Santa Elena Hotels

Top reasons to visit Santa Elena

• Outdoor Adventures: Santa Elena is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering trails for hiking and wildlife observation in stunning natural reserves.
• Scenic Beauty: The area boasts breathtaking landscapes, with picturesque beaches and lush national parks waiting to be explored.
• Vibrant Downtown: Enjoy charming cafés, local shops, and lively nightlife in the heart of Santa Elena.
• Relaxation Opportunities: Unwind at local spas or engage with art galleries for a leisurely experience.
• Family-Friendly Activities: The region offers a variety of activities suitable for families, ensuring fun for all ages.

Find great hotels near Santa Elena

Experience the charm of Santa Elena, Guanacaste, with a range of hotel options tailored for families and adventure seekers alike. From welcoming hotels to luxurious resorts, you’ll find the perfect base for your beach vacation. Explore our selection of Santa Elena hotels and discover reviews to help you make an informed choice for your stay in this beautiful region of Costa Rica.

• JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive: Located 17.7km from Santa Elena, the JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa offers a luxurious retreat ideal for those seeking a blend of adventure and relaxation. With a guest rating of 8.4 out of 10, this 4.5-star all-inclusive resort features direct beach access and a wealth of recreational activities, including windsurfing, snorkelling, and hiking. Guests can indulge in unlimited food and drinks, making it a superb choice for a lavish beach vacation.
• Occidental Papagayo - Adults Only - All inclusive: Situated 33.8km from Santa Elena, the Occidental Papagayo is a 4-star adults-only resort perfect for a tranquil getaway. Boasting an array of all-inclusive amenities, including fitness facilities and entertainment, it caters to those on a business trip or a serene beach holiday. Direct access to the beach allows guests to unwind by the sea while enjoying unlimited food and drinks, creating a peaceful and rejuvenating atmosphere.
• Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort: With a guest rating of 8.4 out of 10, this 4.5-star resort is located 29.0km from Santa Elena and offers a unique family-friendly experience. The Planet Hollywood Costa Rica features direct access to the beach and provides a variety of children’s amenities, including a shared playground and a complimentary kids' club. Guests can enjoy an all-inclusive stay with unlimited food and drinks, making it an excellent choice for families looking to create lasting memories.

Where to stay in and around Santa Elena

Santa Elena, nestled in the heart of Guanacaste, offers an enchanting blend of adventure and relaxation. Explore the vibrant downtown, where charming cafés and local shops await. Enjoy lively nightlife and stunning sunset views that paint the sky. The surrounding areas provide family-friendly activities and secluded spots for romance and recreation. With numerous attractions nearby, Santa Elena is the perfect base for experiencing the breathtaking beauty and rich culture of Costa Rica.

• Canas Dulces: Situated 25.7km away from Santa Elena, Canas Dulces is a charming city that captures the essence of outdoor adventure and stunning scenery. With visitor numbers peaking in March and during the December to January period, this locale offers an inviting atmosphere year-round. Travellers flock here for activities such as spa treatments, golfing at local courses, and exploring nearby national parks. The surrounding landscape features breathtaking beaches and lush natural parks, making it a perfect destination for those keen on immersing themselves in Costa Rica's rich biodiversity.
• El Jobo: Located a mere 16.1km from Santa Elena, El Jobo is a quaint village known for its picturesque beaches and outdoor adventures. This destination sees a surge in visitors from January through April, attracting beach lovers and thrill-seekers alike. The area boasts several resorts and golf courses, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Close to national parks and stunning coastal scenery, El Jobo is ideal for those looking to soak up the sun while enjoying the natural beauty of Costa Rica's Pacific coastline.
• Cuajiniquil: Nestled in close proximity to Santa Elena, Cuajiniquil is a delightful village that appeals to those seeking an outdoor and adventurous experience. The village sees increased visitor numbers from March to April and July, making it a vibrant spot during these months. Guests can unwind at local resorts while exploring nearby beaches and national parks. With its captivating scenery and abundant opportunities for adventure, Cuajiniquil is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by those eager to experience Costa Rica's natural splendour.

Things to do in Santa Elena

Shopping

In the heart of Santa Elena, you’ll find local artisan shops offering unique souvenirs and gifts. If you’re up for a drive, the Monteverde Shopping Centre is about 16.1km away, featuring a variety of boutiques and dining options to explore during your visit.

Recreation

At the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, immerse yourself in lush greenery while hiking scenic trails that wind through the misty canopy. For relaxation, the Monteverde Wellness Centre offers rejuvenating yoga classes and holistic treatments, providing a tranquil space to unwind and reconnect with nature amidst stunning views.

Adventure

Experience the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where you can hike through lush trails and marvel at diverse wildlife. For thrill-seekers, the zip-lining canopy tour offers an exhilarating way to glide above the treetops, enjoying panoramic views of the stunning landscape.

Nightlife

Visit the Tree House Restaurant and enjoy a lively atmosphere with local dishes and cocktails. For a more laid-back vibe, check out Café de Paris, where you can sip coffee or cocktails while mingling with fellow travellers and locals alike.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Elena

When visiting Santa Elena, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, consider these money-saving tips. Enjoy free attractions such as Playa Copal and Playa Puerto Soley. For transport, opt for bicycles or shuttles to save costs. The cheapest months to visit are May and September to October, while Saturdays offer the best hotel rates. Book your accommodation about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Additionally, combine your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings, and utilise filters to find eco-friendly options within your budget.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Santa Elena are May and September to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and December, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Santa Elena about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Santa Elena is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Santa Elena is Monday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can cut costs by combining your Santa Elena hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Santa Elena

Santa Elena, Guanacaste, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and offers stunning scenery. Visitors can explore nearby beaches, reserves, and national parks, ideal for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. Notable attractions include the Santa Elena Reserve and the surrounding area, which provides numerous opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. Consider visiting the Santa Elena Medellín for a unique experience, all conveniently located within a short distance from Santa Elena.

• Maritza Biological Station: Nestled within Santa Elena, this reserve offers a tranquil escape into nature. Visitors can enjoy recreational activities while immersing themselves in the rich biodiversity of the area, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and those seeking solitude.
• Junquillal Beach: This picturesque beach exudes a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. With its golden sands and gentle waves, Junquillal Beach invites visitors to unwind, swim, or simply bask in the sun while enjoying the stunning coastal views.
• La Casona: A significant cultural monument, La Casona showcases the rich heritage of Santa Elena. Visitors can delve into the history and traditions of the region, offering a deeper understanding of the local culture and its evolution over time.

Best time to go to Santa Elena

The best time to visit Santa Elena can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Santa Elena falls in April, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in Santa Elena falls in October and November. November has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	78.6°F (25.9°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
February	80.1°F (26.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
March	81.7°F (27.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
April	83.3°F (28.5°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	81.9°F (27.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	79.2°F (26.2°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	78.8°F (26.0°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	78.8°F (26.0°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	78.3°F (25.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
October	77.2°F (25.1°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
November	77.2°F (25.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	77.7°F (25.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Santa Elena

Flying into Santa Elena, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is convenient with several nearby airports. Liberia (LIR-Daniel Oduber Intl.) is the closest, situated 35.4km away, with hotels like Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste Airport , 1.3km from the airport, offering shuttle services. Tamarindo (TNO) lies 67.6km from Santa Elena, featuring options such as Hotel Pasatiempo, 3.2km away, providing airport transportation on request. For those considering Cóbano Airport (ACO), located 146.4km away, Barceló Tambor is a nearby 4-star hotel, 9.7km from the airport, with shuttle services available. Each airport offers various transportation options to ensure a smooth journey to Santa Elena.