As a global traveler, I often discover places that remind me of someplace else. Kind of like the travel version of déjà vu.
After spending a few weeks exploring the unique atmosphere of the jungle along Costa Rica and Panama's Caribbean coast, I was surprised by what I discovered when we arrived in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
This suburb of San Jose is actually home to Costa Rica's main international airport, SJO. The airport is not in San Jose proper.
Alajuela reminded me of the suburbs of Nairobi, Kenya. With small shops and restaurants sprinkled along the main roads, flanked by garden centers and nature reserves, this area is calm, very green and much less chaotic than the urban city center.
Here in Alajuela we had the pleasure of spending one night at the beautiful La Rosa de America.
This boutique hotel is the perfect home base if you have an early morning flight out of the SJO airport, the Juan Santamaria International Airport. Located an easy 15 minute drive away from SJO, La Rosa de America is the best hotel near San Jose airport Costa Rica and a great option if you're traveling as a family. Here's why.
La Rosa de America's Lush Outdoor Space
My family loved La Rosa de America. After a beautiful, scenic drive from Manuel Antonio and Costa Rica's Pacific coast, up an over 11,000 foot mountain peaks, the kids were ready to run around and stretch their legs.
The garden at La Rosa de America is stunning and it looked to me as though everything was in bloom.
Bright pink bushes and lush green foliage was broken up with well-manicured grass and walking paths. Even the buildings here are decorated with greenery. The walls throughout the property were also adorned with beautiful frescos.
The kids were off running through the gardens while we checked in. And then they discovered the pool.
La Rosa de America's Family Rooms
After burning off some energy outside, it was time to get cleaned up. Rooms at La Rosa de America are small bungalows, including 2 separate rooms per bungalow. Our family room featured a Queen sized bed for us, and bunk beds for the kids (much to their delight!)
Additionally, the bathroom features a bath tub, somewhat of a rarity in Central America.
For dinner, we walked to a local restaurant just down the street. Here we enjoyed typical Costa Rican dishes in a relaxed setting. But don't hesitate to stay on site for dinner. The hotel's on site restaurant, featuring charming staff, a well trained chef and some excellent kid-friendly dishes, also receives rave reviews.
If you're traveling as a family to Central America, be sure to book La Rosa de America, the best hotel near San Jose Airport Costa Rica, if you arrive into SJO late at night or if you have an early morning flight out!
