The Best San Jose, Costa Rica Hotel That Money Can Buy

Sports911.com Staff

Costa Rica makes up the second largest audience of Sports911.com readers.  The nation accounts for the vast majority of online gambling enterprises targeting North America and, to nobody's surprise, most of these industry people read Sports911 on a daily basis.  But Costa Rica also has a few hundred thousand transplants from the United States as well (The U.S. makes up the majority of 911 readers).  The pristine Central American country is also a top travel destination for the many gamblers and sports enthusiasts who read this website.  Finding the best San Jose, Costa Rica hotel will not be easy for someone who has never visited the region before.

After all, while many of us are accustomed to the big familiar - not to mention "safe" - brand concepts, there are some hidden gems outlining the San Jose area that everybody should be made aware of.

Le Bergerac Hotel in the Diplomat Section of San Pedro, just a mile outside of San Jose, is a quaint little French inn with airy rooms, most of which feature outdoor gardens or patios. 

This little San Jose, Costa Rica hotel is an oasis within an otherwise nondescript neighborhood.  The outdoor gardens represent this ecologically friendly country to the fullest extent.  There is a quiet little French bistro that serves croissants for breakfast and a full service menu of fabulous meals during evening hours (except Sundays). 

Best of all one can stay here starting at just under $60 a night.

The Hotel Marriott, just five minutes from the international airport, sits upon a coffee plantation and remains among one of Sports911.com's top favorite world hotels. 

This San Jose, Costa Rica hotel is perfectly situated between the main city (just a half hour away) and the jungle landscape.  It's an incredibly otherworldly escape from every day life while still having the ability to take care of business.  At the time of publication, internet access was still difficult from this location, though the hotel does feature a full service business center.  In our opinion, this is among the best places to stay near enough to San Jose while still feeling one with the Costa Rican culture.  Not to mention the staff is incredibly warm.

Same holds true for the Real Intercontinental Hotel, a bit closer to downtown San Jose.  Here you will find the same warmth in a first class hotel that is more in line with something you might find in the big city.

Since both the Hotel Marriott and Real Intercontinental are comparable in price (normally ranging from around $125 to $175 per night depending on season and bookings), it would be easy to compare the two properties in other respects as well.

Both hotels have a nice quiet pool, though you won't be able to use either much during the afternoon nine months out of the year (April thru December).  But even during rainy season, the sun is usually out in the morning hours. 

Dining at the Hotel Marriott is okay but comes nowhere near Real Intercontinental, which features themed all-you-can-eat buffets each night of the week, including a pasta night to die for (Wednesdays last we checked) and an unbelievable steaks and chops night.

Furthermore, Sports911.com always recommends that business people stay at the Real Intercontinental due to the fact that this is one of the few properties in Costa Rica where you will find high speed internet (the room connections aren't always the best). 

Everything is 24 hours at the Intercontinental, including the business center, exercise room and 24 hour room service.  For overall atmosphere coupled with a full array of amenities, nothing really beats the Hotel Marriott, but if you are looking to stay somewhere along the lines of a familiar city hotel with many top perks, The Real Intercontinental should definitely rank at the top of your list. 

Marriott enjoys a strong presence in Costa Rica with its three main properties, one of which is a resort located on the Pacific Coast.  The ideal San Jose, Costa Rica hotel for someone who is budget conscious yet looking for a familiar brand name with some worthy perks may want to consider the Marriott Courtyard.  Considered a toned down version of its sister full service hotel, the Courtyard is much more affordable in price.  Just don't expect the same wealth of amenities.  The hotel does sit beside an Outback Steakhouse that serves pretty decent food however. 

While never having stayed at the Melia Cariari, we have heard rave reviews from those living in Costa Rica who put guests up in this hotel or actually stay there themselves.  This is a luxury San Jose hotel with a reputation for playing host to heads of state, celebrities, and business travelers.  The hotel features an 18 hole golf course, a gymnasium, 11 tennis courts, three restaurants, and two pools, you may not want to leave.  Prices can range anywhere from $75 to $130 depending on occupation. 

Like the Hotel Marriott, internet access is scarce except in public places.  Amenities such as room service are not available but the rooms themselves are reportedly quite spacious.

No matter where you select to stay in Costa Rica, chances are you'll be spending most of your time enjoying the plush jungle landscapes, volcanoes and beaches much of the day.  Hotels are a place to wind down during the evening hours.  Most everyone we know who has ever visited Costa Rica swear it is a vacation that was well worth the price.  Just make sure you have enough cash on hand left when leaving, that $25 plus departure tax is known to catch a few people off guard every now and again.