The variety of Costa Rica hotels is unsurpassed, from rustic mountain and cloud forest lodges to branded luxury resorts on the beach in Guanacaste...

The difference in service standard to hotels in the USA is minimal, but differences relating to cultural as well as culinary aspects do exist. For most travelers, any negative experiences are easily outweighed by the wonderful variety of locations and environment this country has to offer. Where else can you experience a rain forest eco lodge for breakfast and a luxury beach resort hotel on the ocean with a golf course in the afternoon?

Do the hotel management and staff speak English? Sure, in most cases. May be not the maids, but all front-of-house employees usually speak excellent English. Everyone would go out of their way to be helpful, and are usually courteous and respectful.

Costa Rica hotels are not all affiliated with a brand name, as is more common in the USA. There are more independent hotels here, often managed by the owners themselves, or an employed manager, so do not expect common hotel brand standards and interior design.

In service standards there is not that much difference. Hotel facilities at large Costa Rica resorts like the Los Suenos Resort with its golf course and sportfishing marina, and Reserva Conchal with its golf and beach clubs, are comparable with the best resorts worldwide.

The star rating system is similar to the USA. What you can expect from a 5-star resort or a 3-star city hotel here in Costa Rica will be very similar to that found overseas. Regardless of star ratings, travelers will have no reason to be disappointed if they stay in any of the hotels or resorts in Costa Rica.