The InterContinental Costa Rica sits in Escazú, the prosperous hillside suburb west of San José, directly opposite the Multiplaza shopping centre. It is the capital region’s big, full-service hotel, with 372 rooms in two buildings, three outdoor pools and a children’s pool, a full-service spa with eleven treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and hot tub, and a health club. There is a choice of restaurants and bars on site, including a sushi lounge and a market-style restaurant, as well as a garden terrace, a hair salon and a business centre with meeting rooms for conferences. The setting is practical rather than historic: shops and restaurants are a two-minute walk, and the airport is roughly eighteen minutes by car. It suits travellers who want a comfortable, reliable base for the start or end of a trip, families who value pools and services, and business visitors. After days in the rain and mud of Arenal, a spa session and a pool afternoon here are a pleasant way to recover before a flight home.
Location and getting around
The hotel is in San Rafael de Escazú, in front of the Multiplaza mall. The centre of San José, with the National Theatre and the Gold Museum, is about a twenty-minute drive away in normal traffic, and taxis are plentiful. Covered self-parking and valet parking are available for a daily fee. Check the airport shuttle arrangements when you book.
The rooms
The hotel has several room and suite categories, Rooms are air-conditioned and have television, safes and free Wi-Fi. Up to two children under twelve can stay free using existing beds with a parent, and cribs are provided on request.
Who it suits
Families, couples and business travellers who want a full-service hotel with a spa and restaurants, and who are comfortable being in a suburb rather than the historic centre. The shopping centre across the road is convenient for a last-day errand. It is less suited to travellers who want a boutique, historic atmosphere.
Good to know
Breakfast is available as a buffet for a fee, so check whether it is in your rate. The pools are open during the day, the spa needs a reservation, and minimum age rules apply for the spa and health club. Check-in begins in the afternoon and check-out is at noon, with early and late options for a fee. Pets are not allowed, except service animals. Families should ask about connecting rooms and cots, and late arrivals should confirm front-desk arrangements in advance.
Why stay here
- ✓Three outdoor pools
- ✓Children’s pool
- ✓Full-service spa
- ✓Sauna and steam room
- ✓Health club
- ✓On-site restaurants
- ✓Business centre
- ✓Covered parking
Good questions
Where is the InterContinental Costa Rica?+
It is in Escazú, directly in front of the Multiplaza shopping centre, west of central San José.
How far is it from the airport?+
About eighteen minutes by car in normal traffic.
Is breakfast included?+
A buffet breakfast is available for a fee on many rates, so check your booking.
