Central America - SJO taxi/hotel shuttle?

In SJO next week and I'm wondering (as I've not been there yet) if I should take a taxi or go with the hotel shuttle. We're staying at the Crowne Plaza Corobici (not my choice) and the website says it offers a complimentary airport shuttle. We're arriving on AA after 10pm so do not want to wait for a hotel shuttle if we have to call for one--not even sure if I need to arrange it in advance or if it will be there waiting (and if so, where?)

Does anyone have any advice or experience with where or how to pick up the hotel shuttle, or should we just take a taxi? There will be 5 of us so it would take more than one taxi unless we can get a van.

As I am the team leader on this one, I would love to know where to go and what to do before we arrive late and tired. Thanks!

I stayed at the Hampton Inn at the airport about 1.5 years ago. When I exited the lower level baggage claim, I told a guy which hotel shuttle I needed and he found it for me. In my case, the shuttle would circulate between the hotel and the airport and you just had to catch it during one of its loops. Your hotel seems to be further away. My suggestion is to e-mail the hotel and see what they say.

info@corobicicp.co.cr

If the Hotel Shuttle is not running at that time, there are also official airport taxis that can be hired at the exit from baggage claim. They have a window inside at the end of the rental car counters and also just outside before getting to the waiting masses. At 10:00 pm a couple of flights might be arriving at the same time. These taxis are newer and they also have several minivans for larger groups. I would expect your group of 5 to cost about $30 to the Corobici. Avoid changing $ in the airport money exchange window, as the rate is very bad. The taxi window takes dollars and your hotel and every bank will give you a better exchange.

As said above the first thing to do is to check with the hotel. Haven't stayed at the Crowne Plaza but most hotel shuttles are aware of the inbound flight times and usually will be waiting a requisite amount of time for pax to clear customs between loops. Since you have a pretty good sized group perhaps the hotel would be accommodating and try to make sure you're checked onto the shuttle before leaving.

One other thing is to make sure you're carrying newer, crisp US currency. For some reason the locals are a bit suspicious of grimy bills.

When you exit the SJO airport there are many cabs outside, but use the service just outside customs, it is usually about $15US to get downtown.