Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Costa Rica (San José & Guanacaste), Costa Rica
Choosing the right neighborhood in Costa Rica (San José & Guanacaste) saves hours of daily transit time and connects you directly to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Here are the top 3 districts recommended for travelers:
La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano
Natural geothermal hot-spring rainforest resorts 2.5 hours from SJO
Manuel Antonio & Central Pacific
Sloth & monkey coastal national park, cliffside ocean-view boutique hotels
Papagayo Peninsula & Tamarindo (Guanacaste)
Calm Pacific bays, luxury eco-resorts, surf beaches
Airport-to-Hotel Transit from SJO
25 minutes to Escazú & Downtown San José; 90 minutes to Jaco / Central Pacific beaches; 2.5 hours to La Fortuna / Arenal Volcano.
Local Hotel Taxes, Resort Fees & Check-In Notes
Costa Rica hotels add 13% VAT; daily breakfast is widely included across rainforest and beach lodges.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Staying in Costa Rica (San José & Guanacaste)
What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Costa Rica (San José & Guanacaste) for first-time visitors?
The top-rated areas to stay in Costa Rica (San José & Guanacaste) are La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano (Natural geothermal hot-spring rainforest resorts 2.5 hours from SJO); Manuel Antonio & Central Pacific (Sloth & monkey coastal national park, cliffside ocean-view boutique hotels); Papagayo Peninsula & Tamarindo (Guanacaste) (Calm Pacific bays, luxury eco-resorts, surf beaches).
How do I get from SJO Airport to my hotel in Costa Rica (San José & Guanacaste)?
25 minutes to Escazú & Downtown San José; 90 minutes to Jaco / Central Pacific beaches; 2.5 hours to La Fortuna / Arenal Volcano.
What are the hotel taxes and check-in rules in Costa Rica (San José & Guanacaste)?
Costa Rica hotels add 13% VAT; daily breakfast is widely included across rainforest and beach lodges.