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!

Amazing and relaxing experience!

Stephanie
5star rating
December 12, 2015
We had a great experience with this rental in tamarindo. Everyone was very nice and helpful. The rental was even better than expected. Phenomenal views, incredibly clean, and equipped with everything we could possibly need. The location is perfect...

Rental in tamarindo

Judy
5star rating
March 22, 2015
Absolutely a perfect experience

Mccloud family escape

Marcus
5star rating
January 26, 2013
Too short! All eight of us had a fantastic time. The home more than we could have expected. Andy and Cynthia did a great job!

Nice place

Daniel
4star rating
February 27, 2020
I stayed there with 2 other guys for a boys getaway. The until had everything that we needed and was well maintained.

Great rental!

Colleen
5star rating
November 15, 2018
Lovely apartment with tons of space. My husband and I were comfortable and very appreciative of the air conditioning. Very clean and property management very responsive to any issues or needs. They also assisted with activity booking for us. Loved...

Great stay

Sue
5star rating
April 10, 2014
The rental property was clean and well stocked with essentials. It was a good location and the office staff were very helpful.

Very Impressive

Anthony
5star rating
July 14, 2016
We were very impressed with this rental. It was beautifully decorated with lovely local art and the physical space was very comfortable. The kitchen was fully equipped and felt like home. Most rentals have cheap dishes, etc. but this kitchen had l...

Semana Santa Bahia Langosta 32

Victor
5star rating
April 2, 2018
Excelente ubicacion y servicio, la pasamos super bien!

Tamarindo Beach Marathon 2014 retreat

Marcela
5star rating
September 23, 2014
Great as always...

Spotless Property

Brian
5star rating
April 5, 2022
The villa is very much as described in the listing. Ideal for three couples, and there is a fourth room with 4 bunkbeds so if children that is an asset. The management team were excellent before and during our stay. Really a well managed and spotl...

A Memorable Retreat

Jonathan
5star rating
May 17, 2019
The villa was beautiful and had unexpected amenities (look in the pool shed for beach gear.) Everything was comfortable and conducive to relaxing and having fun. It's a short 3 minute walk to Langosta beach to watch the sunset.

Great place to stay!

Erika
5star rating
October 19, 2020
Excellent time and a beautiful home!


See What Our Guests Are Saying!

Perfect Week in Paradise

Harley
5star rating
September 25, 2019
Upon arrival the home was just as opulent & stunning as the photos portrayed it to be. The attention to detail in the architecture, paired with the panoramic views of the enchanting surroundings made Casa Pipilacha a place that no one in our group...

Beautiful condo, great location

Donna
5star rating
March 29, 2016
This is a beautiful condo in the perfect location. Beach, shopping and restaurants are all nearby and in walking distance. Property management staff was friendly and accommodating as were the on-site staff. The only thing you need to bring, if you...

Amazing Villa

Marsha
5star rating
January 25, 2020
We stayed five nights & that was not long enough! The villa is so comfortable with all the amenities you could ask for. We did some cooking & there was nothing I was lacking in preparing meals. The veranda has comfort seating for coffee in the mor...

Casa Blanca 2

Steve McLure
5star rating
February 2, 2023
Perfect for our family ! Well located, secure, clean and beautiful!!

Casa Colorado Review

Nina
5star rating
January 13, 2020
Great stay for a family of 9 at Casa Colorado. The house was clean, great for kids ages 2-11 and adults and was convenient to town. Would definitely return!

cerca del mar #8

Melissa
4star rating
February 14, 2014
It was difficult to get hot water for the shower in the upstairs king bedroom. The faucet was backwards (had to turn it to cold for hot water to come out). And even then, if someone else in the house was using hot water, we would lose it in our s...

Vacaciones inolvidables

Rosa
5star rating
December 20, 2020
Excelente lugar, Ubicación perfecta. Muy buena atención

Beautiful place near the beach

Francis Couillard
4star rating
November 13, 2022
Very nice spot near the surf spot. Several good things about the place and also the equipment in the villa. Near a small grocery, good outdoor. The only things, needs dome improvement in the bathroom at the top floor.

Beautiful getaway!!

Indra
5star rating
July 31, 2022
I had an amazing time at the villa with my family and friends. The villa is located in a nice and secure gated community which has beach access.The villa is well equipped. We had a great time at the villa and we also enjoyed sunsets at Langosta B...

Great View

Robert
4star rating
May 5, 2019
Third visit to CR...best condo yet. In the middle of town...walk to everything.

Great location for holiday

Pearse
5star rating
April 17, 2022
Great location for family get away. Close to everything

Christmas Vacation

Rebecca
5star rating
January 10, 2016
We loved the location and the condo! We were able to walk back and forth to town and the beach was just foot steps away. would definately come back!

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