(2021) SJO Airport Hotels: Where To Stay In Alajuela Costa Rica

Last updated on July 18th, 2019 at 11:25 am EST

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Where to stay in Alajuela Costa Rica: Narrowing down the choices

Truth be told, we don’t write full and evaluative Costa Rica hotel reviews often. We have stayed at enough to easily produce a book’s worth, but since accommodations are as diverse as the travelers who stay in them, we find it a challenge to rank accommodations and address ambiguous statements such as the one targeted by this blog post–where to stay in Alajuela Costa Rica–with certainty. There will always be travellers who find hotels to be overpriced, too remote, or lacking in customer service, just as there will be others who claim the same hotels offer good value, a great location, and friendly employees. And, since no hotel could ever make everyone happy (nor could we), setting out to identify which Costa Rica hotels are better or worse than others, or specifically, which SJO airport hotels are the best, is a feat doomed from the start.

In contrast, what we can produce is a summary of our particular experiences with a number of SJO airport hotels–a summary that discloses what we personally like and dislike about each according to our own overnight stays at the accommodations. Our hope is that when it comes time for you to select an accommodation across the countless Ajajuela (and region) options to choose from, that you will make an informed decision as to which establishment would be the best for you according to the factors detailed below which made a lasting impression on us.

Note:

• We have personally stayed at each of the accommodations described below–most of them more than once. Although other Costa Rica travel resources simply copy/paste information about hotels in order to provide compiled “lists”, “guides”, or “recommendations” to travellers, in true Costa Rica Travel Blog style, we only write about topics we have firsthand experience with. With respect to this blog post, we have not only visited each of the SJO airport hotels listed below, but we have experienced them as best we could by staying overnight, engaging with staff, dining at the accommodation’s restaurant/bar, parking onsite, and enjoying a wide variety of amenities/features offered, such as swimming pools, gyms, and nature trails.

Remember, not all of the SJO airport hotels listed below will appeal to everyone. However, since we have made a conscious effort over our years of travel throughout Costa Rica to seek out and absorb varied experiences, we trust that our inclusion of hostels, economy hotels, standard hotels, and superior hotels below will appropriately account for the assortment of travellers who come to Costa Rica with different interests, needs, and budgets.

What are SJO Airport hotels and how do they compare to San Jose hotels?

SJO airport hotels are accommodations that surround Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaria International Airport. Although the airport is colloquially referred to as “the San Jose airport”, it is located in the Alajuela area of the country, an approximate twenty-five-minute drive (depending on traffic) northwest of downtown San Jose.

Travellers who opt to fly into or out of the SJO airport and who need a place to stay for their first or last night in the country can choose either an accommodation in Alajuela (as well as nearby Heredia) or an accommodation in San Jose (among other less popular outskirt regions). Although Alajuela hotels minimize transportation time to or from the airport and typically (although not always) include a complimentary airport shuttle service in their rates, San Jose hotels provide access to Costa Rica’s capital city, where shopping opportunities and cultural experiences are abundant. Although there is plenty to see in San Jose (don’t miss our related blog post What To Do In San Jose Costa Rica for activity ideas), travellers who would prefer to skip the country’s concentrated center would be best to select an Alajuela (or Heredia) hotel. Especially when onward vacation plans include immediate travel west of Alajuela (i.e., on roads/highways that lead to the northern inland, Guanacaste, Nicoya peninsula, or central Pacific regions), stays at SJO airport hotels avoid unnecessary travel into, out of, and through the country’s bustling metropolis.

SJO Airport Hotel Map

We created the above map to showcase where the SJO airport hotels are located. Included on the map are the following sites (each of which we detail in this blog post):

• The Juan Santamaria International Airport (marked by an airplane icon)
• The Hampton Inn & Suites (marked by a hotel icon)
• The Holiday Inn Express (marked by a hotel icon)
• Hotel Millenium (marked by a hotel icon)
• Hotel Berlor Airport Inn (marked by a hotel icon)
• The City Express Hotel (marked by a hotel icon)
• The Country Inn & Suites (marked by a hotel icon)
• Alajuela Backpackers (marked by a hotel icon)
• Hotel Buena Vista (marked by a hotel icon)
• Hotel Robledal (marked by a hotel icon)
• Hotel Brilla Sol (marked by a hotel icon)
• Hotel Martino (marked by a hotel icon)

Hampton Inn & Suites

Ricky; Hampton Inn & Suites

Hampton Inn & Suites

Where to stay in Alajuela Costa Rica: Is the Hampton Inn & Suites one of the best SJO Airport hotels?

Hands down, the Hampton Inn & Suites’ biggest selling feature is its proximity to Costa Rica’s largest and busiest airport. Located just across the street from the Juan Santamaria International Airport (an approximate two-minute drive away across a busy multi-lane highway–walking the route is not recommended), the SJO airport hotel is a great choice for travellers who either plan to fly into Costa Rica late in the evening (and therefore want quick access to an accommodation upon leaving the airport) or travellers who simply wish to minimize travel distance between the airport and their hotel.

Since the Hampton Inn & Suites is a typical American chain hotel (it is part of the Hilton brand), it lacks Costa Rican charm. Individuals who would prefer to stay at a traditional Costa Rican accommodation would be best to select a different hotel. This being said, the breakfast at the Hampton Inn & Suites is wonderful–not only are rich and varied Costa Rican (and American) foods served with the buffet, but the hotel’s homemade empanadas are delicious, and they add a Tico touch to the staple American hotel.

• Accommodation classification: superior hotel
• Location: Hwy 1 Airport Blvd (this is the official address, however the hotel is actually located off of Hwy 3), Rio Segundo, Alajuela, Costa Rica (across the street from the SJO Airport; near the plaza with the Denny’s, Rostipollos, and Fiesta Casino; beside the Holiday Inn Express)
• Average cost per night for two adults in a standard room: depending on travel dates, prices range from $100-$200 USD (pricing is based on the hotel’s original prices; lower prices may be accessible via the use of Costa Rica discount codes, or provided by online booking websites)
• Hotel amenities/features that we enjoyed (please see the hotel’s website for a complete list of amenities): free WiFi, free parking, free breakfast, onsite pool, free SJO airport shuttle service, and walking distance to a few restaurants

Holiday Inn Express

Where to stay in Alajuela Costa Rica: Is the Holiday Inn Express one of the best SJO Airport hotels?

Much like the Hampton Inn & Suites, the biggest selling feature of the Holiday Inn Express is its proximity to Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaria International Airport (an approximate two-minute drive away across a busy multi-lane highway–walking the route is not recommended). Since the two SJO airport hotels are situated beside each other, the Holiday Inn Express too is a great choice for travellers who either plan to fly into Costa Rica late in the evening (and therefore want quick access to an accommodation upon leaving the airport) or travellers who simply wish to minimize travel distance between the airport and their hotel.

Although the Hampton Inn & Suites and the Holiday Inn Express are similar SJO airport hotel choices, one noteworthy difference that we experience between the two is the bed quality. While the Hampton Inn & Suites provides decent accommodations, we find the mattresses and pillows to be more comfortable at the Holiday Inn Express. When pricing is similar between the two, we typically opt for the latter.

Since the Holiday Inn Express is a typical American chain hotel (it is part of the InterContinental Hotels brand), it lacks Costa Rican charm. Individuals who would prefer to stay at a traditional Costa Rican accommodation would be best to select a different hotel.

• Accommodation classification: superior hotel
• Location: Hwy 1 Airport Blvd (this is the official address, however the hotel is actually located off of Hwy 3), Rio Segundo, Alajuela, Costa Rica (across the street from the SJO Airport; near the plaza with the Denny’s, Rostipollos, and Fiesta Casino; beside the Hampton Inn & Suites)
• Average cost per night for two adults in a standard room: depending on travel dates, prices range from $120-$175 USD (pricing is based on the hotel’s original prices; lower prices may be accessible via the use of Costa Rica discount codes, or provided by online booking websites)
• Hotel amenities/features that we enjoyed (please see the hotel’s website for a complete list of amenities): free WiFi, free parking, free breakfast, onsite pool, free SJO airport shuttle service, and walking distance to a few restaurants

Hotel Millenium

Ricky; Hotel Millenium

Hotel Millenium / Hotel II Millenium / Hotel Segundo Millenium

Where to stay in Alajuela Costa Rica: Is Hotel Millenium one of the best SJO Airport hotels?

Hotel Millenium is a no-fuss, get-the-job-done kind of hotel. Whenever we need to stay close (within a five-minute drive) to the Juan Santamaria International Airport but we don’t have an interest in staying at (or paying for) more well-known SJO airport hotels (such as the Hampton Inn & Suites or the Holiday Inn Express already detailed above), we choose Hotel Millenium. The small hotel offers simple accommodations (a bed, a television, a private bathroom, and air conditioning), combined with features most travellers appreciate, such as secure and free parking, an onsite bar and restaurant (breakfast is included), and friendly, 24-hour service. Other than the sound of airplanes flying overhead (a reality faced by most SJO airport hotels regardless of their brand or price tag), the hotel is quiet and comfortable. It is also within walking distance to a variety of inexpensive local restaurants.

Since Hotel Millenium is a traditional Costa Rican hotel (owned by a Costa Rican pilot who flies for Avianca), individuals who would prefer to stay at an American chain hotel would be best to select a different accommodation.

• Accommodation classification: economy hotel
• Location: Hwy 3, Rio Segundo, Alajuela, Costa Rica (600 meters east of the plaza with the Denny’s, Rostipollos, Fiesta Casino, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Holiday Inn Express)
• Average cost per night for two adults in a standard room: depending on travel dates, prices range from $60-$75 USD (pricing is based on the hotel’s original prices; lower prices may be accessible via the use of Costa Rica discount codes, or provided by online booking websites)
• Hotel amenities/features that we enjoyed (please see the hotel’s website for a complete list of amenities): free WiFi, free parking, free breakfast, and outside seating areas

Hotel Berlor Airport Inn

Where to stay in Alajuela Costa Rica: Is Hotel Berlor Airport Inn one of the best SJO Airport hotels?

The Hotel Berlor Airport Inn is located not far from Hotel Millenium in the Rio Segundo district of Alajuela, which includes the Juan Santamaria International Airport and a small region to its east. The style and quality of the two SJO airport hotels is also similar, in that both offer safe, clean, and basic accommodations at fair prices. Although the onsite bar/restaurant is small, it serves a tasty thin crust pizza (the restaurant also offers an “express” service that accepts food orders by phone and delivers to nearby hotels and residences). The staff are pleasant and helpful; when we accidentally left one of our cellphones in the hotel’s van, the driver kindly helped us out by delivering it to us at our next destination, and we never forgot the act of kindness.

Although Hotel Millenium and the Hotel Berlor Airport Inn are similar SJO airport hotel choices, noticeable differences between the two are that the Hotel Berlor Airport Inn has a pool onsite and offers a complimentary airport shuttle service. If you or your travel companions (especially children) would prefer to have access to a pool, or if you are in need of airport transportation and would prefer not to pay for a roughly $5 taxi ride to cover the route, it would be best to opt for the latter.

Since the Hotel Berlor Airport Inn is a traditional Costa Rican hotel, individuals who would prefer to stay at an American chain hotel would be best to select a different accommodation.

• Accommodation classification: economy hotel
• Location: Hwy 3, Rio Segundo, Alajuela, Costa Rica (1200 meters east of the plaza with the Denny’s, Rostipollos, Fiesta Casino, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Holiday Inn Express; 600 meters east of Hotel Millenium)
• Average cost per night for two adults in a standard room: depending on travel dates, prices range from $70-$75 USD (pricing is based on the hotel’s original prices; lower prices may be accessible via the use of Costa Rica discount codes, or provided by online booking websites)
• Hotel amenities/features that we enjoyed (please see the hotel’s website for a complete list of amenities): free WiFi, free parking, free breakfast, onsite pool, and free SJO airport shuttle service

City Express Hotel

Where to stay in Alajuela Costa Rica: Is the City Express Hotel one of the best SJO Airport hotels?

Despite its dull and drab appearance from the outside, the City Express Hotel is one of the most modern SJO airport hotels we have come across to date. The lobby and rooms are sleek and contemporary in design (although we found the rooms to be smaller than average), and access to everything around the hotel (including rooms, elevators, and specialty areas) is operated electronically. We did run into a few problems with our hotel keys, as our personal electronic devices (mainly our cellphones) kept voiding the keys’ magnetic strip. This was our own fault however, and fortunately the hotel’s reception staff didn’t mind reprogramming the keys for us on a few occasions.

The City Express Hotel is located an approximate ten-minute drive southeast of the Juan Santamaria International Airport in the Cariari region, which technically makes the accommodation a Heredia hotel, not an Alajuela hotel. The hotel is within walking distance to a few restaurants and the Plaza Real Cariari mall. Transportation to and/or from the airport is not automatically included in the hotel’s rates (this is one of the reasons why the hotel is priced significantly lower than other popular chain hotels that do include an airport shuttle service), but if desired, it can be provided at an additional cost. During one of our visits, we opted to use the hotel’s transportation for a route and we were pleasantly surprised to learn that the driver was a woman. While this should not shock anyone, in Costa Rica–where most women spend their lives at home cooking, cleaning, and raising children not out of preference or choice to do so but because it is still considered by most as the “correct” thing to do–it is uncommon to have a woman driver. This made us appreciate ours (and applaud the hotel) all the more.

Although the City Express Hotel is a Mexican chain hotel, it adheres to the same style of experience offered by typical American chain hotels and lacks Costa Rican charm. Individuals who would prefer to stay at a traditional Costa Rican accommodation would be best to select a different hotel.

• Accommodation classification: superior hotel
• Location: Off the Autopista General Cañas, Heredia, Costa Rica (diagonal to the McDonald’s restaurant in the Centro Comercial Cariari)
• Average cost per night for two adults in a standard room: depending on travel dates, prices range from $75-$85 USD (pricing is based on the hotel’s original prices; lower prices may be accessible via the use of Costa Rica discount codes, or provided by online booking websites)
• Hotel amenities/features that we enjoyed (please see the hotel’s website for a complete list of amenities): free WiFi, free parking, free breakfast, modern facilities, and walking distance to a few restaurants and a mall

Country Inn & Suites

Where to stay in Alajuela Costa Rica: Is the Country Inn & Suites one of the best SJO Airport hotels?

Of the many popular “chain” accommodations that line the section of the Pan-American highway (Hwy 1) that falls between the Juan Santamaria International Airport and San Jose, our preference is the Country Inn & Suites. Although we choose to stay at hotels with Costa Rican roots more often than Internationally-owned ones, we recognize and can appreciate that many travellers (most notably North American travellers) like to spend their first night in the country at a hotel that offers an experience close to what they are accustomed to receiving at home. With this desire in mind, we commonly recommend the Country Inn & Suites for its joint offering of familiarity and Costa Rican flare. At the hotel, clean, safe, and modern facilities are balanced by tropical music, smiling Ticos, and a full traditional Costa Rican breakfast. Unlike the Hampton Inn & Suites, the Holiday Inn Express, and the City Express Hotel (among other accommodations), the Country Inn & Suites is not a high-rise construction; it’s rooms are spread out across the property which has a resort-like feel, and gardens and palms scattered throughout help guests forget that the accommodation is adjacent to a highway.

Although the City Express Hotel and the Country Inn & Suites are similar SJO airport hotel choices (the Country Inn & Suites is located an approximate ten-minute drive southeast of the Juan Santamaria International Airport in the Cariari region, which makes it too a Heredia hotel and not an Alajuela hotel), one noteworthy difference between the two is that the Country Inn & Suites offers a complimentary airport shuttle service. This service is not typically included with stays at Heredia or San Jose hotels, which helps the Country Inn & Suites stand out from its crowd of competitors in the region.

Since the Country Inn & Suites is a typical American chain hotel (it is part of the Radisson brand), it lacks Costa Rican charm. Individuals who would prefer to stay at a traditional Costa Rican accommodation would be best to select a different hotel.

• Accommodation classification: superior hotel
• Location: Off the Autopista General Cañas, Heredia, Costa Rica (east of the City Express Hotel, the Wyndham Herradura hotel, and the DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari hotel)
• Average cost per night for two adults in a standard room: depending on travel dates, approximately $135 USD (pricing is based on the hotel’s original prices; lower prices may be accessible via the use of Costa Rica discount codes, or provided by online booking websites)
• Hotel amenities/features that we enjoyed (please see the hotel’s website for a complete list of amenities): free WiFi, free parking, free breakfast, modern facilities, and free SJO airport shuttle service

Alajuela Backpackers

Where to stay in Alajuela Costa Rica: Is Alajuela Backpackers one of the best SJO Airport hotels?

Alajuela Backpackers is a bare-bones accommodation, but as a hostel (not a hotel) this shouldn’t come as a surprise. During our visit, we opted for a private room which came with a private bathroom. Rooms are incredibly basic (private rooms offer only a bed, a window, and a night table; upgraded junior suites add a television), but they are clean and decent for the price; we have both stayed at more expensive hotels that provide rougher experiences, so we cannot complain. On the day of our visit, we arrived late and left early, so we missed out on visiting the rooftop bar, which is a known highlight of the accommodation (the common television room is another a nice touch). Although we find the hotel’s building to be dark and a bit daunting, its location in downtown Alajuela within walking distance to restaurants and shops is a plus.

As a side note, if you’re browsing around on the Alajuela Backpackers’ website, you may recognize the sloth they picture as Rapida, the sloth we photographed and wrote about in our related blog post Costa Rica Sloths: Meet Rapida, Our Friendly Surprise Houseguest. Although it is unfortunate that the hostel edited and used our image without our permission or correctly assigning us credit, we’re happy to see that Rapida is making it as a sloth model!

Since Alajuela Backpackers is a Costa Rican hostel, individuals who would prefer to stay at hotels would be best to select a different accommodation.

• Accommodation classification: hostel
• Location: On the corner of Calle 4 and Avenida 4, Alajuela, Alajuela, Costa Rica
• Average cost per night for two adults in a private room: depending on travel dates, approximately $55 USD (pricing is based on the hotel’s original prices; lower prices may be accessible via the use of Costa Rica discount codes, or provided by online booking websites)
• Average cost per night for two adults in a dormitory room: depending on travel dates, prices range from $14-$19 USD (pricing is based on the hotel’s original prices; lower prices may be accessible via the use of Costa Rica discount codes, or provided by online booking websites)
• Hotel amenities/features that we enjoyed (please see the hotel’s website for a complete list of amenities): free WiFi, free parking, onsite television room, and free SJO airport shuttle service

Nikki; Hotel Buena Vista

Hotel Buena Vista

Hotel Buena Vista

Where to stay in Alajuela Costa Rica: Is Hotel Buena Vista one of the best SJO Airport hotels?

Hotel Buena Vista is one of our go-to SJO airport hotels when we want to stay outside of the city and just relax. Situated an approximate twenty-minute drive north of the Juan Santamaria International Airport, the property is perched on the hills that surround the city of Alajuela and boasts impressive views of the central valley. We love that the hotel is quiet, adorned with gardens, has an onsite coffee trail, and features chaise lounge chairs perfect for kicking back in and enjoying the view. Although the hotel’s main building houses rooms that are decorated in an older style, separate onsite villas provide fresher accommodations. Ideal for larger families and/or travel groups, the hotel offers three-bedroom suites that sleep up to five guests. Although more expensive, the villas welcome a maximum of six guests. For more information about Hotel Buena Vista, don’t miss our related blog post San Jose Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Buena Vista; Our Best Recommendation For An Alajuela (SJO Airport) Hotel For Your First Or Last Night In The Country.

Since Hotel Buena Vista is a traditional Costa Rican hotel, individuals who would prefer to stay at an American chain hotel would be best to select a different accommodation.

• Accommodation classification: superior hotel
• Location: Road 712, Pilas, Alajuela, Costa Rica
• Average cost per night for two adults in a standard room: depending on travel dates, approximately $170 USD (pricing is based on the hotel’s original prices; lower prices may be accessible via the use of Costa Rica discount codes, or provided by online booking websites)
• Hotel amenities/features that we enjoyed (please see the hotel’s website for a complete list of amenities): free WiFi, free parking, free breakfast, onsite pool, onsite coffee trail, view of the central valley, and free SJO airport shuttle service

Ricky and Nikki; Hotel Robledal

Hotel Robledal

Hotel Robledal

Where to stay in Alajuela Costa Rica: Is Hotel Robledal one of the best SJO Airport hotels?

Hotel Robledal is small and quaint Costa Rican family-owned accommodation situated approximately ten minutes west of the Juan Santamaria International Airport. We love that one family oversees all business operations at this SJO airport hotel, and since part of the hotel is designed to look like a two-story house, it is easy to feel at home while lounging in the room or by the onsite pool. The property’s secure entrance makes us feel safe, and the onsite restaurant serves up a hearty and healthy breakfast. For more information about Hotel Robledal, don’t miss our related blog post San Jose Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Robledal; An Alajuela (SJO Airport) Hotel That Offers The Most Bang For Your Buck.

Since Hotel Robledal is a traditional Costa Rican hotel, individuals who would prefer to stay at an American chain hotel would be best to select a different accommodation.

• Accommodation classification: standard hotel
• Location: Road 124, west of the Catholic Church of El Roble, Alajuela, Costa Rica
• Average cost per night for two adults in a standard room: depending on travel dates, prices range from $80-$90 USD (pricing is based on the hotel’s original prices; lower prices may be accessible via the use of Costa Rica discount codes, or provided by online booking websites)
• Hotel amenities/features that we enjoyed (please see the hotel’s website for a complete list of amenities): free WiFi, free parking, free breakfast, onsite pool, and free SJO airport shuttle service

Hotel Brilla Sol

Where to stay in Alajuela Costa Rica: Is Hotel Brilla Sol one of the best SJO Airport hotels?

Hotel Brilla Sol is located not far from Hotel Robledal in the El Roble district of Alajuela, approximately ten minutes west of the Juan Santamaria International Airport. The style and quality of the two accommodations is also similar, however Hotel Brilla Sol offers a slightly larger property and hotel. The property’s secure entrance makes us feel safe, and the hotel’s lights and decorations create a warm ambiance in the evening around the pool and common areas.

Although Hotel Robledal and Hotel Brilla Sol are similar SJO airport hotel choices, one noteworthy difference that we experience between the two is tranquility. While Hotel Brilla Sol is by no means a loud hotel, we find that the smaller and less social property provided by Hotel Robledal offers a quieter space. When pricing is similar between the two, we typically opt for the latter.

Since Hotel Brilla Sol is a traditional Costa Rican hotel, individuals who would prefer to stay at an American chain hotel would be best to select a different accommodation.

• Accommodation classification: standard hotel
• Location: Off road 124, 400 meters south of Hogares CREA, El Roble, Alajuela, Costa Rica
• Average cost per night for two adults in a standard room: depending on travel dates, prices range from $70-$80 USD (pricing is based on the hotel’s original prices; lower prices may be accessible via the use of Costa Rica discount codes, or provided by online booking websites)
• Hotel amenities/features that we enjoyed (please see the hotel’s website for a complete list of amenities): free WiFi, free parking, free breakfast, onsite pool, and free SJO airport shuttle service

Hotel Martino

Where to stay in Alajuela Costa Rica: Is Hotel Martino one of the best SJO Airport hotels?

Approximately fifteen minutes west of the Juan Santamaria International Airport (nearby Zoo Ave and the chocolate tour we detail in our related blog post A Costa Rica Chocolate Tour For Your First Or Last Day In The Country) is Hotel Martino. On the day of our one and only stay (during the high season in March), the property was a ghost town; not only were we one of two parties staying at the large hotel at the time, but we were the only ones to visit the pool and dine at the onsite restaurant (which truly does produce a fantastic focaccia bread as the hotel’s website suggests). Regardless of the hotel’s eerie and somewhat solemn aura (enhanced by the hotel’s vintage Italian decor), we didn’t mind our stay. The room’s patios/terraces are nice and the onsite gym is much more equipped than most which Ricky thoroughly enjoyed. Our only complaint would be the room security, as rooms are merely protected by a keyed doorknob and lack a swinging door bar guard or chain guard to ensure added security (and peace of mind) from the inside. Perhaps it was the haunting loneliness and quietness of the hotel, but I would have slept better if I wasn’t up half of the night worried that someone with a key could slip into our room at any moment.

Since Hotel Martino is a traditional Costa Rican hotel, individuals who would prefer to stay at an American chain hotel would be best to select a different accommodation.

• Accommodation classification: standard hotel
• Location: Hwy 3, just east of ZooAve, La Garita, Alajuela, Costa Rica
• Average cost per night for two adults in a standard room: depending on travel dates, prices range from $120-$130 USD (pricing is based on the hotel’s original prices; lower prices may be accessible via the use of Costa Rica discount codes, or provided by online booking websites)
• Hotel amenities/features that we enjoyed (please see the hotel’s website for a complete list of amenities): free WiFi, free parking, free breakfast, onsite pool, and onsite gym

Our quick SJO Airport hotel guide

To help you decide which of the SJO airport hotels would be the best for you please see the following questions and answers.

Which SJO airport hotels are located closest to the SJO airport?

The Hampton Inn & Suites and the Holiday Inn Express are located within a two-minute drive of the SJO airport; Hotel Millenium and the Hotel Berlor Airport Inn are located within a five-minute drive of the SJO airport; the City Express Hotel, the Country Inn & Suites, Hotel Robledal, Hotel Brilla Sol, and Alajuela Backpackers are located within a ten-minute drive of the SJO airport; Hotel Martino is located within a fifteen-minute drive of the SJO airport; Hotel Buena Vista is located within a twenty-minute drive of the SJO airport.

Which SJO airport hotels include a free airport shuttle?

The Hampton Inn & Suites, the Holiday Inn Express, the Hotel Berlor Airport Inn, the Country Inn & Suites, Hotel Robledal, Hotel Brilla Sol, Alajuela Backpackers, and Hotel Buena Vista offer a free SJO airport shuttle (the hours of operation of each hotel’s shuttle service vary; extra charges may apply for shuttle services requested outside of a hotel’s normal operating hours). Hotel Millenium, the City Express Hotel, and Hotel Martino do not, however the service may be provided (by hotel transportation or by taxi) at an extra cost.

Which SJO airport hotels include a free breakfast?

The Hampton Inn & Suites, the Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Millenium, the Hotel Berlor Airport Inn, the Country Inn & Suites, the City Express Hotel, Hotel Robledal, Hotel Brilla Sol, Hotel Buena Vista, and Hotel Martino offer a free breakfast. Alajuela Backpackers does not. Of the bunch, we most enjoyed the breakfasts provided by the Hampton Inn & Suites, the Country Inn & Suites, and Hotel Robledal.

Which SJO airport hotels are the least expensive (i.e., less than $100/night for two people in a standard room)?

Although prices vary by travel dates, travel group size, and room preference, on average, Alajuela Backpackers ($55/night for two people in a standard room), Hotel Millenium ($60-$75/night for two people in a standard room), the Hotel Berlor Airport Inn ($70-$75/night for two people in a standard room), Hotel Brilla Sol ($70-$80/night for two people in a standard room), the City Express Hotel ($75-$85/night for two people in a standard room), and Hotel Robledal ($80-$90/night for two people in a standard room) are the least expensive SJO airport hotels.

Which SJO airport hotels are the most expensive (i.e., more than $100/night for two people in a standard room)?

Although prices vary by travel dates, travel group size, and room preference, on average, the Hampton Inn & Suites ($100-$200/night for two people in a standard room), the Holiday Inn Express ($120-$175/night for two people in a standard room), Hotel Buena Vista ($170/night for two people in a standard room), the Country Inn & Suites ($135/night for two people in a standard room), and Hotel Martino ($120-$130/night for two people in a standard room) are the most expensive SJO airport hotels.

QUESTION TO COMMENT ON: Have you stayed at one or more of the above mentioned SJO airport hotels? What did you think?

Pura vida!

SJO Airport Hotels: Where To Stay In Alajuela Costa Rica