Tryp by Wyndham San Jose Sabana

Set on the corner of a busy urban street, Tryp by Wyndham’s facade exudes a corporate retro feel with its linear concrete and glass window exterior. Although the surrounding scenery is less than picturesque -- lots of traffic, power lines, and sparse low level buildings -- the location is an asset given the abundance of things to see and do within walking distance. 

Up a step flight of stairs (not ideal for mobility challenged), automatic glass doors reveal the compact lobby which becomes a hive of activity as guests move between the reception desk, business center, cafe, restaurant, elevators, and conference rooms which all run directly off this space. Costa Rican artwork and a sculptural timber ceiling give the place some local flavor. Gastro Bar (the restaurant) goes all contemporary with an unpretentious boutique vibe and splashes of color. The restaurant and bar dominate the ground floor with a choice of seating areas which can be great for finding some quiet space, though it can really fill up during breakfast hours when everyone hits the buffet. An all ages, all nationalities crowd stays here for the rates and location.

Tryp is located in the heart of downtown San Jose, with a number of sites, restaurants, and bars located nearby. Casual American chains are ubiquitous and include Quiznos, Pizza Hut, and McDonald's. Juan Santamaria International Airport is about 25 minutes away by car, depending on traffic. Sprawling La Sabana Metropolitan Park is just a few blocks away. Other sites nearby include the Costa Rica Art Museum (a five-minute walk), the Natural Science Museum (nine minutes driving or 25 minutes on foot); and the National Museum of Costa Rica (10 minutes by car). 

Neutral decor is slightly drab, there’s definitely more emphasis on practicality than style going on here. Muted taupes and beiges with dark wood furniture are interrupted only by white bedding -- with more beige in the decorative cushions and bed runners. Rooms, however, are nice and spacious -- available in Suite, Premium, Tryp, and Accessible categories, with single king-, queen-, or two full-size beds. Premium categories also feature sofa beds and kitchenettes with bar height dining tables. All rooms feature minibars, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and alarm clocks with iPod docks. The free unlimited calls to local and international landlines may be fairly attractive to some guests. Safes, irons, and ironing boards are also included. Bathrooms continue the muted brown-toned color scheme with granite vanities, walk-in showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and a selection of toiletries. City views are on offer from many rooms -- the higher the better, though they’re fairly bland. 

Features are squarely aimed at leisure guests. The Gastro Bar is open for all meals and features a bar with daily happy hour and tapas specials. The free buffet breakfast is served here, though it can get terribly crowded as was the case during our stay. Options include a wafflemaker and omelet station. There’s also a cute little cafe located inside the lobby, serving gelato, cakes, and espresso coffee alongside some gifts and souvenirs for sale. The vibrant fitness center is spacious, modern, and offers everything required for a decent workout, such as spin bikes and cardio machines. Unlimited free local and international phone calls are a major perk for foreign travelers. Free airport arrival transfers can be arranged when organized in advance. Five meeting rooms and a conference room (comprising over 8600 square feet) cater to events and functions. Free parking is available in the hotel car park located across the road. A business center is located in the lobby. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel.