between Santa Cruz and Tamarindo, Tamarindo, Guanacaste, 50309
Casino Diria
4 min drive
Tamarindo Beach
18 min drive
Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course
21 min drive
Liberia (LIR-Daniel Oduber Intl.)
85 min drive
Room options
About the area
Tamarindo
In Tamarindo .At this Tamarindo hotel, you'll be within 3 miles (5 km) of Casino Diria and 6 miles (10 km) of Black Stallion Eco Park. Tamarindo Church is within 6 miles (10 km) and Tamarindo Beach is within 9 miles (15 km).
What's nearby
Casino Diria - 4 min drive - 4.6 km
Tamarindo Beach - 18 min drive - 15.0 km
Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course - 21 min drive - 13.0 km
Playa Langosta - 21 min drive - 13.0 km
Avellanas Beach - 25 min drive - 12.3 km
Getting around
Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport (LIR) - 73 min drive
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
3-star golf hotel with free breakfast
El Sabanero Eco Lodge offers its guests an outdoor pool and a children's pool. Along with a restaurant, there's a snack bar/deli on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. Public spaces have free WiFi.
Spa services, a terrace, and multilingual staff are also featured at the business-friendly El Sabanero Eco Lodge. An area shuttle within 25 km and an airport shuttle (available on request) are available for a fee. Self parking is free.
Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3-star Tamarindo hotel.
1 floor
10 guestrooms or units
11 buildings
Built in 2005
Continental breakfast (free)
Deli
Self-service laundry
Front desk (limited hours)
Staff is multilingual
Storage area for luggage
Front-desk safe
Tour and ticket information
Wedding services available
Terrace
Garden
Smoking in designated areas
Bar or lounge
Dining venue
El Sabanero Eco Lodge offers 10 accommodations with safes and complimentary toiletries. Rooms open to balconies. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is offered daily and in-room massages can be requested. Rollaway/extra beds (surcharge) are also available.
Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include massages.
Free continental breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
A bar/lounge
A restaurant
Snack bar/deli
Things to do
18-hole adjacent golf course
Children's pool
Outdoor pool
Yoga classes
Room amenities
Bedroom
Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Private bathroom
Shower
Towels provided
Food and drink
Limited room service
Refrigerator
More
Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
Ceiling fan
Desk
Safe
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 1 PM; Check-in end time: 8 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11 AM
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
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets are welcome and stay free
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Kids stay free! Children stay free when using existing bedding. Children may not be eligible for complimentary breakfast.
Rollaway/extra beds are available for CRC 15.0 per day.
Property payment types
Important information
Optional extras
The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.
Airport shuttle fee: CRC 35000 per vehicle (roundtrip)
Rollaway bed fee: CRC 15.0 per day
This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB International, and Eurocard. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
We should mention
Reservations are needed for golf tee times. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
Children may not be eligible for complimentary breakfast.
Property is 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
El Sabanero Eco Lodge Reviews
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 43 out of 87 reviews
10 - Excellent
43
Rating 8 - Good. 27 out of 87 reviews
8 - Good
27
Rating 6 - Okay. 14 out of 87 reviews
6 - Okay
14
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 87 reviews
4 - Poor
3
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 87 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.0/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Staff & service
6.0/10
Amenities
8.4/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
6/10 Okay
Verified traveller
Travelled with family
Jul 15, 2019
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.
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.
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.
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 traveller
8/10 Good
Verified traveller
Feb 18, 2016
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 :)
Dil & Wil
6/10 Okay
Jaime, New Jersey
Feb 24, 2014
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
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.
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.
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.
Beautiful lodge. Very friendly and helpful staff. Quiet and relaxing. Conveniently located. Would definitely stay again.
TY
6/10 Okay
Nathan, Vancouver, wa
Nov 17, 2013
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Room comfort
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.
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!
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.
Very nice place indeed, with a great pool. If you like a full-service hotel this may not be the place for you, but if you want a unique, laid-back and picturesque place to stay then this is it. A must for an authentic Costa Rican experience. One note: a car is a must as the lodge is several miles inland from the main beaches and town.
We just spent 3 nights at el sabanero and fully enjoyed our stay! The lodge was located just far enough from tamarindo to feel out of the tourist bustle but close enough To go in for excursions or catch the sunset or for dinner. We were in tamarindo 20 years ago and couldn't believe how touristy it had become. we couldnt wait to get back to el sabanero. I would recommend the food there over the restaurants in tamarindo. The biggest treat at this location if u are willing to take an early morning walk is that you are likely to run into a family or two of howler monkeys. During our 3 day stay we found them at least 4-5 times and could hear them all through the night. The pool is awesome and we basically felt like we had the place to ourselves most of the time even though there were other families there. I give this lodge my highest recommendation! Totally worth going out of the way for, especially if you tire quickly of the whole tourist trap scene.