San Jose Hotels in Pavas

My son gave his Mother and I a trip to Costa Rica for our 50th anniversary present. We started out at the Real Intercontinental. As a former Pan Am employee, who frequented the Intercontinental Hotels (then owned and operated by Pan Am), I can say with certainty.......the Real has maintained the class and luxury that I.H. was always known for. The maintenance is excellent; the sevice impeccable; and the acommodations luxurious. Not to mention excellent cuisine in the restuarants. We enjoyed every minute of our stay. Thank you to the management and staff of the Real Intercontinental, San Jose, Costa Rica. James A. & Norma Byers

This is a beautiful hotel with an extremly relaxing and luxurious pool setting. We used all the amenities including the gym, pools, spa and restaurants. The waiters, waitresses and spa employees were the nicest I think I've ever encountered at a hotel. Their professional and friendly service continued all week long! Which is why we were extremly shocked to witness the unprofessional and unaccomodating managment staff. We had to wait 2 hours for our room to be ready even though they gave us a specific check in time. Then for the 11:30am scheduled checkout they called us at 6:00am becuase they could not run our credit card on the restaurant tabs (we prepaid for the hotel). That was frustrating being woken up on our last day of vacation when we had a long day of travel ahead of us. Lastly, my husband stepped out of a restaurant to speak to a manager because the table next to us had a child that was standing next to us scream singing and pounding thier feet dancing along with the father. It was our anniversary so we went to the very expensive adult restaurant within the hotel but ended up having to leave our dinner becasue we could not even have a conversation. The manager did nothing.

We stayed overnight after flying in late and left after lunch the next day. This place is not that close to the airport and the most direct way there involves some winding around back roads. So you either will get charged by the taxi to go all the way into San Jose and back out on the highway or you see some local scenery that will make you worry the driver is trying to rip you off. Price is reasonable by US standards but a little high compared to other options in the area. Figure in the price of the taxi and relative distance from airport and downtown. It is located next to a big mall and business area, but that was not why we were visiting CR. The room was fine. Comfortable and all the usual amenities of a nicer hotel. Unfortunately, smoking is allowed in the open lobby, so smoke permeates to the upper floors. Water is generally safe to drink in CR, but just to remind you, there is a little sign in the bathroom that tells you they filter the water. No need to pay for the bottled water in the room. Staff were the high point of the stay. Front desk was very helpful and was able to exchange money at a good rate. Concierge helped us change our car rental reservation from the airport to the downtown location and made sure we got there. This last part was important because they do not believe in street addresses in CR (instead, they say something like '200m east of McDonalds on Paseo Colon').

Maria at reception was exceptional. Very friendly and helpful. Cleaning staff left the room perfect.

great staff, good breakfast room was not as clean as usual (we stay here often)

Nice place