We decided to stay at the Hotel Berlor based on reviews we had seen here. Unfortunately the Hotel Berlor did not live up to our expectations. First and foremost we were misled about the price of the rooms. I had reserved a single room before we left on our trip and the reservation confirmation I received from the hotel quoted a rate of $58. We were charged $88. This was extremely overpriced considering the low quality of the hotel.

We were also unimpressed with the staff. We arrived there after five hours of travel at 12:30. We were sent away as check in isn’t until 2:00. The front desk clerk was not rude, but was not friendly or accommodating in any way. That evening we ordered dinner which consisted of a few frozen raviolis covered with marinara sauce and a small scoop of ice cream. It cost $32! Our waitress was unfriendly and did not check on us during our meal. We were not even offered drinks.

The room itself wasn’t filthy, but it wasn’t clean either. There was a musty smell, similar to the smell of dirty feet, radiating from the carpet. The walls were not sound proof and we could hear everything that was going on out front. Things did quiet down by 10:00 or so but that may not always be the case. The only positive aspect of our stay was that the driver arrived five minutes early to take us to the airport. We were happy to leave.

Hotel Berlor is a great deal. I stayed there entering and leaving and loved it. It is a mile from the airport. A small local family place. They serve great dinners or you can eat within a few minutes walk. You can hang out in the backyard. Sylvia speaks english well and makes you feel at home. It is clean and safe, and the family will get you to the airport on time. All at a good price!

If you are the kind of traveler who likes to experience "local atmosphere" then you'd like this place. It's more like a bed and breakfast and you feel like you're staying at someone's big home. The beds were big and comfortable for our family of 4 (kids 11 & 14) - we had a king and two doubles, which you can't get at a typical chain hotel for a low rate. The staff were helpful and friendly, the place was clean, good air con, and the breakfast was simple and decent. It's good for an overnight stay (it was our first night in Costa Rica after long day of travel) and it's close to the airport (but since it's close to airport, planes started to pass by early in the morning, and literally the building shook. However, that's what you'd expect if you want to stay close to the airport!). Free WIFI and 10 mins free international call were nice touches. The "backyard" area was nice to sit and have our coffee in the morning, although the small pool was not very inviting. We walked about a block to a local fried chicken place the staff recommended for dinner and the food was cheap and delicious. It's a family run place and the father spoke enough English for us to order. We didn't feel that the area was unsafe...it just looks like a typical local road in a tropical country - not well lit, no real sidewalk, bumpy road.

This boutique hotel is very close to the airport and has a shuttle service. The staff at this hotel was the friendliest, most helpful I have ever experienced on any trip. Amanda and Adolfo called several different places to help us rent a car when I realized that I had reserved one for the wrong date. They also gave us there card and urged us to call them if we needed anything during our travels around Costa Rica. We are staying there the night before our return to the US and we truly look forward to the stay.