Hacienda Belen – Attractive Resort in San Jose, Costa Rica
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen is a true San Jose city resort. The property has outdoor pools and a golf range, as well as beautiful grounds and exceptional service. You should explore Hacienda Belen, an oasis of relaxation amidst the hustle and bustle of San Jose. When you visit Central America, I’m confident you’ll see why it’s one of the best places to stay in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Hacienda Belen is only a 10-minute drive from Juan Santamaria International Airport, but it feels like a world away. The 30-acre property is nestled in the middle of a former coffee plantation in the Central Valley’s north-central mountain region.
Staying near the capital city when you first arrive is a wise strategic move. There is so much to see and do in the San Jose area that you can settle in and begin your vacation right away.
Hacienda Belen has a charming old-world feel to it. With its grand, hacienda-style design, smartly dressed interiors, and lovely garden grounds, it exudes character. The stunning views of the Barva Volcano from the hotel are spectacular—the three hills on top are known as Las Tres Marias. This luxury hotel in San Jose is the place to stay because of its unique architecture and delightful décor filled with elegant antiques.
Initial Thoughts
You can almost imagine yourself in another era as you turn into the hotel’s drive, which is lined with rows of coffee plants. This was one of several coffee plantations in the Central Highlands.
The land on which this hotel stands was once part of the Cacique Yurusti’s domain. Don Sebastian de Zamora began planting coffee during the colonial era, and it has defined the landscape ever since. The exterior is finished with a lovely golden stucco color, a central tower, a red-tiled roof, and marching rows of wood-framed windows. To top it all off, the reception area’s triple-arched openings are flanked by a large central fountain that welcomes guests.
Explore the art
The front of the building is surrounded by a wide-covered colonnade with repeating decorative archways, handsome wood beams, and period light fixtures. The floor’s diagonal terra cotta tiles were polished to a mirror finish, and the ambiance was enhanced by coffee plantation-related implements, tools, antique wooden benches, and aged carts. A hand-turned coffee grinder full of coffee beans added to the theme.
The gleaming wood center table was topped with a hand-painted ox cart centerpiece as you entered the cozy lobby, continuing the hacienda theme. The vaulted ceiling was embellished with fresco-painted designs on white plaster. And while the check-in process was quick and painless, I was in no hurry to get to my room because the hotel was so lovely.
The lobby looks out and down into an open central courtyard, just like a hacienda would. The tiled-fountain focal point, as well as the staircases with wrought iron railings and tile-lined steps, contributed to the ambiance. For the comfort of the guests, umbrella-covered tables were placed throughout, and various public rooms and restaurants opened onto the central courtyard.
Spend the night in a Serene Oasis
The opulent down comforters and premium bedding cradled and enveloped me in cozy bliss. A mini-fridge and an in-room coffee maker with Britt Coffee were a nice touch. The bathroom was also small, but it had fluffy towels, deluxe amenities, a marble-topped vanity, and a tiled shower with a large rain shower head.
Pools and garden
On the property, there are two outdoor pools, one of which is a children’s pool, so mom and dad can relax while the kids splash around. The larger pool is surrounded by inviting lounge chairs and private cabanas, and the whirlpool has a view of the mountains. And, without a doubt, the breathtaking scenery surrounding it entices you to stay awhile, making it difficult to forget you’re in one of the best places to stay in San Jose.
You can enjoy walking along the winding path that wound through the rolling grounds and lush green spaces. The kitchen garden near the driving range was lovely, with herbs and vegetables available for hotel diners. A self-guided tour told the story of coffee in Costa Rica, of this land where the first coffee plantation thrived, and of Hacienda Belen, which was inspired by the history of where it all started.
The spa
Kuö Spa, which was inspired by San Jose’s Cabécar culture. It takes advantage of Costa Rica’s natural bounty to offer visitors a unique and relaxing daytime escape. So, if you’re looking for wellness centers and spas while traveling, Kuö Spa will not disappoint.
The spa centers its relaxation concept on four natural elements: water, earth, sun, and moon, and it has 11 treatment rooms, including couple’s suites with outdoor jacuzzis overlooking the coffee plantation.
Signature restaurant
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Hacienda Kitchen, serves traditional Costa Rican cuisine. In the Hacienda Kitchen, you can eat a hearty breakfast of traditional options with plantains. The restaurant offers an à la carte menu as well as a buffet with traditional breakfast fare and regional specialties.
Other onsite dining options include Bar 10, the hotel’s sports bar, which features a large flat-screen TV and a quick service menu featuring burgers, burritos, and sandwiches. In addition, the hotel’s Coffee House, Casa De Cafe. Casa De Cafe serves Costa Rican cuisine as well as light regional dishes and has a shaded terrace.
When you stay at Hacienda Belen
The colonial character, resort-style amenities, and event capabilities of Hacienda Belen are a welcome change from San Jose’s predominately generic, business-centric hotels. This extraordinary San Jose location provides a magical backdrop for a relaxing or exciting stay.
Take a look at the rooms and prices