This was easily one of the nicest Marriotts and nicest hotels in general that I've ever stayed at. The only one that was comparable was the Marriott in Delray Beach, Florida where I once stayed for work--and that was easily twice the cost per night.

I stayed for 2 nights before flying back to the US. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the nice bell staff...who took my one measily bag and helped me to my room. The front desk staff were also accommodating (just saw the other review--not sure how these people could be rude...seriously!).

I stayed in a standard room with one king bed. They were able to check me in early (before normal check in time) and honored my requests for room type (I like to be on a high floor). Walking into my room, I immediately felt relaxed. The decor is inviting--with some faux colonial Spanish touches, like the rest of the hotel. If you're used to Marriott rooms, though, it's pretty similar to most of their rooms...though I'd say the bathroom and overall quality was a notch higher. The room has high speed internet (charge applies), iron/board, umbrella (thought that was a nice touch), safe, coffee maker and mini bar.

The property is gorgeous. It's located in this semi-industrial sort of area out near the airport, but within the hotel property, you'd never know it. The design of the hotel is Spanish colonial, which is done in a way that isn't cheesy. This impressed me because that is something that could go really wrong really quickly, but they pulled it off.

I ate at each of the restaurants the hotel offers. One--La Isabella--is a tapas/wine bar. The tapas I had were good, but I felt the overall bang for my buck was higher at the other restaurant. At the tapas bar, I had 4 tapas, 2 glasses of wine, bottled water, dessert & coffee for about $72--a bit high. I do think it might be a nice place if you want to just have a glass of wine, share a plate of something, and listen to the live entertainment (flamenco-esque guitar players the night I was there). At the other restaurant, I had an appetizer, glass of wine, bottled water, main course, dessert, and coffee for under $50. At both restaurants, the service was excellent and I wasn't treated like a leper because I was alone (this HAS happened at other places). The coffee bar on site is also nice--with a selection of pastries, coffees, and snacks.

I thought the gift shop had a nice selection of gifts--some of the typical things you'll see all over CR and some different things. I bought some stuff here to take to people back home and found the prices a notch below the airport shops, but probably slightly higher than other places.

The bell staff can arrange a taxi to take you downtown or anywhere else which can be charged to your room. (Don't be misled--I saw something somewhere that said this hotel has a Downtown shuttle--they don't). Cost to downtown: $17. A cab on the return trip overcharged me...I knew it, but when I asked the bell staff, they were profusely apologizing and said I should have called them over. To me, that represents how all the staff were--almost overly accommodating--as if it was their fault that the guy ripped me off! Though they don't have a downtown shuttle, there is an airport shuttle that runs every half hour.

The pool was great--it was a relaxing way to finish off my trip. I didn't use the jacuzzi, health club, or spa services, but they all looked great. I was particularly impressed with the health club--much more extensive than many of the hotel workout rooms I've been in that only have an old treadmill and a broken universal! I didn't use the equipment, but it looked to be very new and in good repair.

The only negative is that, well, you're staying in a high quality hotel in Costa Rica--and though everyone is nice, it's a different experience from staying in a smaller hotel/B&B. But, I really think it is a good way to begin/end your trip if nothing else. I have to say that after spending an afternoon in Downtown San Jose, I felt tired and grimy and the best thing was to retreat here (and I like big cities!) The price is definitely worth it in my opinion. As a single traveling female, I felt welcome and safe! I was thinking as I sat in my room that I'd love to just fly here and spend a night when times get stressful!!!