Costa Rica Other Types Of Accommodations

What To Expect. Rooms in Costa Rica can cost as little as US$40 or so per night, though US$40-50 may be a better general figure. Accommodations go by many different names. Hospedaje, hotel, pensión, posada, and casa de huéspedes are all common terms; the differences between them are by no means consistent. Generally, pensións and hospedajes tend to cost less than hostels and hotels. Standards vary greatly, but generally speaking, for a basic room expect nothing more than a bed, a light bulb, and perhaps a fan; other amenities are a bonus. The very cheapest places may not provide towel, soap, or toilet paper. For a slight price jump you can get a room with private bath, and for a little more you might find a place with some character and charm.

Amenities To Look For. In sea level areas, try to get a room with a fan ( ventilador or abanico ) or a window with a coastal breeze. In more upscale hotels, air-conditioning may be available. Also look for screens and mosquito netting. At higher elevations, a hot-water shower and extra blankets will be most welcome. Make safety a priority in urban areas; you can often get more comfort and security for only a couple extra dollars. In more-isolated areas, accommodations will usually be basic but friendly. If you plan on staying off the beaten path, your own mosquito net, toilet paper, towel, and flashlight are a must.

Bathrooms. Let’s Go quotes room prices with and without private bath. Note that “with bath” means a sink, toilet, and basic shower in the room, not an actual bathtub. Shared baths are typically the same sort of thing, just off the hall. Hot shower is a relative term in Costa Rica: “hot” can often be tepid at best. Quite frequently, the heating device will be electric coils in the shower head. Such devices work best at low water pressure. The electrical cord should be an easy reminder that water, electricity, and people do not mix well, so be sure to avoid touching the shower head or other metal objects during a shower. Toilets in Central America often do not have toilet seats. Moreover, the sewer systems generally cannot handle everything thrown in them. As a rule, do not flush used toilet paper, tampons, or other waste products. Instead, use the receptacle (usually) provided. Toilet paper always seems to be missing when you need it most; it is wise to carry some on you wherever you go.

Getting A Good Price. Hotels in Costa Rica charge a hotel tax (16.39% cumulative sales and tourism tax); double-check if this has been included in the rate. Rooms shared with other travelers usually cost less per person. Often, a hotel will first show you the most expensive room. Ask if there’s anything cheaper (¿Hay algo más barato, por favor?). You can sometimes bargain for a lower rate at hotels, particularly during the low season, on days when there are vacancies, or if you’re staying for several days.

Bed And Breakfasts (B&Bs)

For an alternative to impersonal hotels, B&Bs (private homes with rooms for travelers) range from acceptable to sublime. Rooms in B&Bs can cost US$40-60 for a single and US$50-90 for a double in Costa Rica. A number of websites provide listings for B&Bs; check out InnFinder (www.inncrawler.com), InnSite (www.innsite.com), BedandBreakfast.com (www.bedandbreakfast.com), or Pamela Lanier’s Bed & Breakfast Guide Online (www.lanierbb.com).

Home Exchanges And Hospitality Clubs

Home exchange offers the traveler various types of homes (houses, apartments, condominiums, villas, even castles in some cases), plus the opportunity to live like a native and to cut down on accommodation fees. For more information, contact HomeExchange.com, P.O. Box 787, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, USA (☎+1-310-789-3864; www.homeexchange.com), or Intervac International Home Exchange (☎+33 6 1612 2022; www.intervac.com).

Hospitality clubs link their members with individuals or families abroad who are willing to host travelers for free or for a small fee to promote cultural exchange and general good karma. In exchange, members usually must be willing to host travelers in their own homes; a small membership fee may also be required. GlobalFreeloaders.com (www.globalfreeloaders.com) and The Hospitality Club (www.hospitalityclub.org) are good places to start. Servas (www.servas.org) is an established, more formal, peace-based organization, and requires a fee and an interview to join. An Internet search will find many similar organizations, some of which cater to special interests (e.g., women, GLBT travelers, or members of certain professions). As always, use common sense when planning to stay with or host someone you do not know.

Camping

Camping is a popular, economical way to spend a night in Costa Rica. Many hostels offer camping rates (about US$2 per person) to camp on their property and have access to the bathrooms and kitchens. It is also common to camp on beaches or in the numerous National Parks for free, although you should always check to make sure camping is allowed at the specific site. For more information on outdoor activities, see The Great Outdoors.