Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport

Visitors to Costa Rica are likely partaking in outdoorsy eco-adventures, or basing their vacations in remote areas that will require traveling through some rough roads. This added travel time (and most likely, added stress), creates another layer of necessity for this airport hotel -- in addition to those who have early departures or late arrivals. The hotel (for now) does not have any neighbors or competition, and its multi-tone beige structure is easily spotted from the main road near the airport, accessed via a paved driveway with views of the countryside and even volcanos in the distance. Shuttles pull around to the front, or guests can self-park in the expansive lot that has planted palm trees. An automatic door opens up to a contemporary lobby with a built-in flat-screen TV showing sporting events. This may surprise those expecting a basic chain hotel, for the environment feels more modern than what one may expect for an inland airport hotel; in fact, everything about the hotel is on the newer side, since it opened in 2008. 

The lobby can, one minute, be a place of peace and quiet, and the next be filled with people coming and going. Once checked-in though, there are plenty of amenities to use and places to spread out. A main hallway passes the elevator, business center, and 24-hour gift shop, and ends at the somewhat sleek restaurant and bar (renovated after our visit), with a glass door that leads to the pool and terrace. Since rooms do not have balconies, many interested in swimming or getting a dash of sun will be enjoying this outdoor area. Then, guests can hit the gym, throw in a load of laundry, order dinner, and pack for an early flight home. Alternatively, arrivals may be getting a full day's rest before heading out on their travel adventures. Rest is important here, and the norm is early to bed and early to rise. Expect breakfast to be busy. For even earlier flights, guests can grab a cup of coffee (starting at 4am) and an energy bar before jumping on the free shuttle. Rates may not be as low as some would like, but Hilton certainly delivers ease and convenience to transitioning travelers. 

This Hilton property is located in the Guanacaste province of northwest Costa Rica, within minutes of Liberia's international airport. This is the country's second largest airport behind San Jose, and it is growing in popularity (especially with North Americans) alongside growing tourism in Nicoya Peninsula. Guests are drawn to the property due to its convenience -- it makes a great start or end point to the vacation. Free airport transportation is available round-the-clock. 

As can be expected, this inland countryside location does not offer much in the way of sites, shopping, or nightlife within the immediate vicinity, but guests can drive or take a taxi to several sites. Tamarindo -- a surfing hub on the Pacific Ocean -- is an hour away. Sites like the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park, and Las Baulas National Marine Park, where leatherback turtles nest, are also less than an hour away. Group excursions are available through the front desk and come with transportation included in the price. Alternatively, car rentals are available in the lobby, and there is free parking at the hotel. 

This contemporary hotel offers 169 rooms with elevator access. Carpeted rooms share a similar color scheme with soothing pale grays and creams that contrast with dark wood headboards and furniture. Each room includes the brand's Garden Sleep System, Herman Miller ergonomic chairs, and spacious working desks. All types come with microwaves, empty mini-fridges and coffeemakers with local coffee, as well as iPod docks and 32-inch flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms have tub/shower combos and Neutrogena products. Large windows overlook the pool, parking lot and/or countryside, but there are no balconies. Airplane noise did not seem to be a problem.

Junior Suites have a larger layout with pull-out sofas. Master Suites each have a separate master bedroom, as well as a living and work area. 

The rectangular outdoor pool will likely keep kids entertained. It is surrounded on one side with low-lying tropical plants and a few palms and a slatted perogla on the other. There are several sun loungers for getting Vitamin D, but without umbrellas and an ocean breeze, this may get uncomfortable in the mid-day heat. There are tables and chairs for ordering lunch outside, but again -- no umbrellas.

Free breakfast, buffet-style, is offered every morning starting at early. This meal is included in the rate and the spread offers local Britt coffee, fresh pastries, fruit, cereal, pancakes, waffles, and egg dishes. For lunch and dinner, the menu is à la carte only with dishes that range from casual to gourmet like hamburgers, salads, pizzas, steaks, fresh fish, and even tuna tartare. The separate restaurant space is next to the pool and has a contemporary layout with windows that let in light (outdoor seating is also available). Jazz music plays over speakers, and the bar serves cocktails, beer, and a decent wine list. Happy Hour specials occur every day starting at five. Room service is available in the evenings only.  

For those who want to stock their mini-fridges and save money, a 24-hour convenience store is next to the front desk, which offers snacks, soda, beer, water, and microwaveable meals. Sundries, souvenirs and local products are also sold here. A coffee station in the lobby is self-serve (and free) in the morning -- great for those who have to leave before breakfast service begins. 

There is a small gym with a few cardio machines and weights, as well as a full-service business center with multiple computer stations. A tour desk and car rental service is located on the first floor. There is also an ATM machine and a laundry room with washers and dryers.  

Wi-Fi is free throughout.