“Easy airport access, very nice accommodations.”
After backpacking through Costa and Nicaragua for 10 days I pre-booked this hotel knowing that I'd want a nice place to stay for my final night in Costa day before my flight.
The hotel was definitely the nicest and most Western I stayed at in either countries, although I was slumming it in budget accommodations most of the way. Any of the porters outside the airport can call the hotel for you to let them know that you need a pick-up (they all seemed to have the hotel number programmed into their cell phones).
The shuttle driver was incredibly nice, spoke good English. The English spoken by the reception staff was even better. Hotel looked like any Hilton that you'd see in the US. Very clean, upscale feeling, nice linens, complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, coffee in-room, free wifi in the lobby and 3 computers free to use.
Only complaints: Non smoking hotel (probably not an issues for most, was for me), the snack bar was INCREDIBLY expensive, aka $5 for a 1/2 cup individual ice cream. The restaurant was expensive as well, around $15-20 for an entree. Similar to prices in the US, however Costa isn't the US. Hotel is a good 5 miles from Liberia, so getting access to cheaper food requires good planning or plenty of free time. Also, they will put a hold on your credit card for "incidentals" which is pretty standard practice, however gal told me at check out that she had to charge a small amount to my card in order to release the hold which bugged me, just on principle.
Area recommendations
There isn't anything within the immediate vicinity of the hotel except the airport. There aren't even other hotels nearby, it literally stands alone.
Definitely go into Liberia. If you've been spending time at the coast or in other regions, you can find cheap souvenirs here compared with more touristic destinations. Makes this a good place to stop if you're on your way back home.
The people in Liberia were incredibly friendly and helpful, although English speakers are hard to find. It definitely isn't a tourist destination, however there are some awesome little cafes, souvenir shops, grocery stores, and bars. Not much of a nightlife here but a good place to spend an afternoon. Also, for those who need a taste of home there are many fast food places in Liberia as well.
