Costa Rica’s Vacation Rental Boom
- Dennis J. Easters
- Dennis@pldatenasrealty.com
- +506-8854-7721
Over the past decade, the way people travel has changed dramatically—especially when it comes to lodging. While hotels and large resorts once dominated the industry, more and more travelers are now choosing private vacation rentals for their stays.
In fact, this trend has become so significant that Arthur Frommer, founder of the Frommer’s travel guides, and his daughter Pauline, were quoted in USA Today saying:
Arthur: “The single strongest trend in recent years is that people are substituting apartment rentals and vacation home rentals for hotel rooms. Travelers are contacting local rental agencies, and sites like FlipKey and Airbnb.”
Pauline: “Staying in a home instead of a hotel gives you a more authentic experience, and it’s often cheaper than a hotel stay.”
What Is a Vacation Rental?
A vacation rental is typically a privately owned property—an apartment, condo, or single-family home—rented by the day, week, or month. Many are second homes whose owners live elsewhere but use the property occasionally for their own vacations or future retirement.
Here in Atenas, Costa Rica, vacation rentals have surged in popularity. Travelers love the comfort and authenticity of a private home, while homeowners enjoy a steady stream of rental income.
Why Vacation Rentals Are Booming
Statistics show that in 2023, travelers spent $17.47 billion USD on vacation rentals in the U.S. alone, and this figure is expected to surpass $21 billion by 2025. Experts agree this trend is here to stay.
In Atenas, many of our clients purchase pre-retirement properties and rent them out until they’re ready to relocate permanently. It’s a smart way to generate income while securing your future retirement home.
For U.S. buyers, there’s an added advantage: you can use a self-directed IRA to purchase investment properties in Costa Rica, provided they’re not for personal use.
Why Travelers Prefer Vacation Rentals
According to a study by MMGY Global/Harrison Group, the top five reasons leisure travelers choose vacation rentals over hotels are:
- Value for price: 94%
- Privacy: 90%
- Full kitchen facilities: 87%
- Amenities: 84%
- More space overall: 81%
Speaking personally, these are the same reasons Gerardo and I often book vacation rentals when we travel. We love waking up early, having coffee, checking emails, and enjoying a walk long before hotel breakfast areas open. Plus, the extra space makes a huge difference when traveling as a family—it allows everyone to relax and recharge after a busy day of sightseeing.
Ready to Explore Costa Rica?
The next time you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, consider the benefits of staying in a vacation rental—it’s a more authentic, comfortable, and often more affordable way to experience pura vida living.
At PLD Atenas Realty, we not only manage beautiful vacation rental homes but also help buyers like you find properties that double as smart investments and future retirement retreats.
Explore our luxury property listings to find your dream home in the world’s best climate and start living the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Dennis Easters
Real Estate Broker
+506-8854-7721
Dennis@pldatenasrealty.com
