If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica and seeking the best all-inclusive hotels in San José, here's a comprehensive guide tailored for backpackers, families, and solo travelers. While San José itself has limited all-inclusive options, several nearby resorts offer exceptional amenities and experiences. Let's dive in!
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San José
- Location: San Antonio de Belen, San Jose, San José, Cariari, 40703
- Price Range: Approximately $215 per night
- Phone: +506 2209 1000
- Highlights:Family-friendly with three restaurantsOutdoor pool and 2 tennis courtsFull-service spa, racquetball/squash, and saunaConveniently located near the airport
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San José is an upscale resort-style hotel conveniently located just five minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport and about 10 minutes from downtown San José. Set within lush tropical gardens, the hotel offers a relaxing atmosphere with a range of amenities, including a large outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, a full-service spa, and an on-site casino. Guests can enjoy dining at Las Tejas restaurant, which serves international cuisine, or unwind at the poolside bar. The hotel also provides complimentary Wi-Fi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle service. Its proximity to the Cariari Country Club and various shopping centers makes it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers.
Hotel Barceló San José
- Location: Residencial, Diag. 23A, San José, Robledal, 10107
- Price Range: Approximately $100–$150 per night
- Phone: +506 2220 2034
- Highlights:Refined atmosphere with spacious outdoor poolWell-maintained tennis courts and fully equipped spaMultiple on-site restaurants offering gourmet Costa Rican and international dishesPeaceful location with easy access to cultural spots like the Costa Rican Art Museum.
Barceló San José is a 5-star hotel located in the tranquil La Uruca neighborhood, just 15 minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport and 10 minutes from downtown San José. The hotel features 254 spacious rooms, three on-site restaurants (including Japanese and international cuisine), a cocktail lounge with live music, and a large solar-heated outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a fitness center, tennis and squash courts, a spa offering massages and beauty treatments, and complimentary airport shuttle service. The hotel also boasts a convention center with 17 meeting rooms, accommodating up to 1,100 people, making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers.
Wyndham San José Herradura Hotel & Convention Center
- Location: Autop. Gral. Cañas, Heredia, San José, 71880
- Price Range: Approximately $80–$100 per night
- Phone: +506 2209 9800
- Highlights:Affordable option with lush outdoor spacesThree swimming pools and multiple dining optionsClose proximity to the airport and attractions like Poás Volcano
Located in the upscale Ciudad Cariari neighborhood, just 10 minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport and 15 minutes from downtown San José, the Wyndham San José Herradura Hotel & Convention Center offers a resort-style experience ideal for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel features 229 spacious rooms and suites, some with jetted tubs and private saunas. Guests can enjoy three outdoor pools, five hot tubs, a 24/7 fitness center, and a full-service spa. Dining options include multiple on-site restaurants and bars, offering a variety of cuisines. Additional amenities include a casino, complimentary Wi-Fi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle service operating from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. The hotel also boasts a convention center with 18 meeting rooms, accommodating up to 1,100 people, making it a prime choice for conferences and events.
InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall
- Location: Frente Centro Comercial, MultiPlaza Escazú, San José Province, San José, 10202
- Price Range: Approximately $200–$300 per night
- Phone: +506 2208 2100
- Highlights:Luxury resort adjacent to high-end shopping at Multiplaza MallThree outdoor pools and a lavish spa with hydrotherapyMultiple restaurants serving a variety of cuisinesStylish rooms with expansive views
Located in the upscale Escazú district, the InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall is a 5-star luxury hotel directly connected to the Multiplaza Mall, offering guests immediate access to high-end shopping and dining. The hotel boasts 372 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each featuring premium bedding, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can indulge in a variety of amenities, including three outdoor pools, a children's pool, a full-service spa, a 24-hour fitness center, and four on-site restaurants offering diverse cuisines. Additional features include a poolside bar, sauna, steam room, and extensive meeting and event spaces. While the hotel does not offer a complimentary airport shuttle, self and valet parking are available for a fee. Its prime location and comprehensive facilities make it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers seeking luxury and convenience.
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Fiesta Resort All Inclusive (approx. 1 hour from San José)
- Location: El Roble, 23, Provincia de Puntarenas, Chacarita, 5400
- Price Range: Approximately $150–$200 per night
- Phone: (+506) 2103-5199
- Highlights:Situated on a black sand beach along the Gulf of NicoyaFour outdoor swimming pools and whirlpoolsMultiple dining options, including four restaurants and seven barsHeliconia Spa offers various treatmentsTennis court, gym, and supervised activities for children and teensProximity to attractions like Palo Verde National Park
Fiesta Resort is an all-inclusive beachfront resort located in El Roble, Puntarenas, approximately 50 minutes west of San José and Juan Santamaría International Airport. Set along a volcanic sand beach and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the resort offers 408 rooms and suites, each featuring private balconies with views of the ocean, pools, or gardens. Guests can enjoy four outdoor pools, including a dedicated children's pool and an adults-only pool, as well as a variety of activities such as tennis, beach volleyball, and nightly entertainment. The resort boasts four restaurants and seven bars, offering a range of dining options from casual to à la carte. Additional amenities include the Heliconia Spa, a fitness center, kids' and teens' clubs, and complimentary Wi-Fi and parking. With its family-friendly atmosphere and convenient location, Fiesta Resort is an ideal choice for both relaxation and adventure on Costa Rica's Pacific coast.
Travel Tips for Staying at All-Inclusive Hotels in San Jose
- Transportation: While some resorts offer airport shuttles, consider arranging private transportation for flexibility, especially if planning excursions.
- Local Exploration: Take advantage of the resorts' proximity to cultural sites, national parks, and local markets to enrich your Costa Rican experience.
- Booking: Reserve in advance during peak travel seasons (December to April) to secure the best rates and availability.
- Tipping: Although tips are often included in all-inclusive packages, providing additional gratuity for exceptional service is appreciated.
Frequently asked questions :
There are a handful of high-quality resort options all over Costa Rica. However, only a few are 100% all-inclusive in the traditional sense. The Guanacaste Province is the hot spot for this type of lodging. More specifically, the Papagayo area of Guanacaste is where most all-inclusive travelers tend to land.
- The six best neighborhoods in San José, Costa Rica
- Barrio Escalante has the top places to eat.
- Downtown is the best neighborhood for culture.
- San Pedro is a popular student neighborhood.
- Barrio La California is the best area for nightlife.
- Barrio Amón is a great place to wander.
- La Sabana is the city's greenest neighborhood.
Experience the city with a San Jose hotel, or choose an all-inclusive resort where meals, drinks, and activities are included as amenities for an ideal Costa Rica all-inclusive vacation package.
San José is partially walkable, especially in the downtown area where many attractions, shops, restaurants, and museums are concentrated. You can easily explore neighborhoods like Barrio Amón, Barrio Escalante, and the central avenues (Avenida Central and Avenida Segunda) on foot. However, outside the city center, distances between places grow larger, sidewalks can be inconsistent, and traffic can be busy. For convenience and safety, it's often a good idea to use taxis or ride-hailing apps for longer distances or at night.
Some of the best areas to stay in San José include Barrio Escalante, Barrio Amón, and the Sabana area.
- Barrio Escalante is known for its vibrant culinary scene, trendy cafes, and safe, walkable streets.
- Barrio Amón offers a charming, historic atmosphere with beautiful colonial architecture and a more artistic vibe.
- La Sabana (near La Sabana Metropolitan Park) provides easy access to nature, museums, and major roads, making it a convenient choice for both leisure and business travelers.These neighborhoods offer a good balance of safety, amenities, and access to key sights.
