We had booked a different hotel on hotel.info, we called to confirm and the website had never contacted the hotel, they were booked for the night. The owner of the hotel (close location to Belen Suites) felt bad that we had no reservation so he called Belen Suites and got us a room. We couldn't have been happier! In the long run Belen Suites was cheaper, closer to the airport and had the most outstanding service. We will stay here every time we are near the San Jose airport.

Basically my only problem with this hotel is that there is no space to "lounge." We were here with a group of 10 and we had no option but to stay in our rooms. We stayed here 2 months before trying our luck with the hotel down the street(La Riviera), which I would say is better mainly due to more space outside the room to relax. (Pool, restaurant) the people are very friendly and will not bother you.

On a recent trip to Costa Rica, I had the pleasure of staying for two nights near the San Jose' international Airport in a cozy little bed and breakfast " Belen Suites", while waiting for my flight, back home.

Very reasonably priced, contrary to other small hotels (Holiday Inn Express at $150 per night for example), Belen Suites is a five minutes drive from the airport, if you take the scenic route. Three minutes drive, if you have to make a flight in a hurry. It is a brand new hotel.

The Belen Suites is a hidden gem, because it does not appear on major travel sites for some reason. The owner/ proprietor/ chief cook and bottle washer is a sweet woman, Ely. Ely hails from Queens, New York, where she worked most of her life as a RN. Ely is about as resoucre ful as one can get in Costa Rica, because she is a native.

During my stay, I needed a dentist's appointment within two hours. Ely arranged it. Needed some laundry done. Ely, of course! I wanted to buy fresh fish of my choice for my dinner, cooked to my liking. Ely arranged it. Her sister, Yourlanda is an excellent cook, who cooked the fish about as perfect as it can get. On the morning of my departure, I needed a taxi at 4 a.m. I also hesitantly expressed a desire that it will be great to get some coffee at that time. Sure enough, when I woke up a pot of hot coffee (no charge) was waiting for me and the taxi showed up on time. Four USD for the ride to the airport. That is about what a five star hotel can do for you.

It gets better- Upon check in, I was shown my room and I was astonished at the size of the room. It had one queen size bed, with room for two more of the same and then some. The room was so clean that it seemed that I was the first occupant, which of course was not true. Late in the evening of the day of my check in, I met Ely. Real nice, soft spoken and a smiling face. 32 of life in New York had not done one bit of damage to her. I asked her the question, which was really bothering me. Ely, why are rooms soooo huge? I got my answer. Ely wants to put in a living area and a kitchenette in every room, hence the size. She is working on the project.

I wish Ely well in her endeavors.

In the mean time, the place is heaven for the budget minded tourists. Rent a room at Belen Suites; it should be enough for 4-5 people. Ask for extra mattresses. I think Ely charges $10.00 each (not sure). $100 for 4 people. Full breakfast is included in the room rent. You can't beat that deal anywhere in Costa Rica. Not even in the country side. Ahh, I missed one thing- there is no menu. Tell Ely what you want to eat, how you want it cooked and what time would you like to be served. Having done that, relax. You will not be disappointed.

On a recent trip to Costa Rica, I had the pleasure of staying for two nights near the San Jose' international Airport in a cozy little bed and breakfast " Belen Suites", while waiting for my flight, back home.

Very reasonably priced, contrary to other small hotels (Holiday Inn Express at $150 per night for example), Belen Suites is a five minutes drive from the airport, if you take the scenic route. Three minutes drive, if you have to make a flight in a hurry. It is a brand new hotel.

The Belen Suites is a hidden gem, because it does not appear on major travel sites for some reason. The owner/ proprietor/ chief cook and bottle washer is a sweet woman, Ely. Ely hails from Queens, New York, where she worked most of her life as a RN. Ely is about as resoucre ful as one can get in Costa Rica, because she is a native.

During my stay, I needed a dentist's appointment within two hours. Ely arranged it. Needed some laundry done. Ely, of course! I wanted to buy fresh fish of my choice for my dinner, cooked to my liking. Ely arranged it. Her sister, Yourlanda is an excellent cook, who cooked the fish about as perfect as it can get. On the morning of my departure, I needed a taxi at 4 a.m. I also hesitantly expressed a desire that it will be great to get some coffee at that time. Sure enough, when I woke up a pot of hot coffee (no charge) was waiting for me and the taxi showed up on time. Four USD for the ride to the airport. That is about what a five star hotel can do for you.

It gets better- Upon check in, I was shown my room and I was astonished at the size of the room. It had one queen size bed, with room for two more of the same and then some. The room was so clean that it seemed that I was the first occupant, which of course was not true. Late in the evening of the day of my check in, I met Ely. Real nice, soft spoken and a smiling face. 32 of life in New York had not done one bit of damage to her. I asked her the question, which was really bothering me. Ely, why are rooms soooo huge? I got my answer. Ely wants to put in a living area and a kitchenette in every room, hence the size. She is working on the project.

I wish Ely well in her endeavors.

In the mean time, the place is heaven for the budget minded tourists. Rent a room at Belen Suites; it should be enough for 4-5 people. Ask for extra mattresses. I think Ely charges $10.00 each (not sure). $100 for 4 people. Full breakfast is included in the room rent. You can't beat that deal anywhere in Costa Rica. Not even in the country side. Ahh, I missed one thing- there is no menu. Tell Ely what you want to eat, how you want it cooked and what time would you like to be served. Having done that, relax. You will not be disappointed.

Mike.