Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín, Rincón de la Vieja

Pros

• It's easy to access Rincón de la Vieja National Park from the hotel. 
• Though the national park is right next door, you'll also find tons of activities to do and sites to see on the hotel grounds, including waterfalls.
• You'll receive complimentary access to the hot springs.
• There are two eateries at the hotel, one with a particularly delicious dinner menu. 

Cons

• The hotel grounds attract many day visitors (including large tour groups), so it can feel a little busy during the day.
• The hot springs are around a 10-minute drive (then a short walk) from the hotel. Travelers can drive themselves, or a shuttle is provided.
• You'll need to wear wristbands, which might not be a con but just a different system to get used to. 
• The restaurant is good but a little pricey for dinner (and requires day-of reservations), and there aren't any other dining options nearby.

Authenticity

The hotel's substantial property makes you feel like you're in your own little version of Costa Rica. You're right next to a beautiful national park, but you'll also find plenty of hiking trails, waterfalls, hot springs, and more right on the property. In the center of the property is the original cattle ranch, which is still a working ranch.

Location

You're likely staying in the area for Rincón de la Vieja National Park, and this is an excellent location for accessing it, as the entrance is less than 3 miles (4.6 km) down the road. You might not want to leave the hotel, but if you're after a meal offsite, keep in mind that you'll need a car, taxi, or transfer to get anywhere. For example, downtown Liberia is about 30 minutes by car. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

You'll find 79 rooms at Hacienda Guachipelín, with the standard and superior options offering a pretty simple stay with small yet clean bathrooms. If you'd like more space and updated furnishings, book a suite to add outdoor areas and soaking tubs. Family rooms are spacious, with one king, one queen, and one twin bed. Either way, the hotel grounds are expansive, so any room category has pros and cons, as the upgraded units are further from the lobby, pool, and restaurant. 

Sustainability

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín holds a third level of the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT). The restaurants follow a farm-to-table philosophy, sourcing many ingredients from the property's private farm and ranch. Other initiatives include treating and reusing water for the gardens, engaging in on-site reforestation and conservation efforts, and reusing organic waste for the farm.

Wildlife

It's common to see many colorful birds, butterflies, and iguanas in the trees. In the morning, guests wake to bird calls and chirps. Guests may encounter monkeys moving through the trees and other endemic animals on the hiking paths, such as the agouti.

Amenities

The hotel has a small swimming pool and a pool bar near the reception area. About 10 minutes away by car or complimentary shuttle, there's a series of on-site hot springs constructed around a river with heated pools (all over 100°F/37°C) and two hanging bridges. The hotel also has an open-air spa. Other activities include yoga classes, hiking trips, and excursions to waterfalls, including Oropendola Waterfall, which requires a reservation. There are no specific accessibility features, so this hotel may not be the best option for travelers with limited mobility.

Family-Friendliness

The hotel is family-friendly, with outdoor activities and kids' menus. The Hacienda is a working ranch, and in the morning, kids can try milking a cow or just observe the farm animals. A small kids' play structure is also on the main lawn just outside the reception area. The nature paths and hotel pool are usually busy with families. 

Other Highlights

There are two restaurants, a café and a bar on-site. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at La Hacienda Restaurant. Breakfasts are buffet-style and included in the room rates, and many of the fruits and vegetables are grown locally in the hydroponic greenhouse and gardens. For lunch, travelers can choose between the buffet or ordering a la carte. For dinner, there are more options, as both La Hacienda and the Nekajui Garden restaurant are available. The Canopy Bar is an option for a lighter meal or a drink before dinner. A small café next to the pool serves up coffee, cocktails, and small bites such as empanadas, pastries, and cakes.