Costa Rica Hotels: Heredia/Alajuela/Airport Area: Melia Cariari

Location Autopista General Canas, Ciudad Cariari, Centro Colon, Heredia/Alajuela/Airport Area

Phone 888/956-3542 in the U.S. and Canada, 2239-0022
Fax 2239-2803
Room Information 222 units
Prices $300-$355 (£159-£178) double; $375-$550 (£178-£275) suite. Rates include airport and downtown shuttle
Credit Cards AE, DC, MC, V
In Room Amenities A/C, TV, dataport, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe
Parking Free valet parking

With its use of stone walls, an open-air lobby, and lush garden plantings, the Cariari hotel has a warm tropical feel. The rooms, which are done in dark and subdued tones, have either one king-size bed or two double beds, although I find most of the bathrooms a bit small. The suites are more spacious and similarly appointed.
The Royal Service rooms come with extra perks and personalized service.

The hotel offers shuttle service to Spa Centre at the Tryp Corobicí hotel, which has a well-equipped and modern gym with large exercise room, on-staff trainers, and regular classes. The hotel shuttles guests to the nearby Parque Valle del Sol, and it has a sister course at its Paradisus Playa Conchal resort, which is also part of the Sol Melia chain, so this is still a good choice for golfers looking for a package tour. Families can also take advantage of the dependable babysitting, game room, and easy access to the modern mall nearby.

Facilities:2 restaurants; 2 bars; lounge; casino; large pool w/swim-up bar; small exercise room and spa; game room; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; business center; Wi-Fi; salon; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service; nonsmoking rooms.