Hotel Chalet Tirol

In a country known for its rainforest lodges and beachfront resorts, Hotel Chalet Tirol is in a category all its own. The Alpine-style property consists of a series of quaint, wooden buildings and multi-colored pastel chalets, amid the hills and mountains of rural Heredia. Given its location in the center of Costa Rica, it’s all a bit surreal. Interiors are expectedly cozy, with plenty of stone and natural wood combining to create the mountain-lodge aesthetic that manages to come off as quaint rather than tacky. The outdoor spaces are also lovely, and include flower gardens, forests, and winding paths. The property lacks most traditional amenities -- there is no pool or spa -- and aside from one restaurant and its occasional live piano music nights, there is no real social vibe. The hotel mostly draws couples who come here for the proximity to outdoor activities and the hotel's secluded atmosphere.

The hotel is set in a quiet, rural, residential area amid lush green, centuries-old woodlands. As there are few traditional amenities on-site, the hotel’s proximity to hiking trails, national parks, and rainforest canopy tours are perhaps its biggest draw. Volcan Barva and the mountains of Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo overlook the property from the north and east. There are no services or attractions within walking distance. The nearest city, Heredia, is 30 minutes away and offers a few dozen bars, restaurants, and shops.

Due to the hotel’s location at least 60 minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport, a rental car is likely the best option for getting here. Several name-brand rental agencies are available at the terminal. The country’s taxi service is also readily available and relatively affordable. However, it can become quite expensive when traveling an hour or more. Private shuttle bus or van service can also be arranged at the airport with negotiable rates, assuming guests are willing to haggle.

Inside each room, the decor is as charming and unique as the hotel's exterior. Chalets feature a cozy, lodge-like interior adorned with wood paneling, polished hardwood floors, and tasteful European accents. Suites are designed more like traditional hotel rooms, with off-white tile flooring, modern fixtures, and more contemporary artwork on the walls. All rooms have homey details, like hardwood furniture, including impressive hand-carved pieces, like in the Master Honeymoon Suite that we visited.

The property’s popular Chalets are arranged in small, Alpine-style buildings all surrounding a lush courtyard garden. The exterior of each two-story building is painted with a distinct pastel color and features a steeply pitched, asymmetrical red roof. All offer flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and electric fireplaces. Standard Chalets feature spacious floor plans and minimal furniture beyond the bed (either one king or two doubles), two nightstands, and a small dining table. A shower/tub combination is standard in the bathrooms. Superior Chalets are more spacious and include a larger bathroom with a two-person whirlpool tub.

On the opposite side of the property, several interconnected buildings house the hotel’s Suites. Entry-level Standard Suites are the smallest on the property with one-room floor plans typical of a mid-range chain hotel. Superior Suites offer similar appointments but with a mini-fridge and almost twice the square footage. Family Suites provides bi-level accommodations with a master bedroom setup downstairs and a spiral staircase that leads to two twin beds upstairs. The flagship Master Honeymoon Suite is the hotel’s largest with a spacious open-concept floor plan that includes a large whirlpool tub. Like the Chalets, all Suites offer free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs with cable. All but the Family Suites also feature wood-burning fireplaces.

Despite its setting in the countryside and large, green grounds, there aren't a ton of features here -- meaning there's no pool, spa, or fitness area. The hotel’s sole restaurant, Los Tiroleses, is set in a large, two-story, barn-style building. The decor is rustic, but refined, with cathedral ceilings, a rich mahogany bar, and fine-dining place settings and table linens -- it all feels very Old World. A free hot breakfast is provided daily with a rotating selection that typically includes Western favorites (omelets, french toast, and coffee/tea service), along with more traditional Costa Rican fare. Lunch and dinner are also available daily, and room service is free. The gourmet menu features primarily French-inspired dishes like chicken cordon bleu, filet mignon, and housemade pastries and desserts. The small bar area hosts a live pianist on select nights each week. The hotel has a small, fenced-in children's play area for families with kids. Ample self-parking is also provided in a secure lot, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. The hotel can also help arrange tours of the area and provide guidance on hiking trails.