If you’re looking for an all inclusive resort in Costa Rica, then this post will help you decide which resort is right for your vacation.
Most all inclusive resorts are on the beaches of the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica (Pacific North). Then there are some rainforest luxury resorts that offer all inclusive options.
Here is our list of the best all inclusive hotels in Costa Rica.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.
The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal
The Westin is one of the best Costa Rica all inclusive resorts. Since it is on the stunning Conchal beach, many visitors use their points to enjoy a high end resort on one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.
Offering a gym, multiple restaurants of different cuisines, buffets, multiple pools including one with mineral water, a child care center, a shopping center, a spa, a golf course, night time entertainment and many lounges, the Westin has absolutely everything you need to have the ultimate 5 star resort experience.
Though it is a top pick for a romantic getaway, their child care facilities and family suites make it an excellent choice for a family friendly all inclusive. If you are looking for adult only services, then you can upgrade to the adult only Westin Club for exclusive access to the royal beach club pool, breakfast hall and free room service and minibar.
No doubt, the Westin Conchal is one of the best all inclusive resorts for honeymoons in Costa Rica. We have stayed twice and absolutely loved our time there.
Fly into Guanacaste Airport (LIR Airport) for Westin Conchal.
Copa del Arbol Rainforest Resort
For a luxury all inclusive beach and rainforest resort, check out Copa del Arbol in the incredible Drake Bay. They have 11 eco-luxury villas only 100 meters from the beach in a remote part of Costa Rica. Their rates include 3 meals, a welcome drink and use of SUP boards and kayaks.
Fly into San Jose International Airport (SJO Airport). The easiest way to get to Drake Bay is to take a domestic flight.
Click here for the latest rates at Copa del Arbol.
Lapa Rios Eco Lodge
For the ultimate rainforest getaway, go to Lapa Rios Eco Lodge. This lodge is nestled deep in the Osa Peninsula, the most remote corner of Costa Rica. Stay on their 1000 acre private reserve with no AC, Internet or TV. Instead, go birdwatching, hiking and surfing and spend your nights listening to nothing but the symphony of the jungle.
Fly into San Jose International Airport, then the easiest way to get to the Osa Peninsula is to fly into Puerto Jimenez, then arrange a transfer to the resort.
Click here for the latest rates at Lapa Rios.
Casa Conde del Mar
This beach front hotel doesn’t have the glitz and glam nor the size like other all inclusive hotels in Costa Rica but it is ideal for those looking for just that. It has just 50 rooms and 2 pools, offering a nice boutique resort experience.
It’s located on Playa Panama, a quiet beach in the Gulf of Papagayo up in the Guanacaste province, just 25 minutes from Liberia International Airport (Guanacaste Airport). This beach has incredibly calm waters and is great for families.
Casa Conde del Mar is popular among Costa Ricans, who are looking for a reasonably priced resort away from crazy parties and tons of tourists.
Fly into Guanacaste Airport (LIR Airport) for Casa Conde del Mar.
Click here to get the latest rates at Casa Conde del Mar.
Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort
This beachfront resort is on Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste. They have really nice modern rooms with garden, pool or ocean views, a spa, restaurant, two pools and private patios. Additionally, it’s a nice family resort with family rooms and a kids playground.
Compared to Casa Conde del Mar, Villas Sol is much bigger. It doesn’t offer a boutique experience but it’s good for larger groups or family reunions.
Fly into Guanacaste Airport (LIR Airport) for Villas Sol Playa Hermosa Guanacaste.
Check rates at Villas Sol All Inclusive here.
Barcelo Tambor
The Barcelo chain is known for their all-inclusive resorts and this one is in a secluded part of the Nicoya Peninsula in Tambor. Barcelo Tambor often throws promotions for locals looking to party hard on the weekend so that one is more crowded and more rowdy.
Fly into San Jose International Airport and then you can drive, arrange a transfer by land or fly into Tambor Airport.
Check rates for Barcelo Tambor.
Planet Hollywood
The Planet Hollywood in Costa Rica offers the exact same super star experience as other Planet Hollywood resorts, except this one is on a secluded beach in the Papagayo peninsula. They offer classic all inclusive services like a gym, spa, pool, coffee shop, live music, dancing, night entertainment and cabana service.
A great pick for friend groups, bachelor/bachelorette parties and older families for an all inclusive Star Experience. Also a good choice for families as they have a kids pool area but do note that a lot of adults go to Planet Hollywood looking for a party.
Fly into Guanacaste Airport (LIR Airport) for Planet Hollywood.
Check rates for Planet Hollywood here.
Occidental Tamarindo
The Occidental Tamarindo is actually not in Tamarindo but on the beach called Playa Langosta, about a 30 minute walk to Tamarindo. This resorts allows you to have all the fun and conveniences of Tamarindo but go back to the quiet resort at the end of the day.
Playa Langosta is a beautiful beach with gorgeous sunsets, surfing waves and tan colored sand. Enjoy their spa, pool, beautiful natural surroundings, variety of cocktails and live music.
The Occidental Tamarindo is more of a moderate price range all inclusive resort rather than a luxury resort, so it’s good if you’re more on a budget. The thing that lacked the most for me was the food, it was quite ordinary.
Fly into Guanacaste Airport (LIR Airport) for Occidental Tamarindo.
Check rates for Occidental Tamarindo.
Riu Guanacaste and Riu Palace
The Riu Guanacaste and Riu Palace are two all inclusive resorts in the Gulf of Papagayo with plenty of ocean activities to offer. Although both are under the Riu name, the Guanacaste and Palace resorts are two completely separate properties and buildings.
The Riu Palace is more exclusive with room service, high end restaurants and their own pools. The Riu Guanacaste is the more “normal” resort with more people.
The Riu resorts are popular for friend groups, included in many packages and is ideal for those who want to be around a lot of other people. It’s a popular resort for big parties, weddings and bachelor/bachelorette parties.
The Riu Palace’s rooms are normal standard rooms and suites but the food is fantastic. The pools are very nice. I found their liquor selection to be lacking, particularly their whiskeys but all bartenders were extremely nice.
The Riu Guanacaste’s rooms were more cozy in my opinion but the food was not particularly special and there was way more people at this resort than the Palace.
If budget was not an issue, I recommend the Palace all the way.
Fly into Guanacaste Airport (LIR Airport) for Riu.
Click here to check the latest rates at the Hotel Riu Guanacaste. Click here to see rates for Riu Palace.
Dreams Las Mareas
Dreams Las Mareas offers visitors a quiet getaway as it is in a not very crowded part of Costa Rica: Salinas Bay. As part of the AMResorts collection, they offer only luxury amenities and facilities. Since they have facilities for kids, teens and adults, it’s a great option for families.
Splurge and book a room with a Jacuzzi on the balcony, overlooking the ocean for a romantic stay. Or book a variety of fun land and water activities with Dreams such as ATV, jet skiing and more. Their food is excellent from the breakfast buffet to the restaurants they offer.
Fly into Guanacaste Airport (LIR Airport) for Dreams Las Mareas.
Click here for the latest rates at the Dreams Las Mareas.
Occidental Grand Papagayo
This Occidental Papagayo is a reasonably valued all inclusive in the Gulf of Papagayo. It’s adults only and you can usually find good deals online. Additionally, the resort is on a quiet beach which is really nice.
Due to these reasons, this is a nice all inclusive hotel for those who aren’t looking to splurge but still want the resort facilities. All rooms have a balcony or terrace and some have Jacuzzis.
Though the beach isn’t the prettiest, the Occidental is very close to a few white sand beaches. The fact that it’s adult only and on a lesser visited beach makes the Occidental one of the best all inclusives in Guanacaste for adults who want an intimate and quiet beach getaway on a modest budget.
Fly into Guanacaste Airport (LIR Airport) for the Occidental Grand Papagayo.
Click here for the latest rates at the Occidental Grand Papagayo.
Croc’s Resort & Casino
This oceanfront resort at the northern end of Jaco beach has one of the nicest casinos in Costa Rica (Las Vegas style), a huge pool, spa, gym, 4 restaurants and a cafe. Their cafe is excellent (we used to go get afternoon coffee and cake there) and it’s in a quieter part of Jaco so you aren’t right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle but you are close enough to enjoy the town.
They have standard mountain and ocean view rooms, suites and condos available, all furnished with top of the line bedding and amenities. Nightly turn down service is included.
Fly into San Jose International Airport (SJO) for Croc’s Resort.
Click here for latest rates at Croc’s.
Azura Beach Resort
This adults only all inclusive resort is the only in the beach town of Samara, in the southern zone of the Guanacaste province. Located right on the beach, this resort has beautiful, cozy and modern rooms and suites, a 24 hour gym (we particularly liked this touch since we eat so much at resorts), 5 restaurants, room service and a spa.
Fly into Liberia (Guanacaste Airport) – 2 hour drive to the resort.
Check latest rates at Azura Beach Resort here.
Fiesta Resort
The Fiesta Resort (formerly Doubletree Hilton) is a very popular all inclusive resort in Costa Rica. It has several restaurants, multiple pools, tennis courts, a ballroom, casino and spa. It’s located on the Puntarenas coast so the beach isn’t the nicest. However, it’s suitable to relax, watch the sunset and join in on a game of volleyball.
One thing to be aware of is that this resort is very popular with city Costa Ricans since it’s only about a 1.5 hour drive from the city. It gets really crowded and busy on weekends and holidays. I found the food to be so-so and the beach is nothing special at all.
Fly into San Jose International Airport (SJO) for Fiesta Resort.
Click here for the latest rates at Firest Resort.
Secrets Papagayo
This adult only all inclusive resort is in the Gulf of Papagayo on its own beach. It has a spa, 4 restaurants and a gym. The location is great since you’re only about a 30 minute drive from Liberia Airport. You’re also near some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. The food is excellent and they have a 24 hour cafe open to all guests which is super nice.
I definitely recommend this resort for those who are not on a budget, but want a bit more of a boutique experience. Not something huge like the Riu.
Fly into Guanacaste Airport (LIR Airport) for Secrets Papagayo.
Click here for the latest rates at Secrets Papagayo.
Read all of our Costa Rica hotel reviews here.
Flying into Liberia International Airport? Here’s our list of best hotels by LIR.
