Swimming pool at Garden Court Express, San Jose
Garden Court Express Hotel main entrance |
Relaxing at the Swimming Pool at Best Western |
Once I get tired of sleeping in the tree branches around the nation's capital of San Jose, I hop my way toward the comforts of Garden Court Express Hotel. Convenience is this modern hotel's forte! Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Garden Court Express lies within walking distance to several hot spots including theaters, local museums, restaurants and National Parks. To sweeten the deal, San Jose Tobias Bolaños International Airport in Pavas sits 6.5 kilometers away.
At check in, you'll be greeted with a complimentary cocktail to start off your stay in style. I'm not much of a drinker, so I gave mine to friend named Paco who opened the door for me when I leapt in the hotel.
Amenities
Guest rooms: There are 69 well-appointed guest rooms to choose from, including non-smoking rooms. I always pick the ones with a view. I'm not very tech-savvy, but my friends tell me that this hotel offers cable and satellite television as well as free wireless high-speed internet. That means after exploring the streets of San Jose, you can connect with your friends back home and tell them all about it!
7 Days / 6 Nights
Starting at $779 per person
Perfect for business trips: Many business people enjoy staying at Hotel Garden Court Express because of its convenient location in downtown San Jose, which is a hub for industry and retail. More specifically, the hotel sits in the cultural and financial area of the city. To make your business trip easier, there is a desk and work area in each room. They even have dry cleaning if you need to touch up your suit.
Free parking: Although I usually sit on the dashboard when I travel in cars, I know parking in the big city can be difficult. Fortunately, this hotel is equipped with free outdoor parking for each of its guests.
Swimming pool: One of this hotel's biggest perks is the outdoor heated swimming pool. Tucked between garden plants and lawn chairs, this pool is refuge during hot Costa Rica summers and mild winters. When I get too hot, I take a dip before heading out to all downtown San Jose has to offer.
Best Things to See and Do
Like I said, San Jose is a cultural hotspot in Costa Rica - and Hotel Garden Court Express is close to all of the action. Take advantage of the shopping in downtown San Jose at spots like the Children's Museum, Central Park and and the Central Market.
Children's MuseumIf you're bringing the "niños", this is an ideal place for a day trip! Built in 1906, this museum is the first of its kind in Central America. Kids and adults - and frogs - enjoy 37 rooms filled with technological gadgets, pieces from Egyptian history and fun science facts. You won't want to miss a peek into the National Auditorium, located in the same building.
Central Park: People watching is at its prime in Central Park. After a long day of roaming through the nooks and crannies of the city, I enjoy relaxing with friends at this popular meeting spot. Grab some ice cream nearby and come hang out.
Central Market:Despite the fact that there are no flies or fleas for me to eat at this flea market, the collection of stalls and restaurants is a sight to behold! Visitors can buy a wide variety of food items, meat, produce, flowers and artisan crafts. The people are amiable and will point you in the direction of good prices. For those looking to get a taste of Tico life, the Central Market is it!
Have you ever stayed at Hotel Garden Court Express? What did you like most about it?
Guest Room at Garden Court Express San Jose
Front desk at Garden Court Express, San Jose
Restaurant bar at Garden Court Express, San Jose