Guanacaste Lodge

Hotel Guanacaste Lodge doesn’t make the best first impression, with a dated roadside sign directing guests to an unpaved parking lot with a squat orange building at its far end. Walk beyond the parking lot into the hotel’s grounds, however, and the charm factor increases significantly. The hotel is comprised of five bungalows, each of which houses two large guest rooms for a total of 10 rooms. Its beautifully landscaped lawn is crisscrossed by wide paths lined with palm trees and blossoming tropical flowers. The rooms and amenities don’t offer anything out-of-the-ordinary, but the rock-bottom rates make this down-to-earth property a competitive choice for budget-conscious guests. Non-Spanish speakers should keep in mind that the staff speaks minimal English. 

Hotel Guanacaste Lodge is located along a tree-lined road leading south out of Flamingo toward Brasilito. Playa Potrero, the nearest beach, is a five-minute walk away, while Playa Flamingo, a pink-white sand beach known for its excellent swimming conditions, is a 20-minute walk from the hotel. While Playa Potrero isn’t as pretty as Playa Flamingo, this wide, undeveloped stretch of brown sand can be a nice place to escape the clusters of hotels and vacation homes that crowd Playa Flamingo. Other nearby beaches include Playa Brasilito (five-minute drive), Playa Prieta (10-minute drive), and Playa Pan de Azúcar (15-minute drive). There’s a grocery store next door to the hotel, and a number of restaurants are within walking distance, but nightlife is fairly limited. Liberia’s airport is about an hour’s drive away. 

Guest rooms at Hotel Guanacaste Lodge are tidy and simple, with oak-colored wood furniture and rose-hued tile flooring. Beds have sheets only with no duvets, and walls are decorated with bland artwork. High ceilings and large windows help to brighten the interiors. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi (though most guests report the connection is spotty). Walk-in closets offer shelving and a few hangers. Terraces overlooking the surrounding gardens are shared with the neighboring room, but each room is furnished with its own wooden table. Roomy bathrooms have old-fashioned tiling and showers with nondescript shower curtains. There’s ample counter space around the sink, and off-brand bars of soap are provided.

Given its budget rates, the Guanacaste Lodge has a solid amount of amenities, especially when it comes to its pool. The hotel’s courtyard includes a rectangular pool with an adjoining kiddy pool and round fountain pool. The pools have mosaics of a dolphin and a tree decorating their flooring. The concrete deck surrounding the pools is bare, aside from a pair of huts with terra-cotta roofs that shade picnic tables. There are also a few plastic lounge chairs for sunbathing. An aviary by the pool houses a few green parrots, which entertains some guests, but causes concern among others.Free breakfast is served in a thatched-roof shelter overlooking the pool. Seating is offered at plain wooden tables, and the breakfast is a typical Costa Rican plate of beans and rice, scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi throughout the property (but the signal is reportedly unreliable) and free parking in a lot in front of the hotel’s entrance. Guests can book various tours and excursions through the hotel.