jb2001

I understand that fares from Costa Rica for major airlines to the US should now include the departure tax already built in (approx $27 a passenger), and you should have to pay separately at the airport as referenced below.

Jiatong

I flew UA in Feb. 2016, and it was included. Also was on the UA booking copy.

margarita girl

Has anyone taken a regular cab from SJO to the Marriott San Jose? How much should I expect to pay?

Jiatong

only about 15 minutes, but less than $20 US. the $20 is what i pay from that hotel to the airport, tip inclusive.

BTW, a nice Mrt with a great pool. EL is just average.

KC

I realize this review is far too late to help the OP, but figured I'd report out on the Courtyard San Jose Alajuela anyway as I recently stayed there for two separate one-night stays in and out of San Jose.

Shuttle is easy enough to find at the airport (though there will be plenty of folks hustling for tips trying to "help" you get to it) on the arrivals level. From the hotel back it's as easy as showing up downstairs (as long as it's between 4 a.m. and 1 a.m. - not sure what the options are outside of those hours, probably a taxi). Heading back to SJO at around 6:30 a.m., a shuttle was just filled but they had a backup guy waiting in the parking lot who took my partner and I and another group of four immediately thereafter. It's about a 5-7 minute drive - easy peasy.

The hotel itself is modern and comfortable with reliable wifi access (complimentary as a Gold member, not sure if free at lower levels). Staff were super friendly.

My friend who was a Platinum was given complimentary breakfast for two at the restaurant, no luck for us with my Gold status. Had some nachos and adult beverages in the restaurant on our first evening arrival - the food was okay and overpriced, but they do have local craft brew (worth a try!) available at the bar. There are several casual restaurants just in front of the hotel in the little shopping center. Wal-Mart is right next door if you need to provision for your trip or pick up cheaper souvenirs / coffee to bring back home with you.

SkiAdcock

Thanks for the update. I've added the property to the exec lounge sticky showing that Plats (not Gold) get free brekkie.

Cheers.

nldogbert

Hi,

I am torn between these 2 properties. I will be spending 2 nights in Costa Rica and will have a car.
I noticed that the CY rate is 1/2 of that of the Marriott and I am leaning towards the CY since I am expecting to spend most of my time away from the hotel.
Only pro's I see @ the Marriott are the benefits as a Plat - lounge access, etc (but sans complimentary alcohol).

The CY looks closer to the city (+what looks like a metro/suburban train).

What are the Plat benefits at the CY (if any?).

Cheers!

joeags

I've stayed at both properties - the CY Escazu and Marriott in 2015, and returned to the Marriott in January, 2017. The CY is newer and fresher than the Marriott. I received a room upgrade at the CY to the largest suite I've ever had, which my son still is still envious of to this day. The hotel is right next to a shopping mall, so you have lots of dining options next door without driving. Otherwise, it feels like it's in the middle of business park land. No other benefits (no free breakfast).

The Marriott feels more resort like. We enjoyed it so much in 2015 that we spent a week with a travel package cert last year. The room didn't seem as good as the CY. But we much preferred the property - parrots in the morning and evening, nice property to walk, and although it's close to a highway, it does feel like you're at a resort. *downside to parrots are they are NOISY in the morning if you're pool facing!*

There's a few restaurants on site, but I can't give comments on them. We ate at the deli, and it was fine. Off-site, there's a few restaurants in a strip mall just 5 minutes from the front door (quite expensive to me), and a soda the opposite direction about a 10-15 minute walk. Definitely not as many choices as the CY. But the lounge meant we didn't eat anywhere but at the lounge for breakfast and dinner. We were always out during the day for lunch. This was one of the few places that mentioned "dinner" as opposed to "hors d'ouevres". Yes, no free alcoholic beverages. Honestly, this is as "Asian" feeling of a lounge as I've seen in North America from my limited variety of stays.

Road access is just as easy from either - the Marriott is a shorter distance to head up to La Paz or Poas. (3 minutes from the airport with no traffic) The CY quicker to hit the Pacific Coast. But we did a day trip to Jaco (near Los Suenos Marriott) with no problems from the Marriott. I wouldn't really consider heading into San Jose city itself as a benefit for either of the two. From the tales, I was too uncomfortable to drive and leave my vehicle in downtown, so we just hired a taxi.

Is the Marriott worth twice as much? Probably not for how you described your trip, but I definitely feel it's better due to the lounge and the feel of the property. For our family of 3, my cheap self would pay $50-$75 a day more with no hesitation (with status). If you have any more questions, I'll happily answer!

mrlasssen

LIbera, Costa Rica Marriotts stay, any suggestion on which Marriotts property, JW Marriott Guanacaste or El Mangroove. Would a car be convenient or necessary? Which has the best amenities?

SkiAdcock

Just curious. Did you read the thread? Your questions are probably answered in it.

Cheers.

mrlasssen

Yes, nothing current, did I miss something?

nldogbert

Hi,

I decided to go with the Marriott San Jose, Costa Rica instead of the Courtyard.

Location: even though not close to any interesting locations by foot, the property grounds itself was beautiful and large.

Check-in: I did an online check-in. What was great was upon arrival after parking my car, even before entering the lobby area, there was someone already waiting for me (I guess they got my name when I entered the property and the security guard passed my info on) with my room key and registration form. I was brought to my room directly and on the way given a quick tour of the different parts of the hotels and run down of my benefits. [the guy must have must have repeated the script " As our Elite member, we value your loyalty, so xxx is included/complimentary" )] The room
was upgraded to a pool and mountain view. I was asked if I was happy with the room - I had wanted to ask about a suite upgrade, but did not bother.

Room: The room (like the property) was in the traditional Hacienda style, rustique and rather spacious. It had a small French balcony. There was coffee and tea making facilities. View was beautiful towards the pool and the mountain/partial city.

Bathroom: This was decorated too in the same style. Would have been nice if the bathtub was more in a different style than the typical US template like tub. Normal Marriott amenities was provided.

Executive Lounge: The lounge opens from 6 am till 10 pm (if I remember correctly). Breakfast spread was good - with the local Gallo Pinto was available and other usual breakfast items. Sufficient spread for a lounge, am not sure if you could have made to order eggs (did not bother to ask). Evening spread was good with different hot meals - they even tolerated guests who wanted to take food away. Outside of these hours, they had small items, such as biscuits, fruits and chips. Too bad alcohol is chargeable - prices is close to US standard charges.

Pool:
Too bad the water temperature was on the colder side - rather strange since it does get the morning and afternoon sun. There is actually 3 pools with different temperature, the whirlpool, the cold pool and the normal pool (they are supposed to help your health). The whirlpool sadly is not in the best of state - still ok, but due to the trees/plants around it, it does get a bit filled with leaves/insects at the end of the day (i have seen them cleaning it in the mornings).

Staff: In general, all staff encountered and met was very friendly and helpful. They do remember a lot of the guests even those staying for a short period.

General:
A very beautiful property with it's own coffee plants. It is an attraction in itself with a very beautiful structure and one of the more unique Marriott that I have stayed. I would surely return if I am in the area. Even though there was quite a number of guests staying at the property, it hardly felt busy.
The property seems to be visited by a lot of the area's companies - mainly US based companies.
They do provide a shuttle to the airport (not sure if it's complimentary) and to the companies in the area (Intel at least).

Cheers!

SkiAdcock

Thanks for the update. Much appreciated.

Cheers.

hockeyinsider

Any updates on properties? Or any suggestions?

I have a work conference I'm considering taking to Costa Rica in October. 10-12 colleagues.

SkiAdcock

There's an update 2 posts above yours

Cheers.