judie

We'll be flying into San Jose a week from Monday arriving about 1 pm. We need to fly out early am next day on Sansa to Osa. We're dithering over where to stay Monday eve (we have a reservation at Hampton airport now). Figured we'd take cab into town, walk around, have dinner and cab back to hotel. Now I see that most SJ museums are closed, am wondering whether SJ visit will be worthwhile. We like cities just fine and will be doing rest of 10 days nature, yet we're now thinking maybe we should just stay Monday eve at Vista (eg) and enjoy that setting (however briefly) and have them take us to airport next a.m. Thoughts, anyone? Does an 8 hr SJ visit without museums sound worthwhile. There may be more to do that we're overlooking ... . Thanks.

Iza

I would recommend that you stay at Vista del Valle or similar (e.g. Xandari) instead of Hampton Inn your first afternoon and evening. It is such a pleasant way of starting your vacation. Enjoy a hike around the grounds at either of these hotels, the pool or a hot tub and a dinner in a spectacular setting instead of going to the city which, in my opinion, really does not have much to offer.

Tina

Do research on this forum under Vista del Valle and you will know why you should stay there

pjr

Vista del Valle

Phyllis

Hi, I am debating whether to stay the first night in the city at grano del oro or Vista del Valle?? We have a whole day the first day when we get there, but must get up early to do rafting. Or we could spend the last nite in San Jose, getting in about 6p.m. and will have the next morning til 11:00a.m. Is the coffee Brit tour worth seeing?? Any help on this appreciated. thanks

a--z

Other than a couple museums which don't take alot of time to see, there's not alot to do or see in San Jose. Get in and out asap. Unlike many other Latin American countries, SJ does not have any of the Spanish colonialist style architecture. It's a real non-descript city. If there's something playing at the opera house, maybe you'd want to go there. Amazingly enough there is a European style opera house built with carrara marble from Italy in SJ. There are good restaurants & after dinner you can walk around and hang with locals in city center. I don't know about Vista del Valle, however I think I'll stay there on my next trip to CR.

Ally

Vista del Valle certainly gets good reviews...in fact I don't think I've ever seen a bad one! However, if you want another choice...that is closer to the airport (10 minutes) and is only an $8.00 cab ride (for the cab, NOT per person), check out:<BR><BR>www.worldheadquarters.com/cr/hotels/orquideas_inn/<BR><BR>My husband and I have stayed here 5 or 6 times and love it.

Norma

We just returned from C.R. Stayed one night at Vista del Valle and wish we could have stayed longer. It was the best of our four hotels. Beautiful setting, great service.