We stayed at the Martino hotel for a week and were very impressed and very happy there. The hotel has a classical feel to it - for example, we could have a breakfast or lunch on the restaurant's lovely balcony, overlooking the hotel's Greek or Roman-inspired swimming pool and well-kept grounds. The food was excellent (and reasonably priced!) and I would highly recommend the tilapia - like nothing I'd ever tasted before.

Let's get one thing clear - this may not be a "5 Star" resort in the sense that some of us Americans have become overly accustomed to. If you desperately need a mint placed on your pillow and some kind of luxury honey almond bar soap in your bathroom, then there might be other (and much much more expensive) hotels for you.

But frankly, I don't think you could find such a stylishly designed, clean, well-maintained and thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing a hotel for anything near this price in the U.S. Its staff were very useful for helping us book trips to Arenal (a must see!) and advising us on getting to Manuel Antonio (a one-of-a-kind unspoiled beach and nature park).

Overall, a great hotel as part of a wonderful vacation in Costa Rica. We will be back!

I am thoroughly surprised by the negative reviews posted about Martino’s. I was sure I would see more about the incredible value, and the unique architecture and small- unexpected details one finds throughout the hotel complex. If you want to spend $499 a night and get the full throttle Four Seasons treatment, this place may not be for you. But at a little over 100 a night for the rooms this place is a steal and a far cry from camping as one user posted! It also has great facilities for small to medium sized groups of 15-30. I return every year as it is only 10 minutes from the airport and offers tours to most of the major attractions in the country. I also much prefer the family run atmosphere to the corporate Marriott feel any day of the week. If you are looking for the perfect combination of elegance, comfort and price…..book this hotel!

We stayed at this hotel in Alajuela on our way leaving & coming back to San Jose. It felt like a relatively safe location in the San Jose area, but it is NOT a luxury resort by any american standards.

Positives: The location was fairly easy to find & do-able distance to the airport (if, of course, you have a rental car). Although they don't have a real gated community, I did not feel in danger, despite the neighboring buildings with barbed wire. They do always have dogs out front & there looked to be staff always nearby. The staff was very friendly and helpful, but we quickly learned that customer service is superb in Costa Rica. The restaurant has good service, descent food, & a lovely atmosphere. The grounds are well maintained with beautiful flowers everywhere. There is plenty of parking & it is close to the rooms. The price is a great relief from american prices. The breakfast is plentiful & complimentary.

Negatives: The rooms appear descent, but the bathrooms will turn you off. There is grime along every crevice in the shower & even the entire bathroom. The rooms overall just need some serious cleaning & updating. We repeatedly said in shock how this would never be called a resort in the US. However, there is nice woodwork in the room & they are good sized. There were ants in our room, but insects like to find their way in all hotel rooms in Costa Rica.

Summary: If price, location, dining onsite & grounds are at the top of your list, this is a good choice. If luxury & cleanliness are your priority, along with extreme safety, this will not be your best bet. However, it is difficult to find a good spot around San Jose!

City tips: We had time to kill in the area & were going to go to downtown Alajuela to the city park & catedral. I advice to stay out of there unless you are city smart & not blonde. The city park is one block with nothing exciting to view. We used the ATM downtown & had old women checking out the rims on our rental car. We resorted to go to the City Zoo, across the street from the hotel. I believe this cost over 20 dollars for non-locals & wasn't worth the money: you see animals that you can see in US zoos & in the wild outside of San Jose. Save the money & lay by the pool (but remember that sunblock!).

We've stayed here on two different trips, once in 2002 and again in 12/06. It is a destination resort and is great for the beginning and end of your trip if you're flying in and out of San Jose. The resort has all the luxuries you could ask for and the staff is extremely helpful. One of the best values in Costa Rica!