Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [79]
Casa de las Tías (Map; 2289-5517; www.hotels.co.cr/casatias.html; s/d/tr incl breakfast US$72/82/92; ) In a quiet area of San Rafael, this yellow-and-turquoise Cape Cod–style house (complete with picket fence) has five immaculate, individually decorated rooms, all with private bathrooms. The house is adorned with crafts that owners Xavier and Pilar have picked up on their travels in Latin America, lending the place a cozy, intimate feel.
Apartotel María Alexandra (Map; 2228-1507; www.mariaalexandra.com; cnr Calle 3 & Av 23, San Rafael; d apt from US$80; ) This centrally located apartment-hotel in San Rafael has 15 clean, wood-paneled apartments with private bedroom, kitchen and laundry area – all of which channel a late-’70s Brady Bunch vibe. There is a sauna, mosaic-tile swimming pool and a small gym. Housekeeping is included.
Boutique Hotel (off Map; 2288-6762; www.bedandbreakfastcr.com; Carretera John F Kennedy; d standard/junior/deluxe/ste incl breakfast US$85/95/115/125; ) One kilometer west of the Costa Rica Country Club, on the road to Santa Ana, this friendly two-story inn has five simple rooms with blond-wood floors, large, comfortable beds, painted sinks with folk-art motifs, minirefrigerators and in-room coffeemakers. Two units come with air-con and two are wheelchair-accessible. A broad outdoor deck with pleasant views is stocked with rocking chairs for lounging.
Posada El Quijote (Map; 2289-8401; www.quijote.cr; Calle del Llano, Bello Horizonte; d standard/superior/deluxe incl breakfast US$95/105/115; ) This Spanish-style posada on a hillside rates as one of the top B&Bs in the San José area. Standard rooms are simple yet homey, with wooden floors, throw rugs, cable TV and private hot-water bathrooms, while larger superior and deluxe units have either a small patio or a private terrace. All guests are invited to take a nip at the honor bar, and then relax on the outdoor patio while soaking up the sweeping views of the Central Valley.
TOP END
Credit cards are accepted at all of the following establishments.
Beacon Boutique Hotel (Map; 2228-3110; www.mybeaconescazu.com; Av Central btwn Calles 4 & 6, Escazú Centro; d incl breakfast US$129-299; ) A stylish 27-room inn situated at the heart of Escazú Centro, this top-end spot comes stocked with all manner of luxury goodies: high thread-count linens, down comforters, king-sized beds, plush robes, in-room coffeemakers and even a pillow menu. Room decor is contemporary Spanish Mediterranean (think mahogany furnishings and sedate earthy tones). There is an onsite gym, spa and wine bar (open from 7pm to midnight), as well as a lush courtyard garden with a pool.
Casa Cristal (Map; 2289-2530; www.casacristalcr.com; Bello Horizonte; d incl breakfast US$130-225; ) This chic, whitewashed boutique hotel is situated on what has to be the best piece of real estate in Escazú: at the end of a winding mountain road, on a hillside overlooking several dozen hectares of uninhabited parkland, with the twinkling lights of San José in the distance. There are eight individually decorated contemporary guest rooms with king-sized beds, flat-screen TVs and large bathrooms (some with Jacuzzi tubs) – most of which have floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for uninterrupted views of the Central Valley. It’s a serene spot, with a pool, a small bar and a cafe. Upon arrival, all guests are treated to a welcome mojito by the inn’s hospitable Cuban owners. Excellent value. Note that the hotel does not accept children under the age of 12.
Other top-end options