If your Costa Rica trip itinerary is anything like ours, you’re probably not devoting much time to the capital city of San José beyond flying in or flying out. But you might find yourself in need of an overnight stay like we did and need a place to lay your head without going through the fuss of a hostel or boutique hotel. Sometimes international chains just make the most sense, and, in the case of the Sheraton San José, provide a comfortable stay at a very attractive price point.
Bar area of the hotel.
Sheraton San José | From $89/night
Rooms: We stayed in a Classic King Room, which was no frills but comfortable. What the room itself lacked in space, it made up for with it’s large walk-in shower, which is always a bonus. The king mattress was plush, and the down pillows and comforter enhanced the feeling of being swallowed by the bed. For some that might be desirable, but we generally prefer a little more firmness in our bed. Wi-fi was available throughout the property at no extra cost, and had good speeds. I was able to stream my college football team’s game that Saturday evening without a hitch.
Large shower in the bathrooms.
Hotel Property: Considering the low rate of our room, we found the hotel to be very nicely appointed. The lobbies are decorated with beautiful tile floors with a spacious breakfast area with large glass windows looking out to the lush mountains beyond. We ate dinner at the bar and found the options to be very enticing. I opted for a wagyu burger and Iylana went for the flautas. The bar has lots of seating with some secluded areas and billiards tables. If you’re wanting to spend some time poolside, there is a rooftop pool available with some spectacular views.
A highlight for many will be the casino adjacent to the hotel and directly accessible from the lobby. We passed on spending time there, though, as we definitely hadn’t budgeted any money for gambling, but if you’re looking to roll some dice yourself there are plenty of options around the country, typically paired with a hotel like this.
Hotel Restaurant
Location: The Sheraton San José is located in the southwestern part of the city, in an area not far from newer construction featuring shopping malls and restaurants. Located along Highway 27, one of the main thoroughfares through San José, it’s a fairly easy 20 minute drive to the downtown area, where we spent some time checking out the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and the Feria Verde de Aranjuez.
The airport is also a 20-minute drive away and easy to access. Driving in San José, and Costa Rica as a whole, is nowhere near as hectic as many other countries in Latin America, so if you’ve rented a car, you’ll be able to easily access everything San José has to offer from the Sheraton’s location. Alternatively, a free airport shuttle is available to guests, which will be of value to those that aren’t renting a car.
Staff: The staff was courteous and professional. Check in was a breeze, with lobby attendants who spoke English (although I might have preferred to clumsily attempt to practice my Spanish instead). The bartenders were attentive with prompt service, and the restaurant staff kept our coffee cups and juice glasses filled while we enjoyed the complementary breakfast buffet.
In conclusion: For those looking for a quick stay in San José, the Sheraton offers a lot of value for its price point, and for SPG loyalists, redemptions start at just 3,000 Starwood Points. Well-appointed with nice amenities like the onsite casino and rooftop pool, your stay at the Sheraton will be comfortable and offer you a great launching pad for exploring the capital city of San José.
Book your room at the Sheraton San José on Booking.com for the best rate!
