A boat on calm water near a sandy beach with a large rock formation in the background.

Santa Elena Hotel Guide - Beach Hotels in Santa Elena, Guanacaste

  • Change your mind

    Book hotels with free cancellation

  • Treat yourself

    Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
    Sign in

  • Be picky

    Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check availability on Santa Elena Beach Hotels

Tonight
14 Oct - 15 Oct
Tomorrow
15 Oct - 16 Oct
This weekend
16 Oct - 18 Oct
Next weekend
23 Oct - 25 Oct

Our top choices for Santa Elena beach hotels

A wooden cabin with large windows, a fireplace, and a seating area with chairs and a table.
A room with a ceiling fan, two chairs, a bench, and large windows with a view of trees.
A wooden interior with a bench, a chair, and a table.
A room with two beds, wooden walls, and large windows with curtains.

1. Santa Elena Lodge

Santa Elena Lodge
Santa Elena
€90
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Santa Elena Lodge
Restaurant
A modern living room with a sofa, ottomans, a coffee table, and a dining area with chairs and tables.
Restaurant
A modern reception area with curved wooden panels, a central seating area, and a reception desk.

2. JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive

JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive
La Cruz
€589
includes taxes & fees
16 Oct - 17 Oct
JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive
A beach with a sandy shore, calm water, and a forested hill in the background.
A wooden dining area with a table and chairs, large windows, and a red patterned sofa.
An aerial view of a resort with multiple bungalow-style buildings, a central pool area, and a beachside location.
A bedroom with a wooden ceiling, a bed with a floral bedspread, a nightstand, and a window with curtains.

3. Nandel Beach Resort

Nandel Beach Resort
La Cruz
€132
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Nandel Beach Resort
A beach with clear waters, a sandy shore, and lush greenery.
A rustic wooden house with a balcony, a stone wall, and a palm tree.
A patio with a hammock, chairs, and a view of the ocean.
A pathway leading to a house surrounded by lush greenery and a lake in the background.

4. Blue Dream Kiteboarding Resort

Blue Dream Kiteboarding Resort
La Cruz
€45
includes taxes & fees
13 Nov - 14 Nov
Blue Dream Kiteboarding Resort
Two people standing on a beach with a tree overhead and a body of water in the background.
An aerial view of a resort with multiple buildings, a swimming pool, and a beach.
A pool area with lounge chairs and umbrellas, a reflection pool, and a view of hotel buildings with balconies.
A modern hotel room with a bed, a TV, a balcony with a view, and a seating area.

5. Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Nacascolo
  • Unwind on pristine black sand shores with private beach club access and daily shuttle service from this tropical paradise
€331
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
A wooden platform with a floral arch and a view of the sea with boats in the background.
A modern house with a glass-enclosed patio, a hot tub, and a dining area with outdoor furniture.
An aerial view of a resort with multiple swimming pools, lounge areas, and a circular hot tub.
An aerial view of a resort with multiple swimming pools, sun loungers, and outdoor seating areas.

6. El Mangroove Papagayo, Autograph Collection

El Mangroove Papagayo, Autograph Collection
Sardinal
  • Escape to a beachfront paradise with sandy shores, daily yoga classes, and vibrant water activities just steps from your door.
€297
includes taxes & fees
28 Oct - 29 Oct
El Mangroove Papagayo, Autograph Collection
An aerial view of a beach with dense forest on one side and a clear turquoise sea on the other.
A wooden bridge leading to a building with a curved roof, surrounded by lush greenery and rocks.
A modern building with large arched windows and a balcony.
A wooden deck with two massage tables, a small round table with candles, and a view of a body of water and trees.

7. Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica, by Hyatt

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica, by Hyatt
Nacascolo
  • Soak up the sun at this bayfront resort with private beach club access, water sports, and beachside massages.
€658
includes taxes & fees
16 Oct - 17 Oct
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica, by Hyatt
A couple walking along a beach with dense greenery in the background.
A restaurant with outdoor seating, a covered patio, and a stone pathway leading to the entrance.
A restaurant with a central bar area, multiple seating options, and large windows providing views of greenery.
A swimming pool with a tropical gazebo, surrounded by trees and a view of the sea.

8. CC Beach Front Papagayo All Inclusive

CC Beach Front Papagayo All Inclusive
Sardinal
  • Escape to a serene black sand beach haven with ocean adventures, where pristine shores and water sports create paradise.
€352
includes taxes & fees
28 Oct - 29 Oct
CC Beach Front Papagayo All Inclusive
A cozy lounge area with plush seating, a wooden table, and various potted plants.
A sunset view with a cross and palm trees.
A bedroom with two beds, a wooden ceiling, and a small table.
A bathroom with a white toilet, a wooden vanity with a sink, and a mirror. There are towels and a toilet paper roll on the vanity.

9. Hotel Punta Descartes

Hotel Punta Descartes
La Cruz
€81
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Hotel Punta Descartes
A beach with two people sitting on the sand, boats in the water, and a sunset.
A wooden deck with seating and a view of lush greenery.
A multi-level building with balconies, large pillars, and indoor seating areas.
A wooden deck with a metal railing overlooking a beach with trees and a clear view of the ocean.

10. Hotel Bosque del Mar, Playa Hermosa

Hotel Bosque del Mar, Playa Hermosa
Sardinal
  • Escape to sandy shores with beachfront dining and ocean adventures, where tropical relaxation meets seaside tranquility.
€253
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
Hotel Bosque del Mar, Playa Hermosa
View all properties

Choose what matters most at beach hotels in Santa Elena

Pool
Breakfast included
4 stars
5 stars
All-inclusive

Top Santa Elena Hotel Reviews

Hotel Bosque del Mar, Playa Hermosa

Hotel Bosque del Mar, Playa Hermosa

10/10 Excellent
"Wonderful stay at Bosque del Mar — friendly, helpful staff, beautiful well-kept grounds. We'd happily come back."
Christopher 1-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Hotel Bosque del Mar, Playa Hermosa
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin

10/10 Excellent
"Simple 10 of 10"
Oscar 1-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin
Secrets Papagayo - Adults Only - All inclusive

Secrets Papagayo - Adults Only - All inclusive

10/10 Excellent
"I stayed at Secrets Papagayo in October when the resort was at 60% capacity, so it was pleasantly relaxed and never felt overcrowded. I’d read complaints about the shuttles, and it’s true that the steep layout makes walking around difficult. However, I never waited more than 10 minutes for a ride, even at 1 a.m. The facilities were clean and well maintained, and my room’s AC worked great. As a former military guy, I’m pretty easy to please: give me a clean room and cold air, and I’m happy! Pool chairs were limited, but we always found somewhere to leave our belongings. It wasn’t always within sight, though cameras covered the main pool area. I could see seating being a bigger issue during peak season. The food was good across the buffet, sushi restaurant, Seaside Grill, and Italian restaurant. Seaside Grill offers different lunch and dinner menus. My only minor gripe was having to wear long pants at the Italian restaurant in Costa Rica’s heat and humidity. As a single 36-year-old guy, I noticed most guests were couples celebrating honeymoons, anniversaries, or simply relaxing. Despite reviews mentioning a party atmosphere, I found it laid-back, although the off-season may explain that. The staff were attentive and even remembered my name. Special recognition goes to Dalay from the entertainment team! She led daily activities with infectious energy and personality and was genuinely one of the highlights of my stay. Overall, a great experience. I’d happily return!"
Patrick 7-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Secrets Papagayo - Adults Only - All inclusive
CC Beach Front Papagayo All Inclusive

CC Beach Front Papagayo All Inclusive

10/10 Excellent
"This place is a little slice of heaven. Me and my husband absolutely fell in love with this place. From the amazing staff to the incredible food this place is the way to go. It’s more relaxed, family oriented. Perfect place to go and enjoy the beach in peace. The beach is just a very small walk from your room. We are already planning another visit in the future. We didn’t know what to expect our first time in Costa Rica but this place has got you covered. I’ll give Freddy’s Experiences a good shout out. They will get you into an amazing excursion. So don't worry about booking something till you get there. Love this place."
Kathleen 7-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
CC Beach Front Papagayo All Inclusive
Hotel Boyeros

Hotel Boyeros

10/10 Excellent
"Was a perfect place to stay. Execellent for everything"
Maureen 1-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Hotel Boyeros
Occidental Papagayo - Adults Only - All inclusive

Occidental Papagayo - Adults Only - All inclusive

10/10 Excellent
"Loved all the employees they are all so nice and very helpful"
Chris 6-night trip
Posted 4 days ago
Occidental Papagayo - Adults Only - All inclusive
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica, by Hyatt

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica, by Hyatt

10/10 Excellent
"Amazing resort. Clean and beautiful. The service was top notch and the staff were all knowledgeable and so friendly. Recommend 1000%"
Dianelys 4-night trip
Posted 6 days ago
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica, by Hyatt
The Palms At Coco Beach

The Palms At Coco Beach

10/10 Excellent
"Great place, close to all amenities in Del Coco. The staff was very helpful for sites to see and local events happening in the area. The pool area was great as well."
matt 7-night trip
Posted 10 days ago
The Palms At Coco Beach
El Mangroove Papagayo, Autograph Collection

El Mangroove Papagayo, Autograph Collection

10/10 Excellent
"Peaceful"
Colwin 4-night trip
Posted 3 weeks ago
El Mangroove Papagayo, Autograph Collection

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Elena like for travellers who love the beach?
Find a great place to stay in Santa Elena, which has a lot to offer the traveller looking to book a beach holiday.
What's the best place to stay for a beach holiday in Santa Elena?
Buddha Retreat Hotel is a top beachfront hotel with free WiFi and free parking, and it's located close to Playa Cuajiniquil .
When's the best time for a beach holiday in Santa Elena?
You can plan your beach trip with this snapshot of the seasons in Santa Elena: The hottest months are usually April and March, with an average temperature of 28°C, while the coldest months are November and December, with an average of 26°C. The rainiest months in Santa Elena are October, September, June and August, with each month seeing an average of 375 mm of rainfall.
What is there to see and do around Santa Elena?
After arriving and settling in at your accommodation of choice, you might want to venture out and explore. Beach lovers can head straight to Playa Copal or Playa Coco for some quality time by the water. Make time for a range of local attractions, which include Santa Rosa National Park and Sector Murciélago. For even more to see and do, pay a visit to Playa Cuajiniquil or Coronado Beach.
What's the best way to get to my beach hotel in Santa Elena?
This travel information can help you get to and around your beach accommodation in Santa Elena more easily: If you're looking to fly to Santa Elena, the closest major airport is in Liberia (LIR-Daniel Oduber Intl.), located 23 mi (37 km) from the city centre. If you'd like to explore around the area, consider renting a car to explore more sights.