Best Western Irazu Hotel & Studios

Guests familiar with the BEST WESTERN brand will find much of the same mid-range decor at Best Western Irazu. There's nothing to really dislike about this hotel's style, but while there are subtle Mod touches -- like the lobby furniture that helps bring the design into this century -- the overall aesthetic is generically modern and verges on dated. The courtyard pool is the hotel’s only outdoor social space, though when we visited it seemed that most guests gravitate instead to the larger-than-average casino. Sangria -- the hotel’s traditional tapas bar -- is popular with guests as well as local businessmen at lunchtime, making things feel a bit lively. As with other properties in the chain, the vibe is family-friendly, though couples and business travelers pass through as well.

The hotel is situated near the intersection of two of San Jose’s busiest roads. While the area is technically walkable, driving or taking a cab is the best option, and there's not much of interest nearby. Dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops are within a five-minute drive, while downtown takes five to 10 minutes to reach by car depending on the destination. Several museums, including Museo Nacional de Costa Rica and the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, are within a 20-minute drive.

Driving in Costa Rica is an experience -- and that's putting it nicely. For travelers looking to venture out of the city -- as many travelers here will -- a number of brand-name rental agencies provide counters in the airport terminal. However, the country’s ubiquitous taxi service is affordable and likely the most convenient means of transportation. The hotel offers a free inbound airport shuttle, but the outbound shuttle to the airport requires a fee.

Room decor is typical of the BEST WESTERN brand -- basic, featureless cherry furniture and few decorations or accents. Standard Rooms feel a full decade behind most comparable budget hotel rooms. Dated bed linens and chunky, microfiber recliner chairs are standard, though flat-screen TVs are provided. Most rooms offer a private balcony with hotel or pool views. There are also Apartments with kitchenettes, dining tables, and renovated marble bathrooms.

Wi-Fi is free throughout and we found the service to be fast and stable. Beds receive mixed reviews, and many guests complain that they’re too firm. Curiously, some rooms don’t offer air-conditioning, forcing guests to call the hotel to confirm. Bathrooms are similarly sized and appointed in all categories. Floor plans are adequate and typical of a mid-range hotel. The decor features a monochromatic yellow and white palette that feels bright and clean. A small hairdryer and generic bath amenities are standard, and all include at least a bit of counter space and bathtub/shower combos.

The hotel offers a solid list of amenities that feels more typical of a resort than a mid-range chain hotel. Most notable are its lovely courtyard pool, a traditional tapas bar, and a modern casino with table games, slot machines, and video poker. These features are shared with the hotel's adjacent sister property.

Situated at the center of the hotel’s spacious courtyard, the lovely outdoor pool is clean, well-maintained, and large given the size of the property. Several dozen plastic lounge chairs line three sides of the deck. While there are no umbrellas, a row of palm trees and another massive tree provide plenty of all-day shade. A small whirlpool hot tub that's able to accommodate at least a dozen guests overlooks the pool deck. The tiny, on-site Mioderma Spa is clean and well-maintained. It feels like an afterthought, though, as it appears to have been tucked into a renovated guest room just off the pool deck. However, a full menu of typical massage treatments is available. There's also a surprisingly well-outfitted fitness room that, while compact, has a decent selection of modern weight and cardio equipment.

In the basement of the hotel, a larger-than-average casino offers a full list of table games, video poker, and slot machines. The decor is relatively modern, with fake leather chairs, bright orange and red carpeting, and bold orange seating. A dedicated bar/lounge area also serves a full menu of beer, wine, and cocktails.

Two full restaurants service the hotel, each providing a free hot breakfast daily. A typical Denny’s restaurant -- the same brand found in the United States -- offers 24-hour, diner-style breakfast, lunch, dinner, and room service. The second eatery, Sangria, is a traditional tapas bar with a bold, modern decor reminiscent of a chain sports bar. The restaurant is also open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While the menu features some international fare, it’s primarily Costa Rican. Typical selections include fried plantains, Gallo Pinto, and seafood-centric tapas.

The hotel provides a free pick-up from the airport, but travelers will have to pay for transfers in the other direction. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. There is also a business center, gift shops, and a car rental stand on-site as well.