City Express by Marriott San Jose Costa Rica

The people working here are friendly and professional, and the hotel is clean and functional. The rooms are small, though, and with no soundproofing in the walls you hear plenty from outside and from other rooms. Breakfast could offer more choice, and there are very few TV channels. It could also use some updating and a bit of sprucing up.

I needed somewhere affordable for just a few hours of sleep before my 04:20 airport departure, and this Marriott worked out well. Similar name-brand hotels near SJO were mostly $225-$325. It’s close to the airport without much aircraft noise, and a few good, inexpensive restaurants are about a 10 minute walk away. There’s free self-parking, and I felt safe leaving my car there. The room was clean, the bed was comfortable, and the air conditioning worked well, though it blows straight onto the bed. The room’s a little small but big enough. The shower had hot water and good pressure. They even have facial tissues 😄, but no wash cloths 😐. Basic and clean, with the Marriott name, at a good price.

It’s an easy place to stay near the airport, with plenty of food options close by. My room was neat and comfortable, and the hotel was clean, quiet, and practical. Nothing fancy, just a good fit for a short visit without hassle.

After a 10 day drive around the country, I had a car to return at the airport the next morning, so this was a really handy stopover. Across the street there’s a food court, a few small restaurants, and even a McDonald‘s if needed. The staff were friendly, there was plenty of parking, and the room was fresh and clean. No frills, just an easy place to rest before flying out.