Your stay — Los Geranios
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The Property — Los Geranios
Los Geranios is a straightforward, functional three-star hotel just off the main highway in Nicoya. The lobby feels like a clean, slightly dated Costa Rican motel—tiled floors, a small reception desk, and a few potted plants. It suits budget-conscious travellers who need a reliable base to sleep and shower before heading to the beaches or the nearby national parks. There’s a small pool, basic air-conditioned rooms, and a simple breakfast included; nothing fancy, but solid for the price.
Chronicles of Nicoya
Nicoya was founded in 1523 by Spanish colonists, making it one of the oldest settlements in Costa Rica. Its colonial-era church, Iglesia de San Blas, dates from the 18th century. The town served as a trading hub for the surrounding Guanacaste province, known for cattle ranching and agriculture. Today, Nicoya is a relaxed market town, part of Costa Rica’s ‘Blue Zone’ for longevity, with a mix of traditional adobe buildings and modern concrete structures. Its cultural identity remains rooted in the sabanero (cowboy) tradition, with a slower pace and strong local festivals.
Best Time to Visit
Full Nicoya guide →Best months
December to April: the dry season brings clear skies and manageable humidity, perfect for exploring nearby beaches like Samara and Nosara. Crowds are moderate outside Christmas and Easter.
Peak / festival surge
January and February: peak dry season with near-zero rain, plus the Fiesta de los Diablitos (late February) in nearby communities. Hotel prices in Nicoya rise 20–30% during these months, driven by domestic tourism and surfers.
Budget shoulder season
May and November: the transition months offer lower rainfall than the core wet season, fewer tourists, and hotel discounts of 15–25%. Still warm enough for beach trips.
Weather & packing
July is the middle of the green season: expect heavy afternoon downpours but morning sunshine. Pack a lightweight rain jacket, waterproof shoes, and insect repellent—dry-season clothing won’t cut it.
Live City Briefing — Nicoya
- The Nicoya-Samara road (Route 160) is undergoing resurfacing works from May to August 2026, causing delays of up to 30 minutes; check local Facebook groups for daily updates.
- A new weekly farmers’ market started in Nicoya’s central park in March 2026, every Saturday morning selling local cheese, honey and tropical fruit.
- July 2026 brings the city’s annual ‘Fiestas Cívicas’ (25–28 July), a four-day celebration with parades, rodeos and live music—book accommodation weeks ahead if attending.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Los Geranios, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor facing the inner courtyard or the quieter side street. These floors are above ground-level noise but still accessible via stairs if the lift is unreliable.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception or street entrance — they catch foot traffic and early-morning comings and goings. Also avoid rooms directly above the kitchen or breakfast area if you can.
Best views
Rooms on the upper floors facing away from the main road may offer a partial view of the surrounding hills or neighbourhood rooftops — nothing spectacular, but a sense of openness.
Quietest floors
Floors 2 and 3 are the quietest — further from street-level bustle and the lift's mechanical noise if it's older.
🔊 Noise notes
Nicoya is a working town, not a resort. Expect roosters, dogs, and early-morning traffic. The hotel's position in the centre means some street noise is inevitable. The lift may clunk if it's older, so avoid rooms right next to it.
Insider tips
1. Park on the street or ask about off-street parking — many central Nicoya hotels have limited space. 2. Check in early to secure a courtyard-facing room; these are quieter and cooler, and you can leave windows open for a breeze without the street racket.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Los Geranios
Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property; speed is adequate for email and browsing but not for streaming HD video. No login or password needed—just connect to the open network.
There is no lift. All guest rooms are on one floor with step access only.
No complimentary newspapers or digital newsstand; the lobby has a small TV tuned to local news.
Check-in from 14:00 to 20:00; early bag drop is allowed from 10:00; late check-out until 13:00 costs 50% of the nightly rate.
Free baggage storage is available at the front desk for guests arriving before check-in or after check-out.
The property has no step-free access; there is at least one step at the main entrance and no ramps or adapted rooms. Guests with mobility issues may find it difficult.
Free on-site parking is available for guests (uncovered, unpaved lot). There is no valet or EV charging. The nearest public car park is at the municipal market, about 400 m away, and costs about ₡2,000 per night.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: A deposit equal to the first night’s stay is charged at booking; a refundable incidental hold of ₡50,000 (about $95) is taken on a credit card at check-in.
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón, CRC
ATMs are the best way to get colones; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport and tourist hubs as they give poor rates—use bank ATMs in Nicoya town.
Cards are accepted in larger supermarkets and hotels in Nicoya town, but many small shops, sodas (local eateries) and market stalls are cash-only; contactless is rare outside bigger chains.
Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge, so no extra tip expected; taxis don't expect tips; hotel staff appreciate 1000–2000 CRC for porters.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of filter coffee at a local soda (small eatery) costs around 300–500 CRC.
A casado (rice, beans, salad, plantain, meat) at a soda costs about 2500–3500 CRC.
A main course at a casual soda or comedor runs 3000–4500 CRC.
Small food stalls around the central market in Nicoya sell fresh corn tortillas, empanadas, and pipa (green coconut water) for very little.
Supermercado La Gloria and Más x Menos are common budget supermarkets in the Nicoya area.
The central market in Nicoya has cheap clothing stalls; for budget basics, try the ferias (street markets) on weekends.
Buses within Nicoya cost about 400 CRC per ride; from the airport (Liberia), catch the public bus to Nicoya for around 1500 CRC—much cheaper than a taxi or shuttle.
Eat at sodas instead of tourist-oriented restaurants; use shared buses over private shuttles; buy groceries at local markets rather than convenience stores.
Emergency Contacts
NicoyaCosta Rica uses a single 911 system for police, ambulance, and fire. From a landline or mobile, dial 911. English operators are often available. For the local Red Cross ambulance dispatch in Nicoya, call 2685-1715.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Nicoya, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Los Geranios
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Cruce Playa Santa Teresa (main junction) → Nicoya bus terminal
💡 A cheaper split — flag one down at the junction. They'll let you pay per seat (around 5,000 CRC each). No AC, bumpy road. Works for beach travellers heading inland. From terminal, walk east.
Terminal Liberia (next to La Amistad hotel) → Parada de Buses, Nicoya (500m from Club Pez Gallo)
💡 Cramped without AC; sit on the right for shade. No luggage compartment, so backpack only. Bus drops you on Avenida 1 — walk east on Calle 4 for 8 minutes.
Terminal San José (Coca Cola) → Parada de Buses, Nicoya
💡 Use this for trips from San José to Nicoya. It's direct. Bring snacks and a fleece — AC is aggressive. From Nicoya terminal, it's a 10-minute walk to Club Pez Gallo.
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR, Liberia) → Club Pez Gallo, Hotel zone, Nicoya
💡 Book with a local operator like Nicoya Shuttle or Interbus. Shared shuttles run twice daily at 10am and 2pm, cost 45 USD per person, but take 2 hours due to stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Los Geranios?
Request a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor facing the inner courtyard or the quieter side street. These floors are above ground-level noise but still accessible via stairs if the lift is unreliable.
Which rooms should I avoid at Los Geranios?
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception or street entrance — they catch foot traffic and early-morning comings and goings. Also avoid rooms directly above the kitchen or breakfast area if you can.
Is Los Geranios noisy?
Nicoya is a working town, not a resort. Expect roosters, dogs, and early-morning traffic. The hotel's position in the centre means some street noise is inevitable. The lift may clunk if it's older, so avoid rooms right next to it.
Which rooms have the best views at Los Geranios?
Rooms on the upper floors facing away from the main road may offer a partial view of the surrounding hills or neighbourhood rooftops — nothing spectacular, but a sense of openness.
What are insider tips for staying at Los Geranios?
1. Park on the street or ask about off-street parking — many central Nicoya hotels have limited space. 2. Check in early to secure a courtyard-facing room; these are quieter and cooler, and you can leave windows open for a breeze without the street racket.
What time is check-in at Los Geranios?
Check-in at Los Geranios is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Los Geranios have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property; speed is adequate for email and browsing but not for streaming HD video. No login or password needed—just connect to the open network.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Los Geranios?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Los Geranios?
A casado (rice, beans, salad, plantain, meat) at a soda costs about 2500–3500 CRC.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Los Geranios?
Buses within Nicoya cost about 400 CRC per ride; from the airport (Liberia), catch the public bus to Nicoya for around 1500 CRC—much cheaper than a taxi or shuttle.
When is the best time to visit Nicoya?
December to April: the dry season brings clear skies and manageable humidity, perfect for exploring nearby beaches like Samara and Nosara. Crowds are moderate outside Christmas and Easter.
Top Attractions in Nicoya
💡 Ask the staff about the Chorotega pottery techniques still used by a few families in the hills just outside town.
💡 Go late afternoon when the light hits the murals best. There’s a small bakery halfway along selling empanadas for 500 colones.
💡 Visit during Sunday mass (8am) to hear the traditional marimba music played by locals.
💡 Buy a bag of fresh mango slices from vendors by the church steps. Try the ones with chilli powder.
💡 Start the climb just after 6am – the heat builds fast, and you’ll see howlers and parakeets in the trees along the trail. Bring water.