before booking. Small boutiques live or die by their individual rooms.
Address:astra Hotel Boutique, 50 mts S of 5 Corners Intersection, Guanacaste Province, Nosara, 50206, Costa Rica
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Esh Hotel & Spa, a Member of Design Hotels
Design Hotels membership means someone made real decisions about aesthetics here, not just amenities. At $310, it's Nosara's premium tier. The spa earns its place: this is the move for couples or post-surf recovery when you don't want to think about logistics.
Address:Esh Hotel & Spa, a Member of Design Hotels, 50206, Provincia de Guanacaste, Nosara, 50206, Costa Rica
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Moana Surf Resort
A perfect 5.0 from 36 guests at a 4-star property is strong. It's newer, which explains the smaller review count, but the consistency is there. Surf resorts in Nosara typically handle gear rentals and lessons in-house. Good pick if you want the full package without hunting for instructors.
Address:Moana Surf Resort, Beach Front, 50 mts North of Casa Romantica, Playa Guiones,, Provincia de Guanacaste, Nosara, 50206, Costa Rica
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Iluminar Beachfront Suites
Beachfront in Nosara at $207 is genuinely rare value. Sitting closer to Playa Pelada, it's quieter and more local-feeling than the Guiones strip. The 4.8 from 145 guests holds steady over time, which matters. You trade easy surf access for a better sunset. Worth it.
Address:Iluminar Beachfront Suites, 9°56'54.3"N 85°40'13.1"W 9, 948418 85, Guanacaste Province, Guiones, 50206, Costa Rica
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Green Sanctuary Hotel
Don't let the 2-star rating fool you. It's a classification, not a verdict. At $136 with 241 reviews at 4.8, this is one of Nosara's most consistent budget options. It skews toward backpackers and solo surfers. You're not getting luxury, but you're also not paying for it.
Address:Green Sanctuary Hotel, 50mts norte de gato cansado, Provincia de Guanacaste, Nosara, 50206, Costa Rica
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Didn't find your match above? Here's every hotel in Nosara.
Every scored hotel in the city. Filter by price, rating, or type to find yours.
| # | Hotel | Our Score | Guest Rating | Reviews | Type | Price/Night | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Casa Vitality | 5.0 | 227 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $190/night | Book → | |
| 2 | The Beach Break Surf Hotel and Restaurant | 4.9 | 333 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $190/night | Book → | |
| 3 | Domo Hotel Boutique | 5.0 | 73 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $140/night | Book → | |
| 4 | Olas Verdes Hotel | 4.9 | 158 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $180/night | Book → | |
| 5 | Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences | 4.9 | 97 | 4★ | $190/night | Book → | |
| 6 | astra Hotel Boutique | 4.9 | 32 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $230/night | Book → | |
| 7 | Esh Hotel & Spa, a Member of Design Hotels | 4.8 | 109 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $310/night | Book → | |
| 8 | Moana Surf Resort | 5.0 | 36 | 4★ | $190/night | Book → | |
| 9 | Iluminar Beachfront Suites | 4.8 | 145 | 3★ | $210/night | Book → | |
| 10 | Green Sanctuary Hotel | 4.8 | 241 | 2★ | $140/night | Book → | |
| 11 | Corky Carroll's Surf School | 4.9 | 86 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $150/night | Book → | |
| 12 | The White Palms of Nosara | 4.7 | 64 | 3★ | $160/night | Book → | |
| 13 | Hidden Paradise Tennis and Pickleball Getaway | 4.8 | 8 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $440/night | Book → | |
| 14 | Hotel Boutique Lagarta Lodge | 4.7 | 309 | 4★ | $180/night | Book → | |
| 15 | Villa Mango B&B | 4.7 | 156 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $100/night | Book → | |
| 16 | The Harmony Hotel | 4.7 | 264 | 3★ | $410/night | Book → | |
| 17 | Tierra Magnifica Boutique Hotel Costa Rica | 4.7 | 274 | 4★ | $260/night | Book → | |
| 18 | Hidden Paradise Tennis and Pickleball Getaway - Three-Bedroom House | 4.8 | 2 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $610/night | Book → | |
| 19 | Blue Serenity Hotel | 4.8 | 33 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $190/night | Book → | |
| 20 | Casa Romantica | 4.7 | 61 | 3★ | $190/night | Book → |
Where to Stay in Nosara
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Surf guide: Playa Guiones for every level
Guiones is a 7 km beach break with sandbars that create consistent waves 300+ days per year. Beginners should paddle out near the lifeguard tower where the whitewash is gentle and the bottom is all sand. No rocks, no reef, no urchins.
Intermediate surfers head 200 meters south of the main access where the wave gets steeper and faster. The left break near the river mouth works best on a pushing tide. Board rentals run $15 to $20/day from shops on the main road.
The lineup gets crowded between 7 and 9 AM and again at 4 PM. If you want space, surf midday when the yoga crowd is in class. Water temperature sits at 27 to 29C so you only need a rash guard.
Where to eat on a budget in Nosara
The soda (local diner) on the road to Pelada does a casado plate for $5. Rice, beans, plantain, salad, and your choice of chicken or fish. It is the best value meal in town.
Robin's Cafe on the Guiones main road does smoothie bowls for $6 and strong Costa Rican coffee for $2. For lunch, Burgers and Beers near the Guiones roundabout makes half-pound burgers for $9.
La Luna on Pelada beach is mid-range ($15 to $25 mains) but the ocean view makes it feel like a $50 restaurant. Go for sunset and order the grilled mahi-mahi. Beach Dog Cafe at Guiones does $4 happy hour beers from 4 to 6 PM.
Getting around without your own car
Most hotels offer free or cheap bicycle rentals. Guiones is flat enough to bike everywhere within the main strip. The 2 km from your hotel to the beach takes 8 minutes by bike.
Taxis charge $5 to $10 within the Guiones/Pelada area. To get to Garza, expect $12 to $15. There is no Uber in Nosara. Save your driver's number because hailing a cab on the street is unreliable after 8 PM.
For airport transfers, book through your hotel the day before. Nosara airstrip pickups cost $10 to $15. From Liberia airport (LIR), a shared shuttle runs $55 per person through Interbus or Ride CR. The drive takes about 3 hours.
Yoga retreats: what is actually worth the money
Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort runs drop-in classes for $18 and multi-day retreats from $290/night all-inclusive. The shala is open-air with jungle views and the instruction quality is consistently high. This is the gold standard in Nosara.
Harmony Hotel offers daily yoga included in your room rate. The vinyasa classes at 7:30 AM are popular with hotel guests and drop-ins ($15). The studio overlooks a garden, not the ocean, but the teachers are excellent.
Skip the random Airbnb hosts advertising private yoga sessions for $80/hour. Most are not certified. Stick to Bodhi Tree, Harmony, or Nosara Yoga Institute on the hill above Guiones. NUI has the best teacher training program in the country.
Day trips within 2 hours of Nosara
Ostional Wildlife Refuge (25 minutes north) for turtle nesting from July to December. Guided tours at $35 per person include the 4 AM beach walk and an education session. Book 24 hours ahead.
Samara (45 minutes south) is a proper town with banks, pharmacies, and a sheltered swimming beach. Good for a supply run and lunch at Lo Que Hay on the waterfront ($12 mains). The drive is scenic but unpaved.
Barra Honda National Park (90 minutes east) has limestone caves and dry forest hiking. The cave tour costs $22 plus a mandatory guide. It is one of the only underground cave systems in Costa Rica open to tourists. Go early to beat the heat.
Nosara with kids: a practical guide
Playa Guiones is excellent for kids. Gentle waves in the shallows, wide sandy beach, and the water is bathtub warm. The main risk is strong currents 50 meters out, so keep small children in the whitewash zone.
Almost Paradise Hotel and The Gilded Iguana both have pools, which matters when kids tire of the beach. Lagarta Lodge has wildlife (monkeys, toucans) visible from the breakfast terrace, which keeps kids entertained without planning.
For rainy days, the Nosara Community Library has a kids section with English and Spanish books. Sibu Sanctuary (howler monkey rescue) does guided tours for $20 per adult and $10 per child. It is a 10-minute drive from Guiones.
Nosara's best hotel regions
Nosara is really three distinct beach zones connected by dirt roads. Where you stay determines your entire trip.
Playa Guiones 5 vetted hotels The surf and yoga epicenter of Nosara
The surf and yoga epicenter of Nosara
This is where 80% of visitors stay and for good reason. The 7 km beach break is walking distance from restaurants, yoga studios, and surf shops along the unpaved main road. Harmony Hotel and Bodhi Tree anchor the luxury end while Kaya Sol and Gilded Iguana cover mid-range.
The tradeoff is noise and construction. New hotels and condos go up every dry season. The roundabout area gets dusty and traffic-jammed at sunset. But you cannot beat the convenience. Everything you need is within a 10-minute walk.
Browse all Playa Guiones hotels → Playa Pelada 2 vetted hotels Quieter sunsets and rockier shores
Quieter sunsets and rockier shores
Pelada sits north of Guiones, separated by a short hill. The beach is smaller with rock pools and tide pools at low tide. Lagarta Lodge perches on the cliff above with the best panoramic views in Nosara.
This is where couples and older travelers gravitate. Olga's Bar on the beach is the social hub. There are fewer restaurants than Guiones (maybe 8) but the ones here are good. It is a 15-minute walk or 3-minute drive to Guiones for surf.
Browse all Playa Pelada hotels → Playa Garza 1 vetted hotel The fishing village tourists skip
The fishing village tourists skip
Garza is 8 km south of Guiones on a paved road. It is a real Costa Rican fishing village where boats launch at dawn and kids play soccer on the beach. One or two budget hotels and a handful of vacation rentals serve the few visitors who find it.
The swimming is better than Guiones (calmer water, no rip currents) and the beach is nearly empty even in peak season. But there are only 2 restaurants and zero nightlife. You need a car to reach anything in Nosara proper.
Browse all Playa Garza hotels → Inland Nosara 2 vetted hotels Jungle views, longer commute
Jungle views, longer commute
Several hotels and retreats sit 1 to 3 km inland from the coast, up the hills behind Guiones. You get more nature (howler monkeys at breakfast, toucans in the trees) and lower prices, but the beach is a drive away.
Hacienda El Pelicano and some yoga retreats operate up here. The appeal is seclusion and property size. The downside is that you will drive to the beach every day, and the dirt roads get muddy from May to November. Budget an extra $10/day for transport.
Browse all Inland Nosara hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel.
Beach & Surf
Playa Guiones has 7 km of sand breaks that work 300+ days a year. Board rentals from $15/day, lessons for $50 to $70. Warm water, no wetsuit needed. The best wave in the Nicoya Peninsula for beginners and intermediates.
Yoga & Wellness
Bodhi Tree and Harmony Hotel run daily classes from $15 to $18 drop-in. Nosara Yoga Institute offers 200-hour teacher training. The town has more yoga studios per capita than anywhere in Central America.
Romantic Escape
Pelada at sunset, Lagarta Lodge on the cliff, La Luna for dinner on the beach. Nosara is built for couples who want nature without roughing it. Book a room with a jungle view at Almost Paradise or Hacienda El Pelicano.
Family Friendly
Warm, gentle surf for kids at Guiones. Hotels with pools (Gilded Iguana, Almost Paradise). Sibu Sanctuary for monkey encounters ($20/adult). The main road is walkable in daylight and the community is welcoming.
Budget Travel
Cabinas Agnell from $55/night. Sodas (local diners) serve full meals for $5. Bike instead of taxi. Skip the packaged yoga retreats and do drop-in classes. Garza Beach is free and empty. You can do Nosara on $60/day.
Digital Nomad
Outpost coworking on the Guiones road has fiber internet at $15/day. Kolbi 4G covers most of town. Cafes like Robin's have decent WiFi. The time zone (GMT-6) works for US clients. Dry season (Dec to Apr) means reliable power.
We reviewed over 200 properties across Guiones, Pelada, and Garza to find these 10. Every hotel was evaluated on location relative to the beach, value for the surf and yoga crowd, and whether it actually delivers on the jungle-meets-ocean promise.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
Every hotel on this page earned its spot through this process.
When to Visit Nosara
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary by season.
Dry Season (Dec-Apr)
The main tourist window. January is the busiest month with hotels booked 3 months ahead. Surf is consistent at Guiones, roads are passable, and it rains maybe twice a month. Expect 40% higher rates than green season. Book Bodhi Tree and Harmony by October or you are out of luck.
Green Season (May-Jun)
The best value window. Afternoon rain showers are short (1 to 2 hours) and mornings are sunny. Surf actually improves with south swells. Prices drop 30% from dry season. Roads get muddy but a 4x4 handles it. This is when Nosara locals enjoy their own town.
Rainy Season (Jul-Oct)
Heavy daily rain from September to October. Some hotels close. Roads between Guiones and Pelada can flood. But the turtle nesting at Ostional starts in July, prices are at their lowest, and the jungle turns impossibly green. Bring waterproof everything.
Shoulder (Nov)
Rain tapers off, prices have not yet jumped to dry season rates. November is underrated for Nosara. The roads are drying out, turtle season is still active, and you can book last-minute at hotels that will be full in December. Surf is solid with northwest swells arriving.
Booking Tips for Nosara
Smart booking strategies for Nosara.
Book dry season 3 months ahead
December through April hotels fill fast. Harmony Hotel and Bodhi Tree sell out by October for Christmas/New Year. Mid-range spots like Gilded Iguana book up 6 to 8 weeks ahead. If you want choice, book by September for a January trip.
Rent a 4x4, never a sedan
Every rental agency at Liberia airport offers sedans for $30/day less than 4x4s. Do not take them. The roads between Nicoya and Nosara have river crossings and potholes that bottom out a sedan. Budget $45 to $65/day for a Suzuki Jimny or Toyota RAV4.
Bring cash for the first day
Nosara has 3 ATMs and all of them run out of cash on holiday weekends. The Banco Nacional ATM near the Guiones roundabout is the most reliable. Bring 100,000 colones ($180) from Liberia or San Jose. Most restaurants take cards but sodas and taxis are cash only.
Green season is not a bad thing
May and June have 30% lower prices, shorter crowds, better surf from south swells, and rain that falls mostly after 2 PM. The jungle is at its greenest. If you can handle 2 hours of afternoon rain, green season is the smarter booking window.
Skip the airport shuttle, fly Sansa
Sansa flies San Jose to Nosara in 45 minutes for $80 to $120 one way. The 5-hour drive via Nicoya is exhausting, especially after an international flight. The small plane lands on the Nosara airstrip and your hotel is 10 minutes away. Worth every dollar.
Guiones parking lot theft is real
Do not leave anything visible in your car at the Guiones beach parking. Rental cars get broken into weekly. Take your bag, lock the glovebox, and leave the car looking empty. The lot near the lifeguard tower is slightly safer than the southern access points.
Hotels in Nosara, FAQ
Straight answers from our team.
What is the best area to stay in Nosara?
Playa Guiones is the default for first-timers. You are 2 minutes from the surf break, surrounded by restaurants on the main road, and every yoga studio (Bodhi Tree, Harmony) is within walking distance. Playa Pelada is better for couples who want quiet. The beach is rockier but sunset from Olga's Bar is the best view in town. Skip anything more than 1 km inland unless you have a car.
How much do hotels cost in Nosara?
Budget rooms near Garza Beach start at $55/night at spots like Cabinas Agnell. Mid-range hotels along the Guiones strip run $120 to $240/night. Luxury places like Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort hit $290 to $450/night in peak season (December to April). Prices drop 30 to 40% from May to November.
Do I need a car in Nosara?
Yes. Nosara is not a walkable town. Guiones to Pelada is a 20-minute walk on dirt roads with no sidewalks. Garza is 8 km south. Rent a 4x4 (not a sedan) because the roads flood in rainy season. Budget $45 to $65/day from local agencies like Alamo near the airport.
When is the best time to visit Nosara?
December through April is dry season. Waves are consistent, roads are passable, and every hotel is booked. January is the busiest month with rates 40% above average. May and June are shoulder season with lighter crowds and the surf is actually better. September and October get heavy rain.
Is Nosara good for surfing beginners?
Playa Guiones is one of the best beginner surf beaches in Central America. The wave breaks over sand, the water is warm (28C year-round), and the beach is 7 km long so it never feels crowded. Lessons cost $50 to $70 for 90 minutes at Safari Surf or Coconut Harry's.
What should I skip in Nosara?
Skip the inland hotels marketed as jungle retreats that are really just far from the beach with no shuttle. Avoid booking anything on the road to Garza unless you specifically want isolation. The ATMs in town run out of cash on weekends so bring enough colones from Nicoya or Samara.
How do I get to Nosara from San Jose?
Drive 5 hours via Route 21 through Nicoya (4x4 mandatory in rainy season). Sansa and Green Airways fly from San Jose to Nosara airstrip in 45 minutes for $80 to $120 one way. The airstrip is 5 km from Guiones. Most hotels arrange pickup for $10 to $15.
Are there good restaurants in Nosara?
Guiones has 30+ restaurants along the main strip. La Luna serves the best fish tacos in town ($8). Robin's Cafe does strong breakfast bowls for $6. Beach Dog Cafe on the Guiones beachfront is the spot for sunset drinks. For a splurge, Coyol at Harmony Hotel does a $35 tasting menu.
Is Nosara safe for solo travelers?
Nosara is one of the safest beach towns in Costa Rica. The biggest risk is petty theft from parked cars at the beach. Lock everything in the trunk at Guiones parking lot. Walking at night between Guiones and Pelada is fine on the main road. Solo female travelers are common in the yoga community.
What is the WiFi like in Nosara for remote work?
Improving fast. Outpost Nosara on the Guiones road is a dedicated coworking space at $15/day with fiber internet. Most mid-range hotels have WiFi but speeds vary from 5 to 30 Mbps. Buy a Kolbi SIM at the minisuper for $10 with 10GB as backup. Power outages happen 2 to 3 times per month in rainy season.
Can I visit Ostional turtle nesting from Nosara?
Ostional Wildlife Refuge is 12 km north, about 25 minutes by car. Olive Ridley sea turtles nest in massive arrivals (arribadas) between July and December. Guided tours cost $35 per person and leave at 4 AM. You cannot enter the beach without a certified guide during nesting season.
Should I stay in Nosara or Santa Teresa?
Different vibes entirely. Nosara is calmer, more family-friendly, and centered on yoga plus consistent surf at Guiones. Santa Teresa is the party town with louder nightlife. Nosara hotels average $150/night while Santa Teresa runs $100/night. They are 4 hours apart by car so pick one.
Useful links for Nosara
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