Rinconcito Lodge near Rincon de la Vieja

I've read such conflicting reports on this place, I wonder if anyone on this forum has actually stayed there. We are budget travelers and don't mind "rustic", etc. but DO like clean! Just on tripadvisor it goes from "run away-fast" to "wonderful". Moon makes it sound just ok,and Lonely Planet makes it sound somewhat better! Can anyone help?

One thing to remember is the place could have changed hands and gone downhill since the books were printed,or a last visit, Trip Advisor is a good source for recent firsthand accounts on a place, but deciphering whats a legit complaint from someone with too high of expectations in another matter....

I think SPIN knows about some Cabinas up there, PM him...he lives in CR.

I was there in June. It is a good place to stay and clean. People are friendly. But it's only a good idea to stay there if you have a car, if not privat transport gets expensive. Rinconcito Lodge is closer to Sta. Maria N.P. then Rincon. Have fun.
If you stay in Liberia, you can share privat shuttle to the RIncon, p.p. US$10.- (group of 4), Hotel Liberia.

i was also there in june and i thought it was very clean and the rooms were very big. the staff and owner were very friendly and helpful. we took a horseback ride into the rainforest (a wild ride, but really fun!), and a guided night hike (it rained half of the hike and it was very challenging). the prices for the tours were really reasonable. they also offer a canopy which i did not do. the food served is basic, but really tasty.

it is located in a beautiful spot with colorful flowers, lush plants and trees and a spectacular mountain view. it is really a serene, laid back place with cows and horses roaming around. we spent two nights and really enjoyed it. just keep in mind that they are really remote so you should bring snacks or any kind of extras that you want as only breakfast, lunch and dinner are served to hotel guests, with a limited selection of beverages. we brought a bottle of rum and monopoly and had a great time in the evenings.

i would not recommend driving there as the road is really nasty. i live in costa rica and i left my car in liberia and called rinconcito for a pick up. the cost is $20/taxi for up to 4 peoople.

i have not stayed in other places in rincon, but i would definetly reccommend rinconcito lodge and will go back again myself.

i hope this helps!

Thanks to those who have already replied. It sounds as if the lodge will be just fine. We won't have a car but the website as well as the post above sound as though doing some day trips from the lodge to the park is doable. My other option was to stay in Liberia and day trip to the volcano from there...but the lodge is just "that much closer" so probably a better idea. Any more input is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tim, I will pm "Spin" as well. Good suggestion.

I agree with the previous posters. This is not a place for someone who wants to be next door to the nightlife. It is a place for a person who wants to see another part of CR, a piece that isn't horribly commercial. Enjoy

If you stay at Rinconcito Lodge and you want to visit Rincon de la vieja N.P. you must walk through Sta. Maria N.P. or go down to Liberia and then up again to Rincon N.P. The walk from Sta. Maria to the mud pots and fumarolas (Rincon) is far, but possible. But if you want to hike to the Crater Rincon de la vieja from Sta. Maria, it's to far. Enjoy!