Airbnb opened the world up to alternative lodging options when it launched in 2008 and is now one of the go-to travel booking websites when it comes to vacation rentals and different accommodation options.
What is Airbnb?
For those who are new, Airbnb is a website/app that allows people to list their properties or residencies and travelers can book them directly on their platform. There are all sorts of interesting lodging options from your standard hotel room to tree houses and castles.
We have used Airbnb in Costa Rica quite a few times. I love the variety of listings and more Costa Ricans are catching onto Airbnb so you can use it as a way to connect to the locals. I have found that on average, prices are a bit cheaper than hotels and you have way more options than the standard hotel room.
But before you start booking, there are a few things you need to know about using Airbnb in Costa Rica so you don’t run into any issues.
How to Get Started Using Airbnb in Costa Rica
First, you need an account. It’s free to sign up.
Start Searching!
Once your profile is all set up, type in the search box your destination, dates and how many people. On the next page, Airbnb has a lot of filters which makes it easy to find what you want.
You can select if you want an entire home, private room or shared room and there is also a slider to set a price range. Click on “Filters” to apply. You can search for places that have Wi-Fi, a TV, # of bedrooms/bathrooms /beds, pets allowed and much more.
Once you’ve done all that, the next thing I like to do is to check the map.
Important Factors to Think About When Choosing an Airbnb
You need to choose a place that will be suitable for your trip so you need to think about these things.
- Are you renting a car in Costa Rica or taking the shuttle/bus? Do you need to be close to public transportation?
- Do you want to stay close to town, be on the beach or further away?
- Are you a solo traveler?
- How big is your group?
- What kind of amenities do you need? Are you looking for something off the grid or do you need good Wi-Fi?
These factors are important in narrowing down the right Airbnb for you.
If you’re not renting a car and relying solely on taxis or public transportation, you’ll want a place that’s close to town so you are in walking distance to restaurants, the bank, pharmacies, etc.
This also applies for solo travelers as most of them want to be around other travelers to meet people, so picking a place close to town is best.
Ready to Book?
Once you’ve found a place you’re interested in and it’s a popular one, I’d book it as soon as possible. Just make sure to check the cancellation policies.
Prepare For Your Trip
Once you’ve confirmed the booking, there is a section where you can introduce yourself to your host. Let them know who you’re coming with, what your plans are and what time you are planning on arriving so they know when to expect you0.
Make sure to read the guest manual as well since they will put house rules and other important information in there.
Respect the rules, respect the check in and check out time and treat the place as if it’s your own.
Tips for Using Airbnb in Costa Rica
- Tons of Airbnbs are foreign owned. If you want to support local and book with a Costa Rican, you will have to read the host description.
- Even if the dates on the Airbnb calendar say the place is available and it has instant book, do not believe it. I instant booked before and the hosts wrote back to cancel as they just didn’t update their calendar
- Most Costa Ricans speak good English, particularly those who work in tourism.
- Make sure to ask your host if the water is drinkable if you are staying in an apartment/condo.
- Make sure to communicate with the host what time you are arriving and how to pick up/drop off the keys.
- Some rentals are managed by a third party property manager and you may have to go to a separate location to pick up keys.
- Read reviews. Seems like common sense but I like to read reviews to get tips from previous guests. I specifically chose our Airbnb in Arenal because the reviews mentioned that it had a lot of wildlife which was what I was looking for.
- Shared shuttles and most tour operators do not pick up or drop off at Airbnbs. You will also need to find the closest hotel to your location.
- I recommend getting a pre-paid sim card or international data plan. This way you will always have access to email and you can call/text your host in case of emergency or if you have any questions.
- Download the app. This makes getting messages and checking your listing a lot easier.
Our Favorite Airbnbs in Costa Rica
We have used Airbnb pretty much every time we travel around Costa Rica. We’ve stayed in an Airbnb in Monteverde, San Jose, Turrialba, Cartago, Puerto Viejo, Heredia and even hosted travelers in our apartment in Jaco. Our experience at each one has been wonderful.
In fact, we made some very good friends in Monteverde! Our hosts were tour guides in the area and when they found out that we like photographing wildlife, they took us to their friends house to see a white hawk.
In La Fortuna, our host gave us local snacks in the morning and knocked on our door at night to show us a wild sloth walking around!
You can read about our experience with our Arenal Airbnb and our Monteverde Airbnb.
Christine says
What was the name of the airbnb you rented in arenal? Looks beautiful 🙂 thanks !
Sammi says
Arenal paradise, its a big house so great for families or big parties
Geannina Alfaro says
Costa Rica’s water is drinkable everywhere! you don’t need to buy water in bottles:)
Sammi says
Pretty much all the cities, the water is drinkable. We’ve been to some places where it wasn’t though, the more rural places.
Justin says
Exhaustive guide, and very usable. How secure would you say Costa is in comparison to other places you have AirBnB’d?
Sammi says
We’ve had only great experiences with Airbnb in Costa Rica and we have booked with both Costa Ricans and foreigners, both have been excellent.