Best Hotels Close to SJO Airport (With Free Shuttles!)
Flying into the SJO airport in Costa Rica? If your fly lands in the late afternoon or departs in the early morning, chances are you’ll want to spend the night in an SJO airport hotel. Luckily, many hotels near the airport offer free shuttles and oftentimes even free breakfast, to make your travel days a breeze!
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Over half of the visitors to Costa Rica will fly into the SJO (Juan Santamaria International) airport, located near the capital of San Jose. From the airport, you’ll have easy access to much of the country, including the Central Valley, the Caribbean destinations of Puerto Viejo and Cahuita, and the Pacific beach towns of Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Uvita, and Dominical. It’s also the best airport to fly into when visiting the Osa Peninsula.
However, many of these destinations are still a few hours from the airport (especially if you land during rush hour!) and driving at night in Costa Rica is not advised. We recommend that if your flight lands after 2pm, that you plan to spend your first near in a hotel near the SJO airport.
Luckily, there are many hotels near the SJO airport that offer complimentary shuttle services and even complimentary breakfast in all price ranges.
We’ve rounded up the best hotels close to the Juan Santamaria International Airport and their amenities, so you can pick the best one for you.
Where is the SJO Airport?
One thing that you should keep in mind before your search begins is that the San Jose airport is not actually located in San Jose.
The airport is actually located in the city of Alajuela, which is about 20 minutes away from San Jose. While there’s plenty to do in San Jose, you’ll find that many of the SJO airport hotels are located in Alajuela and surrounding areas, not San Jose itself. If you’re up for a little exploring and adventure, feel free to venture on into the city but if you just want a place to sleep close to the airport or to take advantage of a free shuttle service, you’ll want to set your sets on hotels in Alajuela.
The Best Hotel Near SJO – Adventure Inn
While there are many quality hotels near the airport, we do have a favorite – Adventure Inn. Adventure Inn is where we personally stay each time we fly in or out of SJO and need a place to sleep. It’s just 5 kilometers from the airport, which on a good day takes about 10 minutes, and they do offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport.
They also have a restaurant on-site, which is perfect when you’re tired and hungry from a day of traveling, and they offer a complimentary breakfast as well. The hotel is also walking distance to a handful of other restaurants and shops, if you’re up for a bit of exploring.
We love Adventure Inn because it’s convenient, it’s in a safe location, the rooms are spacious and clean (with comfy beds!), and the staff is always super accommodating and helpful. It’s also pet-friendly, if you’re traveling with your four-legged friend.
Exclusive Reader Discount: Use code EXPERIENCECR when booking to save 10% off your stay at Adventure Inn.
Other Great Hotels Near SJO (With Airport Shuttles)
Hotel Santa Maria Inn
Rating: 6.7/10 | Distance From Airport: 2.9 mi (6 minute drive) | Shuttle Service? Yes | View on Booking.com
Amenities:
- Communal Kitchen
- Air-Conditioning
- Free Wif-Fi
The Hotel Santa Maria Inn is another great option for travelers looking for hotels near the San Jose airport. It’s cozy, clean, and affordable.
The hotel is just 2.9 miles from the airport, and it offers a free shuttle service to and from the airport for maximum convenience. The Hotel Santa Maria Inn also has a communal kitchen, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi for guests staying at the hotel.
“Loved the breakfast area in their backyard and the fresh food. Also enjoyed having the gate and they were kind enough to give us a gate opener so we could come and go easily. Really laid back, quaint spot that was a perfect beginning to our CR trip.”
— Kavita (Read more reviews)
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Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Alajuela
Rating: 8.5/10 | Distance From Airport: 1.2 mi (4 minute drive) | Shuttle Service? Yes | View on Booking.com
Amenities:
- Business Center
- Pool
- Gym
- Handicap-Accessible Rooms
- Free Wi-Fi
The Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Alajuela is a great option for travelers looking for a hotel near SJO with plenty of amenities.
The hotel is just 1.2 miles from the airport, and it offers a free shuttle service to and from the airport to make getting around easy and safe. The hotel also has a business center, a pool, a gym, and handicap-accessible rooms to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. This hotel is more upscale, but still offers a cozy and family-friendly feel.
“Conveniently located next to the airport. Nice shuttle service and complimentary breakfast. The rooms were clean and the bed was very comfortable.”
— Timothy (Read more reviews)
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Barcelo San Jose Palacio
Rating: 8.4/10 | Distance From Airport: 8.8 mi (13 minute drive) | Shuttle Service? Yes | View on Booking.com
Amenities:
- On-Site Restaurants
- Spa
- Fitness Center
- Free Wi-Fi
- Babysitting Services
- Business Center
- Massage
The Barcelo San Jose is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of San Jose, Costa Rica. It offers luxurious accommodations, excellent amenities, and superb customer service.
The hotel’s facilities include outdoor tennis courts, a Jacuzzi, an outdoor pool, and meeting rooms. It also features a restaurant, casino and babysitting services.
“Smart hotel in good location, comfortable room with views. Good value for money.”
— Jill (Read more reviews)
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Country Inn and Suites By Radisson
Rating: 8.0/10 | Distance From Airport: 5.6 mi (12 minute drive) | Shuttle Service? Yes | View on Booking.com
Amenities:
- Outdoor Pool and Hot Tub
- Fitness Center
- Free Wi-Fi
- Business Center
The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson San Jose Aeropuerto Costa Rica provides a comfortable and convenient stay for visitors to the area.
With free private parking, Wi-Fi and a swimming pool on site, as well as a bar, the hotel has everything guests need for an enjoyable visit. Rooms are air conditioned and come equipped with cable/satellite channels, a refrigerator and a coffee maker. They also have a private bathroom and telephone.
For guests looking to enjoy a meal, Mambi Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options as well as everything needed for an enjoyable night’s sleep. At this hotel, you won’t ever feel bad about spending the day indoors!
“Attractive pool area, restaurant and bar. Easy access to rooms. Ideally located next to a small commercial centre with excellent supermarket and restaurants. 10 minutes to airport by the free shuttle service. Friendly and helpful staff.”
— Maxine (Read more reviews)
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Hotel Buena Vista
Rating: 8.4/10 | Distance From Airport: 5.6 mi (15 minute drive) | Shuttle Service? Yes | View on Booking.com
Amenities:
- Outdoor Pool
- Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
Hotel Buena Vista is a charming Spanish colonial-style resort that offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and a fan.
The private bathrooms include a hairdryer. The resort has its own nature trail and can arrange tours to local coffee plantations and national parks. Free private parking is available on site, and Juan Santamaria International Airport is just a 15-minute drive away.
“Little oasis only 20 minutes from airport. Also a great location to do a few tours from. Wonderful breakfast and airport shuttles were included. We will stay here again!”
— Cheryl (Read more reviews)
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Hotel Terrazas de Golf
Rating: 9.3/10 | Distance From Airport: 3.1 mi (10 minute drive) | Shuttle Service? Yes | View on Booking.com
Amenities:
- Golf Course
- Delicious Breakfast
- Outdoor Rooms
The Terrazas de Golf Boutique Hotel is a comfortable and elegant 4-star boutique hotel with 11 spacious rooms. All of the rooms are equipped with air conditioning, mini bars, 32-inch screens, safes, telephones, alarm clocks, coffee makers, irons and iron boards, and hair dryers.
The hotel is surrounded by lush gardens and a golf course. It is conveniently located a few miles away from the San Jose Airport and close to Convention Centers, malls, restaurants, bowling alleys, and other attractions. The hotel produces its own energy with solar panels. Free parking is available on-site.
“We enjoyed our stay very much and plan to return the next time we’re in Costa Rica.”
— Mallory (Read more reviews)
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Hotel Alameda Cariari
Rating: 9.1/10 | Distance From Airport: 3.1 mi (10 minute drive) | Shuttle Service? Yes | View on Booking.com
Amenities:
- Outdoor Pool and Terrace
- Fitness Center
- Spa Services
- Business Center
Alameda Cariari is a hotel located in the Cariari neighborhood of San Jose. It features an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi access, and a tour desk.
Each air-conditioned room provides cable TV, a minibar and a view of the property’s garden. The hotel also has business facilities, a shared lounge and an array of outdoor activities available.
Alameda Cariari is 6.2 miles from Metropolitan Cathedral, National Theatre of Costa Rica and Pre-Colombian Gold Museum. Juan SantamarÃa International Airport is 3.1 miles away.
“A+++ Room size, cleanliness, atmosphere. Staff were amazing and helped us to store our luggage and hire transportation. Would absolutely stay here again!”
— Katie (Read more reviews)
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Hotel La Rosa de America
Rating: 8.3/10 | Distance From Airport: 4.3 mi (12 min drive) | Shuttle Service? Yes | View on Booking.com
Amenities:
- Outdoor Pool
- Fitness Center
- Spa Services
The Rosa de America is a beautiful hotel located in the suburbs of Alajuela. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a lush garden, and spa facilities that offer massage services. The on-site restaurant offers Italian, French and typical local dishes for dinner.
The rooms and suites at the hotel have a private entrance with a small porch. All of the rooms offer free WiFi access, TV, typical artwork and hardwood furniture. The private bathrooms provide plush towels, high quality imported bedding, and some have a bathtub.
The rooms surround the tropical gardens. The Rosa de America is a beautiful hotel with excellent amenities and accommodations.
Whatever hotel near the San Jose airport you choose, we hope you enjoy your first (or last) night in this tropical paradise!
“Hotel La Rosa was a pleasant surprise. Quiet, beautiful grounds, nice pool, decent breakfast. I wish I could have spent a few more days there.”
— Chris (Read more reviews)
