The same name, a new building
Clarita's has been part of Jacó since 1964, when it started as a beach hotel and bar. That's the place we wrote about in 2014. It has since been rebuilt on the same beachfront spot as a much larger resort, Clarita's Beach Bar & Resort, and in 2026 it joined the WorldHotels Elite collection. We rechecked it in October 2026, when its site was current and taking bookings.
So if you remember the old, simple Clarita's, expect something very different: a modern, multi-story hotel that keeps the name and the location, and a restaurant named after the original.
What it's like
Every room faces the ocean and has its own balcony. Each one has original artwork, and hanging gardens run across the front of the building, which gives it a greener look than most beach hotels. Room types are king and double standard rooms and king suites, with connecting rooms for families and accessible rooms for guests who need them. The suites add a separate living area and a bathtub.
On site you'll find:
- 2 oceanfront pools just steps from the sand
- Clarita's Restaurant, open from breakfast through dinner
- Higuchi Sushi Bar on the second level, with ocean views
- A rooftop terrace on the seventh floor, used for private gatherings
- A spa with massages, facials and beauty services
- A gym that looks out to sea
The hotel also hosts weddings, sunset celebrations and corporate events.
What to do from here
Jacó is the closest surf town to San José, roughly 2 hours by road, and one of the liveliest beach towns on the Pacific. Our surfing guide covers Jacó and nearby Playa Hermosa. Restaurants, bars and shops are easy to reach in town.
Nearby day trips include the crocodile boat tours on the Tárcoles River, near Rancho Capulín, and the drive south to Manuel Antonio and its national park. Birders can read our birdwatching guide for what to look for along this coast.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
It suits couples, families and groups who want a full-service hotel right on the sand, close to San José's airport. It's a good first or last stop on a trip, or an easy beach break on its own.
It's not the place for a quiet, rustic stay. Jacó is a lively town, and this is a large, modern hotel rather than a small lodge.
Getting there
The hotel is on the beach in Jacó, about 90 km (56 miles) from Juan Santamaría International Airport. Most people drive or take a shuttle. See San José or Liberia airport for help choosing where to fly in, and getting around Costa Rica for shuttles and rental cars.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same Clarita's that's been in Jacó for years?
Yes. The resort stands on the site of the original Clarita's beach hotel and bar, which opened in 1964, and keeps its name.
Do all the rooms have ocean views?
Yes. Every room faces the ocean and has a private balcony.
Does it have a pool?
It has 2 oceanfront pools, just steps from the beach.
How far is it from the airport?
About 90 km (56 miles) from Juan Santamaría International Airport near San José.
