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Service is excellent at the San Jose Marriott, from the bellhops waiting for you upon your arrival to the many people at registration checking you in to the servers at the restaurants. Indeed, the service is far more on par with American standards than the more laid-back "Tico Time" the country is known for. I never found myself waiting impatiently for someone to help me.
One of my favorite extras about the hotel is that it's one of the few places outside of the international airport where you can purchase your $26 (per person) departure tax. That's one less line to stand in once you arrive at the airport. And San Jose is one of those international airports where you really need to be there at least two hours prior to departure. Unfortunately, I've often found the airport to be on Tico Time!
Guests staying in one of the 40 Executive Club Level rooms have access to the Executive Lounge. A complimentary continental breakfast is served from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m. every morning, there's an afternoon coffee and tea service with pastries and desserts, and evening sweets. You'll also receive a complimentary pressing of a suit or dress, shoeshine service, and a free bucket of golf balls at the driving range.
The Art of Smart Timing
December through April is obviously Costa Rica's high season, when prices are at their peak. That's why I prefer the summer months of July and August, when the kids are out of school and the prices dip. This is the rainy season (Costa Ricans like to call it the green season), so expect to see rain daily around 4 to 5 pm. Costa Rica is not hurricane-free, though their last major hurricane was Mitch back in 1998, so be sure to check the weather reports before you leave.
Babysitting is available, if you want to sneak away and get a deep tissue or signature Palmas massage at the spa. If you happen to be heading to the San Jose Marriott after April 2009, the spa is expanding and will be offering many more treatments.
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