Sheraton San Jose Hotel

The hotel's basic six-story structure along the highway is recognizable, if only for the bright red Sheraton logo. It does not look very big -- looks can be deceiving though, as the property is much longer than it is wide, capitalizing on mountain views (rear-facing rooms also have balconies). The front side, however, runs parallel to Route 27, which can be a little stressful navigating for the first time -- especially in traffic. And do not be fooled by the attached casino with it's flagrant leaf-embellished entrance. Guests can just drive on past and pull into a brick-paved covered turnaround entrance where they will face a minimalistic and modern lobby.

This lobby is a bright white space with contemporary furniture and hints of chrome. There may be important meetings taking place at a communal table near the door, while a set of semi-glass stairs leads up to the second floor towards the conference facilities. During the week, Sheraton does attract a mostly business crowd, and the hotel clearly caters to them. Sleek white lounge areas are ideal for pulling out the laptop, and several desktop computers (and a scanner/printer) are available, out in the open. It’s not all white though; color comes in from the Turkish-style flooring and the front desk which has pops of turquoise and green, while futuristic-style plastic chairs adorn the cafe where guests can order espresso (if they can get the attention of a staff member, that is). This cafe turns into a lobby bar, attracting more business types. Like the hotel's guests, staff at the front desk are also dressed-up, more so than those at any other Sheraton that this writer has been to. 

Elevators head up to the rooms, and also the top floor where there is a gym, tiny pool, and another restaurant. The rooftop bar is the place to come for sunset cocktails, and also after-dinner drinks, when the lobby bar shuts down. It's not really about the late-night party scene here though (guests who seek this should head to the casino), hence breakfast in the morning is a motivating scene. Guests can be found taking meetings over coffee and eggs.

The Sheraton San Jose is not in the city center, but rather on the outskirts of Costa Rica’s capital along the edge of Escazú, near corporate offices, an upscale shopping mall (the biggest in Costa Rica), car dealerships, and gated communities. For reference, the Intercontinental Hotel (the hotel's major competition) is next door. The Sheraton runs along a busy highway (Route 27) -- it's not very pretty to look at, but those with a car will like that they can easily get to Sabana Park and the commercial district known as the Golden Mile, with stores and restaurants. San Jose's airport is approximately a 20-minute drive away.

For those interested in experiencing the urban center, downtown is a 10-minute drive or taxi ride away where visitors can find cultural landmarks such as the National Theatre, National Cathedral, Gold Museum, and Plaza de La Cultura, as well as nightlife and live music. Guests who have rental cars will find free self-parking around the corner from the entrance in a secure spaces (with 24-hour security). 

There are 140 rooms located along hallways (some with long walks) with contemporary carpeting and deep purple hues. All rooms have sleek decor with lots of light from floor-to-ceiling windows. Like the hallways they also have contemporary carpeting, lavender accent walls (some with an abstract splash of black on white), comfy Sheraton-brand mattresses, and crisp white duvets with rather sophisticated black piping. Other amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and pale wood furnishings, including a built-in work desk and ergonomic chair in each. Minibars contain beer, wine, soda, Red Bull, liquor, and snacks for a nominal fee. Coffeemakers include free local brew, and there's one bottle of water provided daily. Bathrooms have a sleek black-and-white design with rain shower heads. Rooms in the rear, like stated above, have longer walks to the elevator, but come with basic furnished balconies facing mountain views. Rooms facing the front tend to have more windows and a unique layout where the desk is behind the bed. 

Deluxe Rooms, for their part, come with extras like bathrobes and slippers. Club Rooms have access to the Sheraton Club Lounge, which comes with a separate free breakfast, afternoon hors d’oeuvres, and refreshments. Guests of all room types are able to order from the in-room dining menu, which has a big selection.

There are two main hubs of the hotel, starting with the grand lobby on the first floor. This massive space is open all the way through, and offers a number of lounge areas for meeting with friends and colleagues, as well as areas to pull out the laptop. An open-style business center runs along the window with several desktop computers for guest use. Near the front desk is the The Link@Sheraton Café, which serves pastries, to-go items, coffee, and drinks. The staff member here also runs the bar on the other side, so it may be hard to get the attention of anyone if you just want a simple espresso. The lobby bar and lounge (in the middle of the room) leads to a chic dining area that serves international cuisine for dinner, and then there is another restaurant in the rear where breakfast buffets are held. This meal is free with the rate, and consists of cereals, toast, pastries, omelets, small gourmet sandwiches, local items like beans and rice, fruits, a chef’s special, and coffee served in big mugs from staff. 

The second hub is on the top floor. Stepping out of the elevator, one is greeted with curvaceous walls of shimmery tiles from top-to-bottom. The designer didn't stop there -- this area leads to a large dining room, which has rich jewel tones in the form of high-tops, and oversized banquettes topped with interesting copper light fixtures. As cool as this space is, though, many are drawn immediately to the terrace where there is a small pool that looks rather shallow facing a plexiglass wall with city views. Though there are only a few sun loungers, not many seem to utilize the space for sun-bathing or swimming. More common, perhaps, are people coming up here to have drinks during the sunset when lights along nearby mountains come on -- quite a sight. 

There is a casino adjacent to the hotel, connected to the hotel lobby next to the front desk; thankfully, (for many) this is kept out of earshot and eyesight. Meeting space is located on the second floor and can accommodate up to 200 people, with boardrooms and breakout rooms.

Free self-parking is provided. Security guards make rounds around the lobby and parking areas 24/7.