chris813

I'll be arriving in San Jose at 9:30 pm on Christmas Eve, and plan to spend the night near the airport before heading to Arenal on Christmas Day. Can anyone recommend a comfortable, safe hotel near the airport to just spend one night?

MNP

Orquideas Inn... Fantastic hotel, close to the airport, great service, wonderful staff, great atmosphere and tastey food!! Its a short ride from the airport.. about 10 minutes or so

We loved it here and would reccommend it to anyone....

Kwoo

I also recommend Las Orquideas Inn! We stayed there in August for 2 nights and loved it. The breakfast buffet is delicious. We paid $85.00 for a room for 4, which includes the breakfast. It is a Spanish-style inn with beautiful grounds.

shillmac

Ordinarily, I would recommend Las Orquideas as well. It is a very nice, well-run place. However, once you clear immigration and arrange transportation, you are going to be arriving there VERY late. And it is a little further than 10 minutes--more like 20. Trust me, I stayed there for a week this past summer and there's no way it can be driven in 10 minutes--even if you know exactly where it is and how to get there! Getting around in Alajuela isn't that easy the first time!

They do have a wonderful breakfast, but so does Vida Tropical or Villa Bonita (also well-run, closer to the airport and half the price.

Las Orquideas would better serve your purposes if you had a bit more time to spend there. It is a lovely place with a nice pool and gardens as well as a good restaurant and bar if you were going to arrive in time to enjoy them!

maryanne1

The Hampton Inn or Hampton Inn and Suites would be perfect for you. Right next to the airport. They even will have a free shuttle for you if informed you need one. The Suites are a little more upscale-better breakfast buffet and free internet. Have stayed at the Orquideas Inn also,but Shillmac is correct in giving you the time needed to get there. Very helpful staff at both

shillmac

I agree the Hampton is also a good option. It's just me, I suppose, but the thought of spending $80 or $90 just to sleep bugs me! I'd rather pay $30 bucks for a bed for the night (and a nice breakfast). That and the fact that I don't like staying at American chain hotels when in Costa Rica. Again. . .that's just me!

chris813

Thanks to all -- I've booked at Vida Tropical and it sounds perfect for us.

TripleSecDelay

Chris813 : I would consider staying at the Vida Tropical before heading on to Arenal.

shillmac

You'll like it. Very informal, everyone is right at home--breakfasts are excellent. And there is the resident white faced capuchin--George!