8 Of The BEST Hotels in Liberia, Costa Rica
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As you plan your trip to Costa Rica, you will quickly realize that you can fly into either the Liberia Airport or the San Jose Airport. Liberia is a popular choice because of its proximity to the beaches of Guanacaste and almost every all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica.
Many travelers need to spend a night near Liberia on one end of their trip. This list of hotels will help you determine where to spend your first or last hours in Costa Rica.
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About Liberia Costa Rica
Located in Guanacaste province, about 135 miles from San Jose, Liberia, aka the White City (or la ciudad blanca), is the second largest city in Costa Rica and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
Liberia is the capital of the Guanacaste province. Over the past 10 years, it has grown from a sleepy little town to a bustling metropolis, providing everything from the largest Wal-Mart in the area ot medical services for the entire region.
The area welcomes hundreds of thousands of international travelers every year via its local airport, the Liberia International Airport (also known as the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport).
But despite being very well situated, Liberia acts as a gateway city, connecting people to the most gorgeous shorelines, national parks, lush tropical forests, and teeming beach towns in Guanacaste and the surrounding areas.Â
Many people only stay here for a short time before heading to their next destination. This list of hotels in Liberia will help you know where to stay for a night or two.
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Hacienda Guachepelin
I always refer people to Hacienda Guachepelin as it’s location is amazing, and you can do a lot of activities right on site. This is an especially great option if you don’t want to drive all the way to La Fortuna and instead stay near the airport and experience a taste of Costa Rican adventure. Plus, Hacienda Guachepelin is less than 25 minutes from the airport.
Hotel Guachepelin offers hacienda-style accommodations and a traditional Costa Rican breakfast. Rooms cash in at just over $100 a night, with breakfast and a pool.
Located within the Rincon de la Vieja National Park region, Hacienda Guachepelin offers on-site hot springs- some of the few in the region, and entrance is included with your hotel stay. If you don’t have a car on your trip, there is even a shuttle that will take you to the volcanic hot springs.
If you want some adventure, then you can do different packages that include rappelling, zip lines, horseback riding, tubing, and more. Those are best reserved in advance- but the prices are great, especially when you book directly through the hotel.
There are lots of hikes on site- I think at least seven waterfalls. We had a ton of fun walking around the property with our girls when they were 4 and 6. None of the hikes were too long, and we got to see lots of waterfalls.
If your kids are a little older (8 and up) you can plan to stop at the La Leona waterfall on the way to or from the hotel.
We really love the restaurant at the hotel, and they have a separate gluten-free menu.
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Golden Gateway Apartments
The Golden Gateway Apartments are owned by the fabulous Pip of Casitas Tenorio. These apartments are in the heart of Liberia and beyond gorgeous. The price is also excellent.
Gorgeously furnished apartments in a gated community provide 24/7 security for your stay. The shared pool is the perfect way to start or end your Costa Rica vacation.
You could also make these apartments a home base and beach hop the best beaches in Guanacaste. Save some money by cooking at home and spending the days out and about. You’ll want to rent a car if you do that though!
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Cañon de Vieja Lodge
Cañon de la Vieja Lodge is a favorite of the hotels in Liberia, Costa Rica. This is because it is located just 7 kilometers from the city center, but it feels like you are in the middle of the forest. The rooms are simple, and breakfast is included in each room. And the price is right!
What is most attractive about Cañon de la Vieja is the adventure packages. You can raft, zip line and rappel on-site- prices are incredibly reasonable. There is a mud bath, spa, hot springs, and multiple restaurants. I don’t really know why you wouldn’t spend your first or last night- or even two nights- here.
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Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste Airport
At Hilton Garden Inn, guests can enjoy 4-star accommodation with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a 24-hour fitness center, and an outdoor pool. The hotel is right outside Liberia Airport and a free shuttle is provided to pick you up from the airport and back. This is the best hotel to spend your first or last night in Costa Rica if your flight gets in late or leaves extra early.
During your stay, you will have access to the main attractions in Guanacaste including Rincon de la Vieja hot springs and day trips to Arenal volcano and Monteverde National Park. On a lazy day, you can just stay in and catch up on your favorite series on the 32-inch screen in the room.
Start the day with a savory buffet breakfast and later delight in the wide range of international dishes served in the Garden Restaurant. The bar also has an extensive selection of beers and cocktails to grace your happy hour. This hotel sells out fast because it is so close to the airport, so if this is the place you want to stay, book well in advance.
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Hotel Las Espuelas
For families, couples, and solo travelers looking for something with a homey feeling, Las Espuelas hotel has got you covered. However, this is definitely a budget hotel, and the rooms are spartan at best. It’s clean, comfy, and locally run- but it’s definitely budget.
The peaceful hacienda-style hotel features 45 air-conditioned rooms that come with cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and coffee makers. No matter which one you pick, you will have access to an outdoor swimming pool. For a more relaxing stay, consider the ones with a hot tub.
Another reason to stay at Las Espuelas is the hotel’s location. You won’t be far from town and a shuttle service is available to take you there and back. Just make sure to make prior arrangements. You’ll also have convenient access to Recreacion del Este de Liberia Park, Ecologico Park, Museo de Guanacaste, and other popular attractions in the area.
There’s a restaurant on the property where you can enjoy a free traditional Costa Rica breakfast (including gallo pinto, of course). It also serves lunch and dinner, and it’s supposed to be really good. They serve traditional Costa Rican food.
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Hotel Boyeros
Situated less than a mile from the city center and about 9 miles from Liberia International Airport, Boyeros Hotel is the perfect place for people who want to fully experience the city of Liberia and its surroundings. It’s right in Liberia city center and is a good option for those not renting a car in the area.
You’ll be close not only to the shopping center but also to the most visited biological reserves and national parks including Santa Rosa National Park, Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and Palo Verde National Park. If you would rather spend your time on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Playas del Coco is just 35 minutes away.
At the hotel grounds, you will have up to 70 rooms to choose from fitted with comfortable beds, cable TV, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and a private hot tub among other amenities.
Each room opens to a private balcony with a view of gorgeous tropical gardens and two swimming pools. And don’t worry about where or what to eat. You could stay in and order room service, but there’s also a restaurant on the property serving both local and international cuisines and is open 24 hours.
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Hotel del Rio
Offering a roundtrip airport shuttle, 18 spacious rooms, a restaurant, free parking, and free Wi-Fi in all public areas, Hotel Del Rio sits about 6 miles away from Guanacaste Airport and only half a mile from the city center.
From here, you can access various attractions like Museo de Guanacaste, Liberia Parque Central, Africa Mia, and the Sabanero Statue.
Make yourself comfortable in one of the 18 rooms that are equipped with flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning.
Take in the magnificent views of the surroundings from the sun deck and satisfy your appetite for lunch and dinner at the onsite restaurant; the restaurant also serves a la carte breakfast on weekdays.
This is one of the cheapest hotels on the list and is better for budget travelers. As it sits in the city center, this hotel can tend to be a bit noisy.
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Best Western El Sitio Hotel
Best Western El Sitio is located right near downtown Liberia- it’s on a busy intersection, which is important to keep in mind. It also has a casino that locals like to frequent on the weekends.
I think this hotel is really a Best Western in name only- it isn’t going to remind you of your favorite Best Western back home. But the beds are comfy, there’s a pool, and the staff is super nice. Not my favorite of the hotels in Liberia, Costa Rica, but it does the job if you are short on time, or if many other local hotels are already booked for high season.
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Christa Jimenez
Welcome! I’m Christa, a Spanish teacher married to a handsome Costa Rican and mother of two bilingual daughters. We’ve spent over 25 years living in and traveling to Costa Rica with our daughters, and this website is my love letter to all things Costa Rica- and to bilingual parenting too. You can read my full story here. Thanks for stopping by!
