Your stay — Jaco Laguna Resort
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The Property — Jaco Laguna Resort
Jaco Laguna Resort is a straightforward 3-star beachfront hotel on the southern end of Jacó's main strip. Its main appeal is the large lagoon-style pool that flows right up to the sand, and the open-air lobby gives straight onto that pool and the Pacific. Short on frills but long on location, it suits couples and families who want to be near the surf and nightlife rather than cocooned in luxury.
Chronicles of Jacó
Jacó began as a small fishing village and boomed in the 1980s and 1990s as Costa Rica's Pacific coast opened to tourism. Unlike the colonial grid of inland towns, Jacó grew chaotically along the beach road, with a mix of low-rise hotels, souvenir shops and international restaurants. It shed its backpacker-only reputation to become the country's most accessible beach town, just 90 minutes from San José. Today its identity is unabashedly commercial, built around surfing, nightlife and day-trippers from the capital.
Best Time to Visit
Full Jacó guide →Best months
December to April — Costa Rica's dry season brings wall-to-wall sunshine and calm seas, ideal for swimming and surfing, with hotel prices at their highest and crowds thick on weekends.
Peak / festival surge
Easter week (Semana Santa) is the biggest peak, plus the Christmas–New Year period; hotels often sell out and rates double. The Envision Festival (nearby Uvita) in February also pulls eco-tourists northward.
Budget shoulder season
May and November are sweet spots: green season starts/ends, rain falls mostly in late afternoon, room prices drop 30–40% and the beach is quieter.
Weather & packing
The Pacific slope has a pronounced wet and dry season; July sits in the green season so expect afternoon downpours and high humidity. Pack a light waterproof jacket and quick-dry footwear, plus reef-safe sunscreen for the strong tropical sun.
Live City Briefing — Jacó
- The Costanera Highway (Route 34) widening project continues through 2026; expect occasional delays between Jacó and Quepos, especially on weekends.
- A new craft brewery, Cerro Brewing Co., opened on the north end of town in late 2025, offering a quieter alternative to the main strip bar scene.
- Sea turtle nesting season for olive ridley turtles peaks July–October; the Jacó Beach night patrols run guided walks from the nearby reserve at Playa Agujas.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Jaco Laguna Resort, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Rooms on the upper floors (3rd floor or above) are recommended, as they are likely to be above the street level and may reduce noise from Avenida Pastor Díaz. Additionally, rooms on the south side of the hotel may receive natural light and a cooler breeze. Request a room with a balcony to make the most of these benefits.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as they may experience noise from staff and deliveries. Rooms on the ground floor, especially those near the lift, may also be noisier due to foot traffic.
Best views
North-facing rooms on the 3rd floor or above may offer views of the surrounding area, including the ocean in the distance, but this is not guaranteed.
Quietest floors
2nd floor to 3rd floor
🔊 Noise notes
Avenida Pastor Díaz can be a busy street, with traffic and pedestrians contributing to noise levels. The hotel's location near the beach may also attract noise from beachgoers and water activities.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the hotel's free parking, but be aware that spaces are limited. It's a good idea to reserve a spot in advance, especially during peak season. Request a room with a safe, as the hotel doesn't guarantee the availability of in-room safes. This will give you an added layer of security for your valuables.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Jaco Laguna Resort
free tier, 500MB per device per day, no login required
serves all floors, no stairs-only sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and physical papers in lobby
24-hour check-in, 4pm early bag-drop, late check-out until 2pm (Monday-Thursday) and 1pm (Friday-Sunday) without fee, ₡30,000 (approximately $46 USD) after 2pm
available for guests until 10pm, ₡5,000 (approximately $7.70 USD) per bag per night
step-free access, wheelchair entries at main entrance and pool area, no structural limitations reported
onsite parking available, ₡8,000 (approximately $12.40 USD) per night, closest public car park 2 blocks away ₡6,000 (approximately $9.30 USD) per night, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ₡1,420 (approximately $2.25 USD) per person per night
Deposit & card hold: ₡50,000 (approximately $77 USD) advance deposit + ₡50,000 (approximately $77 USD) incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción de María (1.8 km · ~22 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Jacó Walk — 2.3 km · ~28 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Farmacia Galeno - Jacó — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón, CRC
Change money at banks or authorised exchange offices (casa de cambio) in town for the best rates; avoid the airport and tourist bureau kiosks which give poor rates.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in larger shops, restaurants and hotels; contactless and mobile pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common, but smaller stalls and taxis often expect cash.
Restaurants usually include 10% service charge (servicio); extra tip optional but appreciated. Taxis don't expect a tip, but rounding up is fine. Hotel staff: expect $1–2 per bag or per day for cleaning.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of black coffee at a local soda (simple eatery) costs about 500–800 CRC ($0.80–$1.30).
A casado (rice, beans, plantain, salad and a meat) from a soda costs around 3,000–5,000 CRC ($5–$8).
A main dish at a local restaurant (like a pork chop or grilled fish) runs 5,000–8,000 CRC ($8–$13).
Look for sodas or small carts along Avenida Central and around the main bus terminal; empanadas, churros and grilled corn are common.
Budget supermarket chains: Maxi Pali and Más x Menos are the main ones here.
Cheap clothing can be found at the Paseo de los Turistas market stalls or second-hand shops (ropa americana) near the centre.
The cheapest way around town is walking; for longer trips, take local buses (e.g., Quepos route) costing about 500–700 CRC per ride. From Juan Santamaría Airport, take the direct Jacó bus from Alajuela (around 2,000–3,000 CRC, $3–$5) rather than a shuttle.
Eat at sodas rather than tourist-focused restaurants; always ask the price before buying from street stalls; buy bottled water and snacks at a supermarket, not at hotels or souvenir shops.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Jacó, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Jaco Laguna Resort
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: pharmacy · Farmacia Galeno - Jacó — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Jacó VIP (main road) → Jacó beach or Playa Hermosa
💡 The 'ruta' bus is cheap but slow — fine for Playa Hermosa. For short trips, walk or use a bike rental ($10/day). The bus stops right outside the hotel on the coastal road.
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) → Jacó VIP Hotel
💡 Book with a local operator like Interbus or RideCR (about $120) for fixed rates. Don't take unmarked taxis at the airport — use official orange taxis or a pre-arranged driver.
San José (Coca-Cola bus terminal or 7-10 Av. 9-10 Calle) → Jacó (bus stop near Jacó VIP, main road)
💡 From SJO airport take a taxi (not Uber, they're banned) to the San José terminal. Buses leave hourly, cost about $2.50. It's scenic but bumpy — bring earplugs. The stop is a 5-min walk from the hotel.
Jacó VIP Hotel → Jacó beach/restaurants/Herradura
💡 Fares are fixed by zone — $3 to beach, $5 to Herradura. Use 'taxi pirata' (unlicensed) only if the driver's a known local. Ask at hotel for recommended drivers.
About Jacó
Wikipedia ↗
Jacó (Spanish pronunciation: [xa'ko]) is a district of the Garabito canton, in the Puntarenas province of Costa Rica. Jacó has a black sand beach that is 4 km (2.5 mi) long and is popular among surfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Jaco Laguna Resort?
Rooms on the upper floors (3rd floor or above) are recommended, as they are likely to be above the street level and may reduce noise from Avenida Pastor Díaz. Additionally, rooms on the south side of the hotel may receive natural light and a cooler breeze. Request a room with a balcony to make the most of these benefits.
Which rooms should I avoid at Jaco Laguna Resort?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as they may experience noise from staff and deliveries. Rooms on the ground floor, especially those near the lift, may also be noisier due to foot traffic.
Is Jaco Laguna Resort noisy?
Avenida Pastor Díaz can be a busy street, with traffic and pedestrians contributing to noise levels. The hotel's location near the beach may also attract noise from beachgoers and water activities.
Which rooms have the best views at Jaco Laguna Resort?
North-facing rooms on the 3rd floor or above may offer views of the surrounding area, including the ocean in the distance, but this is not guaranteed.
What are insider tips for staying at Jaco Laguna Resort?
Take advantage of the hotel's free parking, but be aware that spaces are limited. It's a good idea to reserve a spot in advance, especially during peak season. Request a room with a safe, as the hotel doesn't guarantee the availability of in-room safes. This will give you an added layer of security for your valuables.
What time is check-in at Jaco Laguna Resort?
Check-in at Jaco Laguna Resort is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Jaco Laguna Resort have Wi-Fi?
free tier, 500MB per device per day, no login required
Is there a city or tourist tax at Jaco Laguna Resort?
₡1,420 (approximately $2.25 USD) per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Jaco Laguna Resort?
A casado (rice, beans, plantain, salad and a meat) from a soda costs around 3,000–5,000 CRC ($5–$8).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Jaco Laguna Resort?
The cheapest way around town is walking; for longer trips, take local buses (e.g., Quepos route) costing about 500–700 CRC per ride. From Juan Santamaría Airport, take the direct Jacó bus from Alajuela (around 2,000–3,000 CRC, $3–$5) rather than a shuttle.
When is the best time to visit Jacó?
December to April — Costa Rica's dry season brings wall-to-wall sunshine and calm seas, ideal for swimming and surfing, with hotel prices at their highest and crowds thick on weekends.
Top Attractions in Jacó
💡 Come at sunset for free entertainment: locals playing soccer on the sand or the occasional howler monkey in the trees.
💡 Go early (before 8am) for calmer water and fewer crowds. Surfboard rentals from $10/hour at nearby shops.
💡 No shade—bring a hat and plenty of water. Bus from centre costs about 500 colones ($1) each way.
💡 Stop by the roadside at any time—sunrise or late afternoon gives best lighting for photos. No entry fee, but pay attention to traffic.
💡 Parking costs 1000 colones ($2) from a local, but the trail entrance is free. Go during dry season (Dec–Apr) for clearer water.