My Airbnb Stays in Costa Rica: The Good, The Chill, and The Unexpected

Costa Rica had been calling my name for the longest time. You know when a place just keeps popping up in conversations, travel lists, and your social media feed? That was Costa Rica for me. The hikes, the waterfalls, the zip-lining, the sloths, everything about it just screamed adventure. And then there were the beaches, volcanoes, and mountains that people wouldn’t stop raving about. So I finally made it happen.

Since I tend to book trips last minute (procrastinators unite!), my usual go-to, hotels, weren’t really an option this time. That’s when I turned to Airbnb. I wasn’t looking for anything massive, just something comfortable, hopefully with a deck, some killer views, and good vibes. And let me tell you, Costa Rica did not disappoint.

Let me take you through one of the spots I stayed at. Maybe it'll inspire your own trip.

Beachtown Oasis in Playas del Coco

This spot was exactly what I needed. Close to the action but still peaceful enough to feel like a retreat.

What made it great

✅ Sunlit, spacious, and centrally located
✅ Just a couple minutes' walk to the main street and about eight minutes to the beach
✅ Part of a small, gated complex (Albatros Apartamentos) with a big, refreshing pool
✅ Super-fast Wi-Fi, 277 Mbps, yes, I checked
✅ Two comfy bedrooms with plenty of natural light
✅ Private outdoor patio to sip coffee and soak in the warm Costa Rican sun
✅ Ice-cold AC, a must in this heat

The setup was perfect for unwinding after long days of exploring. The living room and kitchen flowed into each other, making it feel open and airy. And the showers? Big, warm, and just what I needed after sandy beach days. This Airbnb nailed the whole best of both worlds thing. It was quiet and tucked away, but just a couple minutes' walk brought me right into the heart of town. I loved how Playas del Coco felt like a blend of local culture, expat community, and vacationers just like me.

From here, everything was within easy reach. The grocery store, Auto Mercado, was super convenient, and taxis were parked nearby, ready to take me anywhere I wanted to go. One day I hopped in a taxi to Ocotal Beach and grabbed food at Frank’s Rooster, and another day I hit up The Lookout Restaurant for some insane sunset views. But honestly, some of the best moments were just spent chilling by the pool, meeting friendly neighbors, and floating under the sun.

PRIME location Studio in Guiones

Alright, if you're heading to Nosara anytime soon and want a straight-up, no-fluff review from someone who travels solo and likes to keep it real, this one’s for you.

I recently stayed at this compact studio listed as "PRIME location Studio in Guiones." The name's not lying. It’s in the heart of it all. You’re minutes away from the beach, close to all the action (surfing, smoothie bowls, sunset chasing), and the surf culture here is next-level good vibes.

The Good Stuff First

The studio itself? Super cozy. It had everything I needed for a chill trip: a comfy bed, AC that works (major win in that tropical heat), a little kitchen area to throw together snacks or breakfast, and even a patio for those early morning coffee moments. The host and the folks at Vacation Nosara were incredibly easy to communicate with. Super responsive, friendly, and helpful when I had questions. It makes a big difference when the people managing the place are on it, ya know?

But Let’s Talk Real Talk

Now, I like to keep things honest. The studio is on a busy main road, and to get to it you have to go down this steep, unpaved driveway. I wasn’t exactly expecting that, especially since the listing said “in-town” which kinda gave me a different mental picture. And if you're rolling up at night, it can feel a bit sketchy until you get used to it. Would I call it dangerous? No. But if you're solo like me, you notice that stuff more.

Construction Woes (Yup, That Happened)

Here’s the kicker: construction. I know, I know… it happens. But this wasn’t just next door. It was literally on the other side of the wall. Midday, the noise was wild. Think drills, clanging, even sparks flying into the little patio area. It made it pretty much impossible to relax in the studio during the day.

So what did I do? I adapted. This is Costa Rica after all. There’s so much to explore. I ended up spending my days out and about. Surfing early, finding cute cafés to work or chill in, grabbing lunch with a view, and just soaking in the pura vida life. It actually forced me to be out more, which turned out to be awesome.

Would I Recommend It?

Honestly… yeah. If you're on a budget but still want to be close to the beach in a high-demand area like Guiones, this place gives you access without draining your wallet. Sure, the construction was a pain, but that’s temporary (I hope). And if you're the kind of traveler who’s cool with rolling with a few bumps in the road, it’s totally manageable.

What Do You Think?

Have you ever stayed somewhere that wasn’t exactly what you expected, but you still had a great time? Or found that one affordable gem in a pricey area that made it all worth it?

Travel’s all about those unexpected moments. Good, bad, and everything in between. I’d stay here again (maybe after checking the construction status), and I’d say it’s worth a look if you're planning your trip to Nosara.

Catch you in the waves 🌊