{"id":46731,"date":"2025-11-10T17:05:26","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T17:05:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/46731\/"},"modified":"2025-11-10T17:05:26","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T17:05:26","slug":"this-is-the-best-hotel-in-san-jose-costa-rica-according-to-a-lonely-planet-guidebook-author","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/46731\/","title":{"rendered":"This is the best hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica, according to a Lonely Planet guidebook author"},"content":{"rendered":"

When I landed in Costa Rica on my most recent trip, I was there on a mission. I was there to update the San Jose chapter of the new Lonely Planet Costa Rica guidebook, so I had several weeks of intense research, hotel inspections, restaurant visits, and museum tours ahead of me.<\/p>\n

I booked hotels all over the city to immerse myself in different neighborhoods, but one hotel really stood out, and I wish I had spent my entire trip there. And I wasn\u2019t the only one. I met countless couples and families who spent their entire trip there. One retired couple I met told me they\u2019d been vacationing here every year for decades.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s why I think the Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen might be the best hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica.<\/p>\n

The best hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica<\/p>\n

Nestled on a 30\u2011acre coffee plantation just outside San Jos\u00e9, the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen<\/a> offers travelers a refined, sensory\u2011rich escape that blends resort\u2011style amenities with convenient access to the country\u2019s vibrant Central Valley. Whether you\u2019re wrapping up your journey or using it as a launchpad for deeper exploration, here\u2019s why it stands out as a great option.<\/p>\n

The Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen in a nutshell<\/p>\n

The Hacienda Belen is gorgeous, offers incredible food, and features numerous on-site classes and activities. It\u2019s also conveniently located just a quick drive from the airport and downtown San Jose. Best of all, if you skip San Jose entirely (which I don\u2019t recommend, but which I know many people do), this hotel is primely positioned to allow you to relax and enjoy a night or two before being whisked off to your next hotel in Arenal, La Fortuna, or Guanacaste.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s dig in a bit more as to what makes this hotel so special.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A typical room at the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen<\/p>\n

(Hacienda Belen)1. A location that strikes the perfect balance<\/p>\n

Set in the canton of Bel\u00e9n in Heredia Province, the hotel combines tranquility with proximity. Just a short drive from Juan Santamar\u00eda International Airport and the capital city of San Jos\u00e9, it offers ease of arrival and departure without sacrificing calm.<\/p>\n

An airport hotel that doesn\u2019t feel like an airport hotel<\/p>\n

Though I love San Jose and include it on every trip I take to Costa Rica, I know that many (possibly most) travelers skip it entirely. They fly in late at night, book a hotel near the airport, then jet off to the beaches, volcanos, and cloud forests that Costa Rica is known for. If this is you, know that Hacienda Belen is just a 10-minute drive from the airport, yet it somehow feels like you\u2019re in a remote, rural setting.<\/p>\n

Being perched above the Central Valley also gives many rooms sweeping mountain or city\u2011skyline views. In fact, this was my favorite part of the hotel. Each morning (and several afternoons), I lounged in bed reading while gazing out over the endless greenery and foliage that led to the mountains.<\/p>\n

Close to the coolest neighborhoods and top San Jose attractions<\/p>\n

Though I wanted to relax and enjoy the hotel all day, every day, I had a job to do, which required me to be all over the city. Fortunately, the hotel is about 25-30 minutes from the bustling downtown area (where you\u2019ll find the must-visit Gold Museum, National Theater, and many food and craft markets), and the endlessly cool Escalante neighborhood (which offers a more relaxed vibe in a very green, walkable neighborhood full of excellent coffee shops, cafes, and boutiques).<\/p>\n

For travelers who want both comfort and access to Costa Rica\u2019s day\u2011trip opportunities\u2014coffee tours, volcano visits, city culture\u2014this is a sweet spot.<\/p>\n

2. A resort feel wrapped in colonial charm<\/p>\n

Though part of the Marriott brand, this hotel evokes the spirit of a traditional Costa Rican hacienda. Built on the grounds of a former plantation, the architecture, lush gardens and heritage detailing lend a sense of place and history.<\/p>\n

Strips of volcanic rock are laid between wood grain floors and colorful original floor tiles. Lobby tables are made out of decades-old wooden bed frames. Walls are decorated with old \u201cjarr\u00f3n\u201d fermentation jars that were also used as refrigeration jars that were kept cold by plunging them into rivers. Passageways house antique wooden shoeshine stations and an Hacienda Guanacaste wooden carriage from the 1850s.<\/p>\n

Despite being built only a few decades ago (meaning it has all modern equipment and amenities), the hotel exudes classic, colonial charm. Thanks to its focus on modern luxury, rooms offer pillow\u2011top mattresses, flat\u2011screen TVs, mini\u2011fridges and coffee makers. Many also have balconies looking out to the mountains.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the best of both worlds\u2014stylish heritage meets contemporary luxury.<\/p>\n

\"Outdoor<\/p>\n

Outdoor pool area at Hacienda Belen Hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica<\/p>\n

(Hacienda Belen)3. Diverse amenities for relaxation and activity<\/p>\n

Thanks to its massive property, the hotel is able to offer experiences and services<\/a> that would be unthinkable in the more cramped hotels near downtown San Jose.<\/p>\n

Pools & spa<\/p>\n

The hotel has two outdoor pools (including a children\u2019s pool) where you can swim, sunbathe under blue skies and palm trees all day long. The pool had plenty of comfy lounge chairs surrounding it, including some right next to one of its restaurants, where I saw large groups floating between. There’s nothing I love more than reading, so I often snagged a plush outdoor canopy bed by the pool, stacked up pillows, and got lost in a Costa Rican mystery novel.<\/p>\n

For a true indulgence, head to the coffee\u2011inspired spa that relies on volcanic ash and local ingredients in its unique, luxurious treatments.<\/p>\n

There are also separate men\u2019s and women\u2019s areas of the spa, including a sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi. I especially loved that is was a sort of indoor-meets-outdoor spa where I could go from an indoor sauna to an outdoor relaxation area looking up at the stars.<\/p>\n

Sports & wellness<\/p>\n

A Golf driving range, full fitness center, tennis courts, and jogging paths through the plantation grounds ensure you can stay fit and active without having to leave the property.<\/p>\n

Dining variety<\/p>\n

Five on\u2011site restaurants<\/a> to suit different moods\u2014from Costa Rican classics at Hacienda Kitchen to Asian fusion at La Castilla. My personal favorite was Hacienda Kitchen, which offered an impressive morning buffet and an extensive a la carte dinner menu. Even better than the food were the views afforded from its covered outdoor patio overlooking the grounds and mountains.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

One of my favorite things about the Hacienda Belen was that it offered so many free and fun experiences, like this coffee class<\/p>\n

(Cassandra Brooklyn)4. So many (free) on-site activities<\/p>\n

I\u2019m a real sucker for on-site activities because it means that I can have some fun and probably learn a thing or two without having to leave the building, pay an entry fee, or research where to go and what to do.<\/p>\n

Hotel Hacienda Belen offers oodles of on-site classes and activities (most of which are free) that lean into Costa Rican food, drink, history, and culture. They change every month so they\u2019re always offering something fresh, but they tend to focus on some main themes like cooking and coffee.<\/p>\n

Free experiences at the hotel<\/p>\n

Traditional Costa Rican coffee workshop and tasting<\/p>\n

Historical tour of the grounds<\/p>\n

Mixology class at the bar<\/p>\n

Flexibility, mobility, and core strength classes<\/p>\n

5. Welcoming for different types of travelers<\/p>\n

Given the diversity of the facilities, it\u2019s no wonder that I met some of everybody at this hotel. It\u2019s suitable for families, couples looking for a retreat, and business travelers seeking an elevated base.<\/p>\n

Families<\/p>\n

The spacious grounds, kid\u2011friendly pool, and multiple dining options give plenty for children while still offering adult downtime.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll add that, though there were a fair amount of kids there, the property is so big, with so much to offer, that at no point did I feel overwhelmed or annoyed by the kids (which can happen very easily when solo travelers and couples realize too late that they booked a room at a family-focused hotel).<\/p>\n

Couples<\/p>\n

The quiet plantation setting and resort features allow for a more intimate, relaxing stay that allows you to focus on time together. I met so many couples at the various classes and tours who told me they were grateful to just relax and enjoy the time together instead of having to deal with the chaos of traffic and tours downtown.<\/p>\n

Business or mixed\u2011purpose travelers<\/p>\n

The Hacienda is near corporate hubs yet feels like a secluded resort, so you can mix work and leisure. The airport\u2011shuttle and meeting spaces are great for business trips, but the hotel\u2019s beauty, amenities, and excellent location are why so many business travelers told me they extended their work trip to include a few days of vacation.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re traveling through Costa Rica and value comfort, variety, and a sense of place, Hacienda Belen meets you where you are.<\/p>\n

\"Breakfast<\/p>\n

I looked forward to breakfast every morning thanks to Hacienda Belen’s fabulous food and spectacular mountain views<\/p>\n

(Cassandra Brooklyn)6. Practical tips to make the most of your stay<\/p>\n

Decided to book your stay at Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen? Good for you. Here\u2019s what to know:<\/p>\n

Consider booking a room with a mountain or skyline view (ask for a higher-floor or valley-facing room) to truly appreciate the scenery.<\/p>\n

Use the hotel as a first or last stop in Costa Rica, given its proximity to the airport, especially for short stays.<\/p>\n

Reserve dinner at one of the specialty restaurants (La Isabela Steakhouse or La Castilla) for a more elevated night out.<\/p>\n

Ask about quiet\u2011room options if you\u2019re sensitive to noise\u2014the larger property footprint means some areas are busier than others. (My room was extraordinarily quiet since it faced the golf course instead of the pools).<\/p>\n

Don’t overbook your trip. Take time one morning to wander the plantation grounds and enjoy a coffee on the terrace\u2014an understated highlight of the stay.<\/p>\n

Final verdict on the best hotel in San Jose<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re seeking a base in Costa Rica that offers more than just a stopover\u2014one that blends plantation\u2011green calm with resort luxury and convenient access to the country\u2019s central attractions\u2014the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen offers an exceptional option.<\/p>\n

The scent of fresh coffee drifting through the gardens, the warm mountain air over the valley at dusk, the ease of arrival after a long flight: experiences like these turn a hotel stay into an entr\u00e9e to the spirit of Costa Rica.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"When I landed in Costa Rica on my most recent trip, I was there on a mission. I…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":46732,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[30700,30701,30702,30704,30703,88,90,89],"class_list":["post-46731","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-san-jose","tag-costa-rica","tag-hacienda-belen","tag-hotel-hacienda","tag-hotel-in-san-jose","tag-hotel-inspections","tag-san-jose","tag-san-jose-headlines","tag-san-jose-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46731","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=46731"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46731\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/46732"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46731"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=46731"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=46731"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}