WHERE TO STAY IN SAN JOSÉ

On the map, which shows the best area to stay in San José, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

If you were interested in finding out where to stay in San José, you may also be interested in knowing where to stay in Costa Rica.

Cariari City and San Antonio de Belén, the best places to stay in San José

One of the main things you should bear in mind when choosing accommodation in San José is that the Juan Santamaria International Airport is located in the city of Alajuela, 18km from the city centre. With that in mind, one of the best options to spend the night in the Costa Rican capital, before or after a flight, is to stay at one of the lovely residential areas situated between the international terminals and the bustling city centre, which is easily accessible by means of a short train, taxi or shared shuttle ride from your hotel.

The San Antonio de Belén and Cariari City areas, at 5km and 7km respectively from the airport, boast some of the best hotels which are surrounded by spectacular green areas, numerous restaurants where you can try both local and international food, and a calm atmosphere from where you can explore the rest of the city. Nearby, you will also find many great leisure options, such as the Ojo de Agua water resort, the Cariari golf club, various shopping centres and the Pedregal Events Centre.

Other areas to stay in San José

City Centre

The hotels located in the city centre are the best option if you don´t mind the big city and you want to experience the San José nightlife, its beautiful street architecture, its bustling markets and the many museums it has to offer, without the need for a car. Although it is far from the airport, the San José old town has great transport services so you can get around by train or bus. Close to the Central Avenue, which is where the best hotels are located, you can also visit some of the main tourist attractions, such as the wonderful National Theatre of Costa Rica, the Jade Museum, the Pre-Colombian Gold Museum and the National Museum. It also boasts an array of markets, shops, parks and architecture, all within walking distance of the hotel, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Costa Rican culture and get to know the country, other than its natural treasures.

Escazú

 Easily accessible from all the main highways and located just 10 minutes away by car from the centre of San José, Escazú is an excellent option for those looking to combine leisure and relaxing activities. It´s one of the most elegant and safe areas of town, where you will find the homes of several ambassadors and can take in a bit of calm, fresh air. With all the important amenities, just a stone´s throw away, and without losing the essence of its local character, Escazú boasts one of the largest and most modern shopping centres in Central America (MultiPlaza), as well as an 18-hole golf club, a bustling bar scene and beautiful Costa Rican residential streets, all just a short distance from the centre and 20 minutes by car from the airport.