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Do cheap hotels for sale in Costa Rica really exist?
Do they bring high income, or do they bring more problems than profit?
Many investors look at hotels, bed & breakfast, hostels & resorts for sale in Costa Rica and ask the same question.
Some consider a resort for sale in Costa Rica, others focus on small hotels for sale in Costa Rica, and some dream about owning a beachfront hotel in Costa Rica.
For many people, this is not just about owning a piece of paradise, but about building a real, working hospitality business.
Unlike many Asian countries where foreigners cannot own land, Costa Rica allows full ownership.
Outside restricted zones, foreigners can become 100% legal owners of both land and buildings.
This gives strong long-term investment security and makes Costa Rica especially attractive for hotel investors.
A stable country, tropical climate, popular tourist destinations, rich nature and wildlife, safety, and solid infrastructure make Costa Rica one of the most attractive hospitality markets in the region.
Yes — 100% legally.
You do not need residency to buy or own a hotel or to operate a hospitality business.
Your residency status does not affect property ownership.
Additionally, with an investment of around USD 150,000 in real estate, you may apply for temporary residency through investment, if desired.
One of the main reasons is year-round rental income.
Yes, there is seasonality depending on holidays, school breaks, and climate in some regions.
However, tourism in Costa Rica works all year. The key is to stay flexible with pricing and choose property near active tourist areas such as beaches, volcanoes, national parks, and popular towns.
Another reason is different entry levels.
You do not need to buy a large resort — many investors start with a small hotel, a bed & breakfast, or a hostel and scale gradually.
The most important rule is clean and verified documentation.
There are zones where foreigners cannot buy or where strict restrictions apply:
• indigenous land
• certain refuge or protected zones
• many beachfront properties, which are usually concession land
On the Caribbean coast, beachfront concession properties are currently not available for purchase as of 2026 due to regulatory changes.
Always work with real estate professionals who know the specific area and hire an experienced Costa Rican lawyer to verify title, zoning, permits, water rights, and construction legality.
Prices depend on location, size, condition, and proximity to tourist attractions.
From USD 300,000
Older small hostel or Airbnb-style property, usually not new, near the beach or a short drive away.
From USD 400,000
Basic bed & breakfast or retreat center, often wooden construction, farther from major tourist zones but with land.
From USD 500,000
Small bed & breakfast closer to the beach, limited number of rooms, stable rental demand.
From USD 700,000
What many call cheap hotels for sale in Costa Rica — small hotels or B&Bs close to the beach, but not beachfront.
From USD 1,000,000 and up
Hotels or bed & breakfasts within walking distance to the beach, with stronger branding and income potential.
A hotel is a business, not passive income.
You will need to manage it yourself or hire property management, usually for a percentage of revenue. Management typically handles bookings, guest communication, cleaning, and maintenance.
You will also need a Costa Rican company and a local accountant.
Taxes in Costa Rica for this type of business are relatively low when managed correctly.
The main annual property tax is approximately 0.25% of the registered property value.
Yes — especially now.
The Caribbean coast offers strong international interest, developing infrastructure, safety, and year-round tourism without extreme low seasons.
This makes it one of the most promising regions for hospitality investment in Costa Rica.
If you are exploring hotels, bed & breakfast, hostels & resorts for sale in Costa Rica, you can find real options for different budgets on PuntaUvaRealty.com
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