11 Best Family Hotels in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is brimming with so many exciting things to do and see. Between the bustling capital of San Jose, the lush rainforest strewn all over the country, and the multiple mesmerizing beaches, it’s safe to say that Costa Rica has it all. This makes the country all the more desirable for tourists and families. With that said, since you’ve stumbled upon this article, it’s likely that you’re one of the many people planning to visit Costa Rica with your family. And lucky for you, we’ve compiled all the best family resorts in Costa Rica all inclusive for you. Just scroll down some more and see it for yourself!

Hilton San Jose La Sabana

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Best Location. When traveling to a new place, the downtown area is always a good place to start. Hence we present you with Hilton San Jose La Sabana. Housed in the country’s tallest skyscraper, you’re well in one of the best family hotels in Costa Rica. Moreover, previously mentioned on our list of top gay-friendly hotels in San Juan, the Hilton San Jose La Sabana proves itself as a hospitable accommodation.

While at the hotel, you can indulge in the many facilities and services they offer. From an exceptional fitness center to indoor swimming that the kids will love. You also don’t want to miss dining at the hotel’s restaurant, The Cloud. Not only do they serve fantastic food, but you’ll also be able to feast on the mesmerizing view of downtown San Jose.

Aside from that, the hotel’s location is also a huge benefit. Since it’s right in the hustle and bustle of the city, you and your family can check out the top things to do in San Jose. You can head to the Municipal Craft Market and immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s rich culture. Or visit the Central Market and try some Costa Rican cuisine.

After all that excitement, you and your family can return to your cozy hotel room and have a good night’s rest. When morning comes, the room’s floor-to-ceiling window makes a great spot to enjoy your morning coffee. Then you can continue on your adventure in San Jose. All in all, it’s clear that the Hilton San Jose La Sabana is the best hotel in Costa Rica for families 

Dreams Las Mareas All Inclusive

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The Dreams Las Mareas promises you unlimited luxury, and that’s exactly what you and your family will be getting here. Located along the beach in Playa El Jobo, you’ll find yourself in one of the most private family resorts in Costa Rica all inclusive. 

At this resort, you’ll be surrounded by lush rainforest, whilst still having direct access to the beach. Wherever you’re at the hotel, an amazing view is always on your horizon. Making it the perfect place family getaway. Truly the best place to stay in Costa Rica with family.

Moreover, there are also plenty of family-oriented facilities to keep you entertained. For starters, the beach obviously provides you with numerous water-sports activities. And if you prefer to explore the landscape, there are hiking trails in the surrounding forest. You can also take advantage of the resort’s wellness facilities, swimming pools, kid’s clubs, and many more.

Now for the family rooms, you can expect a perfectly comfortable room full of great amenities. Plus, each room has an expansive balcony where you can relax and appreciate the view. So really, there’s no reason at all not to check them out!

Casa Conde Beachfront Papagayo

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Casa Conde Beachfront Papagayo is yet one of the family resorts in Costa Rica all inclusive that guarantee you and your family a memorable stay. Boasting a beachfront and an expansive garden, you’re in for a relaxing yet exciting time at the resort.

They provide activities from hiking, horse riding, and diving to wind-surfing. For a relaxing evening, you can head to the resort’s spa center and let yourself be pampered while the kids spend time at the kid’s clubs. 

Furthermore, if you like to go sightseeing, the resort offers trips to several national parks. Or you can also head to the nearest town, which is just a 20 minutes drive away. You’ll find shopping centers, bars, casinos, and other attractions there. 

As for guestrooms, each one comes with comfy beds, in-room entertainment, and a terrace. So you can enjoy your morning coffee with a beautiful view in your company every day. Nothing less from the best hotel in Costa Rica for families.

Gigi Brown Beachfront Santa Teresa

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Best Guestroom. Located along the beach of Santa Teresa, the Gigi Brown Beachfront present you with the best hotel in Costa Rica for families. Here you will be perfectly secluded from any disturbance and noise thanks to the private beach and a tropical forest surrounding the compound.

With that said, you’ll still be able to indulge yourself in plenty of thrilling activities. Starting from snorkeling, canoeing, and even fishing. And if you want to check out other places, Mal País and Carmen Beach are just a kilometer away.

Moreover, what really makes the Gigi Brown Beachfront one of the best family hotels in Costa Rica, is its suite rooms. Featuring a private swimming pool, a patio, a living area, and tons of great amenities (including Netflix!), you’re guaranteed to enjoy your time here. Plus, the suite is neatly tucked between nature! All the more reason to love this place.

Jungle Beach Hotel Manuel Antonio

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Best Value for Money. Neatly tucked where the forest meets the shore, the Jungle Beach Hotel Manuel Antonio offers both adventure and excitement. At this hotel, you’ll be able to enjoy your days playing on the beach and tracking through the jungle. 

Furthermore, at the nearby Espadillas Beach, there are plenty of seaside restaurants that you can check out. And when you want to explore the jungle, the hotel can set you up with that too. Plus, there are also activities like zip-lining, mangrove tours, and many others. 

Moreover, as one of the top family hotels in Costa Rica, the Jungle Beach Hotel Manuel Antonio provides excellent guestrooms. Each one comes with convenient amenities and is comfortable and spacious enough for four people. 

Although if you’re traveling with a bigger party, the hotel’s suite is the better option for you. You’ll get more space and more amenities, including a fully-equipped kitchen. 

Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort

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Get ready to have a marvelous stay at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort! With the beach right on your doorstep and lush rainforest in your periphery, you’re in the perfect spot for your family vacation.

You might even spot some wild monkeys and sloths hanging by trees around the area if you’re lucky enough. And while you’re at it, indulge yourself in the resort’s sterling services. Whether you’re in the mood for delicious cocktails or just want to relax by the pool, the resort has it all for you.

Moreover, the resort’s secluded location is definitely a huge benefit. Especially if you’re looking for some tranquility. With that said, you can still do plenty of things here.  From cooking classes, hiking tours, and movie nights to, of course, multiple watersports activities. 

Furthermore, as expected for the best place to stay in Costa Rica with family, the guestrooms here are just amazing. Perched high within the rainforest, the family suite gives you a front-row seat of Playitas beach’s breathtaking view. Plus, you’ll have your own jacuzzi by the balcony and a lot of neat amenities. You really gotta check them out yourself!

Barceló Tambor – All Inclusive

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When looking for the best family resorts in Costa Rica all inclusive ones are always better. Hence why, we present you with Barceló Tambor. Located on the volcanic sandy beach of Playa Tambor, this family resort offers you a stunning view of Bahia Ballena Bay on one side and lush hills on the other.

And since the resort is all-inclusive, all your needs are taken care of. From your meals to your entertainment. So feel free to enjoy all sorts of facilities, including mini golf, tennis courts, a wellness center, a children’s playground, and many more.

On top of that, the resort also has various guestrooms, all of which are great for families. Inside each room, an array of amenities are provided for you. Including a minibar, cable TV, and an indoor bathroom with free toiletries. So basically, everything you need for a nice family vacation, you can find here at Barceló Tambor.

Occidental Tamarindo All Inclusive

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The Occidental Tamarindo offers you the ideal combination of relaxation and adventure, luxury and comfort, jungle and sea. Located just a mile from Tamarindo, this heaven on Earth is where you want to spend your family vacation.

Being one of the family resorts in Costa Rica all inclusive, it’s guaranteed that all your needs will be taken care of here. You can enjoy all of the facilities and delicacies from the hotel’s restaurants to your heart’s desire. 

We also recommend checking out their spa facilities, as it’s famous for being fabulous. While you’re at it, the kids can have their own fun at the playground or at the kid’s club. Not to mention, the resort has tons of water-sports activities that you wouldn’t want to miss.

When it comes to the guestroom, each one is perfectly suitable for families. Each one has either a balcony or a terrace and is equipped with amenities, including a cable TV and a minibar. All in all, you can trust Occidental Tamarindo to give you an unforgettable vacation.

El Mangroove Papagayo

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At El Mangroove Papagayo you’re on track to experience a combination of elegance and exceptional service. With them being one of the family resorts in Costa Rica all inclusive, you’ll be in even more good hands.

Furthermore, the resort’s strategic location provides you with direct access to the beach and the amazing view of Papagayo Bay. And since they also provide private boat tours, you’re in for an adventure here at El Mangroove Papagayo.

On top of that, the resort is also excellently engulfed by the Costa Rican rainforest, which means that you and your family can enjoy all of its facilities in peace. You can start by checking out their extensive spa facilities, lounging by the pool, and having a nice BBQ with your family.

Other than that, the resort’s chic and modern architecture is definitely a feat you can’t miss. Their unique decor and room design splendidly complement the surrounding nature. Plus, the family room is just as amazing as the rest of the resort. Having a hammock in your guestroom certainly adds up the whole flair. 

The Springs Resort & Spa

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Best Hotel for Families With Kids. Perched high in the Arenal Valley, The Springs Resort & Spa is the best place to stay in Costa Rica with family. This is where you can truly experience tranquility and relaxation.  

With a breathtaking view of the Arenal Volcano, natural hot springs, five distinct dining experiences, and a luxurious full-service spa, this resort can’t be more perfect. Plus, since it’s among the top family resorts in Costa Rica all inclusive, all your needs are taken care of. You definitely will not run out of things to enjoy here.

There’s on-site mini golf, a games room, swimming pools with waterslides, and not to mention the array of exciting outdoor activities you can do. The resort can set you up with river tubing, kayaking, horseback riding, and even climbing. 

Furthermore, you can expect to get a cozy family room with amazing views of the surrounding jungle that you can enjoy from the balcony. The amenities you get here are also just as great. So better book your room ASAP! We promise you won’t regret staying here.

Riu Palace Costa Rica

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Now the Riu Palace is on a whole other level compared to other family resorts in Costa Rica all inclusive. Located in Coco, near Matapalo beach, everything this resort has and does is all amped up to the max. We’re talking about amazing hospitality, services, and facilities.

If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll definitely be excited to play all day at the resort’s water park. Additionally, there are also five swimming pools, with one having a pool bar where the adults can enjoy tasty beverages. 

Moreover, the number of activities you can do here is just bewildering. Whether you want to play watersports on the beach, do water aerobics, take yoga classes, or pamper yourself at the spa center, you can do all of those here. Not to mention that since the resort is all-inclusive, you can also enjoy free meals at any of the five on-site restaurants.

As for their guestrooms, they are all designed to accommodate families comfortably. All you need to know is that you’re guaranteed to equally have as much fun as being relaxed here at Riu Palace Costa Rica. This truly is the best place to stay in Costa Rica with family.

Our Verdict!

As you’ve seen on this list, we’ve concluded that the Riu Palace is number one among the best family resorts in Costa Rica all inclusive. Nevertheless, here are some highlights of other family hotels in Costa Rica that offer features and benefits that might suit you best:

• Best value for money: Jungle Beach Hotel Manuel Antonio
• Best location: Hilton San Jose La Sabana
• Best hotel for families with kids: The Springs Resort & Spa
• Best guestroom: Gigi Brown Beachfront Santa Teresa

Where to Stay in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a rich country teeming with natural beauty and biodiversity. Whether it’s the beach you want, the forest, or the volcanic mountains, you can experience them all here in this Central American country. If anything, choosing a starting point can be overwhelming, which is why we recommend getting a Costa Rica travel guidebook.

With that said, it’s best to find accommodations according to which part of Costa Rica you want to explore first. If you want to indulge yourself in the history and culture of the country, then San Jose is the best place to start. As the heart of the country, you can easily find all the top family hotels in Costa Rica here.

Furthermore, for a tropical getaway, you can find many hotels and even all-inclusive resorts near the coasts. All the way from the northernmost La Cruz, to the southernmost Cabo Matapalo.

And thanks to the country’s unique landscape, most of its coastlines meet with lush jungles. So more often than not, you’ll find accommodations that give direct access to the beach as well as the jungle. Although, if you want to exclusively be surrounded by Costa Rica rainforests, then staying at either Monteverde or Arenal Volcano is best for you.

Luckily, on this list, we have compiled all the best family hotels in Costa Rica at each of the locations mentioned above. So make sure to check them all out!

Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Costa Rica

• El Novillo Alegre – Your best option to enjoy Argentine food in Costa Rica, in a warm and familiar atmosphere. Here you can feast on the best grilled food with high-quality meat cuts, fresh seafood, and locally sourced vegetables. 
• Restaurant Silvestre – Enjoy a fine-dining experience at Restaurant Silvestre. Under the directions of their award-winning head chef, you’ll be presented with elevated authentic Costa Rican cuisine. 
• Hacienda Blue Beach – The go-to hang-out place while you’re in Playa Panama, Costa Rica. Enjoy their various surf and turf menus with the ocean breeze as your company.

Recommended Activities in Costa Rica

• Tortuga Island Tour – Enjoy a special day surrounded by nature, seeing dolphins, islands, birds, and many other species on your way to Tortuga Island.
• San Jose Bites and Sights Walking Tour – A guided walking tour of San Jose’s beautiful city will take you through busy streets, the bustling Central Market, and peaceful parks. And only that, you’ll also discover herbal remedies and sample the local cuisine.
• La Fortuna: Zip-Line and Rafting Adventure – This tour from La Fortuna include whitewater rafting and zip-lining. You’ll zip through the rainforest canopy before rafting through class 2-3 rapids on the Ro Balsa.