COSTA RICA PLAYBOOK · BUYER'S BROKERAGE
Costa Rica Hotel for Sale Listings and Commercial Investment Property
Small hotels from about $170,000, with most boutique hotels between $500,000 and $2.5 million. Mark works only for you, the buyer.
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A Costa Rica hotel for sale on Costa Rica Playbook can cost as little as $170,000 for a small hotel and bar in Sierpe or as much as $10 million for a 24-bedroom hotel in Quepos, at the time of writing. Most boutique hotels in Uvita, Ojochal, Dominical and Manuel Antonio fall between about $500,000 and $2.5 million. Dozens of hotel and commercial listings are live. Mark Savoia works for the buyer, so his job is to help you test the numbers the seller gives you.
Who buys hotels and commercial property here
Buyers tend to be owner-operators who want to live on site and run a small lodge, investors adding a hotel or rental compound to a portfolio, and people using a qualifying investment toward residency. The South Pacific is still less developed than Guanacaste, which is why many investors look here. It also means smaller hotels, seasonal demand and a rainy season that affects bookings.
What's on the market
Small hotels, hostels and cabinas
Turnkey Hotel and Bar in Sierpe, 7 bed / 6 bath, US$170,000.
Commercial Hostel Property in Quepos, 6 bed / 6 bath, US$224,000.
Dual-Pool Home and 2 Rental Cabinas in Ojochal, 4 bed, US$345,000.
Income-Producing Hostel in Uvita, 13 bed / 14 bath, US$399,000.
Hotel in Ballena, 4 bed, US$499,000.
Boutique hotels and lodges
Income-Producing Rustic Hotel in Ojochal, 10 rooms, US$885,000.
Revenue-Producing Hotel in Dominical, 13 bed, US$1,150,000.
18-Room Boutique Hotel in Bahía Ballena, US$1,290,000.
Eco-Lodge in Ojochal, 11 bed / 11.5 bath, US$1,300,000.
Resort Hotel in Uvita, 22 bed / 14 bath, US$2,100,000.
Larger hotels
22-Room Boutique Hotel in Manuel Antonio, US$2,497,000. 52-Room Boutique Hotel in Dominical on 17 acres on the Río Barú, US$4,200,000. Ocean View Hotel in Manuel Antonio, 32 bed, US$4,400,000.
Other commercial property
Commercial Plaza in Ojochal, US$299,999. Restaurant in Ojochal, US$450,000. Commercial Land in Uvita, 1.24 acres on the main highway, US$300,000. 5.9 Acre Commercial Land in Uvita with Highway 34 frontage, US$4,203,000.
What to check before buying a hotel
Real income. Ask for booking platform statements and bank deposits, not a spreadsheet. "Income-producing" in a listing title is the seller's claim.
Taxes on rental income. Short-term stays carry 13% IVA, plus 12.75% of gross under Rentas de Capital for a single property, plus a municipal patente. Plan on roughly a quarter of gross going to tax before costs. Airbnb reports host data to Hacienda from 2026.
Licenses and permits. Confirm the patente, health permits and that every building has permits.
The corporation. If you buy the company that owns the hotel, you inherit its liabilities: back taxes, liens and lawsuits. Full corporate due diligence is essential.
Water, septic and access. A hotel's water rights and septic capacity limit how many rooms it can legally run.
Maritime zone. Beach hotels may sit on concession land with limits on foreign ownership.
Investment and residency
The Inversionista residency category lets you qualify by investing in a Costa Rican asset. Since 14 July 2026 the minimum is US$200,000. Qualifying assets include a house, land, an apartment, or an established Costa Rican business at least three years old. Work with an immigration lawyer on your file.
What you get from Mark
A shortlist of hotels and commercial properties that fit your budget and how hands-on you want to be.
Walkthroughs by video or in person, including back-of-house, water and septic.
A buyer-side look at the seller's numbers.
Referrals to lawyers, accountants and property managers.
How it works
Share your budget, target area and whether you will operate it yourself.
Review a shortlist and request the seller's financials.
Make an offer and sign an agreement drafted by your lawyer, with a deposit in escrow.
Run property and business due diligence with your lawyer and accountant.
Close before a notary and plan the handover.
Why buyers work with Mark Savoia
Mark Savoia has helped thousands of people from around the world buy residential and commercial property in Costa Rica over ten years. He works for buyers only. From Google reviews:
"Mark has helped me out so much, buying a property in uvita, costa rica." (Google review)
"His expertise of the different areas of Costa Rica is unmatched." (Google review)
Frequently asked questions
How much does a hotel cost in Costa Rica?
On Costa Rica Playbook at the time of writing, small hotels start around US$170,000, most boutique hotels run about US$500,000 to US$2.5 million, and the largest listing is US$10 million.
Can foreigners buy a hotel in Costa Rica?
Yes. Foreigners can own titled commercial property and Costa Rican companies. Concession land on the beach has restrictions.
How are hotel and rental earnings taxed?
Short-term stays carry 13% IVA, plus 12.75% of gross under Rentas de Capital for a single property, plus a municipal patente. Get a Costa Rican accountant for your specific setup.
Can buying a hotel get me residency?
An investment of at least US$200,000 in a qualifying asset, including an established business at least three years old, can support Inversionista residency.
Should I buy the property or the company?
Buying the company can be simpler, but you inherit its liabilities. Your lawyer should run full corporate due diligence either way.
Can I review a hotel remotely?
Yes. Mark's team can film walkthroughs, and you can review the financials with your accountant before you fly in or close.
Related
Looking at a hotel or commercial property? Talk to Mark about buying a hotel in Costa Rica.
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