Top Surf Stays in Jacó, Costa Rica

SecretJaco is described as a luxury beachfront penthouse in Jacó with direct access to a private beach area, an infinity pool and spa facilities. Air-conditioned rooms have ocean views and balconies or terraces, and a fitness center, a sun terrace and lush gardens are on site, with free Wi-Fi throughout. A 9.3 rating from 29 reviews is strong, on a small sample. I would book it for the beachfront position and the pool, and check recent reviews first.

Hotel Perico Azul & Surf Camp is a practical stay in Jacó for families and groups who like to share a kitchen. Air-conditioned rooms have a private bathroom, a tea and coffee maker and free Wi-Fi. The year-round outdoor pool has a view, and there is a sun terrace, a garden, outdoor seating and free private parking. Rated 9.1 from 383 reviews, I would recommend it for an easy, surf-minded stay.

The Palms Ocean Club Resort sits directly on Jacó Beach and offers spacious two-bedroom apartments, which is the main reason families choose it. Each has air conditioning, a balcony and a fully equipped kitchen. There is a private beach area, a swimming pool with sea views and a family-friendly restaurant serving American and Spanish cuisine, with bars and a coffee shop on site. Rainforest Adventures Jacó is nearby. The 8.9 rating comes from only 10 reviews.

Hotel Mar de Luz is a three-star stay in central Jacó surrounded by gardens, and it is built for families. Rooms have air conditioning, cable TV, a safety-deposit box, a private bathroom with hot water and a kitchenette. There is a hot tub for adults, a playground and a game room for children, and a tour desk arranges surfing and hiking. Free Wi-Fi, private parking and a daily à la carte breakfast are included. Guests rate it 8.8 across 660 reviews.

Terraza del Pacifico gives families a separate children's pool, large gardens and the Terraza Kids Club, which runs art classes for young children. Standard garden-view rooms with two double beds sleep four, superior pool-view rooms also four, and junior suites and villas up to six, so a family of five or six can share one unit. The catch is the sea. Playa Hermosa is a powerful surf beach with strong currents, not a swimming beach, so children play on the sand and swim in the pools. Between July and December, a turtle nesting on the beach at night can be the moment of the trip, watched from a distance of at least 10 metres. Jacó's restaurants and shops are a drive north rather than a walk. I would book it for a family with a confident surfer among them, not for toddlers who want to splash in the waves.

Apartotel Girasol offers direct beachfront access in Jacó, with a sun terrace, a lush garden and a year-round outdoor pool. Rooms have sea views, air conditioning, a private bathroom, a balcony, a kitchenette and a work desk, which suits families who want to cook some meals. Barbecue facilities, private parking and free WiFi are also available. Guests rate it 8.6 out of 10 across 312 reviews.

I would choose Pumilio Mountain & Ocean Hotel for a quiet, garden-surrounded stay 4 km from Jacó's dining and entertainment. The four-star hotel has an outdoor pool, a jetted tub and spa facilities, and rooms have modern decor, equipped kitchens and private bathrooms. Terraces, barbecue facilities, free Wi-Fi and breakfast are included. Rated 8.3 on 158 ratings, it suits couples and families who want a retreat with a car or taxi for evenings out.

Ozeano Hotel & Surf Bar is steps from Jacó Beach, with air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms, balconies and views of the sea or the garden. A family-friendly restaurant serves lunch, dinner and cocktails, with vegetarian options, and a bar, a nightclub, free WiFi and a tour desk are on site. A nightclub in the building means evenings can be lively, so light sleepers should ask for a quiet room. Guests rate it 8.2 across 67 reviews.