Where To Stay in Liberia Costa Rica – 8 Unique Options

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So you are flying in or out of Liberia and you’re not sure where to stay the first or last night. This list of where to stay in Liberia, Costa Rica places will help you determine the best accommodations for your family, whether you have a few extra hours to stay outside the city center, or you just need a hotel to rest your head for a few hours.

RELATED POST: 11 BEST Resorts Near Liberia Costa Rica

where to stay in liberia costa rica

If you plan to travel to Costa Rica, there’s a chance you may find yourself in Liberia, as it houses one of the only two international airports in the country. Liberia is a gateway for some of the best beaches in Guanacaste– some no more than 30 minutes away!

Whether you plan to stay your entire trip or just for a couple of days, this city is a fantastic starting point for your holiday. 

Outdoor view of people resting inside of a building in the middle of the park in Liberia Guanacaste Costa Rica in gorgeous blue sky in summer day.

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 basically acts as a gateway city, connecting people to the most gorgeous shorelines, national parks, lush tropical forests, and more teeming beach towns in Guanacaste and the surrounding areas. 

Many people only stay here for a short time before heading to their next destination.

But don’t get me wrong; there’s still plenty to keep you busy in Liberia itself. From a variety of high-end hotels and all-inclusive resorts to places for walking and shopping, you can still have your thrill.  

The La Leona waterfall is not to be missed, and you can find zip lining, hanging bridges and hot springs all within a 30-minute drive. 

 Here are some recommendations for some of the best places to stay in Liberia to help you get the most out of your trip.

outdoor swimming pool at canon de la vieja lodge
Photo Courtesy Canon de la Vieja Lodge

Cañon de Vieja Lodge

If you love nature and adventure, Cañon de Vieja Lodge would be a great place to stay. Located just 5 miles outside of Liberia and surrounded by verdant tropical gardens, this little chunk of paradise is perfect for connecting with nature and exploring adrenaline-rushing ventures. 

You can enjoy horseback riding, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and canopy ziplining without even leaving the property.

Catch a free breakfast buffet at any of the two restaurants onsite every morning and kick back poolside in the afternoon. 

Near the pool is a wet bar where you can grab a beer later in the evening before heading back to your spacious room that comes fully fitted with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and other amenities.

front entrance to the bet western hotel in liberia costa rica
Photo courtesy of Best Western El Sitio hotel

Best Western El Sitio Hotel

10 minutes away from Guanacaste airport is the incredible Western El Sitio Hotel that offers its guests a fantastic jumping-off point for visiting national parks, beautiful beaches, volcanoes, and many other delightful adventures in Guanacaste.

Featuring a jacuzzi and two outdoor swimming pools, this is an awesome place to relax and soothe sore muscles after an adventure-packed day. Guests also have access to a fitness center, a business center, and a restaurant serving international cuisine.

Rooms are large, airy, and comfortable to allow you to completely spread out and settle in. You will have your own air conditioning, color satellite TV, and spacious bathroom among other inclusive amenities.

swimming pool at hilton garden inn liberia costa rica
Photo Courtesy Hilton Garden Inn

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.

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.

facade of the hotel los boyeros liberia costa rica
Photo Courtesy Hotel Los Boyeros

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.

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 surrounding 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 cheap 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.

Entrance To Hacienda Guachipelin Costa Rica

Hacienda Guachepelin

Hacienda Guachepelin is one of my favorite hotels near the Liberia Airport, and I think it’s a best-kept secret!

Offering hacienda-style accommodations and a traditional breakfast, rooms cash in at just over $100 a night. Plus, even though you are only about 30 minutes away from the airport, you’ll feel like you are a world away.

Located within the Rincon de la Vieja National Park region, Hacienda Guachepelin offers on-site hot springs- some of the few in the region. There is also an on-site pool.

For adventure lovers, you’ll want to come early to experience the zip lines, rappelling, horseback riding, and waterfall chasing also available right on site. The package rates for these services are super reasonable.

Looking for gluten-free in Costa Rica? Hacienda Guachepelin boasts one of the most delicious gluten-free restaurants in the country.

modern living room of golden gateway apartments in downtown liberia costa rica
Photo Courtesy Golden Gateway Apartments

Golden Gateway Apartments

The Golden Gateway Apartments are owned by the fabulous Pip of Casitas Tenorio, these apartments in the heart of Liberia are beyond gorgeous, and the price can’t be beaten.

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 definitely want to rent a car if you do that though!

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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!

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