Crowne Plaza San Jose la Sabana by IHG — Hotel in Mata Redonda

We shall forever be so grateful to the Crowne Plaza San Jose being there for us when another hotel - the Hotel Residence Inn Suites Cristina screwed us over.

We booked this Hotel Residence Inn Suites Cristina in fall of 2023 and they confirmed several times, the most recent being the day before travel.

We got to that hotel at just past 2:00 am, parked on a side area near the hotel, and this man came out around the hotel to find us - clearly waiting for our arrival, knew who we were - had my booking information and my confirmation on paper in hand, and then proceeded to tell us that they have no room. Said we could go to another hotel.

Horrible and disgusting customer service, very frustrating experience. Will never recommend them.

We then went to three other hotels looking for accommodations - no one was picking up so we had to drive around. Unfamiliar country.

Stopped at the Crowne and they had rooms - their systems were down so we had to wait 20-25 minutes to get a booking.

Time was now after 3:15 am. We had been travelling since 8:41 am the day before.

They were so kind!

Though, check out is noon, they gave us a late checkout - 2 pm yet we left around 11 am as we have a 3+ hour drive to do to get to our Airbnb.

They gave us two complimentary bottles of water - so generous! We had not had anything to drink since we were on the airplane the evening before.

Though, expensive, and that we did not get to truly enjoy the room - in the AM we discovered a lovely terrace connected to our room! - we are very thankful for how kind this hotel was.

They had a buffet breakfast included and my husband had some fruit/coffee. I did not partake.

Lots of hot water, large shower, no shower gel and you have a large flight of stairs to get from the parking lot to the lobby. Quite a bit of distance from the lobby to the elevators.

A lovely soul escorted us to our room and an equally kind person helped carry my heavy suitcase down the large flight of stairs to leave. They even a security guard at the door when we arrived.

Parking is included with security.

Thank you Crowne Plaza for being there for us & giving us a...

Even in the "green" (monsoon) season, the weather in San Jose is almost perfect. Surrounded by scenic volcanic mountains, visitors to this high valley enjoy a spring-time climate year round. Sure it rains a bit. That's why the flowers and trees are so pretty. It is nice.

My favorite part is the downtown area with its street musicians and vendors and, yes, street preachers. The kids feeding and then chasing the hungry pigeons of La Plaza de la Cultura, just to see them fly. The glistening bronze body parts of La Chola, the fat lady, shined bright by appreciative hands of walkers on the pedestrian mall of Avenida Central.

So, why did I stay way out in Sabana Sur? The Corobici. The Crowne Plaza. Nice hotel. Nicer staff. The front desk staff were efficient and professional. But, the best example of "nice" this stay was the lovely young mother (de cinco hijos) who works in the Club Floor Lounge. Friendly, attentive, well-trained and highly motivated, she is a credit to her employer. Her pride in her work and her country was obvious. Sorry, Crowne Plaza, but she probably should be working for the tourist bureau. She is that knowledgeable and helpful. She even drew maps for me so I could take the bus (los busa) to/from downtown (for cents, rather than the many dollars I had earlier paid a taxi driver). Most people in the hotel business do their jobs well, but kindness is what one remembers about a stay. And, Grettel is the person I will remember in Costa Rica. Thank you, Grettel.

The one "con" ... each night my room was a bit "musically" noisy. A minor nuisance, not a "keep me awake all night" problem. Definitely not enough reason to downgrade the overall rating. Just something management should know. Good...

Wowww After I had booked my (2 weeks ) flight for San Jose, Costa Rica,, I enquired on different blogs and everyone agreed that a 24 hour stay was more than enough. Therefore I split my trip in three, staying a couple of days each time in Costa Rica, flying abroad the remaining time. The only reason I chose the Crowne plaza Corobici is the swimming pool, considering a bit far from the centre but... How wrong was I ? Not only was the outdoor swimming pool great (kind of cold) but also an outstanding gym club every sports aholic can only dream of. Every single staff, from the porter, the concierge, the reception, the cleaning ladies, the staff at the restaurant was nice, smiling, courteous and helpful. Everyone was eager to help and satisfy my needs. At one point I almost was prevented from going back to Costa Rica: I had left a couple of luggage at the hotel. I contacted them: they simply went out of their way to arrange for them to be sent to my next destination. Fortunately I arrived 24 hours later to enjoy the rest of my stay and the luggage were still there. I can't thank enough everyone for their kindness and professionalism. Now regarding the location: it is perfect. Plenty of cabs available, bus stop 50 metres away and, definitely, pleasant stroll to the city centre. The breakfast buffet caters to all tastes, simple, unpretentious but so excellent served by great staff, and definitely one of the best omelettes I have ever had in hotel. I also had an excellent dinner in my room. Were I to reconsider my stay in Costa Rica, I would chose to stay the whole period in San Jose and The Crowne Plaza Corobici would make 75% of that decision. One of the best decisions I have ever taken when...