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Las Cruces Biological Station

3.0 star property
San Vito hotel with restaurant

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Las Cruces Biological Station

Stroll through the lush garden, surrounded by a variety of tropical plants and well-maintained pathways.
Enjoy meals in a spacious dining area with high ceilings and large windows, surrounded by artwork and comfortable seating.
Relax in a serene space with two single beds, a wooden desk, and a view of lush greenery.
Stunning building with a glass entrance, wooden door, and outdoor seating area.
Stylish corner building with a gable roof and glass enclosure, featuring a wooden entrance and reception desk.
Las Cruces Biological Station offers a tranquil retreat amidst nature. Explore the garden, unwind with a book from the library, or connect to in-room WiFi. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at the on-site restaurant and take advantage of concierge services.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Non-smoking
  • Free breakfast
  • Laundry facilities
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurant
  • Coffee shop/cafe
  • Airport shuttle
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Library
  • Front-desk safe
  • Self-serve laundry
  • Meeting room
  • Concierge services
  • Gift shops/newsstands

Feel at home (5)

  • Private bathroom
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
$94 nightly
The total price is $106
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and fees

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 1 of 1 room

View all photos for Standard Double or Twin Room, Garden View

Two single beds with wooden headboards and white bedspreads, bedside tables, and framed botanical prints adorn this cozy space.

Standard Double or Twin Room, Garden View

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Desk
Daily housekeeping
Wardrobe or closet
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 Twin Bed

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Interior entrance

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8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 10 reviews
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$108 nightly
$122 total
Total includes taxes and fees
Aug 7 - Aug 8
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About the neighborhood

Map
San Vito de Coto Brus, San Vito, 676-2050

What's nearby

  • San Vito Park - 9 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Dante Alighieri Cultural Center - 9 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Wilson Botanical Garden - 9 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Paradise Tropical Garden - 32 min drive - 22.2 km
  • Las Cavernas de Corredores - 35 min drive - 21.9 km

Getting around

  • Golfito (GLF) - 106 min drive
  • Puerto Jiménez (PJM) - 150 min drive
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 119.3 miles/192.1 km
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurante y bar La Rancha - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Las Huacas - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Las Cascatas - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Pollo Riviera - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Soda Mireya - ‬9 min drive

About this property

Las Cruces Biological Station

When visiting San Vito, Las Cruces Biological Station is a great choice to consider. Free perks include WiFi and buffet breakfast daily between 6:30 AM and 8 AM. Other features include a terrace and a garden.

Languages

English, Spanish

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 65 rooms
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 11:30 AM
DONE

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
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Pets

    • No pets or service animals allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • No onsite parking
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle (available 24 hours)*
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast each morning 6:30 AM–8 AM
  • Restaurant
  • Coffee shop

Working away

  • Meeting room

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Laundry facilities

Facilities

  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Library
  • Mosquito nets
  • Banquet hall

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Ceiling fan

Sleep well

  • Bed sheets provided

What to enjoy

  • Balcony

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower only
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi

More

  • Daily housekeeping

Special features

Dining

Onsite venue - This café specializes in local cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 350.00 per vehicle (one way)

Policies

This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express

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

Does Las Cruces Biological Station offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Las Cruces Biological Station does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Are pets allowed at Las Cruces Biological Station?

Sorry, pets and service animals aren't allowed.

Is parking offered on site at Las Cruces Biological Station?

Sorry, there's no onsite parking at Las Cruces Biological Station.

Is airport shuttle service offered by Las Cruces Biological Station?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 350.00 per vehicle one way.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Las Cruces Biological Station?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 11:30 AM.

What is there to do at Las Cruces Biological Station and nearby?

Las Cruces Biological Station has a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Las Cruces Biological Station?

Yes, there's an onsite restaurant that offers local cuisine.

Does Las Cruces Biological Station have any outdoor private spaces?

Yes, every room features a balcony.

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Las Cruces Biological Station Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Fantastic staff at a spectacular location.
Regina, 1-night trip

10/10 Excellent

We had an amazing time. The property was beautiful and well maintained. Thoroughly enjoyed our time with Jason. Definitely would come back.
Gena, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

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

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.
Jenny, 3-night trip

10/10 Excellent

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.
Anita, 4-night trip

10/10 Excellent

The tour of the gardens was fascinating.
Lawrence, 1-night trip

10/10 Excellent

amazing flora and fauna!

absolutely beautiful!
Kim Thompson, 1-night trip

8/10 Good

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.
Russell, 3-night trip

10/10 Excellent

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.
Roger, 2-night trip

4/10 Poor

La propiedad como Jardin Botanico, y para vivir una experiencia natural, super, Mas como Hotel pesimo, Primero las habitaciones tiene demaciada iluminacion por medio de ventanas, pero no todas tienen cortinas, lo cual no permite un buen descanso, ademas que apenas aclara ingresa toda la luz, un Segmento de las hbitaciones no tiene vidrio solo cedazo, y eso hace que ingrese mucho frio, No hay television, y el internet es bastante malo o lento, no apto para trabajar Los horarios de alimentacion son demaciado cortos, y si no se come a esa hora no hay opciones de alimentacion, Uno de los días no nos hicieron la limpieza, En recepcion intentataron atender las demandas, pero al parecer no tienen la capacidad de brindar un servicio adecuado al de un hotel para descanso,
Antonio, 4-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Edward, 1-night trip

10/10 Excellent

maria, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

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
Jason, 1-night trip

10/10 Excellent

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.
Monika, 1-night trip

4/10 Poor

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.
steve, 1-night trip

8/10 Good

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.
William, 2-night trip

8/10 Good

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.
eulabeans, 3-night trip

10/10 Excellent

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.
Fred, 1-night trip

10/10 Excellent

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.
Don Bernardo, 1-night trip

10/10 Excellent

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.
Annette, 1-night trip

10/10 Excellent

A great experience for nature-loving people

The biological station Las Cruces is integrated in the Wilson Botanical Garden, which is one of the most important and largest botanical collections in the tropics. We took the public bus from Ciudad Neilly and let us be dropped directly in front of the Las Cruces station (6 km south of San Vito). We spent 2 nights in the station: The rooms were very comfortable with a great view to the garden. At night, it can get cold, so it is a good idea to bring warmer clothes. The garden itself is very nice, botanically very interesting and an excellent location for birdwatching. Also, the adjacent tracks (many kilometers) into the primary and secondary rain forest are definitely worth a walk and one can easily spend several days exploring the station and area around (bring closed shoes!). The guided tour through the garden with Jeisson was excellent, he is really an expert,, was able to define and imitate nearly all birds and could answer all of our questions. The food was really excellent and the kitchen women were amazing and very helpful. As there were only few tourists, we were eating together with the researchers. All in all, the stay was great and we would absolutely recommend it, if you don't expect luxury, if you are interested in nature and want a familiar atmosphere.
2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Excellent staff, hotel, garden and forest. The plants and birds that you can see are amazing.
1-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Geweldige locatie

Geweldige natuurlijke locatie, prachtige plek om te verblijven, vriendelijke medewerkers en ultieme rust
1-night trip

8/10 Good

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

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.