My friend and I stayed at the Trapp Family Country Inn prior to a very early morning departure. We picked the hotel based on the proximity to the airport and found it through the internet. Finding the hotel is probably the biggest challenge.
Once you've actually managed to FIND Trapp Family Country Inn, you're in for a treat. Directions from the hotel website were not clear enough for non-spanish speaking tourists (and strangers to the area) to find the property which is located about 1km from the airport along small non-marked streets in what looks like a "dicey" area of town. Luckily the cab driver and National Rental Car van driver knew where to go. Once you've found the entrance (marked by a small blue sign) and made it down the driveway through the large locked gate you will find a small family run hotel, PERFECT for a late arrival overnight in San Jose or an overnight prior to an early morning airport departure.
The hotel has 8 guest rooms. The property is a former rehab clinic renovated by the owners Andres and Karin. The rooms are large but modest, simple and clean. Bathrooms are large with standard amenities. Rooms have large windows and ceiling fans (no air-con) but with the windows open at night one can sleep comfortably. Surprisingly mosquitoes were not a problem... The hotel has a small swimming pool and a large garden for children to play or to walk around.
In terms of meals - breakfast was included in our rate, but because of our early departure, we didn't take advantage. The neighborhood around the hotel is a bit "sketchy" so Karin offers Guests arriving in the evening a meal option (order in advance when you book) for $15.00 which includes an appetizer, main course and dessert. Wine ($5.00/glass) and other beverages are extra. We had a simple meal of a salad, pasta and ice cream for dessert which was just what we needed after our trip down from the Arenal.
Despite it's proximity to the airport (yes there is airplane noise, but this shouldn't come as a surprise), there is a surprising "out in the country feel" to this small property that is perfect for spending a night or two.
And YES, there IS a relation to the Trapp Family of West Dover VT. fame (oh yeah... Sound of Music and all that).
Overall - recommend
