Juan Santamaria International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Juan Santamaría is not in San José: it is in Alajuela, 15-20 km and about 20 minutes by car from the capital's centre, in a corridor between Belén, Heredia and Ciudad Cariari where the hotels closest to the terminal are concentrated. Those with only a short stopover or a dawn flight do well to stay in this area; those staying longer gain a lot by heading down to La Sabana or the historic centre, or to Escazú for restaurants and nightlife, always 20-25 minutes by car from the airport.

Belén and Ciudad Cariari

Airport area · 7-10 minutes by car from the airport (7-8 km); both hotels offer a free shuttle on request.

Best for: Dawn departures, one-night stopovers and business travellers who want to stay a few minutes from the terminal.

Pros

One of the shortest transfers in this guide, with a free shuttle at both hotels
Rooms with a kitchenette in suite-style properties, useful for multi-night stays

Cons

Area designed for getting around by car rather than on foot, between the highway and industrial areas
Few independent restaurants nearby besides those of the hotels and the nearby convention centre

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Cariari DoubleTree San Jose: In the historic complex of the Cariari International Country Club, 5-10 minutes from the airport; two pools, tennis courts and an in-house casino.
Homewood Suites By Hilton Cariari San Jose: Suites with a full kitchen about 7 km from the airport, with a free shuttle and buffet breakfast included; seasonal pool and fitness centre.

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San José, La Sabana and the centre

City centre · 20-25 minutes by car from the airport (15-20 km); no direct train, only taxis or rental cars.

Best for: Those who want to visit the capital, the National Theatre and the Costa Rican Art Museum while staying within walking distance of the main sights.

Pros

National Theatre, Plaza de la Cultura and Parque Central a few minutes' walk from hotels in the historic centre
La Sabana Park, the capital's largest, just steps from hotels in the area of the same name, with running tracks and the Costa Rican Art Museum

Cons

San José's historic centre is seen as not very safe at night away from the main streets
Heavy traffic at peak hours between the centre and the airport

Recommended hotels in this area

Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection By Hilton: Opened in 1930 and recently renovated, overlooking Plaza de la Cultura two minutes' walk from the National Theatre; Cultura 5 restaurant and a gym open 24 hours.
Hilton San Jose La Sabana: In Costa Rica's tallest skyscraper, 4 minutes' walk from La Sabana Park and the National Stadium; indoor pool, rare among San José hotels.

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Escazú

Neighbourhood · 20-25 minutes by car from the airport (18-20 km); no direct public transport, only taxis or rental cars.

Best for: Those looking for restaurants, nightlife and international-standard shopping malls in a residential district greener than the centre.

Pros

Jazz Café Escazú and the venues around Avenida Escazú for evenings out, concentrated on just a few streets
Multiplaza Escazú, the country's largest shopping mall, within walking distance of some hotels

Cons

District designed for getting around by car, not well suited to those who want to walk everywhere
Restaurant and hotel prices among the highest in the San José metropolitan area

Recommended hotels in this area

Hyatt Centric San José Escazú: Costa Rica's first Hyatt Centric, inside the Plaza Tempo centre 8 minutes' walk from Multiplaza Escazú; breakfast with traditional Costa Rican dishes much praised in reviews.
Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Escazu: Next to the Plaza Itskatzú shopping centre, a few minutes from Multiplaza and the Hospital Cima; gym open 24 hours and outdoor pool.

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