Stays in Puerto Viejo

La Bonita Lodge is a comfortable family base near Puerto Viejo. Family rooms have a private bathroom, air-conditioning and views of the garden or the pool, and the swimming pool, sun terrace and open-air bath give everyone somewhere to relax. Playa Negra is a 15-minute walk away, the Jaguar Rescue Center is 7 km away, and hiking trails are nearby. Rated 9.2 from 180 reviews, I would recommend it for a calm, nature-oriented family stay.

Exōtico is adults-only, so I would not book it for a family with children. For couples and adult friends it is a better fit: a five-star hotel with a lush garden, a terrace, an open-air bath and a year-round outdoor pool. Rooms are air-conditioned with balconies facing the garden, and the modern, romantic restaurant covers Italian, pizza, seafood, international and Caribbean cooking.

Namu Garden Hotel & Spa is adults-only, so I would not book it for a family with children. For couples and adult friends it is a strong wellness pick: a five-star hotel with a spa and wellness centre, a swimming pool with a view, a sun terrace and a lush garden. A modern restaurant and comfortable, elegant accommodation round out a stay built around rest.

I would suggest Lanna Ban Hotel to families who like a distinctive setting by the sea. The hotel has direct beach access, an exotic garden and contemporary Thai architecture. Rooms come with a flat-screen satellite TV, a desk, a dining table and a private bathroom with free toiletries, which gives parents some room to spread out. Free parking, bicycle rental and a tour desk help with getting around Puerto Viejo.

Cariblue's mix of wildlife in the gardens, two pools and a beach across the road works well for families with children old enough to respect the sea. Sloths and monkeys in the trees are the daily entertainment, and the main pool, with its hot tub, is where younger children will actually swim, because Playa Cocles has strong rip currents. Breakfast is a buffet with an omelette station at Sole Luna, and lunch is served at Totem Beach Bar, so nobody needs to drive at midday. Rooms and bungalows have hammocks on their porches. The bungalows are darker, which suits naps but not everyone. With surf lessons offered on the beach in front, teenagers have a real activity on their doorstep. A security checkpoint keeps the grounds to guests, which parents of wandering children will appreciate.

Cabinas Hukats Secret Jungle in Puerto Viejo offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning and TVs. A shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi and bike hire are available, and each room has a wardrobe and a balcony overlooking an inner courtyard. Negra Beach is a short walk away. An 8.7 rating from 111 reviews is good. I would book it as a simple, practical base for families who want to cook a little and cycle around.

I would suggest Terrazas del Caribe to families who like to cook a little. The units include a kitchen and dining area and look onto the pool, and the outdoor pool, garden and terrace give children room to play. A restaurant, bar and room service are on site for the evenings you would rather not cook. Cocles Beach is close, and cycling is possible nearby, which suits older children.

Casa BOHÖ works well for families who like to get around Puerto Viejo by bike. Bike hire and bicycle parking are on site, Playa Negra is within easy reach, and the Jaguar Rescue Center makes a memorable outing with children. The shared kitchen helps with simple meals and snacks, while the garden and terrace give everyone space to rest after the beach. I would pick it for an active, easygoing family stay on the Caribbean coast.

I would pick Hotel Maritza for families who want the beach at the door. The hotel has direct beachfront access and a lush garden, and a children's playground is on site. Air-conditioned rooms have garden-view balconies, private bathrooms and kitchenettes, handy for snacks and simple meals. A bar, a nightclub and massage services are also on the property, and Negra Beach is a short walk away.

Bambutel Cocles is a relaxed family base in Puerto Viejo with a self-sufficient feel. Air-conditioned rooms have private bathrooms and look onto the garden or the inner courtyard. There is a shared kitchen, a sun terrace, an open-air bath, a hot tub, free Wi-Fi in public areas and free private parking. Cocles Beach is a 15-minute walk away. Rated 8.3 from 958 reviews, I would choose it for a calm stay without on-site nightlife.

Chinuk Boutique Hotel can work for a family in Puerto Viejo that wants air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and balconies, plus a shared kitchen for snacks and simple meals. Negra Beach is an eight-minute walk away, and bike hire lets older children ride along the coast road with a parent. The lush garden gives some outdoor space, but there is no pool listed. Its 7.6 score from 12 reviews is fair, so I would read recent comments before committing.