1. (Guanacaste)

4.7•Hotel Best Family hotels in Costa Rica

Why it’s great for families:

• The resort has a dedicated kids club (“Cambi Kids Club”) offering storytelling, crafts, games and cultural-themed activities, giving parents some time to relax.
• There are very good family accommodation options: two- and three-bedroom villas, fully equipped with kitchen, washer/dryer, private plunge pool, ideal when travelling with children.
• The beach and pool setups are child-friendly: shallow entry pool, calm bay for paddle-boarding/kayaking, easy beach access.
• Located in Guanacaste (Peninsula Papagayo) which means easier access from Liberia airport, and lots of sunshine (dry season more reliable).
• Good mix of nature + resort amenities: you get jungle/forest surroundings + resort luxury.

Considerations / tips:

• Because it’s more upscale and in a resort community, the location may feel a bit “resort bubble” rather than deeply off-grid. If you’re after rugged adventure that’s fine but this is somewhat more polished.
• Kids-club and villa options may fill up early, especially in high season (December–April). Booking well in advance is wise.
• Driving around the peninsula may involve hills/paths; if you have very young children ask about golf-cart shuttle service.

Best for: Families wanting a comfortable, luxury beach resort with a strong kids programme and good amenities.

2. (Manuel Antonio / Puntarenas)

4.8•Resort hotel

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Why it’s great for families:

• The resort sits in lush rainforest, overlooking the Pacific, giving kids and parents a chance to witness monkeys, sloths, toucans right from the property.
• Family-friendly amenities include a children’s pool with water features, a “Pura Vida Playhouse” toddler play-room, game room for older kids, mini-golf, etc.
• The location is close to significant attractions (e.g., Manuel Antonio National Park) which makes day trips easier — good when kids get restless in one place.
• Rooms/suites: There are family suites and larger accommodations that allow more space.
• Good for mixing nature/adventure (rainforest walks, animal spotting) with resort comfort.

Considerations / tips:

• Because it is in a rainforest setting, expect some hills/steps and possibly more humidity. Families with very small children may want to ensure ease of access.
• During high season it gets busy—advance booking is advised.
• If you want a “pure beach resort” vibe rather than rainforest + beach, this might be a different feel (but many families prefer this mix).

Best for: Families that want nature immersion + beach access + a resort with very strong family-centric amenities.

3. (Hacienda Pinilla, Guanacaste)

4.5•Hotel

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Why it’s great for families:

• A large resort property in Guanacaste, with beachfront access and many amenities that cater well to families (kids club, family suites, beach/pool).
• The location in Guanacaste means it’s well-suited for a beach-based family holiday with a warm, dryer climate (especially in the dry season).
• Because it’s part of a recognizable international brand, families may find ease of expectations (kids club, suite layouts, dining etc).

Considerations / tips:

• With so many amenities available, the cost may be higher; check for family-friendly offers.
• Check the exact room type (some “resort” rooms may not have full space for big families) — ask for family suite/connecting rooms if needed.
• Some families prefer a more boutique/lower density feel; this is a larger resort, which may mean more people, more activity, slightly less “intimate”.
• As with all beach resorts, consider the season: dry season December–April is prime, green season (May–Nov) has more rain but fewer crowds.

Best for: Families wanting a classic beach-resort experience with plenty of amenities, and a comfortable all-around option.

Booking & Travel Tips for Families in Costa Rica

• Book early, especially if travelling in high season (December to April). The regions most popular with families (Guanacaste, Manuel Antonio, Arenal) fill up quickly.
• Look for connecting rooms, family suites or villas. Standard double rooms often aren’t enough for larger families. Many hotels will allow adjoining rooms or suites if you ask.
• Pools and beach access are important — after a day of travel and nature excursions, kids often just want to swim/relax. Make sure the resort offers safe, shallow pools or calm beach cove.
• For younger children, check babysitting services or kids-club availability. These aren’t always standard in every hotel, especially smaller ones.
• Consider travel season: The dry season (December–April) is most reliable for beach weather; the “green season” (wet season) can still be excellent but expect more rain.
• If your family includes young kids or older grandparents, plan for ease of movement — fewer steep hills, easier access, closer amenities.
• Make sure to budget for extras: resort meals, excursions, transport from airport etc.

If mixing nature/adventure and resort relaxation, one useful strategy is to split your stay: e.g., a couple of days in jungle/rainforest area (for adventure) + a few days at a beach resort for downtime. Best Family hotels in Costa Rica