Hotel Residence Inn Suites Cristina

The breakfast was fantastic, with plenty of options and lots of food, and the coffee was delicious. I'm staying several weeks and would definitely come back and use this as a base for exploring Costa Rica. The place feels safe, the beds are comfortable, and the staff are amazing, helpful, and kind. Our two-bedroom suite has plenty of space and basic, clean furniture. There's some cookware, dinnerware, and cutlery if you want to prepare food, but no stove or other appliances. The kitchen has a stovetop, microwave, and refrigerator. The bedroom TVs are a good size, while the living-room TV is tiny, so we never used it and set up one bedroom for watching TV instead. We used Uber to get around and booked a few tours.

The room was clean and spacious, and our kitten was happy there. The windows felt a little exposed unless the blinds were fully closed. Breakfast was good, especially thanks to the kind, welcoming women who prepared eggs and served us every morning. They could add a gluten-free bread option, though. The service was mixed. When I checked in after 10pm, the older man at reception was patient and helpful, very much in keeping with Costa Rican hospitality. The younger staff member the next day watched me struggle with my bags, then shut the gate as I was leaving, so I had to climb upstairs again. The hotel also needs an elevator. Carrying bags up the stairs was exhausting. I arrived early but had to wait until 3pm for check-in, which meant dragging my luggage around the city all day. The free drink included with my reservation never came either. There are genuinely kind staff members here, but service isn't consistent.

I came back to Suites Cristina after 18 years, and the standards are still the same: great people, service, lodging, location, and WIFI, with plenty more to like. And the breakfast goes above and beyond. A great stay for anyone looking to get more for less. Highly recommended!

The pool and terrace were a highlight, and the breakfast buffet was absolutely great. The rooms were clean and spacious, with good beds, and the staff were extremely friendly and courteous. It's in a quiet, safe area, close to a park and with plenty of restaurants around the corner. A great choice in San José, including for the time before or after a flight. We'd love to come back.