Wyndham Garden San Jose Escazu

The Wyndham sits on a dead end road that runs right alongside Escazu’s main highway. A big Monge store (Costa Rica’s equivalent of a Best Buy) neighbors the hotel, so there’s a steady stream of cars whizzing past the hotel entrance which resides at the center of a long, modern, curved oblong building. The contemporary facade is finished in taupe and beige with a grass-green logo across the top. A neat row of palm trees is planted in front of the entrance. The open plan lobby evolves into the restaurant area and outside to the terrace, while the 111 rooms are spread out over three levels either side of the lobby. Reaching the rooms can require some walking -- especially when visiting the pool and gym which are located below ground level. The majority of guests are local business travelers, though tourists occasionally stay here for the low rates and brand name. 

The hotel is located just off Autopista Prospero Fernandez in posh Escazu. While Walgreens and Escazu Village Shopping Mall are located just across the highway, it’s impossible to cross on foot, so they require a drive, but there are cabs or a free shuttle on hand for that. It’s a 15-minute drive to Multiplaza Escazu -- Costa Rica’s largest shopping complex. Costa Rica Country Club, La Sabana Metropolitan Park, and Costa Rica’s National Stadium are all around 15 minutes’ drive from the hotel, depending on traffic. Juan Santamaria Airport takes about 35 to 40 minutes. It’s about a 25-minute drive to the heart of downtown San Jose. 

Rooms are all incredibly spacious to the extent that furnishing seems quite sparse and minimalist. That said, all of the expected furniture is provided: beds (one king or two queen beds), a big work desk, sideboard, closets, and bedside tables. Decor is pretty humdrum. Dark wood pieces and taupe carpet are offset with white bedding and color splashes in cushions, bed runners, and generic artwork. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, refrigerated minibars, irons, ironing boards, and safes. Bathrooms are large and modern. They're equipped with rectangular basins, frameless glass step-in showers, and a small selection of toiletries. Views are simply of the highway next to which the hotel sits, but rooms are surprisingly silent given the heavy traffic. 

Features tend to focus on the needs of business travelers. The fitness center and indoor pool are the major highlights. The gym is refreshingly spacious but sparsely populated with a range of cardio and weight-training equipment, and while it’s not brand new, the space doesn't feel cramped or crowded like many smaller hotel gyms. It also features an adjoining yoga room, and observes the indoor pool which is 65 feet in length and perfect for swimming laps. While some guests complain the water can be quite cold, it was perfectly temperate during our stay. A big, square whirlpool adjoins the pool and a few deck chairs are provided (though there’s no sun to be had given they’re indoors). El Cortijo serves a menu of international fare for all meals and the food is of decent quality. This is also where the free breakfast buffet is served. The hot spread includes Costa Rican items like rice and beans, plus eggs and cereals. Room service is available 24 hours. Provenza Lounge (really just a bar within the restaurant) serves cocktails, drinks, and dinner from late afternoon onwards. Guests may sit inside, or on the adjoining terrace which offers lounge and dining seating. There’s a small snacks and sundries store located next to reception. There's a free shuttle on hand to take guests to local malls and business parks -- so it’s ultimately pretty easy to get anywhere. For those with a car, there’s free and secure undercover parking. A choice of conference facilities and event space caters to business meetings and events; a small business center is located in the lobby; and free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel. The property is pet-friendly for a fee.