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Las Cruces Biological Station

3.0 star property

Photo gallery for Las Cruces Biological Station

Exterior
Standard Double or Twin Room, Garden View | Balcony
Standard Double or Twin Room, Garden View | Living area
Standard Double or Twin Room, Garden View | Living area
Exterior

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Business services
  • Laundry room
  • Housekeeping
The current price is AU$207
includes taxes & fees
4 Apr - 5 Apr

Explore the area

View map
San Vito de Coto Brus, San Vito, 676-2050
  • Place, Dante Alighieri Cultural Center
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, San Vito Park
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Wilson Botanical Garden
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Airport, Puerto Jiménez (PJM)

About the area

San Vito

At Las Cruces Biological Station, you'll be 6.2 km (3.8 mi) from San Vito Park and 6.2 km (3.9 mi) from Dante Alighieri Cultural Center. Highlights at this hotel include a restaurant and free buffet breakfast. .This smoke-free hotel offers free WiFi in public areas, concierge services and a library. Other amenities include a coffee shop/cafe and laundry facilities. Each morning free breakfast is served. There's also the convenience of an airport shuttle. .With a stay at this 3-property class San Vito hotel, you'll be 6.6 km (4.1 mi) from Wilson Botanical Garden and 19.8 km (12.3 mi) from Las Cavernas de Corredores.

What's nearby

  • Dante Alighieri Cultural Center - 10 min drive - 6.1 km
  • San Vito Park - 10 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Wilson Botanical Garden - 10 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Las Cavernas de Corredores - 39 min drive - 22.2 km

Getting around

  • Golfito (GLF) - 94 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lagunas Bar y Restaurant - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Panaderia Flor - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Soda Mireya - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Nuevo Mundo - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Pizzeria Lilliana - ‬8 min drive

About this property

Las Cruces Biological Station

Along with a restaurant, there's a coffee shop/cafe on site. Free breakfast is served daily. WiFi is free in public spaces. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. A library, a terrace, and gift shops/newsstands are also featured at Las Cruces Biological Station.

This 3-star San Vito hotel is smoke free.

  • 65 guestrooms or units
  • Buffet breakfast (free)
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gift shop
  • No smoking on site
  • Coffee shop
  • 1 conference room
  • Dining venue
Las Cruces Biological Station offers 65 accommodations with fans. Rooms open to balconies. This San Vito hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include a shower. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available
  • 24-hour return airport shuttle (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 6:30 AM to 8 AM
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Library

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • Banquet hall
  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

More

  • Desk
  • Fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:30 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 5 PM
The check-in location differs from the property location; go to: [Caseta de Seguridad despues de las 5:00 pm]
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Las Cruces Biological Station

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 350.00 per vehicle (one way)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. No on-site parking is available. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Las Cruces Biological Station Hotel San Vito
Las Cruces Biological Station Hotel
Las Cruces Biological Station San Vito
Las Cruces Biological Station
Las Cruces Biological Station Costa Rica/San Vito
Las Cruces Biological Vito
Las Cruces Biological Station Hotel
Las Cruces Biological Station San Vito
Las Cruces Biological Station Hotel San Vito

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Las Cruces Biological Station?

Las Cruces Biological Station offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Las Cruces Biological Station?

As of 31 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Las Cruces Biological Station on 4 Apr 2026 start from AU$207, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Are there any beaches close to Las Cruces Biological Station?

The closest beach to Las Cruces Biological Station is Playa Cacao (33.4 km).

Does Las Cruces Biological Station serve breakfast?

You bet, complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily between 6:30 AM and 8 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Las Cruces Biological Station?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Las Cruces Biological Station?

Yep, you can grab a meal at Las Cruces Biological Station's onsite restaurant that serves local cuisine.

What time are check-in & check-out at Las Cruces Biological Station?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:30 AM.

Are pets allowed at Las Cruces Biological Station?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

Las Cruces Biological Station Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 32 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 32 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 32 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 32 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

mauricio

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edward, Elkton

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gena

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had an amazing time. The property was beautiful and well maintained. Thoroughly enjoyed our time with Jason. Definitely would come back.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our cabin with an amazing view and deck. The food was good and the grounds were wonderful for walking for birdwatching which is what we were there for. We also had an excellent guide (Jeisson) for an early morning bird walk.

10/10 Excellent

Jenny

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Las Cruces is a beautiful botanical garden and the accommodation is lovely, with a nice terrace and views. The guide was wonderful and its a great garden for bird watching. Food was good and tea and coffee was always available. The walking outside of the botanical garden was a little less extensive than I had hoped but there is some and the garden itself is magical.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anita

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The food was simple, tasty, and consistent, prepared and served by lovely kitchen staff in a very clean, beautiful dining area open to the breeze and overlooking the Wilson Botanical Garden. Rooms were clean, spacious, simple. In addition to the gardens, there are good trails into the adjacent rain forest. This property is in the mountains of southern Costa Rica - not so hot as elsewhere and a very interesting place to stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Regina

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic staff at a spectacular location.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Russell

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great place, but maybe not a ‘hotel’ as such

It may be important to know there is no bar or alcohol available at the biological station. Bring your own booze, or there’s a good bar/restaurant about a quarter of a mile away on the road back towards San Vito.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Roger

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Get an appreciation for a special climate and animals of Costa Rica. The guide service was informative. We even did some extra trips after hours. Food service is simple, convenient, and more than sufficient.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The tour of the gardens was fascinating.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Costa Rica

The free tour was worth every minute of it through the greens. I also enjoyed the free breakfast and the view from my balcony. It was a very nice and peaceful place to be
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Monika

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
excellent place, it felt good our money contributed to some meaningful eco work. The shop was closed so no chance to contribute more by buying the gardens souvenirs. solar-power water heater, plenty of very hot, high pressure water despite cloudy/rainy day.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2020

4/10 Poor

steve

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very disappointed

We were given a private cabin in the forest which we thought would be better than the villas across from the dining hall. The photos of the rooms on hotels.com, however, are of the villa rooms, which appear to be better, but I can't vouch for that as I did not see them in person. Our cabin was dirty, run down and in need of a major remodeling. There was no hot water, the mattresses were in poor condition, and the shower was so gross, neither my husband or I used it. There was mold on the ceiling above the beds and various insects crawling about the cabin as well. The breakfast was skimpy-- undrinkable coffee, two small pieces of papaya, a couple scoops of rice and eggs and musty-tasting toast that had the crusts sliced off. We only stayed one night to go birding in the Wilson Botanical Garden and were glad to check out in the morning. We stayed the following night at Casa Botania a mile down the road, which was absolutely wonderful.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018

8/10 Good

William, Volcan, panama

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful plants and birds

Very simple accommodations, very simple meal plan, grounds of Wilson Botanical fantastic to see and wander about. Staff very helpful and tour guide Jason very pleasant and a book of knowledge about Flores and fauna.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2018

8/10 Good

eulabeans, New Mexico

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good location for birders and plant lovers

This is a field station of the Organization for Tropical Studies, where scientists, students and volunteers conduct biological research. They offer available rooms to guests, along with full board. Rooms are small but comfortable for their basic purpose. Bathroom very small but adequate; plenty of hot water for showers. Food was plentiful and very good, plenty of salad, vegetables, and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Anyone looking into lodgings here is presumably interested in the birds and/or plants, as many species of both are found here. The station is located in Wilson Botanical Garden, so you need only walk out your door to find what you came for. A guided walk is included with your stay. and is very informative. If you want to stay here during the high season, you would be wise to inquire at least 6 months in advance. I inquired in September about availability of 3 nights in February or March, and at that time they had only two such slots still available. This is not the least expensive lodging available in the area, but with all meals included it is good value for the money, and you can feel good about your dollars going to support OTS' good work.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Fred, Rural Retreat, VA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wilson Botanical Gardens..

We really liked the Las Cruces Biological Station and the hotel. Lots of trails to hike on that were well marked with numerous plants identified. Many birds to look at, take photos or just enjoy them. Guided tour was excellent and enjoyed by all. Hotel was very close to everything. Meals were excellent. Don't miss it.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Don Bernardo, Santa Fe NM

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

world-class scientific garden

We did both a night tour and an included morning tour with guide Jason. He was excellent. Wonderful palm and bromeliad collections. Terrific birding. At night--frogs, spiders, sleeping birds, toads, snakes. The bird feeding station had a wonder variety of tanagers.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Annette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A gem of an ecolodge

Very well managed place with accommodations for overseas researches as well as tourists. Fantastic birding of Colorful birds at the feeders. The garden grounds is huge and full of hummingbirds.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kim Thompson, Panama

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

amazing flora and fauna!

absolutely beautiful!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent staff, hotel, garden and forest. The plants and birds that you can see are amazing.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2017

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Simple but comfortable

If you stay here you should know that this is a working academic research site not a traditional hotel. Food is very good given the family style. Rooms are modem clean and have nice private balconies. Great value!

8/10 Good

Gary, Cambridge, MA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

It Doesn't Get Much Better than This

The Bungalows at Las Cruces/Wilson Botanical Gardens are as close to luxury as one could expect at one of the most pristine active research biological facilities in Costa Rica. The rooms are nicely kept and the views are to die for. Meals are prepared for the guests, students and faculty of the facility by dedicated staff. A stay at the facility includes a guided tour of the Wilson Botanical Gardens, a birdwatcher's and gardener's paradise, and continued access to the gardens and surrounding nature trails and preserves. Highly recommended for travelers who want to commune with nature, right up to the doorstep.

2/10 Terrible

joe, OntarioCanada

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Over charge they were to revise and never received

Disappointed never reviewed bill as asked over bill Never received receipt took friends very disappointed would appreciate you sending us a justified bill.

10/10 Excellent

Ronald

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Goede gids, mooie trails, vele vogelsoorten
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yamileth

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025