When planning a stay near Jacó, choosing the right accommodation can make or break your experience.
Jacó itself is lively, busy, and energetic, great for surf, nightlife, and day trips but when traveling as a family, we wanted somewhere:
- quieter
- more spacious
- closer to nature
- but still within easy reach of Jacó
That’s exactly why staying at Los Sueños, just outside Jacó, turned out to be one of the best decisions of our Costa Rica trip. We did also stay in Jaco on our way South in a gated community but it certainly did not compare to staying in Los Suenos on our return back North.
Why Visit the Jacó Area in Costa Rica?
Jacó is one of Costa Rica’s most accessible beach towns, making it a popular stop for first-time visitors.
The area offers:
- surf-friendly beaches
- rainforest and wildlife nearby
- waterfalls and adventure tours
- easy access from San José
For families, Jacó works best when paired with calmer accommodation just outside the town centre, allowing you to enjoy the activities without the constant hustle.
Where Is Los Sueños Located?
Los Sueños is located in Herradura, just a short drive north of Jacó.
This location offers the perfect balance:
- close enough to Jacó for restaurants, shops, and tours
- far enough away to feel peaceful and secure
- set within lush grounds with marina and ocean views
If you’re traveling Costa Rica with kids, this separation from Jacó’s nightlife-heavy centre is a big plus. As I mentioned above, we did stay in Jaco too and of an evening we didn’t like walking off the complex with kids. It didn’t necessarily feel unsafe but just not family friendly. The complex of Los Suenos is so big you don’t need to come off at night – everything is there.
First Impressions: A Resort-Style Stay With Space to Breathe
Arriving at Los Sueños immediately feels different from staying in central Jacó.
The resort grounds are:
- spacious
- beautifully maintained
- calm and well-organised
Instead of busy streets and traffic, you’re surrounded by greenery, open walkways, and views that make you feel like you’re on holiday the moment you arrive. It is definitely very Americanised and it almost makes you feel like you’re in another world which was an ideal rest-bite for us after some intense traveling.
Accommodation Options: Why It Works So Well for Families
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Los Sueños is the variety of accommodation styles, many of which are ideal for families.
Depending on your booking, you’ll find:
- apartment-style condos
- multiple bedrooms
- living areas and kitchens
- balconies or terraces
Having space to spread out, prepare meals, and relax after busy days exploring made a huge difference for us as a family. Check out a full walk through of our apartment below. Honestly, probably one of the most luxurious stays that we have had.
Facilities & Amenities
Los Sueños offers resort-style amenities without feeling overwhelming:
- multiple swimming pools
- marina access
- restaurants on-site or nearby
- gated security
- golf course and walking paths
For families, this means you can enjoy downtime days without needing to constantly plan outings something that’s often overlooked when traveling with children. If you get an apartment like we did each block of apartments has a small pool and jacuzzi too. We stayed here from a Monday – Friday in February and we had this pool to ourselves the entire time so we only used the main pool once!
Is Los Sueños Good for Kids?
Yes, particularly for families who want:
- safe, contained grounds
- pools and outdoor space
- a quieter base than Jacó town
Children can enjoy pool time and open spaces, while parents benefit from the relaxed pace and sense of security. It’s a great option if you want to mix beach time, adventure, and rest days into your itinerary. We normally find after 3-4 weeks of moving around, hiking and adventuring we have to add in something a little more modernised and chill. Normally, as a family we spend our time in more basic accommodation, truer to the location we are exploring but we do love to treat ourselves to luxury as a break.
What You Can Easily Do From Los Sueños
Staying at Los Sueños gives you easy access to:
- Jacó Beach and surf schools
- boat trips and fishing from the marina
- rainforest hikes and waterfalls
- crocodile bridge tours
- day trips along the Pacific coast
You get the convenience of Jacó’s tour options without having to stay in the busiest part of town.
Who Is Los Sueños Best For?
Los Sueños is ideal for:
- families traveling Costa Rica
- those wanting space and comfort
- travllers seeking a resort-style base
- anyone wanting calm evenings after active days
It may be less suited to backpackers or travelers specifically looking for nightlife, but for families and slower-paced travel, it works beautifully.
Is Los Sueños Worth It?
For us, yes.
When deciding where to stay near Jacó, Los Sueños offered:
- comfort and space
- a quieter environment
- excellent access to activities
- a family-friendly atmosphere
It allowed us to enjoy a rest stop. It is not the type of place we would stay for a long period of time nor where we personally would go if it was the only stop we were doing, but for the Monday – Friday, it was perfect.
Final Thoughts: Best Place to Stay Near Jacó for Families
If you’re planning a Costa Rica trip and want to explore Jacó without staying in the heart of the action, Los Sueños is an excellent choice.
It combines the ease of a resort-style stay with the freedom to explore beaches, rainforest, and adventure making it one of the best places to stay near Jacó for families.
Planning your Costa Rica trip?
If you’re looking to save on accommodation across Costa Rica including resort-style stays like Los Sueños you can read more about how we access discounted hotel rates here:
👉 Travel Savings.
You can also access our itinerary, perfect for families and with plenty of options depending on the length of your trip. You can read it here.
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