Hotel Boyeros

We only wished we'd had longer to enjoy the pool, which looked fantastic. We picked this place for our last night in Costa Rica because it was reasonably close to the airport for an early flight. Since breakfast wouldn't be open before we left, we asked whether the kitchen could keep our takeaway food in its fridge. Instead, they brought a small fridge right to our room. They also gave us a large jug of ice for drinks that evening. Lovely place, amazing staff, and we'd stay again.

The breakfast buffet was unlimited and very good, and the hotel was clean, with a beautiful pool. There are lots of restaurants nearby, plus a Walmart within walking distance, and it seems like a good option for families with children. Our room had a really nice balcony, a comfortable bed, and air conditioning that worked beautifully. It was also quite dated and had its quirks: the lights didn't work properly, and the hot water was out at first. Wi-Fi was very unreliable, dropping out for as long as an hour at a time. I wouldn't rely on it for anything important like banking or reservations.

The only thing I liked was the coffee. The included breakfast was a letdown, with eggs, fried sweet plantain, and gallopinto all drenched in oil. The rooms felt dated, and we found a sock left behind by a previous guest. Even though there were plenty of empty rooms, we were put in room 124 while housekeeping was still bringing towels and cleaning the bathroom. There also isn't an airport shuttle or anything similar. The reservation was supposed to be for Monday the 22nd, but it had been made for Tuesday the 23rd. At check-in, the receptionist said she had to create a new booking and quoted $139 plus taxes for two adults and children aged 7 and 12, instead of the original $108 plus taxes. She wouldn't honor the lower price, so I booked Monday the 22nd through Expedia, which charged the correct $108 plus taxes. I could have booked the Hampton inn for $139 plus taxes, and that would have been a much better choice.

The rooms and pool area look dated, but everything was clean and comfortable, and the staff were friendly. Beds were comfortable, and lots of restaurants are within walking distance, so it was good value. The hot tub was only warm. Breakfast wasn't great, though the fresh fruit was very good and having breakfast there was convenient. It worked well for our night before flying out.