A volcanic landscape with a prominent geyser, rugged terrain, and distant mountains.

San José Hotel Guide. Hotels in El Carmen, San José, Costa Rica

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Check prices for these dates

This weekend
9 Oct - 11 Oct
Next weekend
16 Oct - 18 Oct

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Our top choices for El Carmen hotels

A hallway with a tiled floor, dark walls, and artwork on the sides.

1. Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel

Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel
2.0 star property
El Carmen
7.8 out of 10, Good, (245 reviews)
"Good stay, friendly staff, airport shuttle"
United States
Daniel
The price is €37
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel
A man standing in a heart-shaped structure with a railing, overlooking a sunset with a beach and ocean in the background.

2. Hotel el Tucan Alajuela

Hotel el Tucan Alajuela
2.5 star property
El Carmen
7.8 out of 10, Good, (63 reviews)
"1"
United States
Theodore
The price is €49
includes taxes & fees
26 Oct - 27 Oct
Hotel el Tucan Alajuela
A hotel room with a bed, a TV, and large windows with curtains.

3. Hotel Alajuela

Hotel Alajuela
3.0 star property
El Carmen
5.8 out of 10, (71 reviews)
"The Cook Made one of the Best and Delicious Breakfast from my Trip. "
United States
jorge
The price is €32
includes taxes & fees
31 Oct - 1 Nov
Hotel Alajuela
A spacious living area with a sofa, chairs, and a coffee table.

4. Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
3.5 star property
1.4 km from El Carmen
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,228 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay"
Canada
Jessica
The price is €102
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
An outdoor garden area with a pergola, various plants, and a stone pathway.

5. Alajuela City Hotel & Guest House

Alajuela City Hotel & Guest House
2.5 star property
Corazón de Jesús, 0.5 km from El Carmen
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (613 reviews)
"Great place to stay near airport"
Mexico
Jason
The price is €29
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Alajuela City Hotel & Guest House
A pool area with lounge chairs and umbrellas, a bar, and a 'City Mall' sign.

6. Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall
3.5 star property
Los Molinos, 1.1 km from El Carmen
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2,129 reviews)
"Great stay close to the airport"
United States
Nicole
The price is €116
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall
A modern building with a covered entrance, large windows, and a sign reading "COURTYARD."

7. Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
3.5 star property
1.4 km from El Carmen
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,000 reviews)
"Great hotel, we have stayed there many times."
United States
Richard
The price is €119
includes taxes & fees
24 Oct - 25 Oct
Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
A narrow, tiled corridor with hanging plants and a wicker chair.

8. Gardens House, Airport Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, San Jose

Gardens House, Airport Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, San Jose
2.0 star property
Bajo Cornizal, 0.9 km from El Carmen
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (255 reviews)
"This is the second time over stayed here and it's a safe family friendly establishment. The family puts a lot of love into their space and make it easy for guests. It's been a perfect place to stay near the airport for me during my visits."
United States
Brittany
The price is €39
includes taxes & fees
10 Oct - 11 Oct
Gardens House, Airport Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, San Jose
A breakfast buffet with various fruits and cereals.

9. Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG
3.0 star property
2.6 km from El Carmen
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,748 reviews)
"Convenient to the airport and great place to stay. Great breakfast too!"
United States
John Ross
The price is €111
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG
A modern restaurant with high ceilings, wooden tables and chairs, a central bar area, and artwork on the walls.

10. Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport
3.0 star property
2.5 km from El Carmen
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (2,705 reviews)
"Great quick stay, clean and easy In and out with comfortable beds"
United States
Angel
The price is €119
includes taxes & fees
13 Oct - 14 Oct
Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport
A pool area with lounge chairs, potted plants, and a green wall.

11. Hotel La Guaria Inn & Suites

Hotel La Guaria Inn & Suites
2.5 star property
Arroyo, 0.4 km from El Carmen
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (756 reviews)
"Good place to have a vacation. Close to many places to visit."
United States
Alberto
The price is €75
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Hotel La Guaria Inn & Suites
A terracotta pot with a green plant on a wooden table in a room with a dining area and a staircase.

12. Las Carmelas, Airport Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, San José

Las Carmelas, Airport Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, San José
3.0 star property
Bajo Cornizal, 0.9 km from El Carmen
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (72 reviews)
"Randall was very kind and helpful!! We stayed here overnight before our next flight out and it was the perfect stop!!"
Canada
Travis
The price is €24
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Las Carmelas, Airport Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, San José
A dining table with a plate of food, a glass of water, and a cup.

13. Hotel Mango

Hotel Mango
3.0 star property
2.7 km from El Carmen
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,513 reviews)
"Near airport and excellent rates."
United States
Robert
The price is €89
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Hotel Mango
A lizard on a poolside wall.

14. Trapp Family Country Inn

Trapp Family Country Inn
3.0 star property
2.3 km from El Carmen
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (715 reviews)
"Wonderful great place to relax before or after your flight "
United States
Nancy
The price is €86
includes taxes & fees
8 Nov - 9 Nov
Trapp Family Country Inn
A corridor with a wall-mounted light fixture, a potted plant, and a view into a dining area with tables and chairs.

15. Hotel Bamboo Aeropuerto

Hotel Bamboo Aeropuerto
3.0 star property
La Agonía, 0.9 km from El Carmen
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (613 reviews)
"This was a great place to spend the night before heading to the airport. The host was very kind, the breakfast was delicious, and the room and patio were lovely. There was also a secure parking lot with a gate."
United States
Laura
The price is €84
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Hotel Bamboo Aeropuerto
A spacious bedroom with a large bed, a wooden wardrobe, a green armchair, and a window with curtains.

16. Villa San Ignacio

Villa San Ignacio
3.5 star property
4.2 km from El Carmen
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (821 reviews)
"Very nice everyone was friendly and helpful and good food and nice hot showers"
United States
John
The price is €65
includes taxes & fees
23 Oct - 24 Oct
Villa San Ignacio
A pool area with two swimming pools, a covered seating area, and a building with a red roof.

17. El Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel & Steakhouse

El Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel & Steakhouse
3.0 star property
4.4 km from El Carmen
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,000 reviews)
"Very roomy and updated. Beautiful and so nice to have the steakhouse on property. Breakfast was included and delicious"
United States
Raymond
The price is €93
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
El Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel & Steakhouse
A spacious lobby with a high ceiling, wooden staircase, and multiple seating areas.

18. Hotel Aeropuerto

Hotel Aeropuerto
3.0 star property
3.2 km from El Carmen
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,000 reviews)
"Nice Hotel, friendly staff."
Canada
Michael
The price is €86
includes taxes & fees
15 Oct - 16 Oct
Hotel Aeropuerto
A modern, elongated building with a flat roof, surrounded by dense greenery.

19. Hotel Pibi Boreal

Hotel Pibi Boreal
3.0 star property
3.8 km from El Carmen
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (463 reviews)
"Excellent attention, and the room and property were fantastic. Great beds and shower. You get exactly what is seen and described by the advertisement."
United States
Camielle
The price is €112
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Hotel Pibi Boreal
A modern living room with a glass coffee table, a black armchair, and a vase of flowers.

20. Berlor Airport Inn

Berlor Airport Inn
3.5 star property
3.6 km from El Carmen
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (893 reviews)
"Great rooms, great breakfast, close to the airport, and safe parking. We had everything we needed!"
United States
Richard
The price is €65
includes taxes & fees
21 Oct - 22 Oct
Berlor Airport Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Where to stay in El Carmen

Find the best El Carmen areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A panoramic view of a city with a prominent stadium, dense residential areas, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

La California

Check out the restaurants, shopping and museums while spending some time in La California. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighbourhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like National Museum of Costa Rica or National Theater of Costa Rica.

A cityscape with a prominent modern skyscraper, a mix of residential and commercial buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.

Barrio Escalante

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Barrio Escalante and surrounding area, you can visit San Pedro Mall and National Museum of Costa Rica.

A cityscape with a prominent bridge, high-rise buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.

La Sabana

While visiting La Sabana, you might make a stop by sights like Sabana Park and National Stadium of Costa Rica.

A cityscape with high-rise buildings, a river, and a mountain in the background.

Hospital

If you're spending some time in Hospital, Central Park and Melico Salazar Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

A busy urban street with a large historic building with a green roof and columns.

Merced

If you're spending some time in Merced, Mercado Central and Mercado Borbón are top sights worth seeing.

Top El Carmen Hotel Reviews

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana

10/10 Excellent
"Very convenient to everything in a safe area. The friendly staff was helpful with any questions or concerns."
Abigayil 8-night trip
Posted 15 hours ago
Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana

Frequently asked questions

What is El Carmen like?
Travellers to the El Carmen neighbourhood in Alajuela will be sure to enjoy their stay.
What's a favourite hotel to stay in Carmen?
Based on our traveller data, Hotel Pacandé is one of the top choices for your stay in Carmen. This B&B offers free breakfast and free WiFi.
How many hotels can I expect to find in El Carmen?
Expedia has 22 hotels and other accommodation options in El Carmen to choose from, making this an ideal home base for exploring the greater Alajuela area.
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in El Carmen, will I receive a refund?
Yes, you'll find most hotel bookings are fully refundable provided that you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which often is within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If your reservation is non-refundable, you may still be able to cancel and be given a refund within 24 hours of booking. Add your dates and click on "Search", then you can use the "fully refundable" filter to view the best options available in El Carmen.
What is there to do around this Alajuela neighbourhood?
Spend some time exploring the natural setting of El Carmen with a visit to Juan Santamaría Park and Central Park. When you're sightseeing in Alajuela, Central Market Alajuela and Juan Santamaria Historical Museum are also worth a stop.