Rich in rainforests and beautiful beaches, Costa Rica is a top-tier destination for people looking for a dream vacation. Students on their season breaks will find plenty of wild fun at the party resorts. Meanwhile, nature lovers can book a glamping spot in the lush jungle to call home. LGBTQ-friendly travel is also a growing industry, with many gay-friendly resorts welcoming people from diverse backgrounds.
But if you’re looking for something more offbeat for your trip, we’ve got the info you need! Keep reading because we have here a list of the most unique places to stay in Costa Rica.
Unique attractions to visit
- While exploring abandoned locations is often dangerous, some attractions are managed and kept in order by official organizations. One of these is Sanatorio Durán, a sanatorium built back in 1918 to house tuberculosis patients. With a reputation for being haunted, it attracts all sorts of tourists but most especially ghost hunters.
- Started in 2020, the Punta Leona Underwater Museum is a monument dedicated to Costa Rica's marine life and to encourage its conservation. The concrete sculptures are designed to become overgrown with coral as time passes, providing new habitats for the local wildlife.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 30, 2025.
Your options at a glance
| Property | Unique Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kura Boutique Hotel Member of the Cayuga Collection | Mountain resort with views of the coast and surrounded by rainforest | from USD 861.96 |
| Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River; La Fortuna | Rainforest resort situated beside a thermal river with hot springs | from USD 290 |
| Hotel Costa Verde | Special fuselage accommodations made from refurbished airplanes | from USD 215 |
| Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Farm and Inn | Certified eco-friendly luxury resort in a coffee plantation | from USD 272 |
| Selina Jaco | Unconventional cylinder room sleeping pods | from USD 22 |
| Gaia Hotel & Reserve | Award-winning eco-hotel with a nature reserve and scarlet macaw program | from USD 230 |
| El Faro Containers Beach Hotel | Accommodations made of refurbished shipping containers | from USD 105 |
| Art Villas Costa Rica, Villas & Glamping | Eye-catching designer villas and glamp pods surrounded by rainforest | from USD 55 |
| Pacuare Lodge by Böëna | Elite river lodge with signature villas along the water | from USD 1347 |
| Igloo Beach Lodge | Signature igloo-style accommodations with posh room amenities | from USD 176 |
Why you should stay in a unique accommodation
Cultural immersion: Some accommodations are designed to provide a deep dive into local culture, offering authentic experiences like traditional meals, cultural performances, and local tours.
Connection to nature: Many unique accommodations provide a more secluded and peaceful environment than large hotels, perfect for relaxation. Options such as treehouses, cabins, and glamping sites bring you closer to nature, letting you fully appreciate the beauty of the outdoors.
Thematic experiences: From pirate-themed ships to medieval castles, unique accommodations can transport you to a different time or place, providing a fun and memorable experience.
Instagram-worthy moments: Many unique accommodations offer picturesque backdrops, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a unique cultural experience, staying somewhere distinctive enhances your travel story and makes your trip stand out.
How we choose the best unique accommodations
When selecting the best unique accommodations, we consider various factors to ensure that each recommendation aligns with the preferences and expectations of discerning travelers. Our criteria include:
Regional uniqueness: We prioritize accommodations that are rare or uncommon, offering something distinct that sets them apart from the typical hotel experience.
Architecture and design: We look for properties with unique structures, themed rooms, custom-made decor, artistic elements, or integration of local cultural influences that differentiate the property from typical buildings in the region.
Special experiences: We evaluate the unique experiences offered by the property, including bespoke services, exclusive dining options, as well as extraordinary amenities like underwater spas or private art galleries.
Exclusive location: We seek accommodations situated in unusual or extraordinary settings, such as remote, scenic, or culturally significant areas, providing guests with immersive cultural experiences and extraordinary views.
Overall value: We also evaluate each property’s accessibility, guest experiences, service quality, comfort, and overall quality relative to its price.
By considering these factors, we aim to recommend accommodations that offer an unforgettable stay.
Unique hotels in Costa Rica
1. Kura Boutique Hotel Member of the Cayuga Collection; Bahía Ballena (from USD 1560)
What makes it unique?
- Rainforest retreat: Surrounded by rainforest and featuring an exquisite spa that incorporates the jungle setting into its design
- Sustainability: Member of the Cayuga Collection, a portfolio of Central American luxury hotels focused on eco-friendly and sustainable initiatives
- Rustic luxury: Each stylish suite comes with a private terrace offering views, with upscale options including a private infinity pool and loungers
- Organic dining: Exquisite alfresco dining using fresh ingredients sourced from local industries and grown on-site
Potential trade-offs
- I honestly don't think this is an option for budget-oriented travelers looking for a nature retreat
- Secluded location with no nearby shops and dining options apart from on-site restaurant
Insta-worthy corners
- Use the majestic Whale’s Tail sandbar as a backdrop for your photos
- Take wildlife photographs from your accommodations or when you're out taking a nature walk
Kura Boutique Hotel Member of the Cayuga Collection
Address: Uvita de Osa, Bahía Ballena, Costa Rica
2. Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River; La Fortuna (from USD 420)
What makes it unique?
- Mystic getaway: Secluded rainforest retreat set in an area that was once a sacred spot for indigenous tribes, featuring lavish bungalows built with Zero Land Movement Development initiatives in mind
- Rejuvenation: Guests are encouraged to treat themselves to hot spring baths at the thermal canyon and therapeutic volcanic mud baths
- Rumble in the jungle: A slew of activities and adventures are available, including canyon ziplining and white water tubing
Potential trade-offs
- Risk of less-than-pleasant encounters with jungle wildlife due to the location
- Closest town with shops and services is La Fortuna, 20 minutes away by car
Insta-worthy corners
- Take funny pictures while painting yourself with volcanic mud or have the stunning hot springs as a backdrop
- Shoot scenic photos while dining outdoors on the terraces or picnicking atop a cliff
Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River
Address: 4 Kms al Sur de San Bernardo de Bagaces
3. Hotel Costa Verde; Manuel Antonio (from USD 194)
Varied dining options with generous portions, though some restaurants were under renovation.
Reasonable rates for spacious rooms with ocean views and wildlife encounters.
Conveniently located near Manuel Antonio National Park and beach, surrounded by nature.
Multiple pools, restaurants, and an airplane suite; shuttle service available.
What makes it unique?
- Airplane accommodation: Special fuselage homes made from airplanes such as a 1965 Boeing 727 and 1982 McDonald Douglas MD-82
- Great vistas: All rooms have balconies that provide gorgeous views of the coast and rainforest
- Wedding venues: Extraordinary venues for weddings and receptions including a helipad, a clifftop knoll, and a restaurant with a C-123 Fairchild military cargo plane
Potential trade-offs
- Guests with mobility difficulties may have a tough time getting to some accommodations due to stairs-only access
- I find it a tad inconvenient that there's no beachfront and the closest beach is a 12-minute walk from the property
Insta-worthy corners
- Take photos of the native flora and fauna
- Surprise your friends with selfies alongside the airplanes
Hotel Costa Verde
Address: Playas de Manuel Antonio, Km 5, Costa Rica.
4. Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Farm and Inn; Heredia (from USD 266)
Delicious, locally sourced food at the excellent on-site restaurant.
Reasonable rates for a boutique coffee plantation hotel near the airport.
Conveniently close to the airport, with lovely mountain views and a cool night breeze.
Lush grounds, peaceful ambiance, unique decor, and a fabulous pool area.
What makes it unique?
- Unique setting: Stay on a sustainable forested coffee farm, surrounded by lush natural beauty
- Accolades: Recognized as part of Fodor's Best 100 Hotels in the World as well as in National Geographic's Unique Lodges of the World program
- Exemplary abodes: Each suite and villa is individually designed, creating its own quirks and advantages
- Sustainability: Eco-friendly practices including conservation and regeneration, as well as contributing to local communities via education and financial support
Potential trade-offs
- No air conditioning so you'll need to keep cool somehow if visiting during summer
- Some guests have noted the large amount of insects during their stay, so bring a repellent
Insta-worthy corners
- Make a reel of your walks around the coffee farm
- Take a couple's twofie while taking a dip in the swimming pool or soaking in the hot tub
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Farm and Inn
Address: Ciudad Heredia, Canton Santa Barbara, Distrito Barrio Jesus y la Direccion exacta seria 800 metros Norte del Centro de Distribucion Café Britt, Barrio Jesus, Santa Barbara, Heredia, Costa Rica.
5. Selina Jaco; Jaco (from USD 27)
What makes it unique?
- One-of-a-kind abode: Stay in one of their special cylinder room for an offbeat experience
- Seaside location: Beachfront property, so enjoy the surf and sand whenever you want
- Pet-friendly getaway: Fur babies are welcome for an extra charge
Potential trade-offs
- Budget-friendly options require guests to use shared bathrooms
- Some guests have expressed concern with safety for their luggage
Insta-worthy corners
- I highly recommend someone should take action reels or shots while you try out some surfing lessons
- If the sea is too choppy, you can show off with a relaxing dip in the pool
Socialtel Jaco - formerly Selina Jaco
Address: Calle Alice Jaco centro
6. Gaia Hotel & Reserve; Manuel Antonio (from USD 280)
What makes it unique?
- Lush surroundings: Set on a hill and surrounded by 15 acres (6.07 hectares) of forest
- Sustainability: Multi-award-winning eco-hotel including World Travel Awards' Leading Green Hotel for 2022 and 2023
- Care for nature: The Scarlet Macaw Program aims to reintroduce macaw birds to the region and eventually repopulate it
- Incredible amenities: Features a three-tier infinity pool, as well as a SkyLounge with panoramic views of the rainforest and coast
Potential trade-offs
- Adults-only hotel, so families with younger members will have to book elsewhere
- Some guests have expressed difficulty with getting around due to the amount of stairs
Insta-worthy corners
- Take a panoramic shot while chilling at the SkyLounge
- Set up a group photo with friends at the three-tier infinity pool
Gaia Hotel & Reserve- Adults Only
Address: Quepos-Manuel Antonio, Km 2.7
7. El Faro Containers Beach Hotel; Manuel Antonio (from USD 90)
Delicious breakfast, good dining options nearby, and breathtaking views from the restaurant.
Reasonable pricing for stunning ocean view rooms and proximity to Manuel Antonio Park.
Perfect location near Manuel Antonio Park, short walk to the beach, and convenient parking.
Two pools, helpful staff, eco-friendly shipping container rooms, and close to wildlife.
What makes it unique?
- Eco-friendly endeavor: I think it's nice that the hotel was built using recycled shipping containers, using the existing bodies to reduce concrete and water usage, as well as construction-related waste
- Great vistas: Each unit has a balcony with views of the rainforest or Playa Manuel Antonio
- Relaxation: Soothe your tired body by availing the massage services offered
Potential trade-offs
- Some guests have raised issue with the Wi-Fi connection quality when the hotel becomes populated
- Not a beachfront location and beach access is a 7-minute walk away from the property
Insta-worthy corners
- Take a sunrise or sunset snapshot while in the infinity pool
- The top floor suite has a spacious private deck, perfect for yoga and exercise reels
El Faro Containers Beach Hotel
Address: 50 Meters West to the entrance to the National Park
Other unique accommodations in Costa Rica
8. Art Villas Costa Rica, Villas & Glamping; Uvita
What makes it unique?
- Extraordinary stays: Villas with industrial aesthetics juxtaposed by the rainforest setting, yet without looking like an eyesore
- Glamping retreat: Nature lovers and budget-conscious guests will like the cute Coco pod cabins
- Recuperation: Avail of the spa service to heal your tired body with treatments with massages
Potential trade-offs
- Secluded location, so stock up on supplies before heading to the property
- Bring bug repellent as the local wildlife include insects
Insta-worthy corners
- Have a friend take action shots while you're jumping on the trampoline
- Wildlife watchers should keep an eye out while taking a nature walk
Art Villas Costa Rica, Villas & Glamping
Address: Calle Tiki Villas
9. Pacuare Lodge by Böëna; Bajo Tigre (from USD 1010)
What makes it unique?
- Elite retreat: Situated along the mighty Pacuare River and features luxury villas, including one with a private suspension bridge and treetop terrace
- Sustainability: Engages in sustainable initiatives such as community outreach, promoting the indigenous Nairi Awari culture, and using renewable energy
- Exceptional service: On-site amenities such as a jungle-themed spa, a cultural restaurant, and electric golf carts for getting around
Potential trade-offs
- While understandable, I still think the high price point disheartens budget-oriented travelers out there
- Very secluded location means certain services and shops are unavailable
Insta-worthy corners
- Take memorable shots while doing activities such as whitewater rafting
- A quiet, reflective moment sitting by the river might inspire some poetry and artistic shots
Pacuare Lodge by Böëna
Address: Turrialba
10. Igloo Beach Lodge; Manuel Antonio (from USD 164)
What makes it unique?
- Cozy and comfy: Signature igloos come in a variety of configurations to accommodate couples and families
- Adventures await: Aside from the seaside location, guests can book adventures such as sports fishing, mangrove kayaking, and parasailing
- Pet-friendly getaway: Travelers and their fur babies can enjoy the Costa Rica sun together
Potential trade-offs
- Igloos are close to each other, so the courtyard may get crowded and noisy during peak seasons
- Privacy is also a concern due to the glass doors and panels easily seen through from the pool area
Insta-worthy corners
- Don't forget to record a reel or selfie while out on adventure
- Foodies can show off the delicious dishes prepared at the partner Casa Playa restaurant
Igloo Beach Lodge
Address: igloo beach lodge. Primera entrada de la playa. calle principal
Be charmed by Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s tropical climate, gorgeous coastlines, and abundant rainforests are excellent reasons to visit. Whether you’d like to party in the big towns or explore the jungle, the country will ensure that you never run out of things to do. While you’re deciding your itinerary, make sure to review our list of the most unique places to stay in Costa Rica.
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