Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [186]
Hotel La Casona (2666-2971; casona@racsa.co.cr; cnr Calle Central & Av 6; s/d with fan US$16/24, with air-con US$20/30; ) This pink, wooden house has simple rooms with private bathroom and cable TV. There’s no hot water (which shouldn’t be an issue), and there is also an apartment at the same rates per person as the rooms.
Hospedaje Casa Vieja (2665-5826; Av 4 btwn Calles Central & 2; s/d with fan US$18/22, s/d with air-con US$36/44; ) Just a couple of blocks from Parque Central, this quiet, homelike place has 10 comfortable rooms with private bathroom and TV. Rates do not include breakfast, but there’s a small yard out back with a shaded raised patio where you can enjoy the granola that you bring yourself.
Hostal Ciudad Blanca (2666-3962; Av 4 btwn Calles 1 & 3; s/d with fan US$30/40, with air-con US$35/45; ) One of Liberia’s most attractive hotels is in a historic colonial mansion that has been completely refurbished. Tree-shaded rooms have air-con, fan, cable TV, nice furnishings and private hot-water bathroom. The charming little restaurant-bar downstairs is perfect for a nightcap – or a game of pinball.
Hotel Primavera (2666-0464; Av Central btwn Calles Central & 2; s/d with fan US$37/62, with air-con US$43/66; ) Just off Parque Central but set back from the street a bit, rooms at this small hotel are a little worn, but they have attractive wood accents and come furnished with microwave, cable TV and private cold shower. Not the best value in town, but perfectly OK.
MIDRANGE & TOP END
Hotel La Siesta (2666-0678; lasiestaliberia@hotmail.com; Calle 4 btwn Avs 4 & 6; s/d incl breakfast US$40/50; ) Spotless, standard rooms with cable TV and private cold-water shower are arranged around a pretty poolside garden. Rooms upstairs are slightly larger, but all are very quiet and the place has a relaxed feel. There’s also an attached restaurant (meals ₡2500 to ₡4000, open for breakfast and lunch), which is regarded by locals as having the best casado in town.
Hotel El Bramadero (2666-0371; www.hotelelbramadero.com; cnr Interamericana & Hwy 21; s/d US$40/58; ) El Bramadero is a comfortable, midrange hotel that has well-appointed rooms with air-con, hot shower and cable TV. It has a sabanero theme, so it follows that the restaurant (meals ₡3500 to ₡7900, open for lunch and dinner) has some of the thickest and juiciest steaks you’ve ever feasted on.
Hotel Boyeros (2666-0722, 2666-0809; www.hotelboyeros.com; cnr Interamericana & Av 2; s/d/tr US$56/65/76; ) The largest hotel in Liberia feels like a cross between a dude ranch and the Holiday Inn. Immaculate rooms all have comfortable furnishings, air-con and cable TV, and the upstairs rooms have private balcony. There’s also a 24-hour restaurant, free wi-fi, pool with waterslide, kiddie pool and a shaded sitting area. Look for the sculpture of the boyero (oxcart driver) out front.
Bed & Breakfast El Punto (2665-2986; www.elpuntohotel.com; cnr Interamericana & Av 4; s/d US$60/97; ) This converted elementary school is now a chic hotel, and would definitely feel more at home in trendy Miami than in humble Guanacaste. The saturated tropical colors of the loft apartments manage also to be understated and minimalist. All rooms have beautifully tiled bathroom, kitchenette, hammocks, free wi-fi and colorful modern art. The common area features low outdoor sofas and even crayons for the kids, and the bilingual architect-owner Mariana is charm personified.
Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport (2690-8888; www.hilton.com; d US$80-160; ) Liberia’s newest hotel is also the fanciest, with all the usual four-star amenities including pool, gym and tennis courts. All rooms have fridge, microwave, flat-screen TV, and free internet and wi-fi access. It’s directly across from Liberia Airport, perfect if you have an early-morning flight.
For all your overpriced chain-hotel needs, there’s a Best Western Las Espuelas Hotel & Casino (2666-0144; www.bestwestern.com; s/d incl breakfast US$75/80,