Pros

  • A resort-like hotel complex that’s home to Costa Rica’s largest convention center
  • Three outdoor pools; one is enormous and has a swim-up bar
  • Huge rooms with minibars, coffeemakers, and grand bathrooms
  • Expansive Suites with spa bathrooms and kitchenettes
  • Excellent free buffet breakfast and 24-hour room service
  • Good quality Japanese and Italian restaurants, plus a Hard Rock Cafe
  • On-site casino and sports bar
  • Plenty of free on-site parking
  • Small fitness room, spa, and beauty salon
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout
  • Free airport shuttle
See More Pros

Cons

  • Sprawling hotel can require lots of walking
  • Much of the property and rooms are dated
See More Cons

Bottom Line

Home to Costa Rica’s largest convention center, the sprawling upper-middle-range Wyndham is a magnet for large-scale (predominantly business) events, though its proximity and ease of access to the airport resonates with many traveler types. Between the three outdoor pools, swim-up bar, Hard Rock Cafe, Japanese and Italian restaurants, casino, sports bar, spa, and beauty salon, the Wyndham rivals a resort with its many features -- though much of the property remains dated. Its 230 rooms and suites are huge, and while also jaded, they’re perfectly quiet, comfortable, and well-equipped with features like coffeemakers, minibars, suit stands, and huge handsome bathrooms. Suites have spas and kitchenettes. The free buffet breakfast (guests rave about), free airport shuttle, and free Wi-Fi comprise some appealing perks, though travelers seeking something more compact and modern could try the Holiday Inn San Jose-Escazu

See More Bottom Line

Amenities

  • Casino
  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pool

Oyster Hotel Review

Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center

Scene

Urban chain hotel meets aging resort spread out amongst pools and palms

The Wyndham is set within a sprawling low-level complex that features a modern Hard Rock Cafe on the street and a huge open-air car park at the center. Entrances to the hotel, Fiesta Casino, Quattro, and Sakura are all lined up within one expansive complex at the rear of the car park -- no doubt to encourage non-guests inside. While the entrance and lobby have clearly been updated to blend marble and wood with modern furniture, artwork, and lighting -- the rest of the property feels less new. A long red-carpeted corridor connects the lobby to rooms set over four levels -- it’s a bit of a maze -- though there are elevators on hand.

Tropicala, the breakfast restaurant, overlooks the main pool which resembles a large lagoon with palm tree clusters, sunken dining tables, and submerged whirlpools. There’s a dated retro vibe throughout, starting with the building’s dated mirrored glass facade, and the tired taupe and orange color scheme. The guest crowd is a mix of business travelers and leisure types and because this place is so huge (lobby action aside), some areas can seem quite empty much of the time. 

See More Scene

Location

About a 15-minute drive from the airport; close to a country club, shopping, and business centers

The hotel is located just off the Pan-American Highway, about 10 to 15 minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport, and 20 minutes from downtown San Jose. There’s not much to see or do nearby as most museums and cultural attractions are located in the heart of San Jose. That said, it's a 15-minute walk to Plaza Real Cariari (shopping mall); some popular business centers are located nearby; and Café Britt Coffee Farm is a six-minute drive away. It’s a five-minute drive or 15 minutes on foot to Cariari Country Club.  The close airport proximity with the free shuttle service goes down well with guests, and it’s an easy trip for drivers thanks to well-marked signs. 

See More Location

Rooms

Huge rooms come with minibars, coffeemakers, and grand marble bathrooms; suites have kitchenettes and spa baths

Blending subdued golds and greens with antique-inspired wooden furniture topped with emerald marble surfaces, decor would have been rather handsome about 20 years ago, but could now use some updates. Despite their age, rooms and suites also happen to be huge and well-equipped with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, minibars, and comfy beds. Even the basic Standard categories feature ergonomic workstations and three-seater sofas, while retaining plenty of space to walk around. Closets contain irons, ironing boards, and safes, alongside extra pillows and blankets. A range of suites upsize layouts with expansive separate living areas and kitchenettes, plus bathrobes, slippers, and big corner spa baths in bathrooms. Bathrooms are grand in size and style, featuring big green marble and wood vanities that match the furniture; huge wood-framed mirrors, and recessed lighting overhead. They offer big shower-tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and a selection of individual toiletries.

See More Rooms

Features

Resort-style features including multiple restaurants, pools, free breakfast, and a huge convention center

The hotel packs in as many features as you’d find in most resorts, which is a rare treat for San Jose. Three outdoor pools are on offer, and each has its own look and vibe. One is great for swimmping laps, another is more private, while the third and largest features a swim-up bar, plus five submerged whirlpools up one end -- though the bar closed during our stay. In addition to the Hard Rock Cafe that shares the property, three restaurants are located on-site. Tropicala is where the daily free buffet breakfast is served, with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the main pool. Quattro offers modern Italian cuisine in a stylish contemporary space, while Sakura is authentic Japanese serving teppanyaki in authentic surroundings. Pirate’s Sports Bar offers drinks, snacks, and simple meals in a casual space located between the lobby and the Fiesta Casino. Costa Rica’s largest convention center also resides here, composed of over 80,000 square feet of meeting space for up to 2,000 people. The hotel provides a free airport shuttle and there’s plenty of free on-site parking. The hotel also a 24-hour business center, car rental and tours desks, and a souvenirs and sundries shop, plus a privately run spa and beauty salon with an indoor whirlpool. There's a small fitness center with a few dated machines. Wi-Fi is free. 

See More Features

Things You Should Know About Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center

Also Known As

  • Wyndham San Jose Herradura
  • Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel and Convention Center

Address

1000 San Jose, 3 Miles South of Intl Airport, San Antonio De Belen 71880-1000, Costa Rica

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center

Scene

Urban chain hotel meets aging resort spread out amongst pools and palms

The Wyndham is set within a sprawling low-level complex that features a modern Hard Rock Cafe on the street and a huge open-air car park at the center. Entrances to the hotel, Fiesta Casino, Quattro, and Sakura are all lined up within one expansive complex at the rear of the car park -- no doubt to encourage non-guests inside. While the entrance and lobby have clearly been updated to blend marble and wood with modern furniture, artwork, and lighting -- the rest of the property feels less new. A long red-carpeted corridor connects the lobby to rooms set over four levels -- it’s a bit of a maze -- though there are elevators on hand.

Tropicala, the breakfast restaurant, overlooks the main pool which resembles a large lagoon with palm tree clusters, sunken dining tables, and submerged whirlpools. There’s a dated retro vibe throughout, starting with the building’s dated mirrored glass facade, and the tired taupe and orange color scheme. The guest crowd is a mix of business travelers and leisure types and because this place is so huge (lobby action aside), some areas can seem quite empty much of the time. 

See More Scene

Location

About a 15-minute drive from the airport; close to a country club, shopping, and business centers

The hotel is located just off the Pan-American Highway, about 10 to 15 minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport, and 20 minutes from downtown San Jose. There’s not much to see or do nearby as most museums and cultural attractions are located in the heart of San Jose. That said, it's a 15-minute walk to Plaza Real Cariari (shopping mall); some popular business centers are located nearby; and Café Britt Coffee Farm is a six-minute drive away. It’s a five-minute drive or 15 minutes on foot to Cariari Country Club.  The close airport proximity with the free shuttle service goes down well with guests, and it’s an easy trip for drivers thanks to well-marked signs. 

See More Location

Rooms

Huge rooms come with minibars, coffeemakers, and grand marble bathrooms; suites have kitchenettes and spa baths

Blending subdued golds and greens with antique-inspired wooden furniture topped with emerald marble surfaces, decor would have been rather handsome about 20 years ago, but could now use some updates. Despite their age, rooms and suites also happen to be huge and well-equipped with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, minibars, and comfy beds. Even the basic Standard categories feature ergonomic workstations and three-seater sofas, while retaining plenty of space to walk around. Closets contain irons, ironing boards, and safes, alongside extra pillows and blankets. A range of suites upsize layouts with expansive separate living areas and kitchenettes, plus bathrobes, slippers, and big corner spa baths in bathrooms. Bathrooms are grand in size and style, featuring big green marble and wood vanities that match the furniture; huge wood-framed mirrors, and recessed lighting overhead. They offer big shower-tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and a selection of individual toiletries.

See More Rooms

Features

Resort-style features including multiple restaurants, pools, free breakfast, and a huge convention center

The hotel packs in as many features as you’d find in most resorts, which is a rare treat for San Jose. Three outdoor pools are on offer, and each has its own look and vibe. One is great for swimmping laps, another is more private, while the third and largest features a swim-up bar, plus five submerged whirlpools up one end -- though the bar closed during our stay. In addition to the Hard Rock Cafe that shares the property, three restaurants are located on-site. Tropicala is where the daily free buffet breakfast is served, with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the main pool. Quattro offers modern Italian cuisine in a stylish contemporary space, while Sakura is authentic Japanese serving teppanyaki in authentic surroundings. Pirate’s Sports Bar offers drinks, snacks, and simple meals in a casual space located between the lobby and the Fiesta Casino. Costa Rica’s largest convention center also resides here, composed of over 80,000 square feet of meeting space for up to 2,000 people. The hotel provides a free airport shuttle and there’s plenty of free on-site parking. The hotel also a 24-hour business center, car rental and tours desks, and a souvenirs and sundries shop, plus a privately run spa and beauty salon with an indoor whirlpool. There's a small fitness center with a few dated machines. Wi-Fi is free. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Business Center

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Casino

  • Children's Pool

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Gameroom / Arcade

  • Golf Course

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Smoking Rooms Available

  • Swim-Up Bar

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.