The upper-middle-range Asclepios bills itself as a wellness center rather than a hotel, though it successfully incorporates elements of both. Located in the hills near the Central Valley town of Alajuela, it’s conveniently close to the airport but worlds away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Jose. A full spa, fitness center, outdoor pool, and organic restaurant all lie on spacious grounds amidst a lush landscape. Every one of its 12 comfortable and stylish rooms has a different theme, and all overlook hillsides planted with coffee and sugarcane. Guests looking for a spa retreat on comfortable grounds will find it here -- but there's not much else around the property.
The upper-middle-range Asclepios bills itself as a wellness center rather than a hotel, though it successfully incorporates elements of both. Located in the hills near the Central Valley town of Alajuela, it’s conveniently close to the airport but worlds away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Jose. A full spa, fitness center, outdoor pool, and organic restaurant all lie on spacious grounds amidst a lush landscape. Every one of its 12 comfortable and stylish rooms has a different theme, and all overlook hillsides planted with coffee and sugarcane. Guests looking for a spa retreat on comfortable grounds will find it here -- but there's not much else around the property.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Xandari Resort & Spa is a solid choice in the countryside, a 10-minute drive from Alajuela and 20 minutes from Juan Santamaria Airport. The decor is colorful and bold, with lots of typical tropical and hand-crafted details throughout. With its hilltop location, the resort offers great views of the surrounding mountains and volcanos from almost every room and common area. The terrace restaurant is a highlight, and there's also an open-air spa with hot tubs in every treatment room, and three outdoor pools including a hillside infinity pool. The 24 spacious rooms are bright, with local accents, and have minibars, free Wi-Fi, and furnished balconies. Check rates at Pura Vida Spa & Yoga Retreat for a similarly priced, three-and-a-half-pearl alternative with additional spa- and yoga-centric amenities.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Xandari Resort & Spa is a solid choice in the countryside, a 10-minute drive from Alajuela and 20 minutes from Juan Santamaria Airport. The decor is colorful and bold, with lots of typical tropical and hand-crafted details throughout. With its hilltop location, the resort offers great views of the surrounding mountains and volcanos from almost every room and common area. The terrace restaurant is a highlight, and there's also an open-air spa with hot tubs in every treatment room, and three outdoor pools including a hillside infinity pool. The 24 spacious rooms are bright, with local accents, and have minibars, free Wi-Fi, and furnished balconies. Check rates at Pura Vida Spa & Yoga Retreat for a similarly priced, three-and-a-half-pearl alternative with additional spa- and yoga-centric amenities.
The Courtyard is a mid-range Marriott property designed as a convenient modern stopover, with free airport shuttles and a decent line up of features. It's a solid overnight option for airport and business travelers seeking a smooth and easy stay pre- and post-flight, or while conducting business. Shuttles and breakfasts starting super early are a major plus for early morning departures and arrivals. Features include a fitness center, a nice pool and sun terrace, good business facilities, free Wi-Fi, and Centro restaurant and bar serving all meals. Rooms are basic but comfortable, and feature coffeemakers, mini-fridges, iPod docks, and Paul Mitchell toiletries. A major highlight is the great little strip of international eateries over the road, along with a Walgreens. Travelers seeking a little more quirk factor and a bigger pool could try the Adventure Inn.
The Courtyard is a mid-range Marriott property designed as a convenient modern stopover, with free airport shuttles and a decent line up of features. It's a solid overnight option for airport and business travelers seeking a smooth and easy stay pre- and post-flight, or while conducting business. Shuttles and breakfasts starting super early are a major plus for early morning departures and arrivals. Features include a fitness center, a nice pool and sun terrace, good business facilities, free Wi-Fi, and Centro restaurant and bar serving all meals. Rooms are basic but comfortable, and feature coffeemakers, mini-fridges, iPod docks, and Paul Mitchell toiletries. A major highlight is the great little strip of international eateries over the road, along with a Walgreens. Travelers seeking a little more quirk factor and a bigger pool could try the Adventure Inn.
The Hampton Inn & Suites is a modern mid-range stopover that offers free airport shuttles, a varied buffet breakfast guests love, a pretty outdoor pool, and a gym (though it’s teeny). The 100 spacious rooms come with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, comfy bedding, and Neutrogena products, which all shape a solid and reliable option amongst the many airport hotel offerings in the area. While the location is fairly lackluster (it's five minutes to the international airport), there are chain restaurants and a casino within short walking distance. Guests generally leave impressed -- but don’t expect any local character or flair. Those seeking a more stylish and character-filled affair could try the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose, though rates will be higher.
The Hampton Inn & Suites is a modern mid-range stopover that offers free airport shuttles, a varied buffet breakfast guests love, a pretty outdoor pool, and a gym (though it’s teeny). The 100 spacious rooms come with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, comfy bedding, and Neutrogena products, which all shape a solid and reliable option amongst the many airport hotel offerings in the area. While the location is fairly lackluster (it's five minutes to the international airport), there are chain restaurants and a casino within short walking distance. Guests generally leave impressed -- but don’t expect any local character or flair. Those seeking a more stylish and character-filled affair could try the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose, though rates will be higher.
