DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose

Don’t let DoubleTree Cariari’s uninspiring exterior fool you: Beyond it lies a beautiful lobby with marble flooring, ornate chandeliers, and a handsome gray and terra-cotta color scheme. Rooms are set in a two-story building surrounded by lush gardens. Airy corridors with rock pillars and striking skylights and stone fountains, are designed to give the property the look of a colonial-era hacienda. While these features are quite distinctive, the guest rooms and interior hallways look like they could be found at a Hilton anywhere in the world. The property still has the impersonal feel associated with most chain hotels.

Guests are a relatively even mix of couples, families, and business travelers. The vibe can get animated around the pool in the afternoon and at the bar in the evening, but this isn’t the place for guests seeking an around-the-clock party scene. While business travelers may spend a few days here for an event or conference, most other guests choose this hotel because of its proximity to the airport and are here for quick in-and-out stays. 

DoubleTree Cariari has all the markers of an airport hotel: It’s set just off the highway, and it’s closer to the airport than to downtown. Juan Santamaria International Airport is around a 10-minute drive away, while downtown San Jose can be reached in about 20 minutes. Unlike many airport hotels, however, DoubleTree Cariari isn’t completely isolated. There are a couple of dining options accessible on foot, including a Hard Rock Cafe and a food court at the Plaza Real Cariari shopping center. The hotel is also adjacent to the Club Cariari Golf Course. For leisure travelers, the hotel is best as a first or last stop in San Jose en route to/from the airport. A car is virtually essential for those interested in exploring the area. 

Curved archways and floors with sections of mosaic tiling are a nod to hacienda-style architecture, but guest rooms still look generic overall. Medium-toned wood furniture as well as brick-colored accent walls and bed skirts create a dark appearance. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, Sweet Dreams-branded beds, and coffeemakers stocked with Costa Rican coffee and tea. Wi-Fi is available for an extra fee. Closets hold safety deposit boxes. Work desks and small sitting areas with armchairs are also standard.

Large bathrooms have shower/tub combos, magnifying mirrors, and older but well-maintained fixtures. Long countertops are stocked with bath products by Aroma Actives. Some suites have separate living areas or offices as well as whirlpool tubs. Some Executive Lounge Rooms have private balconies with pool and garden views. Suites and Executive Lounge Rooms include extra perks like free breakfast and free afternoon drinks.

The hotel's biggest draws are its features, and while they don't offer anything above and beyond the typical Hilton resort, they are appealing. Terra-cotta-roofed guest room buildings surround the hotel’s lagoon-shaped outdoor pool. A few palm trees add a touch of green to the stone deck bordering the pool, which offers lounge chairs along with umbrellas and wooden shelters. The pool area also includes a lovely fountain, as well as a small hot tub backed by a rock-and-water feature. There’s a thatched-roof swim-up bar, but it’s only open on weekends during the high season. 

The hotel’s open-air restaurant, Las Tejas, is pleasant with its brick flooring, rattan chairs, and views of the pool. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the food is above-average, but fairly pricey. Breakfast is not included in the room rate for standard rooms. Las Tejas connects to indoor lounge Bar Chiriqui, which serves drinks and light fare. It offers comfy armchairs and sofas, along with soft L-shape stools along the bar. There’s a pool table and a few flat-screen TVs. The atmosphere can get buzzing here in the evening. In the lobby, Deck Cafe offers sandwiches, coffee, and other snacks, but it was closed during our visit without explanation. Room service is available 24/7. 

The hotel has over 14,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, which can accommodate groups of up to 600 people. Wedding planning services are available. A row of PCs in the lobby functions as the business center. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, but guests need to pay a fee to use it in room. 

There’s a large, modern fitness center with Precor machines, free weights, and exercise balls. The hotel also has a compact casino with slot machines and table games. Babysitting services and airport transfers are available for additional fees. Pets can also be accommodated for a surcharge. Free self-parking is available on-site.