Clarita’s Beach Bar & Resort is a beachfront hotel in Jaco that reopened in July 2026 after a full renovation, joining the WorldHotels Elite collection — the luxury brand of BWH Hotels, the group behind Best Western. It has 63 ocean-view suites and keeps the beach bar and grill that has operated on the same spot since 1964.
It is the first WorldHotels property in Costa Rica.
Location and Getting There
- Address: beachfront, 100 meters north of the Best Western, Jaco Beach
- District: Jaco · Canton: Garabito · Province: Puntarenas
- Postal code: 61101
- Phone: +506 4001-2666
- WhatsApp: +506 6018-9044
Jaco sits about 95 km (59 miles) from San Jose and Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) — roughly 90 minutes by car via Route 27 and the Costanera highway. This is the closest beach town to the capital’s airport, which makes it a common first or last stop on a Costa Rica trip.
The resort offers a local shuttle service.
Rooms and Rates
All 63 suites face the ocean. Room categories:
- Standard King, ocean view — 1 king bed
- Standard ADA King — accessible, 1 king bed, sleeps 3
- Standard King with bathtub
- Standard Double — 2 double beds
- Standard Accessible Double — 2 double beds
- Connecting rooms — available in king and double, for families or groups
- King Suite — also available connecting
All rooms include air conditioning, HD TV, minibar, in-room safe and a bathroom with separate vanity.
What it costs
We checked the hotel’s booking engine on two dates to give a real year-round range:
| Room | Low season (August) | New Year (Dec 24–Jan 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard King, ocean view | from $211 | — |
| Standard Double | from $231 | from $289 |
| Double ADA | from $211 | from $289 |
| Suite | from $317 | — |
The gap between low season and the Christmas–New Year window is about 25% — considerably less than Jaco beachfront usually jumps over the holidays.
Watch the minimum stay: holiday dates carry a 3-4 night minimum. The booking calendar flags it when you select those dates, but it is easy to miss. If you were planning one or two nights around December 24–Jan 3, you will not be able to book.
Rate types change by season
The resort does not offer the same rate types year-round, which matters when you plan:
In low season there are three:
- Stay & Save — lowest price
- Senior Citizen Rate — about $25 below the flexible rate
- Best Available Rate — most flexible, highest price
Over New Year the picture changes:
- Advance Purchase — $289.28, deposit required, non-cancellable
- Advance Purchase with breakfast — $306.23
- Stay & Save — $307.36, free cancellation until 14 days before arrival
The senior rate does not appear on holiday dates. If you were counting on it, confirm with the hotel before booking.
Two calculations worth making
Breakfast costs $16.95 per night. That is the gap between Advance Purchase with and without it. Worth it if you eat a full breakfast; not if you just want coffee.
Being able to cancel costs $18 more per night. Advance Purchase ($289.28) is non-refundable; Stay & Save ($307.36) allows free cancellation up to 14 days out. On a holiday trip booked months ahead, that is cheap insurance.
ADA rooms cost the same as standard rooms in the same category, in both seasons.
Accessibility
Clarita’s has ADA rooms with ocean views, in both king and double configurations, with the same amenities as standard rooms: air conditioning, minibar, in-room safe and separate vanity.
This is unusually well documented for Costa Rica, where accessibility information at hotels is often vague or absent. If you are traveling with someone who uses a wheelchair, message the hotel on WhatsApp to confirm bathroom layout and pool access before booking — those details vary and are rarely published.
Amenities
- Two pools with bar service
- Spa
- Fitness center
- Rooftop with Pacific views
- Clarita’s Restaurant — the beachfront bar and grill, open 7:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
- Higuchi Sushi Bar — Japanese dining on site
- Meeting and event space, including weddings and corporate events
- Local shuttle
The restaurant predates the renovated hotel and is open to the public, not just guests. See the full Clarita’s Beach Bar menu with prices.
From 1964 to WorldHotels Elite
Clarita’s opened in 1964, when Jaco was just beginning to receive visitors, and the beachfront bar became a fixture of the town over the following six decades.
In 2026, after a full renovation, the property joined WorldHotels Elite and reopened for bookings on July 1, 2026. The reopening created 55 direct jobs and 35 indirect jobs in Jaco.
For travelers, the practical upshot is that this is a new-build interior inside a location with sixty years of history on the beach — an unusual combination in a town where most beachfront property has turned over several times.
Pet Policy
The resort does not accept pets. Only accredited service dogs are permitted, with official credentials and supporting documentation.
If you are traveling with a dog, arrange pet-friendly lodging in Jaco before booking. The hotel staff can suggest alternatives if you ask them on WhatsApp.
Check-in and Check-out
- Check-in: after 3:00 p.m.
- Check-out: before 12:00 p.m.
Worth planning around if you are arriving on a morning flight into SJO: the drive takes about 90 minutes, so landing at 9:00 a.m. puts you in Jaco around noon with three hours before check-in. The beachfront restaurant opens at 7:00 a.m., so lunch is an option while you wait — and most flights home leave in the evening, which pairs well with the noon check-out.
How to Book
- Official site: claritasbeachresort.com
- WhatsApp: +506 6018-9044
- Phone: +506 4001-2666
Standard King Room Oceanview
Standard King ADA Room Oceanview
Standard Double Room Oceanview
Standard Double Room with Terrace Oceanview
Standard Double ADA Room Oceanview
Standard King Room with Bath Oceanview
King Suite Oceanview
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Clarita’s Beach Bar & Resort cost per night?
In low season, from about $211 for a standard room to about $373 for a suite. Over New Year, from about $289 for a standard double. The gap between seasons is roughly 25%.
Is there a senior discount?
Yes in low season — the Senior Citizen Rate runs about $25 below the flexible rate. On holiday dates that rate does not appear as available.
Is there a minimum stay over Christmas or New Year?
Yes. Holiday dates require a minimum stay of 3 nights, so single-night bookings are not available in that window.
How much does breakfast cost?
$16.95 per night, if you take the Advance Purchase rate with breakfast included rather than the version without.
Does the resort have wheelchair accessible rooms?
Yes. It has ADA rooms with ocean views in both king and double configurations, with the same amenities as standard rooms.
How many rooms does the hotel have?
63 suites, all facing the ocean.
How far is Jaco from San Jose airport?
About 95 km (59 miles) from Juan Santamaria International Airport, roughly 90 minutes by car via Route 27 and the Costanera highway. Jaco is the closest beach town to SJO.
Does the resort allow pets?
No. Pets are not permitted on the property. Only accredited service dogs are allowed, with official credentials and documentation.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is after 3:00 p.m. and check-out is before 12:00 p.m.
Can I eat at the restaurant without staying at the hotel?
Yes. Clarita’s Beach Bar is open to the public daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
What is WorldHotels Elite?
It is the luxury collection of BWH Hotels, the group that also operates the Best Western brands. Clarita’s is the first WorldHotels property in Costa Rica.
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