Costa Rica's capital city has much to offer, from culture to nightlife. But if you have an early flight to catch, you may prefer to stay near San José's airport. Also located near the Pan American Highway, car rental agencies, and a train station where you can catch a ride into the city's downtown, these hotels are excellent options for an overnight stay at the start or end of your trip.

Holiday Inn Express—San José Costa Rica Airport 

The rooms at Holiday Inn Express (photo courtesy of Holiday Inn Express—San José Costa Rica Airport)

This Holiday Inn Express—San José Costa Rica Airport is a standard property located just one mile (1.6 km) from Juan Santamaria International Airport. It's also just two blocks from car rental agencies, next door to the train station—which transports you quickly into downtown San José—and close to the Pan American Highway. A convenient option for a quick overnight stay, the two-story hotel has 100 rooms and an outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees. Resting under an umbrella by the pool is the perfect way to recover from jet lag or relax before catching your flight.

The decor and amenities are what you'd expect of any Holiday Inn Express: fast WiFi, modern bathrooms, and comfortable but simple guest rooms. Hotel rates include a complimentary breakfast, and ordering room service from the restaurant across the street is easy. The 24/7 airport shuttle is a welcome perk, but the service runs only every 20 minutes (less frequent than neighboring hotels).

Read kimkim's review of Holiday Inn Express—San José Costa Rica Airport

Hampton Inn & Suites San José Airport

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The lobby at Hampton Inn (photo courtesy of Hampton Inn & Suites San José Airport)

Offering a bit more than the average airport hotel, this mid-range Hampton Inn & Suites San José Airport features distinctive interiors depicting Costa Rican flora and fauna. In the lobby, for example, you'll notice vibrant imagery of tropical plants and wildlife while colorful plants and tall palm trees surround the outdoor pool. Renovated in 2018, guest rooms feel fresh and airy and feature the standard amenities you'd expect.

Breakfast is complimentary, and the on-site restaurant also serves dinner. Other highlights include free parking, a fitness center, and a 24/7 airport shuttle with frequent departures. Overall, this comfortable hotel is a good option if you're staying for longer than a quick overnight. Like the other airport hotels on this list, the Hampton Inn & Suites is located near Juan Santamaria International Airport, car rental agencies, the Pan American Highway, and the train station. 

Read kimkim's review of Hampton Inn & Suites San José Airport

Courtyard by Marriott—San José Airport Alajuela

Outside the Marriott (photo courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott—San José Airport Alajuela)

Just off the Pan American Highway ramp, this palm tree-framed Courtyard by Marriott—San José Airport Alajuela is an excellent mid-range option for a quick stay. Guest rooms and suites are simple, but all feature air-conditioning, minifridges, flat-screen cable TV, and high-speed WiFi. You'll have the option of a king bed or two queens for standard rooms, or you could upgrade your room to a king and sofa bed.

The hotel also features an outdoor pool, a 24/7 market, a 24/7 fitness center, and an optional breakfast buffet serving traditional Costa Rican food and international cuisine. There's an airport shuttle, but it only runs from 4 am to midnight.

Read kimkim's review of Courtyard by Marriott—San José Airport Alajuela

Map

Map of The 3 Best San José Airport Hotels
Map of The 3 Best San José Airport Hotels