Crowne Plaza San Jose La Sabana by IHG, San José

Pros

• The hotel's location at the northwestern corner of La Sabana Park puts you within an easy 20-minute drive from the airport.
• Rooms are comfortable and spacious, with blackout curtains and air-conditioning for a good night's rest.
• The staff can communicate with guests in English, Japanese, and Spanish.
• The pool is well-illuminated at night and large enough for swimming laps, and the fitness center is open around the clock.
• You'll have two on-site restaurants to choose from, one Japanese-themed and the other serving modern Costa Rican inspired fare. 

Cons

• Certain rooms can experience noise from outside due to the busy urban location near a highway.
• The buffet breakfast is handy for early flights but past guests have found its offerings overpriced.
• You'll need to drive or take a taxi into the city center.

Authenticity

Part of the international Crowne Plaza by IHG hotel group, Crowne Plaza San José La Sabana is your standard, 4-star business hotel, popular with travelers for its convenience to the airport and reliable amenities. You won't find much in the way of character or authenticity here, and the location on the city's western fringes lacks charm, but perks like an on-site rental car counter, a large outdoor pool, and two dining options (including a fun Japanese restaurant) make it a handy spot to kill some time and get a restful night's sleep before or after international flights. 

Location

You'll find yourself on a busy road at the western edge of San José's city center, in an area that puts the airport within a convenient 20-minute drive but means you'll need to catch a taxi or drive 15 minutes into the city for most sightseeing. La Sabana Metropolitan Park and its Costa Rican Museum of Art and National Stadium are within a 15-minute walk, and the area has plentiful restaurant options. There's free parking available on-site, as well as an Avis rental car kiosk. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's 200+ rooms are fairly neutral in design, all with modern interiors, plush furnishings, and amenities like air-conditioning, WiFi, a pillow menu, and blackout curtains. Even the standard room category offers city views, but you can always upgrade your stay to one of the suites for a few extra perks. Opt for a suite with lounge access or a private Jacuzzi, or grab the spacious two-bedroom Presidential Suite if you want to spread out. The hotel also offers accessible rooms with features like entrance ramps, accessible door locks, an emergency button, low-height switches, and raised power outlets. 

Amenities

Amenities include an expansive outdoor pool with a poolside bar and plentiful sun loungers, as well as a two-story, 24-hour fitness center. On the ground floor, you'll find a tiny on-site casino with slot machines, tables, and a bar area, while nearby, the Nattivo restaurant serves Costa Rican-inspired flavors for breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet-style. Up a level is Fuji, which offers authentic Japanese food for lunch, dinner, and dessert in a dining room with tatami mats and low tables. 

Family-Friendliness

Crowne Plaza San José La Sabana welcomes families. Standard rooms with two double beds can accommodate up to four comfortably, and you can request extra cots and cribs. In-room babysitting and childcare services are available at an extra cost, and kids' options are on the menu at the on-site restaurant. Beyond the popular outdoor pool, there's also a garden and picnic area to tire little ones out before a long flight.