Altura Hotel

The rolling hills that surround Altura Hotel are the perfect backdrop for a relaxed, ranch-style hotel. It’s quiet (except for the occasional sounds of cows and chickens), peaceful, and representative of much of rural Costa Rica. A large outdoor garden with a fire pit provides ample room for guests to wile away their afternoons outside, and an open-air lounge offers a protected relaxation space when the inevitable afternoon rain kicks in. With only seven rooms and few other common areas, the atmosphere hardly ever rises above a whisper. But the couples that travel here come to enjoy the peace and quiet. It’s clear the focus is more on what guests won’t find here rather than what they will.

The landscape surrounding the hotel is dotted with beautiful farms and small, eco-friendly hotels. There is nothing within walking distance. However, given its remote location, that’s exactly what most guests are looking for. The hotel's biggest selling point is its proximity to the outdoor adventure opportunities at Poas Volcano (Costa Rica’s most popular and most visited national park), just a five-minute drive away. Shuttle buses are easy to arrange to and from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) which is less than an hour away. Rates can prove expensive over such long distances, although guests who don’t require a car will find it to be the best option. Several brand name rental car counters are also available at the airport. 

Each of the seven rooms features individual decor with an eclectic mix of ‘90s-era leather couches, local Costa Rican wood accents, and contemporary glass and chrome furniture. While there’s a vague sense of place, it all feels disconnected from the otherwise rustic, farm-inspired property. Large windows in every room guarantee excellent views of the countryside.

Entry-level Standard Rooms offer spacious studio-style layouts with separate sleeping and sitting areas. Family-friendly Superior Rooms are virtually identical in layout to the Standard Rooms, but add a second bed and tiny loft only large enough to fit a single mattress. The flagship Tower Suite is a large, standalone room with a unique construction made of glass, metal, and a recycled shipping container. An exterior spiral staircase connects the three floors, and the top floor is a private rooftop deck with sweeping, 360-degree views of the volcano and nearby farms. Every room includes a mini-fridge and wet bar plus free Wi-Fi. Rooms are intentionally disconnected -- most lack televisions or phones. The mountainside location means that rooms can get quite cold at night. However, electric fireplaces provide a modest amount of heat.

Bathrooms are surprisingly modern with an upscale fit and finish that includes travertine tile, live edge wood vanities, and vessel sinks. Walk-in shower stalls and generic bath amenities are standard. The Chalet room upgrades to a private hot tub.

As a small property, there are few common areas and amenities. A simple breakfast is served daily in a tiny dining area overlooking the grounds. Breakfast is included in all room rates. A rustic open-air lounge built into the hillside features a foosball table, a hammock, and lovely views to the neighboring farm and San Jose. The outdoor garden lounge with a fire pit is where most guests congregate to relax and watch the world and farm life go by. Free, off-street parking is provided in a large lot. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. We found the latter to be relatively fast and reliable during our stay.