Most Romantic Hotels in Tamarindo, Province of Guanacaste

Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel is a three-pearl, adult-only hotel located a short walk from lively downtown Tamarindo. The hotel’s nine guest rooms feature stylish, minimalist decor with a Zen feel and understated color schemes. The eco-friendly outdoor pool and common area have a refined, relaxing feel, and a wonderful free breakfast buffet is served on a scenic second-floor terrace. Other freebies include use of bikes, snorkel gear, and boogie boards. The hotel’s location on a gravel road isn’t particularly inspiring, but it’s under a 10-minute walk to the shops, restaurants, bars, and beach of central Tamarindo. Travelers looking for a hotel with direct beach access might also consider Sueno del Mar Beachfront Bed & Breakfast.  

Los Altos de Eros is an upscale, adult-only, six-room boutique hotel set on 28 acres of mountaintop terrain. The vibe is social and villa-like with rooms ringing a free-form infinity pool that overlooks the stretching mountains and valleys of the Guanacaste region and the distant Pacific. The hotel is somewhat isolated, and requires a journey up a steep, rocky road to access, but that's part of its appeal, especially to honeymooners and romantics. It's a 20-minute drive to Tamarindo and the nearest beach, but transportation is included in the all-inclusive room rate.

The laid-back, upper-middle-range, 34-room Hotel Capitan Suizo is one of Tamarindo's most revered properties. Its location at the southernmost end of Tamarindo Beach is more private and less traveled than other parts of the busy stretch of shoreline, making it attractive to well-heeled guests who prefer a quieter vibe as well as the perks of a spa, gourmet restaurant, private pool, and attentive service. The spacious bi-level rooms and Bungalows feature separate living areas and private terraces, some with direct access to the beach, while the jungle-like backdrop of flowering plants, tall palms, and dramatic Guanacaste trees keeps guests in touch with nature, including active families of howler monkeys.

Sueno del Mar Beachfront Bed & Breakfast is a three-pearl bed-and-breakfast located on Langosta Beach. This small property’s four rooms and two casitas feature distinctive Central American decor, whitewashed walls, and vaulted wooden ceilings. Nestled amid tropical plant life, the small pool and beach have a private, secluded feel. And the hearty free breakfast served on an airy patio is well above-average. The property's location in the town of Langosta feels out-of-the-way, but the nightlife and shopping of Tamarindo is about a 20-minute walk or a short drive away. Travelers may want to compare rates and amenities with Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel.

Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel is a three-and-a-half-pearl adults-only property located in the buzzing town of Tamarindo. The hotel’s 43 guest rooms are polished and tidy, with many featuring striking themed decor. Playa Tamarindo is right across the street, and there are ample dining and entertainment options within easy walking distance. True to the hotel’s name, amenities aim to create the feel of a hidden paradise, including a lagoon-shaped pool shrouded in greenery, secret pathways, and a private garden with gated access. Travelers who prefer a more streamlined, sophisticated look might consider the nearby Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel instead.

A serene, wellness-focused 31-room boutique retreat on the outskirts of bustling Tamarindo, Cala Luna has an organic, beachy ambience. A large pool, lounge, and restaurant serve as the hotel's social center while an intimate spa and yoga pavilion are tucked away in the jungle-like surroundings. Couples hide out in upscale, bungalow-style rooms with vaulted ceilings and spacious baths while families prefer the two- and three-bedroom villas with private pools. The hotel’s wellness focus is emphasized by daily yoga classes and a restaurant that uses organic and sustainable food sources, some from the on-site garden. While not located on the ocean, a five-minute walk along a landscaped path leads guests to a secluded beach, although it is rocky and not suitable for swimming, especially at low tide.

Hotel Luamey is a three-and-a-half-pearl property located in the bustling surf town of Tamarindo. The hotel’s eight guest rooms are stylish yet cozy, and all have furnished balconies or terraces. The hotel's serene pool and intimate restaurant feel secluded from Tamarindo’s lively nightlife scene, yet the town’s bars, shops, and beach, can all be reached in less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The property also offers a limited gym and free parking and Wi-Fi. Travelers would do well to compare rates and amenities at the equally beautiful Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel nearby.

The three-pearl Ocho Artisan Bungalows is a gorgeous hotel with eight unique bungalows on the beach in Tamarindo. Beautiful bungalows feature tented fabric ceilings with local wood finishes, and they're equipped with kitchenettes and large outdoor patios. Ocho’s small pool is surrounded by cushioned daybeds, and the hotel has a handful of surfboards for guests to take to the beach. There’s a tiny lobby bar, but no on-site restaurant or breakfast service, although guests can easily walk to the shops and restaurants in Tamarindo. Travelers looking for a hotel with more amenities might prefer Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas, though it isn’t on the beach or within walking distance of downtown.  

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa is a four-and-a-half pearl hotel located on Playa Mansita beach. The resort’s 310 guest rooms are subtly luxurious, offering marble bathrooms and roomy private balconies or terraces. Excellent on-site amenities include a sprawling infinity pool, an array of first-rate dining options, a swanky spa and fitness center, along with access to pretty (if tiny) Playa Mansita. The property earns top marks in all areas, but everything, from the restaurants to the minibars, is expensive. Travelers may want to compare rates and amenities with the equally fabulous Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. 

Family-owned Casa Cook is a comfortable mid-range beachfront property with only four units, two of which face the ocean. Though not upscale, they are equipped with dining areas and kitchens, and guests are close to town for restaurant and bars -- accessible by walking Playa Tamarindo's sandy shore. The wide beach is great for young ones with safe swimming conditions and consistent waves for learning to surf (there's also a pool). A friendly staff is available around the clock, and the entire place can be reserved for groups. Wi-Fi is spotty for those who need to get work done, however. 

Hacienda Pinilla is a sprawling, estate-like, gated community of private homes and villas. It is packed with features: Guests have access to a variety of country club style amenities, including tennis, golf, horseback riding, and a stylish beach club with a restaurant, pool, and small spa. The development's isolated location and natural landscape deliver a true hacienda ambience as well as the chance to see abundant wildlife, but guests need a car to reach the action in Tamarindo, a 30-minute drive away. For more food options immediately nearby, guests can head to the JW Marriott.