Paraíso Escondido

It’s a small, quaint hotel run by a very friendly family. I raised a few concerns with Miriam on my first day, and she sorted them out quickly. The location works well, with about a two-block walk to both the beach and downtown. The grounds are peaceful and private, with nice gardens and a clean pool. Inside, the rooms are cozy and clean, and the bed, kitchen, and bathroom were all comfortable and functional. I’m traveling on a budget, so the reasonable price mattered to me. I’d recommend it if you’re after a clean, comfortable three-star place with easy access to the beach and downtown.

The neighborhood looked a little run down, but we felt safe the whole time. We parked in the lot without security fencing, which didn’t feel necessary, and came and went at all hours without concern. We got a room for two days without booking ahead. It was very clean, as were the immaculate grounds and pool, and the staff were friendly. There’s air conditioning, hot water, a small fridge, and a little balcony with chairs and a folding table in each room. The pool is big enough to paddle around in. It’s only a few blocks from downtown and the beaches. A real hidden gem.

We kept coming back during our six weeks in Costa Rica, from February to March 2022, because we liked it so much. It’s a lovely little oasis with flowers and plants, good birdwatching, and a pool where you can relax away from the hot, busy downtown. The rooms were clean and great, the air conditioning worked well, and the internet was good enough for my remote work and video calls. We cooked in the kitchenette, and there’s also a typical Costa Rican barbecue. We bought delicious steak from the local butcher. Some rooms fit larger groups, which is handy if you’re traveling with others. The family running the place and the staff were kind and clearly cared about their guests. They were happy to accommodate us, and the prices were affordable. It’s on a side street among local homes, about five minutes on foot from downtown and from the best part of the beach. The sunsets from the beach were incredible every night. I felt safe walking alone after dark. Taxis around town were easy to find and cost about a dollar. The bus stop is nearby too, if you want to go to Quepos or Manuel Antonio. We were glad to support their business, and I’ll stay here again next time I’m in Jaco. You can book directly on their website.

For the price, I doubt it’s easy to find anything like this in Costa Rica. Our room was spacious, the beds were comfortable, and I really liked the big windows looking out onto the garden. The place has air conditioning, a pool, and a beautiful garden full of birds. The staff were really friendly too.