Best Costa Rica All-Inclusive Resorts

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A complete guide to the best Costa Rica all-inclusive resorts- for families, honeymooners, adults-only and multigenerational trips.

Known for its pristine beaches, amazing food, and the happiest people on Earth, it’s no wonder Costa Rican is home to a handful of amazing all-inclusive resorts.

While many people immediately think of Mexico as the best destination for all-inclusive, don’t count out Costa Rica. Especially since it is such a safe country for families, you can rest easy that your vacation will be worry-free if you choose an all-inclusive resort or hotel.

Related post: 7 Days in Costa Rica

About Costa Rica All-Inclusive Resorts

Costa Rican all-inclusive resorts tend to deliver on what visitors expect from an all-inclusive- lots of cocktails and good food, attentive waitstaff, lush pools, and amazing beach views.

Many of the Costa Rican all-inclusive resorts are owned by multinational companies, making their standards similar to those of any other Latin American country.

You’ll typically find expansive blocks of rooms, sweeping beach views, a and private beach.

You will also find prices to be a bit higher than in other countries. This is for several reasons. First, the cost of living in Costa Rica is a lot higher than in other Latin American countries. Second, there are very strict laws on wages in Costa Rica, so you will find employees are well-paid for their jobs, and that cost is passed on to you. Well worth it in my opinion.

You’ll be able to drink the water at all of these resorts.

You’ll want to fly into the Liberia airport for the closest access to most of these resorts. If you aren’t sure which airport to fly into, check our guide here.

RELATED POST: Costa Rica With Kids- The Complete Guide

Deals on All-Inclusive- Costa Rica

You can find different good deals on Costa Rican all-inclusive hotels. I have found the best prices to be through Costco (I know, right?) and then through Apple Vacations.

If these don’t work for you, you can also get many deals by calling the hotels directly to find out if they have local or seasonal specials.

Keep in mind that Apple Vacations and Costo These services also provide transportation, so you won’t need to rent a car that way. you can do tours right from the hotels, or you can rent a car and explore on your own.

Just do your research to find out which is easier for you and/or more cost-effective. Tours from the reports are great options but can tend to be a lot more expensive.

What To Bring

I have a full Costa Rica packing list for families here, but the main highlight that you need for an all-inclusive in Costa Rica are the following:

• Bathing Suit
• Sunscreen
• Nice outfits (for evening dinners and whos people tend to dress up)
• Sandals
• Mosquito repellent

For more info again, definitely check out the packing list post.

Related post: Pacific Beaches

Finally, before you go make sure you familiarize yourself with Costa Rican food, as it is not the traditional fare you find in a place like Mexico. Obviously, I love traditional Costa Rican food, and you will want to try as many local specialties as possible while you are there.

Looking for luxury family resorts? Check out these!

Top Costa Rican All-Inclusive Hotels

Planet Hollywood

• Beach: Iguana Cliff
• Nearest Town: Liberia
• Best For: Adults, Partiers and FAmilies
• Airport: Liberia

I start with Planet Hollywood because it is my favorite of the beach resorts. This is the former Papayago all-inclusive that has been given a huge makeover.

You’ll find air-conditioned rooms set on a hill, some with ocean views. The Kid’s Club is amazing-they call it the Sar Club and there are a variety of activities, or the sitters will take your kids to the pool.

There are 7 restaurants, a great black sand beach, and a huge pool with a swim-up bar and entertainment. This is not to be missed.

Margaritaville Beach Resort

Beach: Flamingo
Nearest Town: Liberia
Best For: Families
Airport: Liberia

This report is located on one of my favorite beaches in Costa Rica- Flamingo. The resort itself boasts gorgeous swimming pools. The kiddie pool is even shaded to protect the little ones from the harsh sun.

What we love about this resort are the multiple room configurations- including one with a set of bunk beds for the kids.

You can opt for many different all-inclusive plans too. You can do no meals, breakfast only, or all-inclusive. Kids 5 andunder stay and eat free.

This is our favorite all-inclusive for families in the country.

Westin Reserva Conchal

Beach: Conchal
Nearest Town: Liberia
Best For: Adults and Families
Airport: Liberia

This resort is situated on one of Costa Rica’s hidden treasures- Playa Conchal. It’s a gorgeous beach composed entirely of shells rather than sand, and the turquoise waters will enchant you. It’s easy to snorkel right off the beach too.

This hotel is known for its golf course, you can hit the links right from the hotel. It’s owned by Westin, so it keeps to the high standards, and you may be able to use points to stay here as the prices can be high.

If you want to stay here and don’t want an all-inclusive package, you can opt for a la carte. A short walk on the beach at low tide takes you to Playa Brasilito, where there are tons of taxis to take you to eat traditional Costa Rican food.

There are two-bedroom suites here for a nominal upgrade, and that can be nice for parents with kids. you can sleep separately for your own extracurricular activities if you know what I mean.

This hotel does have a kids club but I haven’t used it. There is an adults-only Royal Bach Club section as well for those who want a more private experience.

Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

Beach: El Jobo
Nearest Town: Guacalito
Best For: Adults and FAmilies
Airport: Liberia

This report shares a bay with Nicaragua, making it the northernmost all-inclusive in Costa Rica. It’s a hike to get up here to make sure to have transportation at the ready.

This is one of Costa Rica’s newest reports, and it shows in the opulent grounds and spacious rooms.

Literally, everything is included here from Teen Zone to the mini bar, to room service ot Kid’s Club. A hotel I can’t wait to visit.

Hotel Fiesta Resort and Casino

Beach: Puntarenas
Nearest Town: Puntarenas
Best For: Adults and Families
Airport: San Jose

This is one of the most visited all-inclusives in Costa Rica due to its close proximity to the capital of San Jose (just under 90 minutes). Costa Ricans flock here for staycations on the weekends, and the whole resort has a

one of my favorite parts of this resort is the dock leading out over the ocean- perfect to take photos of the epic sunsets you’ll find year-round here.

There are five swimming pools at this resort, making it easy to take a dip while looking out over the ocean. 408 rooms give plenty of options for couples and families, each with a private balcony so you can enjoy the weather.

There’s a kids club, a teens club, four restaurants and seven bars. Definitely worth a stop!

Related post: The Best Day Trips From San Jose

Hotel Punta Leona

Beach: Playa Mantas
Nearest Town: Jaco
Best For: Families
Airport: San Jose International Airport

This hotel is located on one of my favorite beaches, Playa Mantas. It’s a relatively small all-inclusive with a decidedly Costa Rican flair.

You’ll find one a la carte restaurant and one beachfront bar, other meals are buffet-style traditional Costa Rican food.

Rooms are set away from the rest of the resort in a lush jungle environment, they are small but clean and comfortable.

This is definitely a resort for families, with a calm beach, kids pool, and a playground. There is a butterfly pavilion on site as well, where you can do self-guided tours.

You have a shuttle that takes you to the amazing Playa Blanca as well.

The nearest town is Jaco, just 15-minute drive south. It’s worth having a car here to explore Carara National Park, the epic crocodile tours, or just to grab a bite in Jaco.

This is the most economical resort on the list.

Riu Palace

Beach: Playa Matapalo
Nearest Town: Sardinal
Best For: Families and Couples
Airport: Liberia

Connected together are the Riu Palace and the Riu resort, sister properties. You can use all amenities at each, but if you are staying at the Riu report you’ll have to pay for dinner at the Riu Palace.

There are often great deals on this report.

You’ll find a great kid’s club, water sports are included, and 4 theme restaurants. Otherwise, the food is buffet-style. there is tons of nightlife at this hotel, but the rooms are secluded enough that you can stay away from the noise.

The only complaint I have heard about this resort is that the bars are far from the beach, and you’ll have to talk to get drinks. they may have added waiters in the past few years.

If you are here, make sure to visit Diamante Eco park if you want to do ziplining.

Barcelo Playa Tambor

Beach: Playa Tambor
Nearest Town: Tambor
Best For: Families
Airport: San Jose or Liberia

This hotel is another one of Costa Rica’s most treasured among Costa Ricans. Owned by a Spanish company, but you’d never know it given all of the Costa Rican flair.

Expect to see families enjoying time together in the kid’s pool, Ticos laughing at the beachfront bar, and buffet meals only. One of my favorite parts of this hotel is the view of the ocean right from the beach.

You’ll love the night entertainment, starting with live music in the lobby bar and ending with rousing dance shows the whole family will love.

Occidental Tamarindo

Beach: Playa Langosta
Nearest Town: Tamarindo
Best For: Everyone
Airport: Liberia

Located within walking distance from the famed Tamarindo beach, you’ll fall in love the minute you walk into the hotel lobby.

Set on a hill above the pool the views of Playa Langosta are phenomenal. Walk down the steps to the oceanfront pool and restaurants.

There are only buffet meals here- if you want an a la carte you’ll have to pay extra, but you can just as easily walk into town to experience the Tamarindo nightlife, food, and of course surfing.

This used to be a Barcelo resort.

Occidental Papagayo

Beach: Playa Hermosa
Nearest Town: Liberia
Best For: Adults-Only
Airport: Liberia

This is one of two adults-only all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica, the other being Secrets Papagayo. Since this is a family blog, I’ll keep this short.

This is a gorgeous resort with rooms built around a gorgeous pool. All meals are a la carte here, so you won’t have to deal with buffets. Parties make up some of the entertainment. The quiet beach makes for some great romantic sunset walks.

This resort is near a lot of beach towns you may want to visit such as Coco Beach, Panama Beach and Tamarindo. I’d have a car here if you want to go exploring.