Where to Stay posts in Javi the Frog's Travel Blog

Whether you are a couple seeking adventure or just wanting to lie in the sun, you’ll say “I do” to honeymooning in my country. I’ve been all around Costa Rica, talking to world travelers and locals alike. I often run into honeymooners in my travels, and I’ve learned a lot about the honeymoon spots. Here are the top five best places to honeymoon in Costa Rica... [More]

You might think that it won’t be that easy to plan a las-t­minute adventure to Costa Rica if you are traveling in from the United States. You probably think that it would cost thousands of dollars, and that you wouldn’t have your pick of hotels or adventure tours. The reality is that none of that is true! I’m officially myth-­busting that way of thinking!... [More]

I’m one spoiled Costa Rican frog; my job requires me to hop to the most luxurious hotels in the country so that I can give you my reviews. Most recently, I was able to check in to the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa in Hacienda Pinilla...[More]

El Niño is a weather event that is associated with severe climate changes – causing either extreme drought or heavy rainfall, depending on which ocean side you are on. El Niño can trigger droughts and heat waves in parts of Costa Rica, as the ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean can become unusually warm... [More]

My job is NOT terrible. Not in any way. I get to hop around Costa Rica, trying out all of the food, drinks, dances, and adventures that my country has to offer so that I can report the good, bad, and ugly back to my loyal readers. It’s the sweet life, for sure. I was so excited when I heard that my next assignment was to stay at Palma Real Hotel & Casino for a few days...[More]

Sure, you travel a lot. But, are you a great traveler? Are you traveling just so that you can say you did, or are you actually traveling for the experience? No one wants to hear you brag about your trips all the time – unless you have done something incredible with your travel. Give your travel some purpose by making some goals for your traveling alter ego... [More]

There is one place, though, that easily tops my list of favorite places. This piece of paradise is Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. Like the name suggests, this amazing structure is in the middle of the forest! Talk about a frog feeling right at home! The unique location of this hotel is only one of the things that make it special; rest assured that a stay at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge will be private and breathtaking... [More]

It’s true that most of your time in Costa Rica should be spent outdoors, exploring my beautiful home country, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun indoors too!... [More]

As I travel around Costa Rica, I have the privilege of staying at some amazing hotels, and recently I was treated to a stay with a view that had me hopping up and down with joy. The Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa, in La Fortuna, San Carlos, is a hotel filled with accommodations that make each guest feel comfortable. It is also a place of awe, wonder and adventure. Let me tell you a little bit more about this hotel and my stay... [More]

Costa Rica will not disappoint any tourist looking to spend a little time in paradise. Costa Rica is a "must-visit" during any Central America trip, and booking your stay at one of this spectacular resorts will ensure you have all the details covered so you can focus on everything that this travel hotspots has to offer... [More]

You love your pets so much that you don’t want to leave them, even to visit somewhere as amazing as my home, Costa Rica. Well, the good news is that with some planning and preparation, you can bring your furry friend with you on your travels!...[More]

Once I get tired of sleeping in the tree branches around the nation's capital of San Jose, I hop my way toward the comforts of Garden Court Express Hotel. Convenience is this modern hotel's forte! Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Garden Court Express lies within walking distance to several hot spots including theaters, local museums, restaurants and National Parks. To sweeten the deal, San Jose Tobias Bolaños International Airport in Pavas sits 6.5 kilometers away.

At check in, you'll be greeted with a complimentary cocktail to start off your stay in style. I'm not much of a drinker, so I gave mine to friend named Paco who opened the door for me when I leapt in the hotel...[More]

Situated less than 5 kilometers from the heart of San Jose, Best Western Irazu Hotel & Casino merges the bustle of the city life with the laid-back feel of the countryside. What I love about it is that it's just far enough from the noise where it doesn't keep you up at night, yet still close to all of the action. Last time I stayed at the Best Western Irazu Hotel, I soaked in the local attractions such as Braulio Carrillo National Park and Costa Rican Art Museum. It may not tout the exotic appeal of jungle hotels, but the Best Western Irazu offers convenience, comfort and great customer service! Over the last several months, I've noticed that the hotel has been undergoing renovations, which are expected to be finished by around January 2014. I can't wait to see the new improvements for the new year...[More]

As a beachfront resort along the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Best Western Jaco Beach is luxury I couldn't pass up! This is one of my favorite places to stretch out my little froggy legs and soak up the gorgeous vistas in a relaxing tropical atmosphere. This eco-friendly hotel has an abundance of outdoor activities and local attractions nearby... [More]

I'll admit it, I'm a little bummed that I didn't get a treehouse to play in as a child. There's just something about them that immediately makes them cooler than any normal house, because, whoa, you're in a tree! Well, now I can have the childhood that I always wanted times a thousand with any of these super swanky, earth-friendly tree palaces that combine the dream paradise of a kid's brain with completely grown-up sophistication. They seem worth checking out...[More]

A few weeks ago, Hotel Cristal Ballena was kind enough to let me rest my tired frog feet at their luxurious resort. I was blown away by everything this 4-star paradise has to offer! Situated in the South Pacific of Costa Rica, Cristal Ballena lies only 30 minutes from Palmar Sur Airport for travel convenience, and within hopping distance from Ballena Marine National Park...[More]

In most parts of the country, September and October are considered the heaviest rain season - which is perfect for me! However, if you're a human who's planning your trip during this time and you'd rather stay dry, there are still some places to go to avoid getting drenched. From Puerto Viejo de Talamanco to Monteverde, you'll find world-class surfing, zip-lines and turtle-watching on this Costa Rica vacation, all while leaving your umbrella at home.[More]

Are you looking for an escape from reality? From city-made smog, traffic congestion, cell phones and jam-packed schedules? I've been to a lot of hotels in Costa Rica, but one of my absolute favorites is the Punta Islita Hotel, which sits along the stunning Pacific coast in the mountainside. Overlooking the shoreline, this pool offers a stunning infinity pool, sustainable par-3, 9-hole golf course; two on-site restaurants and luxurious accommodations. Trust me: You'll never want to leave this hotel!...[More]

Guanacaste is the most visited region in Costa Rica, and for good reason! While I spend a lot of my time traveling the country, I always find myself coming back to the province for its warm coastal waters and tranquil beaches. Lush tropical forests hang along the sandy shoreline here, making it the perfect place for both families and couples. If you want to visit Playa Potrero, there's no better Costa Rica hotel to stay in than Bahia del Sol. Located on the second safest beach of Costa Rica, this hotel features everything a traveler may want in a resort. I recently stayed here and loved it so much that I want to share my experience with you!...[More]