Vacation Rentals vs. Hotels in Costa Rica

Planning a vacation to Costa Rica and not sure if you want to stay at a hotel or a vacation rental? Hotels are usually the logical choice and are easy to find online. Vacation rentals in the past have been more “risky” because you were never quite sure what you were going to get. Thankfully with travel websites like Trip Advisor, Flip Key, VRBO, and Homeway there is now plenty of information available about the vacation rentals and previous guest experiences. Additionally, when comparing the costs associated with a hotel vs a vacation rental, a vacation rental can turn out to be a great cost saving option.
With amenities like full kitchens, laundry, multiple rooms, DVD’s, movies, etc. the benefits of a vacation rental start to add up.

Private Vacation Rental overlooking Tamarindo Bay
Private Vacation Rental overlooking Tamarindo Bay

Pricing:
The average price of a hotel room is approximately $225/night and the average price of a 2 bedroom condo that can sleep 6 is approximately $207/night.
Square footage:
The average hotel is approximately 400 square feet where as the average vacation rental is closer to 1800 square feet. Family vacations are a time to grower closer but everyone could use a little space at the same time!

Cost of Meals:
With a vacation rental you can cook all or a majority of your meals in your own kitchen whereas with a hotel you are forced to eat out. Sure you can buy some boxes of cereal for breakfast and some peanut butter sandwiches for lunch but you are on vacation. The average costs of a meal here in Costa Rica is anywhere from $6 to $30 per person/meal so the costs can really add up.

Extras:
Most of the vacation rentals come with washers and dryers, movies, board games, etc. that all add up to value added amenities available to you that are all an additional charge when staying at a hotel.
Vacation Rentals are a great alternative to hotels given the benefits of space, privacy, and added amenities. Vacation rentals generally offer additional space for less cost per night versus the typical hotel room. Amenities offered by vacation rentals often include washers and dryers, full kitchens (so you can save money by dining in), DVD players, hot tubs, games and even private pools.

hotels, Tamarindo Costa Rica, Vacation rentals

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See What Our Guests Are Saying!

number 202 Crystal Sands

Michael Turner
5star rating
April 19, 2023
The condo was very spacious and clean. The views are spectacular from the deck. Very relaxing for morning coffee and evening cocktails. Secure and quiet location close to everything you need for a great Costa Rican Vacation

Modern Family Vacation

Heath
5star rating
June 29, 2016
My wife, step daughter, her dad and his girlfriend all went to CR for our first group adventure. My step daughter is 14 and the rest of us range from 30-40. This property provided everything we needed. There was plenty of privacy for everyone. ...

Vacaciones

Melissa Solano Maroto
5star rating
April 11, 2023
Todo excelente. La villa genial. Totalmente equipada, limpia, quedamos con contentos con nuestra estadía. Como recomendación se podría poner persianas que mermen un poco la luz de la habitación principal, pues es la noche las luces de los portones...

Beautiful Condo

Paul
5star rating
July 20, 2017
This place exceeded our expectations. Beautiful furnishings, the kitchen had everything we needed, the location was perfect. A grocery store one block away, shops and restaurants all within easy walking distance and the beach was an easy walk.

Very good condo

Marcia
4star rating
August 5, 2014
The condo área and pool was awesome.The unit was spacious and had a full kitchen, but the cleanliness wasn't good . The bed was very uncomfortable.

Great time in Tamarindo

Grecia
5star rating
October 4, 2020
It was such a great time! The property is 2min walking distance from a semi private beach, 5min driving to Tamarindo beach, I walk downtown town most of the time, 15-20min max. The condo is in a super safe and private area. You park inside the pro...

LOVED IT!

Margaret
5star rating
August 6, 2013
We booked Horizontes #106 the day before we decided to travel to Costa Rica. Carla was great responding to me so fast and making sure I was completely taken care of for our stay. The condo's location is directly on the beach and beautiful. My fami...

An Enjoyable Relaxing Vacation Property

Darcy
4star rating
January 28, 2015
Viklas Langosta 7 is a beautiful condo with all the amenities. The owners have taken to every detail to ensure we had everything we needed and comfort was obvious. the outside property is well manicured and the staff should be commended on all t...

Tamarindo Sunrise 30 with kids DEC 2013

Kenny
5star rating
December 18, 2013
We have three kids: 2,4 and 6 years old and the grand parents were with us. The condo was perfect for all of us. Sunrise is very neat and don't feel cheap like i was afraid. It is not ultra luxurious, but neat! Few steps from everything. A li...

The perfect oasis in Tamarindo

Cath
5star rating
March 29, 2019
This unit was so wonderful. It was roomy with lots of little nooks outside to enjoy a book, sit by the pool, or relax. The pool is adjacent to one of the patios and it honestly felt like an extension of our unit. The location is minutes away from ...

Beautiful Penthouse Condo in Tamarindo – 603B

Christien
4star rating
September 23, 2015
Highly recommend this property! The Matapalo Properties are fantastic. Staying in 502 and 603 this time, we really were happy with the fantastic location (Right across the street from the beach and steps to Fantastic restaurant, like our favorite ...

IMPRESIONANTEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

Alejandra Mozes
5star rating
May 3, 2023
Fuimos 7 adultos a pasar unas hermosas vacaciones en Playa Langosta. La propiedad es BELLÍSIMA, super moderna, impecable y funcional. Lola, de RMP nos atendió de maravilla, siempre atendió a nuestros pedidos de manera inmediata y eficiente. Com...


See What Our Guests Are Saying!

Wonderful Location!

Charles T Cooper
5star rating
April 1, 2023
Very comfortable condo, a bit dated but so are we! RPM responded quickly to a few minor issues, and remain the best in the business. We are very happy with our stay, the location can’t be beaten, the pool is fantastic, and the neighbors are most f...

Tamarindo Vacation

Michael
5star rating
September 26, 2016
The rental at Matapalo #405 was a great experience for my family, it had plenty of room, incl the balcony, with a great view. We enjoyed the pool area w/swim up bar. The condo was clean and the kitchen was outfitted appropriately. Our only issue w...

Excellent family vacation

Matthew
5star rating
February 23, 2018
We stayed at Diria 202 for a week. It was perfect four our family of 4. The location was great. Our kids loved the pool and it was an easy walk to the beach. RPM was very easy to work with. I would rent through them again. Thanks for a memorable v...

Wonderful Experience

Paul
5star rating
July 20, 2016
We really enjoyed our stay at this condo. It offers a great location, close to beach, restaurants and shops. It was the perfect home during our stay in Tamarindo. Spacious and clean. Great for a family. Offers a fantastic view of the pool and...

Great Views and Location!

Lisa
5star rating
April 7, 2019
The unit was just great for our group of 6. Enough space and bathrooms so we could spread out, or come together on the porches outside to soak in the views of the ocean. You have partial access to the main Diria pool, which is a great bonus area t...

Wonderful Family Vacation

Pam
5star rating
December 21, 2015
Fantastic location . Amazing pool. Great staff at RPM . However, when you rent a condo here you cannot use any of the facilities of the Diria Hotel, except for the beach access. My granddaughters were not even allowed to use the bathroom on the wa...

Nice condo in centrally located complex

Tracy
5star rating
May 7, 2017
We stayed here 25 days so I think we got a real feel for the condo, the complex and the area. Very centrally located for access to the main surf break at Tamarindo beach and all the restaurants in town. Just down the street from a small grocery ...

my stay

Doug
5star rating
April 9, 2020
nice

Excelente hospedaje Matapalo 502

Oscar
5star rating
October 7, 2014
De acuerdo a lo mencionado por los que se hospedaron en este condominio, el mismo es muy acogedor, lindo, confortable y seguro. Tiene todos los implementos necesarios y queda muy cerca de la calle principal lo cual es una ventaja. Muy seguros y es...

Beautiful, peaceful vacation home!

*Constance
5star rating
August 3, 2016
We loved our stay at Casa Pipilacha. The property was beautiful and very well maintained. The view was outstanding!

Excellente

Colleen
5star rating
January 27, 2020
The Villa was clean and you are pretty close to everything you might need.Small market around the corner for supplies if needed. Close to Tamarindo, it is within walking distance by beach or along road. Beach across the street from Villa is clean ...

Mat405

Denise
5star rating
January 13, 2020
Everything was amazing. Check in process was great and so glad they used the keypad entry instead of a key. Way easier !!! Plenty of towels etc., not a problem. We had a wonderful time. Thank you

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