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While staying in one of Juan Santamaria International Airport hotels isn’t your definition of the perfect Costa Rican vacation, it’s an inevitable part of visiting the country for many. This is especially true if you want to stay close to the airport when flying in and out of Costa Rica. After all, many people avoid driving at night (a wise decision) and the hassle of finding transport when arriving late or departing early.
But just because you’re only minutes away from the runway doesn’t mean you can’t include these nights in your Costa Rica itinerary. These airport hotels and B&Bs still offer an excellent way to spend a day in San Jose and experience Costa Rican hospitality while enjoying the country’s stunning natural beauty and culture.
Trust me, some of these hotels near the San Jose airport will make you feel like you escaped the city and are in a remote tropical paradise – you just have to choose the right hotels!
Below is a list of my Top 10 picks for the best hotels near SJO, all of which are within a 20-minute drive and cater to a variety of budgets.
Luxury Hotels near the Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica
1. Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
- Distance from the Airport: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
- Airport shuttle available: Yes, for a surcharge
- 24/7 Reception: Yes
- Price: $254 to $759 USD
A haven between the mountains, Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen is one of my go-to airport hotels in San Jose, and I’ll tell you exactly why. Not only is it a mere 11-minute drive from the airport, but it’s also pretty packed with all the amenities you’d need for a memorable stay. In fact, it has so many world-class amenities worth mentioning that I don’t even know where to begin!
There’s a golf driving range, tennis court, and a fitness center on the property grounds, perfect for those who want to break a sweat while on vacation. If you prefer to relax, nothing is better than lounging in the outdoor pool under the sun. The Marriott Hotel also comes complete with a kiddie pool, so your kids can join in the fun.
While these amenities are already major draws, what really made me love this hotel above all the other Juan Santamaria Intl Airport hotels is its on-site Kuö Spa. Influenced by San Jose’s local Cabecar culture, this spa will melt your stress away with its relaxing treatments. Make sure not to skip out on the ones that use coffee grown on the on-site coffee plantation.
Another highlight of the Marriott Hotel is its restaurants. You have several options to choose from when it comes to dining. There’s the Hacienda Kitchen, the signature restaurant where you can enjoy a taste of local cuisine; Casa del Cafe, the on-site coffee house; La Castilla, where exotic cocktails are the bomb; and Bar 10, the sports bar serving equally sumptuous food and cocktails.
Finally, we get to the rooms. You have standard amenities like a flat TV, seating area, luxurious bedding, and mini-refrigerators. But the star of the rooms is the breathtaking mountain or skyline views you can enjoy right from your bed. Some suites come with a balcony too!
For upgraded relaxation, you should also try the couple’s suites, complete with outdoor Jacuzzis that overlook the plantation.
You can check availability and book Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen online here on Booking.com, here on Hotels.com, or here on Expedia!
2. Xandari Resort & Spa
- Distance from the Airport: 5.3 miles (8.5 km)
- Airport shuttle available: Yes for a surcharge
- 24/7 Reception: Yes
- Price: $249 to $612 USD
With plenty of big chain hotels near Juan Santamaria International Airport, it’s easy to just pick the one that’s familiar to you. But where’s the fun in that? If you truly want to immerse yourself in the Costa Rican culture, I highly suggest booking a room at Xandari Resort and Spa.
This hotel isn’t entirely a local one, but as soon as you step into the property, you’ll experience the true meaning of staying in Costa Rica in luxury. It’s nestled in a tropical forest, with lush gardens enveloping the hotel and sweeping views of the Central Valley seen in the distance.
Besides the spectacular setting, Xandari brings the authentic Costa Rican culture right to you. The ingredients served in the restaurants are sourced from local farmers, the lotions and oils in the spa are locally made, and there are tons of local crafts everywhere from the decor to locally-made furniture.
This Costa Rican vibe is not only contained in the common rooms, as your spacious suite also has a splash of tropical color and rustic-style design. You still have the standard amenities like a minibar, coffee maker, and safety box, but the highlight is the terrace facing the garden and the sweeping mountains.
For an elevated experience, I suggest booking the Star Villa, the largest one on the property with over 1400 sq. ft. This room has a full kitchen, large living space, outdoor shower, sitting area, and the best parts, a private entrance and an almost 180-degree view of the Central Valley!
Outside of the rooms, Xandari has plenty of other notable amenities to keep you entertained during your stay. Take a dip in one of the three pools, each featuring a spectacular view of the coffee plantations nearby. Join the yoga session in the in-house studio or enjoy a hike through the 2.5 miles of trails in the private forest reserve.
If you feel like exploring the area, the staff at the hotel can happily arrange an outing for you at the orchid garden or coffee plantation. You can also easily drive to the Los Chorros Municipal Recreative Park (30 minutes away) or the Poas Volcano (45 minutes away) – some of the best day trips from San Jose.
When you get back to the hotel, get ready to be pampered at the Spa Village. There are tons of natural treatments you can find here, all done in a private, palm-roofed hut that is perched 3,900 feet above the forest and comes complete with a hot tub.
Did I mention that Xandari has an on-site restaurant, too? Naturally, you can find plenty of Costa Rican specialties here, with ingredients sourced from the hotel’s plantations. They also serve some Californian and Mediterranean dishes if you’re craving something closer to home.
You can check availability and book Xandari Resort & Spa online here on Booking.com, here on Hotels.com, or here on Expedia!
3. Buena Vista Chic Hotel
- Distance from the Airport: 5.6 miles (9.1 km)
- Airport shuttle available: Yes (free)
- 24/7 Reception: No (7 am to 10 pm only)
- Price: $196 to $306 USD
When choosing which hotels near Juan Santamaria International Airport to book, I can never recommend enough Buena Vista Chic Hotel (formerly Hotel Buena Vista). This luxury hotel is set on a coffee plantation 4200 feet (1280 meters) above sea level, giving you nothing but picturesque views of downtown San Jose and a quiet retreat from the craziness of the city center.
Besides the gorgeous views, I love that the hotel itself showcases the tropical vibe of Costa Rica. The gardens are well-kept and are home to tons of local flora and over 100 species of birds. Inside, the interiors are equally stunning and cozy, with warm, tropical colors and wood accents.
Of course, Buena Vista boasts many things to do on-site too. I enjoyed exploring the coffee trail, dipping in the pool during the hot summer days, and laying back on the chaise lounge chairs facing the Central Valley. If you’re like me, who also likes heading out to the great outdoors, you’ll be happy to know that Buena Vista comes complete with private tours to some of the most famous Costa Rican destinations.
Once you’re back at the hotel, you can dig into expertly prepared meals at Metamorphosis, the in-house restaurant and bar that serves both Costa Rican and international cuisine and locally produced beers. You’re also free to dine outside the pool deck, in the garden, or in the backyard dining area to enjoy more of the views.
Buena Vista has a two-story building and five villas housing a total of 30 suites, all of which are designed in a modernist tropical style with natural tones and plush textures. The rooms in the main building are perfect for travel groups of up to five people, but if you’re after seclusion and more space, I recommend the villas that can sleep six guests.
Some of the suites are tastefully appointed with a gourmet coffee maker, flat-screen TV, premium pillows, rainforest showerhead, pebble bath floors, and my favorite highlight, a private balcony. Whichever room you pick still comes complete with a complimentary breakfast and free airport transfers (limited from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm).
You can check availability and book Buena Vista Chic Hotel online here on Booking.com, here on Hotels.com, or here on Expedia!
Related Read: Learn how to stay safe in Costa Rica!
Mid-Range Hotels near the Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica
4. Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
- Distance from the Airport: 1.3 miles (2 km)
- Airport shuttle available: Yes (free)
- 24/7 Reception: Yes
- Price: $171 to $264 USD
As one of the branded SJO hotels, Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela provides you with the comfort of familiarity and convenience without spending too much for a night’s stay. You can find the standard amenities here plus many other features of interest to keep you entertained right on the property.
There’s the outdoor pool, perfect for beating the summer heat; the 24-hour fitness center for those who like to stay active while on vacation; and a 24-hour business center in case you still have last-minute reports to finish. Of course, how can I forget the on-site restaurant? I love their complimentary buffet breakfast, complete with tropical fruits and hot soup, and their selection of refreshing tropical cocktails served at night. If you’re craving something else, you can find several other restaurants serving more international cuisines within a quick walk away from the hotel.
Speaking of neighboring amenities, there are a few car rental agencies close to the property in case you’re up for a drive around San Jose. Or have Discover Cars drop off your rental to your hotel for free! You can easily indulge in some retail therapy at City Mall, known as Central America’s biggest shopping mall, or head to Mango Plaza and Plaza Real Alajuela for a more laid-back shopping experience.
Back at the hotel, there are 130 stylish rooms waiting for you, all well-appointed with flat-screen TVs, free high-speed Wi-Fi, plush beddings, ergonomic workstations, and separate living and sleeping areas. Apart from these conveniences, what I love about the room is that even without private balconies, you can still see a spectacular view of downtown San Jose from your bedroom window.
You can check availability and book Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport online here on Booking.com, here on Hotels.com, or here on Expedia!
5. El Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel & Steakhouse
- Distance from the Airport: 5.6 miles (9 km)
- Airport shuttle available: No
- 24/7 Reception: No
- Price: $85 to $146 USD
El Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel & Steakhouse is definitely among my go-to SJO hotels, not only because it’s located in the countryside (away from the busy San Jose streets) but also because they are a breath of fresh air from the typical impersonal atmosphere of chain hotels. This four-star county hotel incorporates Costa Rican warmth and hospitality into its services, giving you nothing but excellence during your stay.
The rooms here are pretty spacious and airy and come complete with an outback view. But apart from treating you to the gorgeous scenery outside your window, your room is also well-appointed with air conditioning, hardwood floors, cable TV, an in-room safe, and a work desk. To get the most out of your stay, though, I would suggest booking the ones that feature a mini-fridge and spa bath.
On top of the cozy rooms, El Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel & Steakhouse won’t disappoint you when it comes to dining. It has an on-site restaurant serving high-quality beef cuts for over four decades, so you’ll know you’re only getting the best. I’ve tried the T-bone steak (which is the bomb), but make sure not to skip out on the Texas-style fajitas! Did I mention that they have classic cocktails at the bar, too? It’s easily one of the top restaurants in San Jose.
After stuffing yourself with their sumptuous dishes, you can head to the outdoor pool to relax, grab a buddy for a friendly game on the tennis court, or do some lifting in the fitness center. El Rodeo also offers an event center in case you’re coming to San Jose for an occasion, whether that be your wedding or a work seminar.
You can check availability and book El Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel online here on Booking.com, here on Hotels.com, or here on Expedia!
6. Holiday Inn Express San Jose Airport, an IHG Hotel
- Distance from the Airport: 1 mile (1.6 km)
- Airport shuttle available: Yes (free)
- 24/7 Reception: Yes
- Price: $127 to $175 USD
Holiday Inn Express is one of the hotels near Juan Santamaria International Airport that I would go to if I wanted to get out of the airport and hop onto a bed in no time. It’s so close that you’ll get there in about a five-minute drive. I also like that it offers convenient access to Highway-101, I-80, and I-280, meaning I get to explore more of San Jose without any hassle.
However, since Holiday Inn Express is an American chain hotel, don’t expect to feel the Costa Rican vibe here. Be that as it may, this is still one of the must-book hotels near SJO if you’re after familiarity and world-class amenities.
On the property, you can start your day with a complimentary breakfast buffet that includes the typical American breakfast with bacon and eggs, cereal, and cinnamon rolls. If you like to try other dishes, you can easily walk to the international restaurant and bar just opposite the hotel. Then you can head back to Holiday Inn Express and spend your day splashing in the indoor heated pool, breaking a sweat on the treadmill in the fitness room, or doing some last-minute presentation for work in the business center.
If you still have time before your flight, feel free to drive to central San Jose, where the action is. There are also plenty of other attractions only minutes from the hotel, like the Cathedral of Alajuela, Monument of Tomás Guardia, and La Trinidad Park.
At the end of the day, you can retreat to your brightly lit room, well-equipped with standard amenities. You have a cable TV, a mini-refrigerator, a coffee and tea maker, a private bathroom with a bathtub, and a work desk.
You can check availability and book Holiday Inn Express San Jose Airport online here on Booking.com, here on Hotels.com, or here on Expedia!
Related Read: While you’re visiting San Jose be sure to stop by the National Theater of Costa Rica for a really interesting tour!
7. Hotel Vista Linda Montaña
- Distance from the Airport: 4.3 miles (6.9 km)
- Airport shuttle available: Yes for a surcharge
- 24/7 Reception: No
- Price: $80 to $125 USD
Like the other airport hotels in San Jose, Costa Rica, Vista Linda Montaña is a quick drive away from Juan Santamaria International Airport. You can get there in less than a 15-minute drive, but once you arrive on the property, it’s like you’re transported to another world.
The hotel sits on a central plateau, surrounded by towering trees and spectacular mountain views. This means you’ll get the peace and relaxation you can’t find in the other hotels near SJO.
The rooms here are modestly designed with all the basic amenities you can expect to find in a modern room. There’s a fridge, coffee maker, fan, free wireless internet, and a private bathroom with hot water. Some rooms come complete with a balcony, where you can enjoy the mountain and pool view as you lounge in the outdoor chair.
Vista Linda Montaña also offers an outdoor pool that faces the mountains, so you can take in the beauty of Alajuela while floating on the cool waters. Feel free to walk around the hotel’s tropical garden to get some fresh air, or if you’re like me, who loves to just sit back and relax, the terrace is the perfect spot for you. This circular platform is built separate from the main building and gives you a 360-degree view of the greenery for miles on end. I loved bringing my complimentary breakfast here, where I could enjoy the view and the sunshine.
You can check availability and book Hotel Vista Linda Montaña online here on Booking.com, here on Hotels.com, or here on Expedia!
Related Read: For another remote jungle escape be sure to drive from San Jose to La Fortuna. There are plenty of things to do La Fortuna and gorgeous hotels to choose from as well!
Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Hotels near the Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica
8. Berlor Airport Inn
- Distance from the Airport: 1.8 miles (2.9 km)
- Airport shuttle available: Yes
- 24/7 Reception: Yes
- Price: $70 to $161 USD
If you want to stay close to the Juan Santamaria Intl Airport but don’t want to blow through your budget, the Berlor Airport Inn is one of the best SJO hotels for you. It’s just seven minutes away by car and offers standard amenities to make your stay as comfy as possible.
Your room, although decorated simply, is equipped with free Wi-Fi, wooden furniture, air conditioning, a flat-screen cable TV, and a private bathroom. A quick walk from your room is an outdoor pool that’s perfect for cooling off in the summer. You can also lounge in the garden chairs to enjoy the songs of the birds flying by.
Berlor Airport Inn has an on-site restaurant and bar, too. The hotel’s restaurant is relatively small, but I can assure you that you won’t regret dining here. Their specialty thin-crust pizzas are mouthwatering! The bar’s exquisite wine selection also complements the pizzas so well that you’ll definitely want to return for more. Did I mention that you also get a complimentary continental breakfast complete with the Costa Rican signature 1820 delicious coffee?
If you’re in the mood for something else, you can always call the hotel before you arrive to give them time to prepare special dishes for you. Feel free to head to downtown San Jose to try the wide range of dining options there, too.
Speaking of leaving the property, Berlor Airport Inn offers guided tours to Poas Volcano, which is a mere 45-minute car ride away and one of the best things to do in all of Costa Rica. The concierge can arrange car rental services for you, as well, if you prefer a self-paced kind of tour.
You can check availability and book Berlor Airport Inn online here on Booking.com, here on Hotels.com, or here on Expedia!
9. Airport Costa Rica B&B
- Distance from the Airport: 1.8 miles (2.9 km)
- Airport shuttle available: No
- 24/7 Reception: No
- Price: $60 to $100 USD
Airport Costa Rica B&B is one of the hotels near SJO that doesn’t have much in terms of amenities but offers you a quiet getaway in a secure, gated community.
Set in a lush tropical garden, this family-run bed and breakfast brings you closer to nature and lets you take in the natural beauty of Alajuela even from the comfort of your room! You have a patio and terrace, where you can watch the birds flying over as you sip your morning coffee. The room itself is also very airy and is surrounded by greenery on all sides. Of course, there are the standard amenities to note of like the mini bar, coffee machine, refrigerator, flat-screen TV, sitting and dining area, and a private bathroom with a shower.
While the rooms are very cozy, my favorite spot on the property is actually right in the garden. The B&B set up some lounge chairs and dining tables under the trees so you can better enjoy the refreshing outdoors.
Airport Costa Rica B&B also makes it easy to visit some of San Jose’s must-see attractions. Juan Santamaria Park is about nine minutes away, while the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto Soccer Stadium and the Church of the Holy Christ of Agony are just ten minutes away.
You can check availability and book Airport Costa Rica B&B online here on Booking.com!
10. Toucan Hostel
- Distance from the Airport: 1.1 miles (1.8 km)
- Airport shuttle available: No
- 24/7 Reception: Yes
- Price: $18 to $57 USD
Toucan Hostel is a mere five-minute drive from the airport, making it one of the best Juan Santamaria Intl Airport hotels if you’re already too tired to travel to the city but still want to stay within your budget. Unlike the other airport hotels in San Jose, Costa Rica, this hostel doesn’t come with luxury amenities. There is, however, a shared kitchen on-site, along with a tour desk, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioned rooms.
What Toucan Hostel lacks in charm, though, it makes up for in its strategic location. Not only is it close to the airport, but it’s also a quick drive away from several of San Jose’s tourist attractions. City Mall Alajuela and Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium are less than ten minutes away by car. You can also just walk to Iglesia Centro Cristiano Puertas de la Ciudad, Piratas Bar & Grill de Casinos Fiesta Costa Rica, and Rostipollos Alajuela.
You can check availability and book Toucan Hostel online here on Booking.com, here on Hotels.com, or here on Expedia!
Related Read: Want to escape to the beach? Be sure to check out all of the amazing activities in Jaco!
Getting Around Costa Rica
How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level.
Renting a Car
Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.
One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.
Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.
Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.
You can browse cars on Discover Cars here.
Book Shuttles
If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica, or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.
Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)
To get the best price, use the website Bookaway. They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway!
You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.
Public Bus
Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!
The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!
It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.
The BEST Things to do in Costa Rica
While there are so many fun things to do in Costa Rica, a couple of specific attractions and activities stand out amongst the rest. They are:
Explore Volcanoes
There are some impressive (and beautiful!) volcanoes that you’ll want to check out while you’re here.
Poas Volcano is known for its bright blue crater lake. Poas Volcano is most commonly visited on a day trip from San Jose. This Poas Volcano tour from San Jose is one of the best you can do since it also includes a visit to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens as well as a coffee farm.
Arenal Volcano is also one of Costa Rica’s top attractions. Arenal Volcano is located closest to the town of La Fortuna. You can book this full-day tour from La Fortuna that takes you to the volcano to hike, the famous La Fortuna Waterfall and even a hanging bridge – it’s a full day of adventure!
Chase Waterfalls
La Fortuna Waterfall is one of our favorite waterfalls in all of Costa Rica. You can easily visit it on this full-day tour in La Fortuna that also visits hot springs.
Rio Celeste is another beautiful waterfall that is famous for its bright blue water. Rio Celeste is a popular attraction to visit from Guanacaste Province and this particular tour includes transport from there. Alternatively, you can book this tour from La Fortuna or this tour from San Jose.
See the wildlife
Costa Rica is the place for wildlife lovers! One of the best places to see lots of animals in their wild habitat is at Manuel Antonio National Park. With the help of a guide you will see plenty of birds, monkeys, and even sloths! This particular tour is super popular and also has amazing reviews, so you really can;t go wrong.
There are also lots of wildlife rescue centers around the country that are worth visiting. The Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo is one of our favorites as well as Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center in San Jose where you can book this private tour.
Pura Vida!
So now you know, you can easily find an amazing hotel to stay near the SJO airport in San Jose. So, don;t fret if you need a place to stay for a night or two before or after your flight, if you choose one of the above hotels, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
While you’re here, be sure to browse around a little more. We have plenty of blogs about traveling around Costa Rica! Check out the related reads below to get you started: