There is an excellent range of reasonably priced hotel accommodation. Most proprietors speak English. San José has many hotels, from the extravagant to smaller, family-run hotels in the less fashionable districts, and several well-run hostels with dorms. There are several good chain-run hotels out of town near the airport. Wilderness lodges are found throughout the country, and most coastal areas have options from luxury hotels to surfers' camps. Cheap cabinas are available everywhere. Larger hotels have swimming pools and other leisure facilities. The majority have their own restaurants, which are generally good and reasonably priced. Several of the best boutique hotels in the country promote themselves through the Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica (see Accommodation Information). Hotel tariffs are likely to alter at any time. A 16.39% government and tourism tax is added to hotel prices.

Grading: Hotels are graded from A to D according to price range. The A-grade category accounts for 20% of all hotels and costs from the equivalent of US$70-150. About 20% of hotels are in the B-range and cost US$50-70. C-grade hotels cost US$30-50 and D-range hotels, about 30%, cost US$10-30. Some hotels feature a leaf and a number to show that they strive to uphold the ICT's tourism guidelines established in the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program.

Facilities for recreational vehicles and campers exist at Belén Trailer Park, at San Antonio de Belén, 8km (5 miles) from San José. Most, but not all, national parks allow camping at designated sites. Many wilderness lodges operate as tent-camps, some quite luxurious. Pitching a tent outside designated sites is not recommended due to the risk of robbery or wild animal encounters.

Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica
Tel: 258 0150.
Website: www.distinctivehotels.com

Costa Rica Chamber of Hotels
Website: www.costaricanhotels.com