Recently renewed the Juan Santamaria International Airport is located in Alajuela Province, about 20 km away from San Jose downtown. The airport which is Costa Rica´s primary Airport serves a great number of tourists from all over the world. At this airport, SANSA Domestic Airline has its own operation center just 1 block away from arrivals gate.
The Costa Rican government charges a $26 USD departure fee, which can be paid in cash (U.S. dollars or equivalent in Colones) or may be paid by Credit Card. The fee can be paid at the airport or in advance at most hotels and banks
San Jose Costa Rica Airport hotels are especially popular with business travelers and those who have long drives to their departing airport. San Jose Costa Rica Airport has hotels around the area in a radio of 2 – 4 kmls, these hotels are found in close proximity, but not on the airport property itself. Business travelers may have meetings on the other side of the city, but can make their flights much more easily if they come back to an airport hotel.
Some travelers do not live close to a major airport and may need to drive as long as three or four hours to get to one. If they have an early morning flight, they may not want to leave at 2 a.m., get to the airport at 5 a.m. and get on a plane for a long flight. The logical solution is to make a reservation at an airport hotel and stay the night there, and then be near the airport the next morning.
Suggestions:
Travelers considering an airport hotel usually look for two things: price and proximity. Business travelers with expense accounts may be able to stay in a higher-priced hotel if they are able to do so on the company dime. However, leisure travelers often look for the best prices.
The San Jose Costa Rica airport hotels are usually small and family-owned places, and because there are often several hotels in the area, fierce competition ensures quality at decent prices. These hotels are usually high quality at a low price. The traveler often pays for the proximity advantage. It's nice to be 5-10 minutes away from the airport.
A traveler considering an airport hotel may want to think about the possibility of the free breakfast. With airlines cutting out meals on flights, the free hotel breakfast is a way to fill up quickly, without spending a great deal of money at the airport food court.
Often, the airport hotel will provide complimentary shuttle service for guests, so this is another real advantage to consider. Taxis and hired shuttles may be expensive, so a dollar or two more in the room rate may pay for itself by eliminating the need for a cab to the airport. Other factors, such as the size of the airport and the size of the city, can also affect room rates.
San Jose Costa Rica Airport hotels to considerer:
Santa Maria Inn Hotel, an 8 rooms family-owned hotel. This small accommodation offers clean, comfortable and nice rooms with cable TV, Ensuite Private Bathrooms and nice location. It is only 5 minutes away from main San Jose Airport terminal. It also offers free homemade breakfast and free shuttle service. Average price USD$72.00 in double rooms. It also has a large family rooms with 6 beds specially designed for a families or group of friends.
Villa Bonita Hotel, beautiful 6 cottage rooms house located in the slopes of Alajuela town and only 10 minutes away from San Jose Costa Rica Airport. Large gardens surrounded the property and great landscape view to the Alajuela town. The hotel offers delicious homemade breakfast, Shuttle Service (cost USD$12.00 up to 4 people), and rooms are nicely decorated with large windows to the gardens. Owners are very friendly and the best part is the coffee they have here. Average price USD$75.00 in double rooms.
Transportation
Hotels offer Shuttle Services so, when booking your hotel asks for the Airport Shuttle. A representative will be at the Airport holding a sign with your name on it. Some are free or the average fee to get to San Jose is $15.00.
Orange Taxis are well known with a logo stocked in doors. The fee is more expensive but very reliable service. Stay away from unofficial taxis located at the arrivals gate. These guys don´t have insurance or permissions to work as public transportation service.
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