Pillow

I need recommendations for a budget hotel near the San Jose Airport (SJO). My friend and I will stay just one night in mid January 2011 before leaving for our 3 week trip in Costa Rica. We don't need luxury. A 3-star or maybe a 2-star hotel is good. We land at the airport about 11:00 pm and leave the next morning so we just need a clean, comfortable place to sleep.

volcanogirl

Adventure Inn is popular. You could check the Orquideas Inn too.

rdolby

You are better off staying close to the airport, there is no need to go into the crime ridden city of San Jose. Just off the airport, there are a few hotels on the main highway or search in the town of Alajuela. It will be safer for you to stay in that area. The first time I came to Costa Rica, I thought I had to go and stay in San Jose, big mistake. The airport is about twently kilometers away from San Jose and there is nothing safe about San Jose, especially at night.
Once it hits 7pm, everybody is off the streets and all business close before robbers move into the area. When I stayed there, you will only find hotels where some US men go to take their prostitutes, so you will not get any sleep.

volcanogirl

Hotel Villa Bonita is another one if they're still around.

hipvirgochick

Hotel Villa Bonita is, sadly, closed. The owners have other ventures closer to their home I believe.

I don't mind a trip into the city even if it's just to look around. I love Casa 69 and highly recommend. It is safe and gated and is loaded with tropical plants and original artwork. Really lovely.

sandy_b

A couple of years ago, we stayed at Hotel Los Volcanes, their info:

Ph: (506) 2441-0525 or 2440-3034
Fax: (506) 2440-8006
E-mail: [email protected]
www.hotellosvolcanes.com

We had room 7, twin beds, $60/nt., inc. breakfast. The inn is just a block off the parque and they offered free taxi to the airport.

It was clean, quiet, pretty, and the (full) breakfast was great.

Hope this helps,
Sandy (in Denton)

Pillow

Thank you for your recommendations. I have booked a room at the Adventure Inn for our first night.

Although I don't post very often, I read the Forum and have learned so much in the last few years. Sometimes I read about specific places I want to travel to, or about places where I've been, and places that I probably never will go. Thanks to all of you who take the time to respond and share your adventures.

volcanogirl

hip, thanks for the update on HVB; I had heard they were selling, but wasn't sure if it had gone through.

Good luck, Pillow. Hope your trip goes great.

hipvirgochick

Have a great trip!

hsmithcr

Where you stay depends somewhat on where you are going the next day. Adventure Inn is located between the airport and San Jose so if you are heading north, to Arenal for instance, you will be backtracking and pass the airport on your way north. A lot of people like it, but I am not one of them. It's OK, I think as far as rooms, pool etc but I just don't like the location. That's just me.

If I am going north from the airport, I like to stay in one of the hotels on that side of the airport, La Rosa de America is a good one and Airport B&B another one.

I also like Hotel Los Volcanes and have stayed there a number of times. It depends on whether you want the "country" experience - as above - or the "city" experience ... Los Volcanes. Los Volcanes is especially good if you need to do some shopping or banking or would just like to walk around a Costa Rican city and take it all in.

Deb15July

You can also try Alegria B & B. George is great and very helpful. SJO airport is very convenient and you will feel like you are staying in the home of a relative. Check reviews on Trip Advisor.