As the gateway to Guanacaste, visitors who fly to Guanacaste Airport (airport code LIR, formerly called Liberia International Airport, also known as Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport) are ones looking to explore the rich coast with its beautiful beaches and rural landscapes.
Though this area is not as big as the Juan Santamaria International Airport or San Jose International Airport (airport code SJO), there are several options if you are in need of an airport hotel. In this post I’m going to breakdown the best hotels near Guanacaste Airpory.
Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. All prices are quoted in USD unless otherwise stated.
Best Hotels Near Liberia International Airport
Tip: Remember that Guanacaste Airport is about a15 minute drive from Liberia city. Liberia is not as big or a developed city as San Jose so there are not many hotels near Liberia International Airport that offer free airport shuttle.
Uber is not as common in the Guanacaste province as it is in San Jose or the Central Valley cities. Our recommendation is if your hotel does not offer free airport shuttles, to ask them to arrange a taxi for you beforehand when you check in. From Liberia city downtown to the airport, it can cost around $20-30 USD but it depends on how big your group is and how many pieces of luggage you have because you may require a bigger vehicle which will cost more.
Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport
For the closest and most convenient hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport is the best choice. The hotel is right across from the main highway to the airport with free shuttle service (2 minute drive).
Rooms are modern, clean and come with full bathroom amenities (shampoo, conditioner, soap, body lotion). Enjoy their on-site restaurant with one of the best breakfast buffets we’ve ever had, large pool, souvenir store, free Wi-Fi, business center or gym.
Members of the HHonors program will want to book this 4 reward category Hilton to earn points. Rates start around $120.
Click here to see the latest prices for the Hilton Garden Inn.
Hampton by Hilton Guanacaste Airport
This hotel opened at the end of 2023, filling a gap of much needed other chain airport hotels near Guanacaste Airport. It offers free breakfast in the room rate, has a pool and provides free parking. They also offer free airport shuttle for hotel guests. The airport is just a 2 minute drive away so super convenient (very close to the Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste Airport).
Around the same rates as the Hilton Garden Inn, but the hotel is a bit smaller with modern facilities, clean and spacious rooms, good amenities and a great location. This is one of the best hotels near Liberia International Airport with free airport shuttle. Rates start around $110.
Click here to check rates for Hampton by Hilton Guanacaste Airport
Hotel Santa Ana Liberia Airport
The Hotel Santa Ana Liberia Airport is a standard/budget hotel offering basic rooms with hot water, AC, cable and Wi-Fi. This hotel is not in Liberia city, but just a bit outside. It is a 7 minute drive to Guanacaste Airport.
Bathrooms come with basic amenities and the property has services such as an on-site restaurant, laundry service and house keeping. They offer single and double rooms. If you’re not looking for anything fancy and just a place to rest your head for the night before your flight out, this hotel is a reasonable wallet friendly option. Rates start at $40.
Click here to get the latest prices for Hotel Santa Ana
Hotel Boyeros
Hotel Boyeros is a reasonably priced hotel about a 15 minute drive from LIR. They have a conference center, restaurant, inner courtyard and pool and is located right in downtown off the Interamericana highway 1.
You’re close to restaurants and shops in Liberia so the location is convenient. Expect basic but comfortable rooms. The hotel is on the older end so rooms are a bit dated but they’re clean. Decent option for one or two nights in Liberia. Rates start at $90. No airport shuttle – they can call you a taxi or you can check Uber.
Click here for the latest Hotel Boyeros rates
Best Western El Sitio
If you plan to stay in Liberia for a couple of days but still want to be near the airport, the Best Western El Sitio is a top choice. It’s located about 15 minutes from the airport and is right in town, close to shops, restaurants, the bank and a supermarket.
The best part of this hotel is the pool. It’s huge with a section for children. For a standard Best Western, this one is especially great for families. It also has a casino which can be something to do for the adults.
Tip: Make sure you ask for a room towards the back. There is a night club across the street which can get loud in the wee hours of the morning. As it’s right off the main highway, you can also hear some road noise. Rates start at $100.
Click here to get the latest rates at Best Western El Sitio
Hotel Javy
This small family owned hotel is located in LIberia city. Modest, no frills but clean rooms, free hot local breakfast included (or you can opt for no breakfast) and within walking distance to the shops and sights of Liberia. Another good option if you plan to catch the bus to Nicaragua as it’s close to the main bus station. Rooms have air conditioning and they offer single rooms for solo travelers.
Hotel Javy is a 25 minute drive to Guanacaste Airport. They can call a taxi for you (no free airport shuttle included). Room rates start around $40 USD.
Check latest rates at Hotel Javy.
Hotel El Cerro
Another small, family owned local hotel in Liberia, right near downtown close to shops and restaurants. Clean and modest rooms, free hot local breakfast included in the rate. Great option for those with a rental car as they have a secure gated parking lot. Rooms have air conditioning and is also close to the main bus station.
Hotel El Cerro is about a 20 minute drive to Guanacaste Airport and the front desk can help you arrange a taxi to the airport. Room rates start at $70.
Check latest rates at Hotel El Cerro.
Hotel Las Espuelas
This hotel is right off the Pan-American highway in Liberia, you’re close to all of the attractions such as Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Palo Verde National Park, Miravalles Volcano and the beaches such as Tamarindo, Conchal, Coco and Hermosa.
The hotel is comfortable and has breakfast included. They have a nice pool area and breakfast buffet is not too shabby with Western and Costa Rican options. Rooms are pretty comfortable and are far away enough from the construction that you won’t be bothered by the noise.
Hotel Las Espuelas is 20 minutes driving to the airport. No free airport shuttle included, you can try Uber or ask them to get you a taxi. Rates start around $60.
Click here to check the latest rates at Las Espuelas
Best Hotels Near Liberia International Airport For You
If you’re not on a super tight budget, either the Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste Airport or Hampton by Hilton Guanacaste Airport. Both have a pool, restaurant, very good breakfast and free airport shuttle. If you’re on a really tight budget, then the other small budget hotels will be your best bet but make sure you arrange a taxi with them to get to the airport.
Other Options for Hotels Near Liberia International Airport (Guanacaste Airport)
Visions Art Center: Art gallery with a few rooms
Another option is to stay at one of the Papagayo Peninsula resorts or beaches for your last night. Playas del Coco to Guanacaste Airport is only a 25 minute drive so if you have a car, then that is a nice option as it is more fun to stay at a beach town than in Liberia. You can spend your last night watching the sunset on the beach.
You can even stay at a beachfront resort. El Mangroove Papagayo beachfront Autograph Collection resort is only a 25 minute drive away. The all inclusive adults only Secrets Papagayo is also only a 25 minute drive away so you can spoil yourself with a night or two at a nice resort before you head home.
Need a hotel by San Jose International Airport? Check our list of best hotels by San Jose Airport here. Plus find out what it’s like to go through immigration and customs in Costa Rica.
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