El Sabanero Eco Lodge

3.0 star property
Mountain hotel in Tamarindo with outdoor pool and restaurant
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for El Sabanero Eco Lodge

Sundeck
Property grounds
Property grounds
Interior detail
Property grounds

Reviews

8.6 out of 10

Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Bar
  • Free breakfast
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Pet-friendly

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurants and bar/lounge
  • Outdoor pool
  • Children's pool
  • Room service
  • Spa services
  • Airport shuttle
  • Area shuttle
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Front desk safe
  • Snack bar/deli

Feel at home (6)

  • Children's pool
  • Rollaway/extra beds
  • Fridge
  • Private bathroom
  • Garden
  • Terrace

Room options

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About the area

Map
between Santa Cruz and Tamarindo, Tamarindo, Guanacaste, 50309

What's nearby

  • Casino Diria - 4 min drive
  • Canopy Vista Tamarindo - 7 min drive
  • Tamarindo Beach - 16 min drive
  • Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course - 20 min drive
  • Playa Langosta - 20 min drive

Getting around

  • Tamarindo (TNO) - 12 min drive
  • Liberia (LIR-Daniel Oduber Intl.) - 73 min drive
  • Nosara (NOB) - 116 min drive
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪El Moro - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Soda y Chicharronera El Guanacaste - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Bar La Y Griega - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Sabanero Steak House - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Dragonfly Bar & Grill - ‬18 min drive

About this property

El Sabanero Eco Lodge

Adjacent to a golf course, El Sabanero Eco Lodge is a great choice for a stay in Tamarindo. Guests can indulge in massages and enjoy local cuisine at El Sabanero, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. An outdoor pool, a bar/lounge and a children's pool are other features.

Languages

English, German, Spanish

At a glance

Hotel size

  • 10 rooms
  • Arranged over 1 level

Arriving/Leaving

  • Check-in start time: 1 PM; check-in end time: 8 PM
  • Minimum check-in age – 18
  • Check-out time is 11 AM

Restrictions related to your trip

  • Check COVID-19 restrictions

Special check-in instructions

  • This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
  • The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 10 PM
  • Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
  • To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
  • If you are planning to arrive after 10 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Required at check-in

  • Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
  • Government-issued photo ID may be required
  • Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

  • Children may not be eligible for complimentary breakfast

Pets

  • Pets stay for free

Internet

  • Free WiFi in public areas
  • Free WiFi in rooms

Parking

  • Free on-site self-parking

Transfers

  • Airport shuttle (available on request)*

Off-site

  • Area shuttle within 25 km*

Other information

  • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast each morning 7 AM–10 AM
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Snack bar/deli

Travelling with children

  • Children's pool

What to do

  • Yoga classes
  • Golf lessons nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Scuba-diving nearby

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Wedding services
  • Multilingual staff

Facilities

  • 11 buildings/towers
  • Built in 2005
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Adjacent to a golf course
  • An outdoor pool
  • Spa services

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Ceiling fan

Sleep well

  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

What to enjoy

  • In-room massage
  • Balcony

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower only
  • Free toiletries
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi

Food and drink

  • Fridge

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe

Special features

Spa

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services. Services include massages.

Dining

El Sabanero – This restaurant specialises in local cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of CRC 35000 per vehicle (return)
  • Local area shuttle service is offered for an extra charge

Children & extra beds

  • Rollaway beds are available for CRC 15.0 per day

Policies

Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
This property accepts credit cards.

Also known as

El Sabanero Eco-Lodge
El Sabanero Eco-Lodge Canafistula
Sabanero EcoLodge Canafistula
El Sabanero Eco-Lodge Hotel Canafistula
El Sabanero Eco-Lodge Hotel Tamarindo
Tamarindo El Sabanero Eco-Lodge Hotel
El Sabanero Eco-Lodge Hotel
El Sabanero Eco-Lodge Tamarindo
Hotel El Sabanero Eco-Lodge Tamarindo
Hotel El Sabanero Eco-Lodge
El Sabanero Eco Lodge
El Sabanero Eco Tamarindo
El Sabanero Eco Lodge Hotel
El Sabanero Eco Lodge Tamarindo
El Sabanero Eco Lodge Hotel Tamarindo

Frequently asked questions

Is there a pool at El Sabanero Eco Lodge?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool and a children's pool.
Are pets allowed at El Sabanero Eco Lodge?
Yes, pets stay free.
Is parking offered on site at El Sabanero Eco Lodge?
Yes, there's free self parking.
Is an airport shuttle service offered by El Sabanero Eco Lodge?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is CRC 35000 per vehicle return.
What are the check-in and check-out times at El Sabanero Eco Lodge?
Check-in start time: 1 PM; check-in end time: 8 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.
Is there an on-site casino at El Sabanero Eco Lodge?
No, this hotel doesn't have a casino, but Casino Diria (4-min drive) is nearby.
What is there to do at El Sabanero Eco Lodge and nearby?
Have fun with activities such as hiking, kayaking and mountain biking, and practise your swing at the nearby golf course. Additional recreation on-site includes yoga. Enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool or use the hotel's other amenities, which include spa services and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near El Sabanero Eco Lodge?
Yes, El Sabanero offers local cuisine.
Does El Sabanero Eco Lodge have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a balcony.

El Sabanero Eco Lodge Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

6/10 Good

We stayed here in 2013 and it had a completely different vibe. This time we weren't greeted upon arrival, we weren't explained about the food and dining, the state of the property had suffered over 5 years and the road that went by the property had changed from a dirt road with little traffic to a paved road with traffic and traffic noise up considerably. That said, the people who stayed there for the yoga appeared to enjoy their stay although they may not have previously stayed there.
5-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great lodge set outside of Tamarindo.
Great little cabins. A quiet getaway from busy Tamarindo. Close enough to taxi to the beaches and the action, but quaint and lovely to enjoy Costa Rica at its finest. The owners are lovely and the food and property are amazing too. We had a wonderful time there and even made some good friends too. Highly recommend if you want something a little bit different.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Awesome place and owners
Wonderful! So relaxing!
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Shhh.... Secret place
The staff was extremely accommodating and friendly, and couldn't be better. Whether there as a family, on a surf trip/ and/or for an adventurer or romance, the lodge is remote but at the fingertips of it all, .... And the chef is the best (best price also) with his special dishes for you! Don't pass it up.
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

dislike their hidden charge of extra $25 / night !
Pros: Cozy 10 cabin lodge, loved waking up to the sound of bird song. Friendly fellow travelers with whom to share breakfast conversations in the common area. It was hot, so the pool is welcome. Cons: The lodge is isolated, it's 15 driving minutes from the nearest town and beach. I almost didn't book it because it has a hidden charge. Just as you're near the end of booking a room at the stated price, it says that El Sabanero will charge your credit card with an additional amount which added on about $25 extra dollars per night to the price of our room. I really dislike this trick and wouldn't have booked it except they're almost everything else was already booked.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

Excellent staff, nice location
Awesome stay at this lodge/hotel. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Kids loved the pool and lodge area for hanging out. The food was awesome, above anything we have ever experienced. Very relaxed atmosphere.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Beautifully Rustic and Tranquil Oasis
We really enjoyed our stay at El Sabanero. The rooms are actually beautiful and private little cabins set in the foothills of Canafistula. It is just a 10 minute drive to Tamarindo! The manager Harold and all of the staff were wonderful and It felt like home. We look forward to returning to this very special and unique Oasis in beautiful Guanacaste, Costa Rica!
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Thumbs up
Really nice staff and owners! Beautiful place
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

Was a bit over priced.
Great owner, cool place, clean, everything you need. A bit hard to find and overpriced.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

A Hidden Gem
We stayed here for four nights at the end of a three week trip with our four and seven year old boys. The cabinas are rustic, tasteful and spacious and the grounds are beautiful. The infinity pool offers sweeping views of the valley and has a generous shallow end, which our boys enjoyed. Harold, the proprietor, was welcoming and helpful. We heard Howler Monkeys at night. This place is a gem.
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

This place is a PARADISE!
El Sabanero is a gorgeous place surrounded by nature. Harold is fantastic and very accommodating and the staffs too. The place is so peaceful and relaxing and that's what we needed. I would recommend 100% to stay on this place. There are no enough words can describe El Sabanero and to Harold. We will be definitely be back.
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Will Visit Again!
RESORT: Excellent! Based on previous Trip Advisor reviews we were not disappointed. The manager, Harold, went above and beyond to meet our expectations. His staff was equally as courteous and friendly. The grounds are immaculate and the rooms are well maintained. We felt safe and secure. This location is laid back, perfect for romantic couples and mature adults. If you are looking for a relaxing tranquil environment this location offers that type of ambiance. Families with young children may also find this location suitable because it’s subdued. The pool is just enough to wear them out and give parents plenty of quiet time at the end of the night. The rooms do not have micro waves. If you find yourself craving to heat up a left over snack or meal, the resort will allow you to utilize the micro wave in the main kitchen. However, you will have to do so before the resort kitchen closes which is usually around 8pm. FOOD: The food was excellent and prepared fresh each day. Typically, we ate breakfast at the resort with no complaints. Definitely plan on simplifying a few meal decisions and enjoy a few meals at the resort. It’s economical and tastes better than some of the places we ate at outside of the resort.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

A different experience..
This hotel/eco lodge is about 10 minutes. from Tamarindo. Tamarindo is a beautiful beach town but kind of loud and touristy. If you want to visit the beach but not experience the artificial surroundings, the El-Sabanero Eco-lodge is a GREAT choice. This lodge is completely in the country side. Each unit is a separately detached cabin with porch. In the evenings you can sit outside of your cabin and be serenaded by the sounds of dozens of different animals (including howler monkeys). What an experience!!! The whole complex (cabins, main buildings, pool) seem to all be build to a very high standard (a lot of stone used in construction). The surrounding land is also extremely well landscaped. My 4 day stay here was the highlight of my 2 week Costican adventure!!!
Verified HotelClub guest review

8/10 Very good

Santa Cruz
We had a great time! The lodge is located very close to Santa Cruz and Playa Tamarindo.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Secluded hotel with beach close drive/bus journey
We stayed here at the end of August for 4 nights and had a great time. Harold looked after us. He booked us excursions and suggested day trips when we were unsure of what to do. We were so delighted with our stay! We ate at the hotel restaurant one night and we were both so happy with our meals. The continental breakfast that is included with your room was also amazing.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful hotel, peaceful
Unique experience in the mountains. Private cabin. Bus stop right down the hill, close to tamarindo. About 40 minutes from liberia airport. Supermarket 10 minutes away
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Not too close - not too far from the beach
We enjoyed our stay here. The staff was great. Unfortunately I became a tad ill and we had to end our stay here a bit early, but we loved the location that was just outside of busy Tamarindo, yet close enough to the beach whenever you wanted it :)
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Where to get away from it all
A perfect place to chill, a hilltop tropical setting with sparse guest population, pleasant staff and home cooked Costa Rican dishes. Lovely
Verified Orbitz guest review

6/10 Good

This is not a Beach Hotel but a well located inland option, very convenient if you want to visit any or all of the many options around the area covered from Playa Grande and Tamarindo, down to Playa Negra and Junquillal. This off course, without having to pay for more expensive, less comfortable places at any of the beaches. Best is the deck with the pool. Worst is clearly, they have not placed much money in maintaining or renewing the facilities. Overall is good for the price, run on a clearly tight budget and owners need to think on investing.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Cabins with Ambiance
We loved the cabins that had rocking chairs on the porches. The rooms had large bathrooms with lots of shelf space and large showerheads. The beds were firm but not uncomfortable. The rooms came with desks, but no wifi. The wifi was located only in the lobby area. The breakfast was unsubstantial, as it was only fruit and toast. You had to pay extra for an omelette, which cost $5. There was a freezer filled with drinks, which you could take on the honour system and sign it on a sheet at the lobby. There was also a fridge in each room. We liked the pool as it was relaxing and clean. The location was far out of town, and we had to pay $20 each way both into and out of the town of Tamarindo in order to get something to eat. There was no food on the premises aside from the breakfast I have just mentioned. The jungle sounds were great around our cabin and really livened things up, especially when we had something thump onto our roof in the middle of the night. The birds were really loud and sounded like car alarms or something like it. There were horses down below our cabin also because a ranch was there. The dirt road leading to the hotel was really dusty and unpleasant. Apparently this is a government road which is slowly being paved, but may be years in the making. Overall, we enjoyed this hotel for the ambiance.
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Nice alternative to Tamarindo
We had a really lovely stay. The hotel was really relaxing, nice pool and bar area and being small we got to meet other hotel guests. The rooms were a really good size. Although the locations is not close to much we found it a nice alternative to staying in Tamarindo, much quieter, much cheaper and still an easy drive to get the beach. The hotel will also cook dinner for you, you just tell them what you want and they will organise.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Loved it!
Beautiful lodge. Very friendly and helpful staff. Quiet and relaxing. Conveniently located. Would definitely stay again.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

Meh. Good but not Great...
It started out well but after hanging out there the first night we left the day after. It was very very humid in the room. The blankets were damp and my papers got wet by just laying on the bed. The lights also randomly went out at 2am when coincidentally I had to go to the bathroom. It was pitch black and the lights came back on all of a sudden. Other than that, breakfast was good and the place is actually kinda cool. Hear the monkeys during the day and night. A bit aways from anything and was a bit hard to find.
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Really nice and friendly hotel
Loved it... beautiful place. A wee bit far out and VERY hard to find. The owners are very sweet and accommodating people. The view and and surrounding area are fabulous. The rooms are simple and comfortable!
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great getaway
My friend and I had stayed in the JW Marriott just a few days before for a work event and were very happy for the change to the Sabanero. With our own cabin, we loved having the view of the rolling green hills and the local cows right outside our door on the porch as well as feeling a bit secluded from the other guests. The common area was large with 2 pools and plenty of lawn chairs to relax on. While about 10 minutes out of Tamarindo, it was very easy to go to town or to other locations around the area and was a perfect spot to come 'home' to and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Verified Expedia guest review