This blog focuses on the Marriott Hacienda Belén. If you want to catch up on our back story, you can go to:
Pink Bear’s Retirement Adventures
You can also read about all our other Costa Rica Adventures on our Costa Rica Page:
Costa Rica Retirement Adventures
After a long travel day, Pink Bear believes the best strategy is to slow down, settle in, and ease into vacation mode. That is exactly why we chose Marriott Hacienda Belén for our first night in Costa Rica. It was a great choice that we will discuss in detail later in this blog. But first, Pink Bear would like to tell you a bit about our arrival at SJO and our rental car experience.
Arrival:
As previously mentioned, we traveled from EWR to SJO on United, our airline of choice since we live in NJ. We used money and points to secure first-class seats since the flight from EWR to SJO is a little over 5 hours. Pink Bear uses her own strategy for getting the best airline price. She tracks the fares herself; after all, we are retired, and travel is what we do. We like to plan so we do things in advance, because we think planning is just part of the fun. We have managed to get first and business seats sometimes for less than coach! When there are no lay-flat seats, we try for the bulkhead. Pink Bear likes her freedom to roam, and we like the ability to stretch out our legs. For this trip, we snagged the bulkhead.
After our little delay at EWR, we were in the air and arrived at SJO very close to on time. We followed the signs for immigration, and when we got there, holy cow, it was crazy. Apparently, we arrived on the Friday of a holiday weekend!
The line for non-citizens and those without disabilities was incredibly long. Pink Bear was none too happy, but the line moved very fast, and things were surprisingly peaceful and well-organized. It took about 20-30 minutes to get through. Since it took so long to get through immigration, we did not have to wait for our bags; they were next to the carousel waiting for us!
Line at Immigration
After we picked up our luggage, we followed the signs for rental cars. We rented a full-size SUV through Expedia. The car company was National. Sometimes, we rent directly, and other times we go through Expedia. Our experience is that it does not make too much of a difference. As previously mentioned, we stick with major companies like National and Alamo. There was a National counter inside the airport. After we checked in at the airport counter, we went outside to the shuttle bus to pick up the car. On our way to the shuttle bus, Laura misplaced her phone, OMG! After a false alarm and with a little help from Pink Bear, the wayward phone was located, and we were off to get the car. The rental car pickup was only a few minutes from the main airport. The Toyota Fortuna was the best choice for size and price, but it was a rather tight squeeze for luggage. But the boys managed to get it all in “Tetras style”! We were able to fit 5 medium/large suitcases and our backpacks in this vehicle, so it was a good choice.
“Tetras” Trunk!
Marriott Hacienda Belen:
The Marriott was very close to the rental car pick up, less than a mile, almost around the corner. So, in a few minutes, we were driving into the hotel entrance.
Entrance to Marriott
The Marriott check-in lobby is lovely, and they offer iced fruit-infused water. The desk agents were so nice, and although our room was not ready since it was 2:00 PM, they gave us key cards for the club and said our rooms would be ready very soon. The club is a nice space overlooking the pool complex. Lunch had finished, but there were still some finger sandwiches, snacks, and coffee. I am not a fan of coffee machines, but this one is pretty good. Our rooms were ready as promised by 3:00 PM.
Check In Club Lounge
Rooms:
We had one room with a full balcony on the 4th floor and 2 with only a French balcony overlooking the pool on the 5th floor. The full balcony room was more expensive, and Pink Bear did not think it was worth the extra price. The full balcony room had large trees blocking the view. Other than a full balcony and slightly larger size, the rooms all had the same layout. As you can see from the picture of Pink Bear on the balcony, the view is obstructed by the trees. The French balcony rooms had a nicer view. For the French balcony, you can open the sliding doors and feel the outdoors.
Pink Bear was so excited that the kind staff delivered Laura a beautiful piece of birthday cake. What a nice surprise. The staff at this hotel is first-rate!
Dinner was in the club. As noted in my overview, being a Bonvoy member has some great perks. At Platinum Elite status, even if you book a standard room, you get club lounge access. Most clubs offer great food options, and this was no different. We did find it different, though, that no evening cocktails are offered here. For us, this did not matter. After dinner, we took an evening stroll around the extensive pool area.
The next day, after breakfast in the club, the girls, including Pink Bear took a stroll around the magnificent grounds of the Marriott. The hotel has extensive manicured grounds, complete with a lovely herb garden. The herbs grown here are often used in the on-site restaurants. There is also a spa complex, a hot tub, a warm plunge pool, and a cold plunge pool on the premises. We ate at the club during our stay, but there is a lovely coffee shop and full-service restaurants. This is a top-notch hotel, close to the airport, with a great staff, clean and beautifully maintained. I would highly recommend it.
Marriott Pool area
Pink Bear really enjoyed this area
Around the Marriott grounds. We met a very nice young lady who told us about the Rainbow Eucalyptus tree. There are also striking birds and wildlife.
Pink Bear is hanging out with the boys on the patio
Final Thoughts:
After a smooth arrival, excellent service, and a relaxing first night in Costa Rica, Marriott Hacienda Belén turned out to be the perfect start to our adventure.
Quick Tips for Arrival at SJO
- Immigration took us about 20–30 minutes on a holiday weekend
- Rental car shuttles are easy to find outside the terminal
- A full-size SUV comfortably fits 5 suitcases and backpacks
- Marriott Hacienda Belén is less than 10 minutes from the airport
- It is a beautiful, well-maintained, spacious property
- It has a club lounge, serving breakfast and dinner, and it is accessible by key card 24 hours a day, with snacks and coffee available throughout the day
- There is a multi-level pool complex
- The staff are pleasant and accommodating