Hotel El Cerro

We arrived during holiday week without a reservation after a problem with our previous VRBO. Luis was understanding and made room for my family. The hotel was clean and felt safe, and the staff were wonderful. The rooms are basic, but sometimes that’s all you need.

We booked this place at the last minute after our plans changed. It’s basic, but spotlessly clean, with really big rooms, comfy beds, and plenty of towels. Luis at reception was lovely, friendly, and welcoming. I feel awkward writing this because part of what happened was my own mistake, and I know the staff meant well. After we came back from the mountains with soaking wet clothes, I hung some to dry and quickly washed a few pairs of underwear. We were away for three weeks and needed clean ones. I left a sweater outside while we had breakfast because it was sunny, and put the rest in the bathroom, then forgot to bring it in. When we returned, I got told off for drying clothes in the room and doing laundry. All of it, underwear included, had been taken out and hung on the hotel lines. I was mortified. I said I’d collect it later, but after we went to the shop for a drink, Luis had brought the clothes and underwear back to our room even though I’d said I would handle it and asked him not to enter. His English was excellent, so I don’t think that was a misunderstanding. The next day I asked them not to clean our room, and said we didn’t need fresh towels because we’d reuse ours. When we got back, the room hadn’t been cleaned, but the towels had been changed and our things moved around. It made me feel like we were being checked up on, and I didn’t feel safe or comfortable. On our last day we had a noon checkout, so we went out for coffee and an early lunch before a long travel day. When we returned, the gates were locked and nobody was there to let us in. We shouted and called, but no one came. I managed to wedge my hand under the wire mesh and open the gate, basically breaking in. What hotel locks guests out without warning? It’s fine overall, but the staff need to understand boundaries.

Luis, Danielle, and Raphael were such accommodating hosts. Whenever we had a request, they took care of it right away, and their customer service and hospitality were wonderful. The comfortable, very clean rooms had plenty of space, and breakfast was incredible, freshly made to order with great flavor. It’s a lovely small hotel in an urban neighborhood in Liberia, with lots of good shops and restaurants nearby. Thanks so much for looking after us.

I enjoyed my two nights at El Cerro. It’s centrally located and felt safe, and Luis was great to deal with. He helped me find a good guide and was around all day if I needed help. He speaks both Spanish and English, which made communication easier. There’s also a restaurant where they serve breakfast.