Hotel Martino: Costa Rica Resort & Spa

Send your comments!!!

National Geographic 2005 rating
$$$$ (out of $$$$$)

Lonely Planet 2005
"Couples who can't decide between Las Vegas and Central America can compromise here, amidst over-thetop, Roman-style luxury, 'Gourmet organic Italian meals', an outrageous spa, huge pools, sauna and full gym are all on offer, just 2km north of the Alajuela exit from the lnteramericana, about 15 minutes from the airport.
Tailored packages can revolve around golf, turdewatching in Parque Nacional Tortuguero, or 'plastic surgery recovery' making it the perfect vacation spot for the whole family."

Guest Comments

Quiet and Lovely Oasis
A short drive from the chaos of the airport, Hotel Martino is a calm, beautiful oasis. The architecture and grounds are lovely and the staff were efficient and friendly, especially the Italian owners. The bartender was distant and somewhat surly, but he also seemed like a permanent fixture around the place, so what can you do. The hotel pool is fantastic, and there is a separate, spacious gym. The food was delicious, and the balcony seating for breakfast delightful, and the hotel dogs were very sweet. Just a few minutes walk down the road is a great little zoo called Zoo Ave, and it is absolutely worth a visit. Wonderful educational graphics and some terrific monkey exhibits. For our first night in Costa Rica this was romanctic and very relaxing.
A traveler from San Francisco, May 2010

Beautiful pool
Our stay didn’t start well with two rooms on separate floors after requesting adjoining rooms 6 months ago when we made the reservation. Besides that, everything was great. Fabulous restaurant. Beautiful pool. Awesome workout area. Air conditioner only works when you are in the room with your key, but it didn’t take long to cool the room down.
A traveler from Boston, March 2010

Thanks, Expedia!
Expedia emailed me after I reserved a flight to Costa Rica and recommended Hotel Martino Spa & Resort. I looked at photos and read various reviews on the Internet and decided to take a chance (knowing that they could be misleading). I spent three days/nights at the Hotel and was amazed at the originality, beauty, peacefulness and amenities of the facility. The staff were friendly and professional. Breakfast was awesome and the restaurant is first class. 1500 characters for a review of this resort are not enough. I am a frequent guest of Hilton in the States and always pay much more for accommodations that cannot compare with the uniqueness that Martino offers.
A traveler from Spring, Jan 2010

Would choose this hotel again
Excellent hotel. Very nice rooms and grounds. Clean, quiet and well-run. We would definitely choose to stay at this hotel again next time we come to Costa Rica.
A traveler from Los Angeles, Dic 2009

A great Hotel near the airport in San Jose Costa Rica
We use the Martino for our tours. The hotel is nice, the location is excellent and if you are headed to Jaco, Quepos or other points on the central or southern coast of Costa Rica, this hotel is convenient since it is on the road you’ll be taking south. They call this road the Aguacate highway but it is not much of a highway. The hotel has an excellent restaurant, one fo the nicest gyms you will ever see and a great swimming pool. You will feel safe here and we have never had any issues, the staff is great and we continue to use it for our tours trip after trip.Be sure to check out La Paz waterfall Gardens as well as Poas Volcano, both easy to reach from this hotel.
A traveler from Key West, FL, Nov 2009

Great Hotel
Great Hotel with a very friendly helpful staff. The food in the evening at the Hotel’s restaurant was awesome!
We will be back.
Scott Y from Conesus NY, May 2009

Pleasant hotel in a peaceful environment. Easy to find and reach from the international airport. Good starting point for trips to the Northwest and West. Service uneven. Super swimming pool. Large rooms. “Wonderful Stay, great staff”
A traveler from Hamburg Germany, April 2009

Great place!
The hotel staff was great - and the resort itself was wonderful. We even booked our last night there (we spent a week on the coast), and the staff remembered us and made us feel very welcome. Clean rooms, great food, and a free shuttle to the airport. We would definitely stay there again!
Debbie S from Shingle Springs CA, March 2009

Easy, safe, and right by the airport!
This hotel is great because it’s right by the airport. We stayed there for 3 days when we first got to costa rica mend the spa, however, it is just not clean.
A traveler from Vancouver BC, February 2009

Dear Adriano, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude for the wamr hospitality
granted to us at your hotel during our annual Users' Meeting held on 7-11 September 2008.
In particular, I would like to mention the dedication of the hotel's staff and the excellent service they provided to both ECtel's team and our customers.
Every request and every change we made were immediately satisfied by the hotel's staff, to our utmost satisfaction.
Your attention to our need and your kindness were
remarkable and contribuited a lot to the success of our event
ECtel Annual Meeting Hemy Fintsy, September 2008

Fantastic Nature, Great Hotel. Nature is top, next to zoo
(must see). Positives: Quiet, nature, great room and service
Negatives: Food (could be better).
Need a car to go anywhere I would go back again
Traveler's tip on local attractions Zoo (500ft)... local cuisine
(less than a mile) ..ask at the lobby
A traveler from West Palm Beach, August 2008

Great hotel to relax at. The staff is the best I've ever
had at any hotel
I have stayed at. They are warm, friendly and ready
to provide A+++ customer service.
I can't say enough of how well taken care
we were.Traveler's tip on diningThe food was delicious.
There is nothing within walking distance of the hotel.
The only way you will get around is by taxi
A Traveler of August 2008

Awesome mountain experience From the first moment to the last... this is a class resort. The rooms, pool, restaurant and bar are all very clean. The staff is super! All (except the housekeeping staff)
speak English. The food is awesome and the view from the
patio tables is unbelievable.
Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay
Plan on staying at the resort. You are up in the mountains so
the taxi costs are quite expensive for shopping,
movies or dining.
Carlette M from Auburn, WA, July 2008

Liked it so much we extended our stay
We went in May, which is still the off season. The service was very good all the way around; the front desk, the restaurant, bell hops and maids. When we arrived, they had the four of us booked in the standard size double bed room. It would have been a bit cozy for our family of four, so when we asked for an upgrade, the Martino immediately complied. Both rooms were very clean. Linens and towels were fresh and clean. The place is beautifully landscaped, the pool, the restaurant, and gym are first rate. In the morning the complimentary breakfast buffet was perfect to start the day. We had two dinners at the Martino and at both dinners the food was very good. There was no night life. We enjoyed one quite evening with drinks and cuban cigars on the patio looking at the fire flies. We really liked that this place had a unique local flavor. It is not just another chain hotel. I think 3 and a half stars is the correct rating for this fine resort. Traveler's tip on local attractions
Don't miss the Zoo across the street.
It is a couple hours well spent
A traveler from North, FL, June 2008

If you want peace and quiet this is the place for you
The hotel Casino was closed for renovation which was a disappointment but other than that the place was fine. The restaurant food and service is good, the staff very friendly and efficient. The hotel is quiet and peaceful with well kept gardens but if you want to get around you will need to rent a car or go on tours. There are not many places to walk to except the zoo opposite. I had a shock after i arrived home - the hotel (or their bank) charged my credit card twice. They were willing to reimburse the amount by swift transfer but i was not happy about giving them my bank account number so i filed a dispute with my bank. We will see what happens. If you visit CR be careful in the larger cities there are some unsavory people around and you will have to be on your guard - otherwise a great place if you like wildlife.
Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay
A traveler from San Diego, June 2008

want to go back Great place to stay.
I highly recommend this hotel.
The food was good, but the overall appreance and atmosphere
was relaxing and comfortable.
Traveler's tip on local attractions eat down the street at Miriam
... great home cooked meals.
Mark L from Green Bay, Wi recommends this hotel
John C from Odessa, Florida, May 2008

better than expected
We were very pleased and happy with the imformation provided by expedia. We had two different cab drivers tell us how nice the hotel would be, and they were correct.
The food was great and very reasonably priced. We would certainly consider going back if in
Costa Rica. Also the climate was most pleasant,
upper 80's daytime
and 70's in the evening. Traveler's tip on dining
We never left the hotel since the food was so good and reasonably priced.
Sergio G from Wellington, FI, May 2008

Good place to just relax
Makes you realize why you go on vacation: to be pampered and just relax.
A traveler from CA, April 2008

Get up early for hot water!
Very nice & cute resort. Close to airport. Cute roomy rooms. Staff very friendly. Only down side, you either have to shower early in the morning or very late inthe afternoon...
hot water is scarce there...so
i guess if oyu go midsummer...showers are ok. also, on our first night, the towels smelled of sweat...as if they just folded the previous visitors
towels & placed then back on the rack. called room service for
new towels & gave us fresh towels (which did NOT smell).
Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay
great tours. a shuttle bus ride away. lots to do. just make sure to check the room once you check in
to make sure everything is satisfactory. :)
Erika V from Houston, TX, April 2008

Hello! I just wanted to pass along our thanks to you
and your staff for making our stay in Costa Rica very
special! We really enjoyed the resort , relaxing by
the pool and the excellent food! Please pass along
our compliments to your staff, everyone was very nice
and friendly, we enjoyed the zoo and our canopy tour
also! Hope to return again...Thanks again!
Herb and Michelle Pawski, Dallas Texas, March 2008

My stay at your hotel was by far the best hotel experience I have ever had! I travel quite frequently for my job and vacation and have stayed at many different hotels in the world and I must say, YOUR STAFF WERE EXTREMELY FRIENDLY AND ACCOMMODATING!. All the little added exxtras made it a very pleasant stay. Without question, when I do return to
Costa Rica on my next vacation
I will definatley stay at your hotel again!
Thank you so much for all your great services! I miss you guys!
Scott Kim, Nov 2006

I wanted to drop a quick email to tell you how much I enjoyed your country and your resort. Club Martino was so beyond my expectations ! The grounds are beautiful, the rooms wonderful, the gym fantastic, and the staff is hard working and kind.
I will definitely recommend you to my friends and will come back on my next trip to Costa Rica.Thanks again,
Joe Cuccaro , Oct 2006

My wife and I just got back from our 8 night stay at Martino Spa/Resort. We loved everything about it! Great service, facilities, people and a wonderful Spa. The solitude and beauty of Martino was a 10! Will go back again for sure. Brit coffee tour a 10, 4-in-1 package tour an 8 1/2, day trip to Sarchi a 9.
Gregg J. of Webster, NY USA - March 2006

We took our 14 year old grandson to Costa Ric to see the Rainforest.
We chose Club Martino for its location and ambience. My grondson Cory loved the nature walks, the activities, pool, internet and game room. I was made to feel special at the SPA and the resort. The owner, Adriano Martino, and his staff was extremly welcoming, helpful and catered to our every need. Even thoug the beds were not our “pillow top” at home, they were comfortable. The room was spacious even tho we have extra bed for Cory.
I would highly recomend Club Martino. I personally felt the food was extremly good, servicee excellent.
Barb Handy, Huston, Texas, USA - Jan 2006

What a marvelous time we had at the Martino!!! We loved our room and the terrific service. Breakfast overlooking the pool each morning really was a delightful way to start the day. We only intended to eat one dinner, but it was so good we stayed in the next night too. We also stayed two nights at the Marriott in San Jose. It is a very beautfiul hotel, but I felt like I was on a business trip - not the same
as the feeling at the Martino.
We have recommended the Martino to all our friends
and hope to visit again!
We will always remember our time in CR and your lovely hotel. thanks
Alger Catherine - June 2005

I just want to say what a wonderful stay I had when visiting in November. Above all, your staff is of the highest calibre I have ever encountered. They felt like family after a while. Thank you for the extremely pleasant experience.
Sincerly,
Scott Bush & Susan Quiros - Jan 2005

The Producers of this project are hugely indebted to Adriano of the gorgeous and luxurious Hotel Martino
in Alajuela for opening his doors and his mind to this
production and for never once whining about
the results of his bold decision, even
when a bottle was broken over his head in a fight scene.
We love him. Many of the
locations used in the making of "Blue Sombrero" were in and around the hotel grounds.
Blue Sombrero Movie - Dec 2004

Resort Martino, Tina and Natalie,
some pictures of two beautiful ladies that made our visit to your hotel very special.
We had a great time, was very confortable and had some great food. We are recommending both Costa Rica and your hotel to everyone that we tell of our trip.
Thank you again.
God bless you.
Gerald and Deloris - Dec, 2003

Adriano,
good evening! Hope all is well and peacefill this evening in Costa Rica. Just wanted to send you a quick note of appreciation to let you know that we all made it home safely and agree that we miss the ambiance of Hotel Martino. It was the perfect mix of relaxation, vacation and
sight seeing we were hoping for.
Thank you for making our stay truly unforgettable. We felt quite special with the impeccable attention to details and personal service while at your hotel. The staff at Hotel Martino are truly lovely people who made us
feel wonderfully accommodated.
I won't forget the late night conversation at the bar.
Again, thank you for everything. Have a great trip to Italy!
Always,
Jonra - Oct, 2003

I wanted really to thank you for another excellent stay.
I will certanly reccomend (if you don't mind more gringos!) my friends and associates from the U.S. see you in February.
Chris Stevens - Jan, 2003

Dear Resort Martino,
We just wanted to let you know what a wonderfull time we had at you hotel while in Costa Rica. We had the pleasure of staying with you on December 24th, 2003 and again on February 6th,2003. We have traveled through out Europe, North America and the Caribbean and found your hotel to be excepcional in ambiance, decor, accomodations,
service, dining and soulfulness.
Many thanks for a wonderful stay!
All the best,
The Spinellas - Jan, 2003

Señor Martino,
thank yo very much for your hospitality-kindness
in our trip to Costa Rica.
Our evening at your resort was one of the the highlights of our trip. Your hotel is beyond words with its ambience and comfort. I'm very pleased to recommend your resort to my friends and clients. Untill we meet again...
God Bless,
Monica Coney - Jun, 2002

Resort Martino was absolutely wonderful. Alfonso treated us with very personal attention. Food was wonderfull, among the best I have eaten in NYC….we loved it so much
that we hardly stepped out of the hotel. I cannot thank you enough for recommending that hotel to us.
Nandi Cooper - March, 2000

The Martino Hotel is a wonderful, natural santuary to relax and enjoy the beautiful gardens, pool, statuary and architeture. The terrace and pool on evening is the most beautiful we have seen.
Daniel and Nancy Basinger - March, 2000