Any hotel recommendations near the San Jose, Costa Rica airport?

[dafischer]

I know some Pelicans are familiar with Costa Rica, so I thought I'd pose the question. The wife and I are going in May,flying into Juan Santamaria International, and we'll be overnighting in San Jose prior to the 4 hour drive to our friends' place on the Pacific, and again before our return home.
Our friends know some B&B's, but we're looking for something with a decent restaurant, and a bar. Bar is important
Any first hand knowledge here?

TIA

[BeyGon]

There is a Hampton Inn right out of the airport, I used to stay there because I kept my truck in a storage place nearby. I can't remember the bar that much but it had to have one. Alejulea-sp- is the closest city and plenty of places to eat and drink. Just get a cab.

[lowyder993s]

Marriott Costa Rica in San Jose: Hotel Rates & Reviews on Orbitz

The only way you'd be safer is if Rick Lee and OddJob were at the front door...guards are locked and loaded...no need to even lock the rent a car
Will tell...and I'm sure Dean will back me up...they are some CRAZY AZZ drivers...we went 3 wide uphill thru the mtns. All part of the adventure
Enjoy. post pix upon return!

[BeyGon]

True, I used to get passed on the uphill in a turn, no possible way to see anything and those guys would die just to pass a gringo. Some do. Drive at night is a risk, to many drunks. No bandits like in Mex, Gutamala,El Salvador,Honduras and Nicaragua.
RADAR EVERYPLACE between there and the coast, even up and down the coast.
Serious RADAR, everywhere.
I forgot, I used to stay at the Hampton and walked to a couple cool hot night spots for dinner and music. Just a couple blocks westerly. Can't remember the names. Too many Imperials. Don't EVER LEAVE anything of value in the car unless you are sitting on the fender. And then, be careful. People lock stuff in the trunk and think its safe, not a chance, it's gone.

[BeyGon]

I should never start thinking about Costa Rica, it kills me. Here is the old house we built in Tamarindo. About an acre 300 feet from the beach.
I wish I had a beer.

[Nostril Cheese]

Atenas Costa Rica Hotel, Vista Atenas Bed & Breakfast amazing views. not far from the airport.

[dafischer]

Thanks for the tips, guys...and I'll check out those places. Looks like I'll be bringing the radar detector with me! Looking forward to some good Guaro, Pilsen, and Imperial hangovers, only because getting there is all the fun.

Dean, that looks like a cool place you built. Our friends' place is in Playa Junquillal, just south of Tamarindo.
This is the view that we'll be seeing for 10 days in May...from our friends' patio, last year.

[BeyGon]

We looked all over that area in 89/90 but ended up buying in Tamarindo, I thought it would grow into something like Cabo or Waikiki and it did.
We used to eat at Pablo Picasso's place by Negra, and I played golf a few times out there once even with Pablo. Then he got banned. Is his place still around?
Have a good trip.

[mdj930]

+1 for the Marriott food was great and they had a nice patio to enjoy a drink and a cigar.
Have a great time Mike

[dafischer]

Dean, funny you should mention Pablo Picasso. Or friends are up from Costa Rica right now, and we saw them last night...and they were talking about Pablo Picasso, and his signs advertising "Hamburgers as big as your head" at his restaurant.
They golf with him regularly, and evidently he's re-opening his restaurant. Small world!

[BeyGon]

I could be your caddy.

[Joeaksa]

Always liked the Marriott there. As well there are lots of bars in town that have great lobster and rum... and some qute ladies as well.

[BeyGon]

Could you be thinking of
The Key Largo
The Del Rey Hotel/Blue Marlin Bar
Tinys
Nashville East
Nashville West
and a couple inbetween.