Montezuma, located at the southern end of the Nicoya Peninsula, is often described as a small village where time stands still. Until the 1980s, it was a remote fishing village. Now, it has become a (somewhat) popular tourist destination for those looking to just relax.
However, having been spared from mass tourism, it is characterized by its alternative and artistic wave. It is the perfect place to stay to visit other nearby attractions like Cabo Blanco National Reserve, Tortuga Island, or Malpais and Santa Teresa Beaches. Surfing is also a popular activity in the area along with yoga or wellness retreats.
I mean, Montezuma is beautiful with so many fun things to do, it really is no surprise that you’re thinking of spending some time here. But there’s just one question – where’s the best place to stay in Montezuma?
For such a small town, there are a surprisingly large number of hotels in Montezuma to choose from. There are a lot of places to stay that are spread out around Montezuma. In fact, many of the best hotels in Montezuma aren’t in town at all, and are a good ten-minute drive away from town or more! However the tranquility you’ll experience here will be unmatched.
Whether you choose to stay near the beach or just outside of town, both options have pros and cons.
In this article, we will help you decide where to stay in Montezuma as well as recommend the best hotel options near the sea in town, or outside the village of Montezuma.
In any case, Montezuma is definitely a place to go if you visit Costa Rica and I hope you will enjoy your stay!
Getting around Montezuma
Before we get into the best places to stay in and around Montezuma, I wanted to quickly touch on how you can get around the area as this is an important factor when deciding on an area to base yourself.
Montezuma village/town is small, so small you can easily walk around it. With that said, lots of the best places to stay in Montezuma are outside of the village, in which case having your own transport is necessary..
If you have a rental car already, then great, you’re all set! If not, a car is a good idea. A 4×4 is also recommended since the roads are not great around Montezuma.
Alternatively, many people rent ATVs (quads) for the duration of their stay in Montezuma. Depending on how many days you rent for, ATVs cost between $60-85 USD per day. They are a great way to get around town and your best option if you don’t have a rental car.
If you don’t want to have your own transport, then I highly recommend staying at a hotel right in the village near Montezuma Beach (Playa Montezuma.) For those traveling on a budget, this is the most common choice. Read more on the best hotels in Montezuma village that you can choose from!
Stay in Montezuma Village/Town
The village of Montezuma is small but characterized by its picturesque and colorful walls. It offers a wide variety of local, vegan, and organic products for sale at the local market and restaurants.
Montezuma village is located right on the edge of Mpntezuma Beach (Playa Montezuma). So, if you want to stay close to the beach, then staying right in the village is a safe choice.
Downtown, besides some hotels and restaurants, you will find a few clothing stores, one or two small supermarkets, an ATM, a church, and a football field.
on the weekends, you will find the main plaza gets quite busy full of people enjoying a couple of drinks. There is also one popular bar in town located here.
Advantages of staying in Montezuma Village:
- You will be close to stores, some of the best restaurants in Montezuma, and the beach.
- If you don’t have your own transportation, it’s not an issue as you will be walking distance to everything you need.
- You will be very close to Montezuma Beach.
Disadvantages of staying in Montezuma Village:
- It can be pretty noisy.
- You may deal with a bit of traffic.
- Parking can sometimes be a little difficult to find.
BEST Hotels in Montezuma Village (near the beach!)
$$$ – Hotel Nya
Hotel Nya is a 4-star hotel only 150 meters from the beach, an ideal location if you ask me. The décor blends into the greenery of its tropical garden. It has a large outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant. If you want an intimate and upscale environment while staying right in town, this place is for you.
The style of the rooms is modern and neat. They are very comfortable and well equipped. All rooms at Hotel Nya have air conditioning, a hair-dryer, an electric kettle, a strongbox, WiFi-connection, and some of them, a mini-bar. Breakfast is included with all rooms. A la carte services, such as wellness activities and yoga classes, are also available.
Hotel Nya offers a wide range of accommodation types. Prices start at $165 USD per night for two people and go up to $260 USD depending on whether you choose a room with a queen-size or king-size bed. You can also opt for having a room with a balcony.
Japanese-style quadruple rooms with bunk beds or classic family rooms are also available from $320-390 USD per night.
I would have to stay the standouts for this hotel in Montezuma are the quality of the service, the central location, and the comfortable rooms. The pool and distance to the beach are a huge plus for me too!
You can check prices and availability for Hotel Nya online here.
$$ – Hotel El Jardin
This hotel, surrounded by a beautiful garden, is located in downtown Montezuma only a few meters away from the beach. Hotel El Jardin is a great deal for couples, families, or friends. The two big outdoor swimming pools (yes, not one, but two pools!) and a jacuzzi are definitely a perk.
The hotel offers 16 rooms with a warm and rustic design. Rooms are very spacious with air conditioning and a mini-fridge.
Economic double rooms start at $136 USD per night. The prices go up to $189 USD per night for a deluxe double bedroom with a balcony. Triple, quadruple bedrooms and a bungalow with a fully equipped kitchen are also available.
Past guests recommended this place for its location, beautiful surroundings, and refreshing pools. However, if you are traveling by car, keep in mind that this hotel doesn’t offer a private parking space.
You can check the availability at Hotel El Jardin online here.
$ – Luz en el Cielo Eco-B&B/Hostel
Luz en el Cielo Hostel and B&B is located a bit out of the city center, but only 650 meters away from the beach and town. It offers a healthy organic breakfast every morning made with local products. This place is awesome if you are traveling with friends or solo since they have dorm beds available.
The rooms are rustic and spacious. Prices are pretty affordable, starting at $22 USD per night and per person in a 4 or 6 mixed dorm. A 6-bed private ensuite is also available at $118 USD per night – this is ideal for a group of friends.
The perks of this hostel, besides the affordable price, include the chance to meet great people, including the friendly staff, a delicious breakfast, clean rooms, and the relaxing jungle vibe. You really can’t beat it when it comes to an excellent budget place to stay within walking distance to Montezuma.
Luz en el Cielo often books up in advance. You should secure your room in advance on either Hostelworld or Booking.com.
Stay in the Jungle Surrounding Montezuma (Outskirts of Montezuma)
Many hotels in Montezuma are actually located outside of town in the jungle, offering a peaceful escape.
Most people rent ATVs during their stay in Montezuma. This is a good option if you decide to stay outside of town. You will also have more freedom to get around and visit other nearby beaches or attractions.
Advantages of staying on the outskirts of Montezuma:
- Staying just outside of Montezuma will allow you to avoid crowds, noise, and enjoy a quieter stay.
- In addition, if you are in the hills, you will have a magnificent view of the ocean.
- More chances to see wildlife.
- Plenty of hotels that offer good value for money.
Disadvantages of staying on the outskirts of Montezuma:
- Keep in mind that if you don’t have your own car, you will most likely have to walk, rent a bike, or ask for a car ride to get around.
- In addition, if you are planning to go out at night, roads can be dark and taxis may not always be readily available.
- Distance away from restaurants, shops, and bars.
- Many hotels are quite far from the beach.
BEST Hotels around Montezuma (outside of town)
$$$ – Casitas Sollevante
These casitas, or tiny houses, are 800 meters from downtown Montezuma. However, its strategic position facing the sea offers a breathtaking view. Plus, the distance is still walkable for most, making it a hotel offering the best of both worlds – close to amenities but a peaceful nature escape!
Surrounded by a tropical garden, Casitas Sollevante offers a unique outdoor infinite pool and jacuzzi. Just imagine a sunset here!
It also has its own snack bar where breakfast is served every morning and tropical cocktails in the afternoon. Yoga classes, massages, and tours are available for an extra fee. This is a perfect place for a relaxing and peaceful stay with your loved one.
Double rooms start at about $104 USD per night for two people. All the rooms are spacious, with a view of the garden and the sea.
Rooms are also very well equipped with air conditioning, a mini-fridge, a security box, an electric kettle and, outdoor furniture. Apartments and villas have one or two bedrooms and have a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area.
The best part about staying here just has to be the views! The friendly staff and the delicious food also make this hotel one of the best places to stay in Montezuma.
One thing to note is that there is an unpaved road to the property so, make sure you have an appropriate vehicle to get there.
You can browse all of the different units you can choose from and book Casitas Sollevante online here.
$$ – Hotel La Cascada
This hotel is 500 meters outside Montezuma beach and 400 meters from the Montezuma Cascade (Montezuma Waterfall). So while it has offers the tranquility of being outside of town, you’re actually within walking distance too – bonus!
Hotel La Cascada resembles a big wooden chalet offering a warm atmosphere. It has common areas like a shared kitchen and a big living room. Here you will have the chance to lie down on a hammock, eat, chat, or exercise! Being able to cook your own meals can also be a huge budget-saver and convenience. We also enjoy preparing our own dinner with a glass of wine from time to time.
You will also have the opportunity to enjoy breakfast and all kinds of local dishes and fruity juices at their restaurant.
Rooms are simple and rustic, but affordable and clean. It offers standard twin rooms starting at $60 USD and quadruple rooms at $80 USD per night. Family rooms or suites are also available for three or four guests starting at $110 USD per night. All rooms have a private bathroom, free toiletries, air conditioning, and WiFi.
Past guests rave about the friendly staff, the quietness, and the laid-back atmosphere.
You can check availability and prices for Hotel La Cascada here.
$ – Luminosa Montezuma Hostel
Luminosa Montezuma Hostel is located just in front of Palmeras beach, located a 10-minute walk from Montezuma Beach. It has direct access to Palmeras beach, so you can leave your room and directly put your feet in the water! This is a great affordable option if you are traveling with friends or alone since they offer both dorms and group rooms.
Palmeras beach is gorgeous. You will enjoy swimming in its natural swimming pools, but be careful, it is very rocky.
The rooms are simple but neat. There are three mixed dorms (3-10 beds) at $15 USD the night. There is also one 3 bed private room. Linen and towels are included during your stay.
The hostel also offers a fully equipped shared kitchen, free coffee in the morning, and free WiFi all day. Laundry facilities and a bike rental service are other perks of this place.
Guests have enjoyed the relaxing and laid-back vibe, the direct access to the beach and, the ocean views.
You can book Luminosa Montezuma Hostel online on either Hostelworld or Booking.com.
Getting to Montezuma
First, getting to Montezuma can take a while, but you will not regret going.
You can take a direct bus from San José that will drop you in Montezuma downtown, near the football field (a 5-hour journey approximately). You can also get to Jaco, and then take a taxi-boat directly to Montezuma from there.
Shared shuttles are also available to Montezuma from other popular destinations including San Jose, Santa Teresa, Samara, Nosara, and more.
By car, the ride will take around 4.5 hours. First, 2 hours to get to Puntarenas where you will take a ferry for 2 additional hours. This ferry will drop you in Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula, just 1 hour away from Montezuma.
Related Read: If you’re planning on visiting Jaco, be sure to read our blog about where to stay in Jaco and the best hotels before you go!
Pura Vida!
Now you should be all set to decide where to stay in Montezuma. There are so many amazing hotels in Montezuma, you really are spoiled for choice. If you choose any of the ones I mentioned above then you’re sure to be impressed!
I hope you found our blog helpful. Be sure to have a look around our website for more in-depth guides about exploring Costa Rica. You probably will find our blog about the 20 best things to do in Montezuma super useful too!