Intercontinental Hotel & Resort, San Jose, Costa Rica

Costa Rican Nights

Those who know me or follow my travel blog are aware of my loyalty to certain hotel chains.  Intercontinental Hotels are always great places to stay anywhere in the world.

The Real Intercontinental Hotel & Club Tower in San Jose, Costa Rica did not disappoint!  If you can request the upgrade to The Tower, definitely do!  You will have access to your own concierge, be in close proximity to the Salon & Spa and the Fitness Center, as well as nightly 'cocktail hour' featuring complimentary amuse-bouche, aperitifs, cocktails, beer, and wine.  There are also complimentary buffet breakfast daily.

Service was magnificent at the Real Intercontinental...from the concierge assisting with day trips and dinner reservations, to the fantastic spa team and services, and the four on-property restaurants. 

Real Intercontinental

Looking over San Jose

Definitely sign up for Full Day and Half Day trips!  The concierge will help you choose and book these trips...

Must sees are Braulio Carrillo National Park.  Driving through the park on the two lane road (Limon Highway) cutting through the middle is amazing.  The park spans an impressive 117,580 acres of land and includes several ecosystems, including rain and tropical cloud forests!

There's so much history and many sights in Costa Rica.  I recommend trying each coast (Pacific and Carribean) as they are very different in culture and scenic value.

INBioparque 

11,000 feet above sea level...Heading up to Irazu

The Irazu volcano (pics below), the highest peak in Costa Rica.  The Irazu has four craters and you can see the Carribean and Pacific plains.

          A typical photo of Irazu Volcano. Credit: Daniel Vargas

My shot of Irazu

Poolside

 
The Hotel Restaurants:

Azulejos serves an amazing brunch buffet!  The spread was like nothing I've seen before.  There were so many selections, it's almost overwhelming...fresh seafood, pastas, carving stations, and decadent desserts.


Factory Steak & Lobster serves fantastic steaks and even juicy burgers.  They have an area overlooking the pool area as well.

Nau Lounge served impressive sushi and sashimi.  The ambiance is super sleek and sexy.


We didn't try Alfredo's, the Italian restaurant.
 

Heading to Cocktail Hour

 White nosed Coati attempting to hitch a ride from Irazu

Sucio River near Braulio Carrillo National Park. I couldn't get a good shot of this from the vehicle.
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