Radisson Hotel San Jose Costa Rica

GPS directions to this expansive property can differ, but any route requires negotiating a busy one-way street. Once you finally locate the hotel, do not expect to be wowed -- it has a strange layout and drab exterior. It was built in the early '90s, and years of weathering have given the slabs of concrete an even dingier grey tone. It gets better inside -- there is a small fountain and garden area, and a porter is usually on-hand to lead guests to the front desk for check-in. The nearby lobby lounge and bar draws guests with all-day drinks and evening music; it gets a decent crowd during happy hour, and there are often business travelers chatting over beers (the attached conference center usually has some type of meeting or seminar taking place). The main restaurant, located down concrete stairs, is located by the garden courtyard and pool. Leisure guests may snag a chair and catch some rays during the day, or warm up in the hot tub when it's overcast and rainy, though as with the rest of the property, this entire area could use some love. The hotel has done enough light renovations to keep it up to Radisson standards, though down the road a massive renovation project may be calling. Few guests seem to mind the datedness issues, especially those staying a night after arriving from more rustic accommodations elsewhere in the country. The Radisson still delivers affordable rates, a laid-back vibe, and reliable comfort and conveniences. 

The Radisson is located just outside the heart of downtown San Jose. The streets around the hotel are busy with speedy traffic and not well-suited to pedestrians, though some guests do venture out on foot. Those who do should make sure to ask the hotel for directions and always stick the sidewalks; it's possible to reach the main hub of downtown in about 20 minutes. We advise calling a taxi instead (especially at night) or paying to use the hotel shuttle. Shops, dining options, markets, and cultural landmarks such as the National Theatre, National Cathedral, Gold Museum, and Plaza de La Cultura are within a 15-minute drive. Those who want to experience a dose of local life can stroll along Central Avenue Boulevard midday, when workers are on their lunch break, and enter Mercado Central for interesting sights, sounds, and smells. Many leisure guests who stay here are stopping for a night or two on their way to or from the airport. The hotel is 25 minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and is under two hours to the Pacific coast. For those who have a car, there is secure parking near the entrance, free of charge. An airport shuttle can also be arranged for a surcharge. 

The hotel has 210 air-conditioned rooms on several floors that can be accessed by elevator or stairs. As with the rest of the hotel, cement is part of the design. The older windows could use replacing, the heavy drapes are hard to maneuver, and the rooms do not receive much natural light. Despite this (and fluorescent LED bulbs that leave a harsh glare), rooms are adequate for the price. They have dark-wood furnishings and glass desks; some have decorative wood beams on the ceiling. Comfortable mattresses have adjustable firmness. On the tech front, guests can expect iPod docks and flat-screen TVs with cable. There are Cuisinart single coffeemakers with local coffee and takeaway cups, and each day the housekeeper leaves two free bottles of water. Minibars (fees apply) offer liquor, Pellegrino, soda, wine, beer, and snacks such as crackers, cookies, and nuts. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, rain showerheads, and counter space. Upgrading to a Deluxe Rooms gets you a stereo system (though it's not very modern) and a clothing steamer. Executive Floor suites have bathrobes and access to the Executive Floor lounge, where gourmet snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are served. Master Suites offer ample space, as well as glass walk-in showers and separate tubs. 

The outdoor pool can be accessed from two sides of the hotel: through Cafe Tropical (downstairs from the lobby), or on the other side of the hotel where rooms are located. This large outdoor space has stone walls, walkways, and garden areas with benches with a range of mature plants and palms. The main section of the pool is surrounded by a dozen or so sun loungers. A section of the pool receives shade from a cement overhang. The pool ends on the other side at a row of swim-up bar seats, but there's no longer a bar here. The hot tub next to the pool is on a slightly raised deck and is a good option when it’s drizzling or a little too cold to be swimming. Free breakfast is served to all guests every morning from the cheerful all-day restaurant, Cafe Tropical, which has floor-to-ceiling windows bringing in natural light. The buffet spread may change slightly but usually includes a range of meats and eggs, cheeses, pastries, rice and beans, fruit, cereal, and toast. A casual a la carte menu is also available for lunch and dinner. Acuarelas Restaurant is on the lobby level and offers more formal dining in a pretty space with polished wood floors. There are a decent wine list, nightly live piano music, and tables next to the window with garden views. This space is often used for private events and conference attendees, so it may not always be open for guests. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Live music is offered every night in the lobby bar and lounge, Bar Jobo. There are sofas, bar seats, tables, and a large pull-down screen showing music videos. The bar also has TVs for sporting events. Those staying on the Executive Floor -- the fourth floor -- can partake in the lovely lounge and kitchen with coffee, juice, and breakfast items in the morning, afternoon snacks, and tea. In the evening, guests can come and help themselves to beers, basic make-your-own-cocktails, and appetizers. A shuttle will take guests to key parts of the city, including the airport, for a fee. Wi-Fi is free, but depending on the time of day, may not be very reliable.