Marriot Costa Rica Hotel

Description:

• For my money, the Marriott remains the best large luxury resort hotel in the San José area. Amenities are plentiful, and service is excellent. The hotel is designed in a mixed colonial style, with hand-painted Mexican tiles, antique red-clay roof tiles, weathered columns, and heavy wooden doors, lintels, and trim. The centerpiece is a large open-air interior patio that somewhat replicates Old Havana's Plaza de Armas. All rooms are cozy and well-appointed, with either a king-size or two double beds, a working desk, an elegant wooden armoire, plenty of closet space, a comfortable sitting chair and ottoman, and a small "Juliet" balcony. The bathrooms are up to par but seem slightly small for this price. The casual Antigua restaurant serves well-prepared Costa Rican and international dishes, and there's a more upscale Spanish restaurant and tapas bar. The large lobby-level bar features daily piano music and weekend jazz nights, with both indoor and patio seating.

  Facilities: 3 restaurants; bar; lounge; 2 pools; golf driving range; 3 tennis courts; small but well-appointed health club; Jacuzzi; sauna; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; free airport shuttle; business center and secretarial services; small shopping arcade; salon; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service; nonsmoking rooms

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010