"The property manager and staff are lovely. Everything else was underwhelming. It was hard to locate and there was a locked gate with no instructions for how to get in. The property looked nice from the photos but the images did not accurately represent the small, dark rooms and the fact that it’s a cluster of little studio motel rooms. It has the feel of a fixer upper motor lodge. It has tons of potential; just still needs work and wasn’t at all what we were led to believe we were renting. It’s...
"The property manager and staff are lovely. Everything else was underwhelming. It was hard to locate and there was a locked gate with no instructions for how to get in. The property looked nice from the photos but the images did not accurately represent the small, dark rooms and the fact that it’s a cluster of little studio motel rooms. It has the feel of a fixer upper motor lodge. It has tons of potential; just still needs work and wasn’t at all what we were led to believe we were renting. It’s...
"The place was located in a small neighborhood that gave it a real Costa Rican feel. It was very spacious, modern & clean. It was a smart home equipped with all the essentials. Sergio was an awesome host that made our stay very pleasant. I would definitely stay here again!"
"The place was located in a small neighborhood that gave it a real Costa Rican feel. It was very spacious, modern & clean. It was a smart home equipped with all the essentials. Sergio was an awesome host that made our stay very pleasant. I would definitely stay here again!"
"I am very impressed with Tropical Gardens.Was a beautiful apartment, quick and very polite staff.I feel very relaxed with the pool and amenities.I would come back to this place next year and bring my whole family."
"I am very impressed with Tropical Gardens.Was a beautiful apartment, quick and very polite staff.I feel very relaxed with the pool and amenities.I would come back to this place next year and bring my whole family."
"Only getting one star because I can’t rate a ZERO. We sent a message letting them know we had just landed (first time Costa Rica visitors) and instantly got back a message saying our booking was cancelled and refunded. So 7:30pm, in a new country, finding last minute accommodations for 3 was an adventure. "
"Only getting one star because I can’t rate a ZERO. We sent a message letting them know we had just landed (first time Costa Rica visitors) and instantly got back a message saying our booking was cancelled and refunded. So 7:30pm, in a new country, finding last minute accommodations for 3 was an adventure. "
"The proximity to downtown area was really nice, very close to all shopping, bars and restaurants that you may want. The pool at the complex is very welcoming and so are all the people. "
"The proximity to downtown area was really nice, very close to all shopping, bars and restaurants that you may want. The pool at the complex is very welcoming and so are all the people. "
"Coco garden’s Suite was a such lovely place for our last two nights of our vacation. The location was safe and walkable to shops, beach and restaurants. The whole unit was just gorgeous from its new appliances, cabinets, tiles, comfortable king bed and massive bathroom with wall to wall tiles and rain shower. We truly felt spoiled. The host was very helpful with all our questions. We hope to come back to stay again!"
"Coco garden’s Suite was a such lovely place for our last two nights of our vacation. The location was safe and walkable to shops, beach and restaurants. The whole unit was just gorgeous from its new appliances, cabinets, tiles, comfortable king bed and massive bathroom with wall to wall tiles and rain shower. We truly felt spoiled. The host was very helpful with all our questions. We hope to come back to stay again!"
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
"We enjoyed our stay at The Palms at Coco Beach. It’s a great location, close to the black sand beach and near the main road with plenty of shops, locals, and tourists around.
The rooms are very basic and a bit dated, and our smaller room with two beds was quite small, including the bathroom. Don’t expect a Hilton or anything fancy, but if you’re mainly there to shower, get dressed, and sleep, it works just fine.
The staff were super friendly, the pool was always clean, and the complimentary breakfast from 7–10 a.m. was a great bonus. Overall, it’s a simple, no-frills place in a convenient location if you plan to spend most of your time out enjoying the area."
"The hotel is in a beautifully designed tropical garden. The room was very well maintained and beautiful. What impressed me most was that they provided glass water bottles, and the housekeeping filled them with filtered water for you. You can refill them yourself too.
All the staff were smiley, warm, and helpful. The restaurant in the hotel was beautiful, and the breakfast was delicious (not included in the fee). The air conditioning in the room was good. The ocean view was great and easy to swim and the swimming pool were beautiful as well.
The only shortcoming is that the swimming pool is a bit tiny. It is good for small kids, but not really suitable for swimming. The jacuzzi next to the pool was set to be lukewarm rather than hot. It'd be perfect if the hotel provided more activities or services probably. (The pool table was the only activity and we did enjoy it)
However, we did enjoy the pool with a monkey family of eight howling on top of us everyday, which was so much fun! We also met many animals around the hotel, including iguanas, different kinds of birds, raccoons, and monkeys.
The location of this hotel is quite isolated, so there are no restaurants or shops within walking distance to hang out at. Luckily, the hotel itself is good enough for us to hang out there most of the time.
Overall, I really loved this hotel: the design, the ambiance, the vibes, the quality, and the staff."
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica, by Hyatt
10/10 Excellent
"This hotel will ruin all other hotels for you. The staff was incredible, the grounds were immaculate, the room was amazing, the wildlife and beach on property were unreal. Seriously, if you stay here, there’s no going back to mediocre hotels. You’ve been warned. We’re 100% going back. My wife literally cried when we were leaving."
Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
10/10 Excellent
"Our stay at Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, was truly exceptional. The resort is spectacular, with breathtaking views, beautifully designed facilities and an incredible sense of privacy and tranquillity.
The facilities are outstanding. The **gym is amazing**, while the **spa and hydrotherapy pools are truly sensational** — perfect for relaxing and recharging.
What really sets Nekajui apart, however, is its people. The staff were passionate, professional, warm and exceptionally courteous. Pablo, Samuel and the wider team went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and genuinely cared for. Their attention to detail and pride in what they do made our stay particularly memorable.
The restaurants were very good, with food consistently prepared to a high standard. As a new resort on the peninsula, there is still some opportunity to further develop the dining offering, and many residents understandably choose to explore some of the more established eateries nearby. That said, when dining at the resort, the quality of the food is excellent, and with a little further refinement, the restaurants have the potential to be truly exceptional.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and are immensely grateful to the entire Nekajui team for their incredible hospitality. The combination of the setting, facilities and, most importantly, the people makes Nekajui a very special place.
We would happily return and highly recommend Nekajui."
What's it like to stay at an apartment in Santa Elena?
There are 6 lodging options in Santa Elena. Though there aren't many apartments, we can help you locate similar accommodations. When you search on Expedia, you can use the filters to search for conveniences you might find in an apartment like a kitchen. You can also search for similar property types like vacation homes, condos, or cabins.
How do you know if an apartment is the right choice for your stay?
An apartment comes equipped with a kitchen, so you can cook some of your meals, and often has more space than a traditional hotel room. Apartments are a good option for couples who want to live like locals, and also for families who want the conveniences of home.
What's a favorite apartment I should consider for a stay in Santa Elena?
Here are some of the more popular apartments in the area: Hermosa Paradise: Located in Sardinal, 22.3 mi/35.9 km from the heart of Santa Elena. Includes free WiFi, outdoor space, and private yards. Free parking and an outdoor pool are on site. T Loft: Located 22.3 mi/35.8 km away in Sardinal. Free WiFi, comfy beds, and Smart TVs are included. Free parking and onsite laundry facilities are on site. Apartamento Ganesha Liberia: Located in Liberia, 23.5 mi/37.9 km away. Includes free WiFi. Access to free parking is available on site. Tropical Gardens: Located 23.1 mi/37.2 km away in Sardinal. Amenities include free WiFi. Free parking and a terrace are on site. Anona Guesthouse: Located in Sardinal, 22.3 mi/35.8 km from Santa Elena. Includes free WiFi, private patios, and private yards. Free parking and an outdoor pool are on site.
What will the weather be like during my trip to Santa Elena?
Weather is only one factor, but it can really affect your travel plans, especially if you are planning a longer stay in Santa Elena. The hottest months are usually April and March with an average temp of 82°F, while the coldest months are November and December with an average of 78°F. The rainiest months in Santa Elena are October, September, June, and August, with each month seeing an average of 15 inches of rainfall.
What should I see and do in Santa Elena?
Santa Rosa National Park and Playa Blanca are a couple of lovely local spots to get outside and enjoy nature. While here, La Casona and Sector Murciélago are other places worth a visit.
What's the best way to get to and around Santa Elena?
Knowing a bit about the transportation options can save you time when you get to your destination. Fly into Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport (LIR), which is located 23 mi (37 km) away from the city center. If you'd like to explore around the area, you may want a rental car for your journey.