Apartotel and Suites Villas del Rio

I was thrilled. This place was so much better than any upgraded suite at any hotel in the states. It had a real kitchen w/ large stainless steel fridge / freezer, oven, microwave, stove, dishes, utensils, pots, a measuring cup, tea kettle, coffee machine, etc. Not that you'd be cooking there, but it was a truly livable space. It felt like I was subletting someone's apartment in a really nice condo. There was a semi separate living room w/ futon couch, 2 bathrooms, then the Queen sized bedroom w/ a door for added privacy just in case there was a 3rd guest. My wife and I loved it. The layout and decorations are on point, efficient use of space, loved the wood trim. The pics don't do it justice. The surrounding neighborhood of Escazu is really exclusive with high end condo complexes, all in large walled enclosures w/ 24 hour guards at the gates. The hotel has the same setup, hence security is assured, but I did not see any vagrancy or suspicious activity on my evening walks. There a a few plaza's in short walking distance, but you'd probably need to get a cab to go to the nearby Multiplaza Shopping mall or the Central Downtown area, each ride should run you a little less than 6000 colones. The free Hotel's breakfast was not typical so you will not get Gallo Pinto there, but it's still great, most notably for the Paris-Grade Croissants that they serve, papaya and pineapple, assorted cheeses, and great smooth Costa Rican coffee. The staff was very friendly and helpful, I tip my hat to receptionists Eunice and Yantzee, the rec'd taxi drivers were great too. The in-room WiFi worked after the tech helped me with it. The pool, jacuzzi and gym looked great but I never used them. We used the hotel mostly as a central hub from which we went on various tours. The only reason I gave the 4 as opposed to a 5 is because it would have been ideally situated if in short walking distance from the MultiPlaza. Overall, this hotel was great and if in Costa Rica again, this will be my 1st choice.

Our staying at this hotel was fantastic,customer service excellent,breakfast very rich. The only one suggestion we've is if they can change the bed (at least in room 112).

Initially we were given a very noisy room. When we complained they not only moved us, they upgraded our accommodations. From beginning to end of our 7 night stay the staff was friendly, helpful, & kept everything clean. The front desk gave us information ranging from rental cars, bus routes & day trips; to good salsa dancing spots. Our 2 bedroom 2 bath suite was spacious with real wood doors, floors, & trim. The kitchen was amply supplied. While there were plenty of windows our unit only had a view of a small garden area. The buffet breakfast included fresh fruits & juices, yogurt, breads & jams, cereals, & croissants. The barrista made fresh expresso, cappuccino, & cafe Americano to order. The only thing I missed was oatmeal. The gym had treadmills, bikes, step machine, free weights, machine weights, a stretching area, & a wall mirror to see your beautiful body...:) We only used the larger of the 2 pools. It was heated & long enough for a good lap swim. The jacuzzi was well heated. During the day the wind did blow a few leaves into both, so don't be surprised to find them. I would return here in a N.Y. minute!

The hotel was beautiful. But, it was much further from the airport than indicated on the [...]site. It took 45 minutes to get there from the airport.