The three largest cities in Costa Rica are located in the central valley, most tourists, however, tend to divide their trip between the central valley, the pacific coast and the Caribbean coast. The Juan Santamaria International Airport -- where most visitors arrive - is located 25 Km north of San Jose, in Alajuela. Travelers will find that hotel prices are generally lower in Costa Rica than North American or European cities.
The most populated city - and capitol of Costa Rica - is San Jose. The Grano do Oro Hotel is recommended by many travel websites due to its friendly staff, clean rooms and wonderful on-site restaurant. Rooms begin at just over one hundred dollars US. (ref 1) The Adventure Inn is considered by TripAdvisor.com to be a "Top Value" with rooms priced around eighty dollars per night, a lively bar and great service. Like other hotels in San Jose, The Adventure Inn will arrange a shuttle free of charge to and from the airport. At sixty-five dollars per night, the Hotel Amistad compares best to hotels that are nearly double the cost. A great value, Hotel Amistad is reputed to have cozy rooms, a great bar and outgoing staff. Budget travelers should check out the Aranjuez Hotel, priced under fifty dollars per night and including free breakfast.
The second most populous city is Limon -- also referred to as Pueto Limon - , located on the southern Caribbean coast. Highly recommended and priced between seventy and one-hundred dollars, the Hotel Playa Westfalia is considered by many to be the best hotel in Limon. La Baula Lodge is favored by many travelers because of it's authentic rain forest setting, clean grounds and beautiful architecture. Ranging from forty to ninety dollars per night, The Park Hotel is one of Limon's best deals for travelers. Rooms at the Park Hotel include air conditioning -- a major plus on the humid Carribean coast -- and some may include ocean views. (Ref 2)
Liberia is an important hub for visitors because of the proximity to the Pacific coast and easy arrival and departure via Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport. Honeymooners and luxury travelers choose The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Penninsula Papagayo where room rates range from four-hundred to nine-hundred dollars per night. For easy access to the airport, consider the Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport which boasts comfortable beds, a breakfast buffet, a swimming pool and rooms priced under one-hundred dollars. Hotel El Bramadero and Hotel Aserradero are options for travelers who wish to spend under fifty dollars per night.
