Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center

The Wyndham is set within a sprawling low-level complex that features a modern Hard Rock Cafe on the street and a huge open-air car park at the center. Entrances to the hotel, Fiesta Casino, Quattro, and Sakura are all lined up within one expansive complex at the rear of the car park -- no doubt to encourage non-guests inside. While the entrance and lobby have clearly been updated to blend marble and wood with modern furniture, artwork, and lighting -- the rest of the property feels less new. A long red-carpeted corridor connects the lobby to rooms set over four levels -- it’s a bit of a maze -- though there are elevators on hand.

Tropicala, the breakfast restaurant, overlooks the main pool which resembles a large lagoon with palm tree clusters, sunken dining tables, and submerged whirlpools. There’s a dated retro vibe throughout, starting with the building’s dated mirrored glass facade, and the tired taupe and orange color scheme. The guest crowd is a mix of business travelers and leisure types and because this place is so huge (lobby action aside), some areas can seem quite empty much of the time. 

The hotel is located just off the Pan-American Highway, about 10 to 15 minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport, and 20 minutes from downtown San Jose. There’s not much to see or do nearby as most museums and cultural attractions are located in the heart of San Jose. That said, it's a 15-minute walk to Plaza Real Cariari (shopping mall); some popular business centers are located nearby; and Café Britt Coffee Farm is a six-minute drive away. It’s a five-minute drive or 15 minutes on foot to Cariari Country Club.  The close airport proximity with the free shuttle service goes down well with guests, and it’s an easy trip for drivers thanks to well-marked signs. 

Blending subdued golds and greens with antique-inspired wooden furniture topped with emerald marble surfaces, decor would have been rather handsome about 20 years ago, but could now use some updates. Despite their age, rooms and suites also happen to be huge and well-equipped with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, minibars, and comfy beds. Even the basic Standard categories feature ergonomic workstations and three-seater sofas, while retaining plenty of space to walk around. Closets contain irons, ironing boards, and safes, alongside extra pillows and blankets. A range of suites upsize layouts with expansive separate living areas and kitchenettes, plus bathrobes, slippers, and big corner spa baths in bathrooms. Bathrooms are grand in size and style, featuring big green marble and wood vanities that match the furniture; huge wood-framed mirrors, and recessed lighting overhead. They offer big shower-tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and a selection of individual toiletries.

The hotel packs in as many features as you’d find in most resorts, which is a rare treat for San Jose. Three outdoor pools are on offer, and each has its own look and vibe. One is great for swimmping laps, another is more private, while the third and largest features a swim-up bar, plus five submerged whirlpools up one end -- though the bar closed during our stay. In addition to the Hard Rock Cafe that shares the property, three restaurants are located on-site. Tropicala is where the daily free buffet breakfast is served, with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the main pool. Quattro offers modern Italian cuisine in a stylish contemporary space, while Sakura is authentic Japanese serving teppanyaki in authentic surroundings. Pirate’s Sports Bar offers drinks, snacks, and simple meals in a casual space located between the lobby and the Fiesta Casino. Costa Rica’s largest convention center also resides here, composed of over 80,000 square feet of meeting space for up to 2,000 people. The hotel provides a free airport shuttle and there’s plenty of free on-site parking. The hotel also a 24-hour business center, car rental and tours desks, and a souvenirs and sundries shop, plus a privately run spa and beauty salon with an indoor whirlpool. There's a small fitness center with a few dated machines. Wi-Fi is free.