I still remember my first week in Uvita. I arrived with a backpack full of diving gear and absolutely no idea where to stay. I tried three different places before finding the right spot. That was eight years ago, and since then, I’ve helped hundreds of diving students and travelers figure out this same question.
Your choice of accommodation in Uvita affects everything from your morning coffee routine to how much you’ll spend on taxis to dive tours. The town stretches along the coastal highway, and each area offers completely different experiences.
I’ll walk you through Uvita’s three main zones and share hotel recommendations for every budget. These suggestions come from real guest feedback and years of sending travelers to different properties.
Uvita isn’t a compact beach town where everything sits within walking distance. Accommodations stretch across three distinct zones, each with different vibes and practical considerations.
Your choice depends on three main factors: your budget, whether you have a car, and what activities matter most to you. A family planning beach days needs different accommodations than a couple seeking romantic jungle views. Solo divers prioritize different things than digital nomads.
I’ll walk you through each area so you can make the right call for your trip.
The town center sits along the Costanera Sur highway, about 2 kilometers from the Marino Ballena National Park entrance. This is where the bus station, supermarkets, banks, restaurants, and gas stations cluster together.
The biggest advantage? You can walk to everything you need. There’s a decent BM supermarket, several sodas (local restaurants), pharmacies, and tour operator offices all within a few blocks. If you’re arriving by bus or don’t have a rental car, this area makes the most sense.
The town center hotels are also the most budget-friendly. You’ll find hostels, cabinas, and mid-range hotels charging $30-80 per night. Many have shared kitchens, which helps if you’re watching your spending.
The downside is noise. The highway runs right through town, so you’ll hear trucks and buses, especially early morning. Light sleepers should request rooms facing away from the road.
The beach is about a 30-minute walk from town center hotels. That’s manageable once or twice, but it gets old if you’re going daily. Most diving and snorkeling tours depart from the beach area, so you’ll need transportation.
Best for: Budget travelers, backpackers, digital nomads who need reliable WiFi and social spaces.
Did you know? Uvita’s town center grew rapidly after the Costanera Sur highway was completed in 2010. Before that paved road, the area was much harder to reach from San José.
The beach area sits 2-3 kilometers south of town, clustered around the entrance to Marino Ballena National Park. This is where you want to be if your trip centers on marine activities.
I’m biased because our dive shop is here, but honestly, this location makes sense for most Uvita visitors. You wake up five minutes from the whale tail beach. You can walk to snorkeling tours, whale watching departures, and surf lessons.
Hotels in this area tend to be mid-range to upscale. Expect to pay $80-200 per night. You get closer beach access and often better views than town center options.
The trade-off is fewer restaurants and no supermarkets within walking distance. There are a handful of good spots (Sibu Cafe, Scala Restaurant if you have a car), but you’ll need to drive or taxi to town for groceries and more dining variety.
Some beach area hotels offer full kitchens or kitchenettes, which helps. Others provide breakfast, which is perfect if you’re doing early morning tours with us.
Best for: Divers, whale watchers, beach lovers, families with kids who want easy ocean access.
The third option sits up in the mountains on the inland side of the highway. These hotels perch on hillsides with stunning ocean and jungle views.
This is where you’ll find Uvita’s luxury properties. Think infinity pools overlooking the Pacific, glass-walled villas, private spa treatments, and gourmet restaurants. Prices run $200-500 per night, sometimes higher.
The views are genuinely spectacular. You’re surrounded by primary rainforest. Monkeys, sloths, toucans, and scarlet macaws visit regularly. It feels incredibly private and romantic.
Here’s the reality check: you absolutely need a 4×4 vehicle to reach most mountain hotels. The roads are steep, unpaved, and can be slippery in rainy season. I’ve seen rental sedans get stuck trying to reach places like Oxygen Jungle Villas or Kura Boutique Hotel.
You’re also 15-30 minutes from town and the beach. Every restaurant meal, every tour, every grocery run requires driving down the mountain. Some couples love this isolation. Others feel trapped after a few days.
Many luxury mountain hotels are adults-only. They’re designed for honeymoons, anniversaries, and romantic getaways rather than family vacations.
Best for: Couples seeking romance and privacy, luxury travelers who don’t mind driving for activities.
Where to stay in Uvita – mountain hotels
If you’re investing in a luxury stay, the view better be worth it. Three properties consistently deliver those jaw-dropping Pacific Ocean vistas that make you forget about the price tag.
Sits at the top of most people’s lists. The glass-walled cabins face either dense jungle or the ocean, and honestly, both views are incredible. There are only 12 villas, so it feels exclusive. The infinity pool seems to pour right into the ocean view below.
Fun fact: The mountain roads around Uvita were originally logging trails. They were never designed for passenger vehicles, which explains why many remain so challenging to navigate.
I’ve sent dozens of honeymooning couples here over the years. They come back with the same feedback: it’s worth the splurge. The property has private hiking trails leading to waterfalls and natural pools. You can get lost in your own rainforest without leaving the hotel grounds.
Takes luxury even further. This is the most expensive option in Uvita, with rates often exceeding $400 per night. Some suites have private plunge pools. The restaurant is exceptional (though pricey). The spa treatments are world-class.
Kura is adults-only and attracts a more refined crowd. If you want peace, privacy, and impeccable service, this is your spot. Just know you’re fully committed to staying on-property or driving 20 minutes for any outside activities.
Offers a middle ground between Oxygen and Kura. It’s still luxury tier ($250-350/night), but slightly more accessible. The hilltop location provides direct views of the whale tail beach formation below.
The on-site restaurant grows much of its own produce. The spa focuses on natural, organic treatments. It’s a good choice if you want luxury that feels connected to the local environment rather than imported resort vibes.
All three require 4×4 access. All three are 20-30 minutes from our dive shop and tour departure points. Factor in transportation time when booking morning activities.
Mid-range in Uvita means $60-140 per night. You get private rooms, air conditioning, often a pool, and decent amenities without luxury price tags. These are the hotels where most of my diving students stay.
Consistently tops my recommendations for solo travelers and couples who want a social atmosphere. It’s technically a hostel-hotel hybrid, offering both private rooms and dorms, but the vibe is more hotel than backpacker hostel.
The attached Whale Tail Brewery is a huge draw. You can grab craft beer and elevated pub food without leaving the property. The co-working space has reliable WiFi, which digital nomads appreciate. There’s a pool, shared kitchen, and multiple hangout areas.
Rates run $60-90 for private rooms. That’s excellent value for what you get. The hotel is near the town center side but still walkable to the beach.
Works best for families or groups. They offer apartments with full kitchens, separate bedrooms, living areas, and dining space. You’re basically renting a small house.
This is 5 minutes from the national park entrance, so beach access is easy. The property has a pool, BBQ facilities, and outdoor seating. Kids have space to play. Parents can cook meals instead of eating out every night.
Rates vary by apartment size ($90-150/night), but when you split costs between 4-6 people, it becomes very affordable. Good option if you’re staying a week and want home-base comfort.
Is the budget-friendly pick in town center. Rooms have AC, private bathrooms, and basic amenities. There’s a small pool and complimentary breakfast.
The location can’t be beat for walkability. You’re across from the supermarket and surrounded by restaurants. The bus station is 5 minutes away. You don’t need a car if you’re staying here.
The trade-off is highway noise and distance from the beach. But at $55-75/night, it’s one of the most affordable private room options in Uvita. I recommend it to budget-conscious travelers who don’t need beach proximity.
Uvita’s hostel scene is small but high quality. These aren’t party hostels. They attract adventurous travelers who want to save money for tours and activities rather than accommodations.
Stands out for its creative design. The ship theme runs throughout the property, complete with a backstory about recovery and rebuilding. The owners, Sander and Cristina, are young, energetic, and genuinely involved with guests.
The sleeping arrangement is unique. Instead of standard bunk beds, Shipwrecked uses capsule-style pods. Each pod has a comfortable mattress, shelf, reading light, and blackout curtain. You get significantly more privacy than traditional hostels.
Dorm beds cost $18-25/night. Private rooms run $50-65. The location (near BM supermarket, short walk to town center) makes car-free travel easy. I recommend this hostel to solo travelers in their 20s-30s who want community.
20 minutes up the mountain from town center. This is the choice if you want full jungle immersion on a budget. The hostel sits in primary rainforest with abundant wildlife.
Multiple terraces, hammocks, and seating areas encourage you to slow down and watch the forest. You’ll see monkeys, birds, and butterflies constantly. The Uvita waterfall is 5 minutes away on foot.
Cascada Verde offers both dorms ($15-20/night) and private rooms ($45-65). Some units have private kitchens. You need transportation to get to town and the beach, which is the main drawback. But if your priority is nature over convenience, this hostel delivers.
Takes a different approach. They only offer private rooms, no dorms. Each room is air-conditioned with a private bathroom. It’s essentially a budget hotel with hostel pricing and atmosphere.
The wooden deck on the second floor serves as the common area. There’s a fully stocked shared kitchen and a large communal space for eating, working, or socializing. The location is perfect, just minutes from Colonia beach within the national park.
Did you know? During rainy season (May through November), even some beach area roads can become challenging. Always drive cautiously on unpaved Costa Rican roads, regardless of vehicle type.
Yes, Uvita is generally very safe by international standards. Violent crime is rare. Most safety concerns relate to petty theft and wildlife interactions rather than personal security.
I’ve never heard of a serious security incident at any of the hotels I regularly recommend. That said, basic precautions apply everywhere:
Most hotels provide safes in rooms or at reception. Use them for passports, excess cash, cameras, and dive computers. Don’t leave expensive gear visible in rental cars, even in hotel parking lots.
Monkeys will steal food and sometimes shiny objects from open hotel rooms. Close windows and doors when you leave. Don’t leave food on balconies.
I know it sounds funny, but monkeys are skilled thieves. They’ve taken sunglasses, phones, and snacks from countless hotel rooms over the years. They’re entertaining to watch but opportunistic when they see open doors.
Some mountain hotels have issues with other wildlife. Coatis, raccoons, and even curious toucans might investigate your balcony. It’s part of the rainforest experience. Hotels usually brief guests on animal-proofing rooms.
Many hotels have gates and security measures more for guest privacy than actual security needs. The gates primarily keep animals out and provide peace of mind.
Diving equipment, surfboards, and expensive camera gear need secure storage. Most beach area hotels accommodate this (ask when booking). Mountain hotels have less experience with bulky water sports equipment.
After eight years of watching travelers navigate Uvita’s accommodation options, here’s my simplified decision framework:
You’re on a budget, don’t have a car, want walkable access to restaurants and services, or prefer a social hostel atmosphere. Best for backpackers, budget travelers, and digital nomads.
Your trip focuses on diving, snorkeling, whale watching, or beach activities. You want easy access to marine tours without daily transportation hassles. Best for active travelers, families, and anyone prioritizing water-based activities.
You’re splurging on luxury, seeking romance and privacy, want incredible views, and don’t mind driving for activities. You have a 4×4 and value seclusion over convenience. Best for honeymoons, anniversaries, and nature-focused trips.
Uvita offers accommodations for every budget. Hostels and budget hotels cost $15-75 per night, mid-range properties run $80-150, and luxury mountain hotels range from $200-500+ per night. Compared to more touristy areas like Manuel Antonio or Tamarindo, Uvita is generally 20-30% more affordable. You can find excellent value, especially during low season (May-November) when prices drop significantly.
It depends on your location. Town center hotels have 10-15 restaurants within walking distance, including local sodas and international options. Beach area hotels near the park have only 3-4 walkable restaurants. Mountain hotels in the hills have very limited dining options nearby and require driving to town for most meals. If restaurant variety matters to you, choose town center or plan on having a car.
Most Uvita hotels include private bathrooms, WiFi, and either air conditioning or fans. Mid-range and luxury properties typically include breakfast, though quality varies from basic toast and coffee to full cooked meals. Pools are common in $80+ per night properties. What’s NOT always included: hot water (verify if this matters to you), beach towels, toiletries beyond basic soap, and parking (though most hotels offer free parking).
No, Uvita doesn’t have traditional all-inclusive resorts. The area attracts independent travelers and maintains a more authentic, less developed feel. Some luxury hotels like La Cusinga Lodge include breakfast and dinner in their rates, which is the closest you’ll find to all-inclusive. Most travelers prefer this setup because it allows them to explore local restaurants and experience genuine Costa Rican food culture.
I recommend 4-6 nights minimum to experience Uvita properly. This gives you time for whale watching or snorkeling at Caño Island (full day), exploring Marino Ballena National Park beaches (1-2 days), visiting waterfalls (half day), and having downtime to relax. If you’re doing a PADI diving certification with us, add 3-4 days to your stay. Most guests who book only 2-3 nights tell me they wish they’d stayed longer.
Many hostels and budget hotels offer shared laundry facilities or laundry service for $5-10 per load. Mid-range and luxury hotels typically provide laundry service at higher prices ($15-25 per load). Apartments like Uvita Paradise sometimes include washing machines. If you’re staying a week or longer, confirm laundry options when booking. There’s also a public laundromat in town center charging about $8 per load including washing and drying.
Yes, absolutely. Most hotels catering to tourists have English-speaking staff, especially in the beach area and luxury properties. Town center hotels and local cabinas might have limited English, but staff are helpful and patient. Basic Spanish phrases are appreciated but not required. Restaurant menus often include English translations. Our dive shop operates in both English and Spanish, and we help guests with translation needs if they arise.
Accessibility in Uvita is limited compared to North American or European standards. Most budget and mid-range hotels involve stairs and aren’t wheelchair accessible. A few properties have ground-floor rooms, but many lack ramps or wide doorways. Cristal Ballena and some beach area properties have better accessibility features. If you have mobility concerns, contact hotels directly before booking to discuss specific needs. Many hotels will accommodate requests but don’t advertise accessibility features online.
Author: Peter Sawicki
Peter Sawicki is a PADI instructor with many years of experience and hundreds of certified students to his name. He is a technical diver, cave explorer, and climbing instructor with a background that spans both big wall expeditions and demanding technical ice climbs. Recognized multiple times with the prestigious PADI Elite Instructor Award, Peter combines deep professional knowledge with a passion for sharing the world of adventure, both underwater and above it.
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