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  5. Reviews of Barceló San José

Reviews of Barceló San José This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!

Residencial El Robledal , 60101 San José, Costa Rica

#38 of 122 hotels in San José

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 1000 hotel reviews

8.3

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.9

  • Comfort

    8.9

  • Location

    8.3

  • Facilities

    8.5

  • Staff

    8.5

  • Value for money

    8.4

  • Free Wifi

    7.8

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Showing 301 - 325

  • Reviewed: February 24, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Premium Level - Lounge access.
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    A very comfortable and nice place to rest after a long travel

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 18, 2025

    1.0
    Very Poor
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Master Suite - Lounge Access
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Pretty much everything but the kitchen staff.

    Pool was too cold, not heated as advertised. Late check out advertised is a joke.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 15, 2025

    6.0
    Exceptional staff, but…
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Superior Premium Level - Lounge access.
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    We faced many nuisances during our stay. Unannounced renovations in the room next door began at 7am everyday. Workers had no consideration for guests in adjacent rooms. We woke up to loud conversations and a radio playing in the hallway, and a strong chemical smell, maybe industrial glue, invaded our room throughout the day. Windows in the room are not sealed tight and had zero noise protection. The noise from the wind and adjacent highway, specifically trucks engine braking, day and night was very annoying. The in-room wi-fi was slow and difficult to use. They gave us a numeric code at check-in, which we had to enter numerous times during the day because the service kept disconnecting, even while we were using it. We were told at checkin that only 3 devices can connect per room. The speeds are inadequate too, 4.39 mbps download and 3.97 mbps upload. Even the numeric code they gave us to login became invalid in the middle our stay, which required a couple trips to the front desk. And not to be outdone, the magnetic room key failed and had to be reprogrammed multiple times during our stay.

    I am not rating this property lower because the service by the staff was exceptional. The well maintained grounds offer a nature oasis in a convenient location close to the city center. The facilities are dated but clean. Breakfast and food options were good. The general store and Car Rental desk at the hotel are a plus.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 14, 2025

    10
    A comfortable stay before return home
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    There aren’t any food options for healthy vegan gluten free people Every year there are little bugs in the washroom not sure I bring them back from the jungle or they’re always there Tv didn’t work

    Very spacious and lovely Love the garden walk and pool side Comfortable beds Nice staff Cute gift shop Bar to watch football Bottle water

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 8, 2025

    10
    If the occasion presents itself, we will be back.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Friendly and accommodating staff.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 1, 2025

    10
    Excellent hotel, good for airport
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Premium Level - Lounge access.
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Not so convenient if you want to visit St Jose city.

    Excellent comfortable hotel that is very convenient for airport. A free shuttle is provided.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 31, 2025

    3.0
    A Nightmare Stay – Avoid at All Costs!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    I booked this hotel expecting a comfortable stay after a grueling 14-hour flight, hoping to get some much-needed rest before starting my trip. Instead, I experienced an absolute nightmare. At 7 AM sharp, I was jolted awake by deafening construction noise from multiple rooms next to mine. When I complained to the front desk, they assured me the work would stop—but that was a blatant lie. The unbearable drilling and hammering continued non-stop, forcing me to leave in desperation by 9 AM. Not a single apology was given. Customer service here is non-existent. Even looking at the responses to reviews on Booking.com, it’s obvious they just copy and paste the same generic replies—sometimes even forgetting to include the guest's name! That alone speaks volumes about how little they care. Beyond the noise and poor service, the hotel itself is outdated, far from the five-star experience they claim to offer. The food is overpriced and subpar, making the overall stay feel like a complete rip-off. If you value your comfort, money, and sanity, stay far away from this place. There are plenty of better options out there!

    The park outside the hotel

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: January 23, 2025

    6.0
    Pleasant
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Room was a little grungy. Breakfast food was very mediocre.

    Comfortable bed. Big room. Nice garden and pool.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 23, 2025

    6.0
    Pleasant
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Bathroom needed a thorough cleaning. Restaurant food was horrible.

    Nice big room. Comfortable bed.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 17, 2025

    6.0
    Pleasant
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Had to ask 3 times (and wait 5 hours) to get towels in our room. Seems incredible that a hotel of this size would not have enough clean towels to have some in the rooms when guests check in…

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 15, 2025

    10
    Staff was courteous, friendly and professional. Will return to this hotel.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The location of the jacuzzi. It’s in a corner of the fitness center and you need to go up a short set of steps to get to it; not the ideal access method for safety when entering / exiting the jacuzzi.

    Staff were excellent. Very courteous, friendly, and professional. There was a good variety of food at the on site restaurant and there were also 2 gift shops. Room service was prompt.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 13, 2025

    6.0
    very much aimed at Americans, ok for a quick stop, wouldn't stay again
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The restaurant, who would only accept American Dollars, I have never seen somewhere that doesn't accept its own currency. Had a look around at the buffet breakfast, the scrambled eggs were very watery so powdered, a lot of water melon and bread, but not much else and of course the charge for changing money, in the evening, there were two parts, and I couldn't understand why there were two parts to the restaurant, I asked the reception if they could explain why and they said that the restaurant was separate to them. Fortunately, some nice restaurants only 10 mins away and they do take their own currency. It was definitely a conference hotel rather than a holiday hotel, as there was nothing available to do during the day when it rained, everywhere else had some games available. I am glad it was just for the 2 nights.

    The rooms were comfy, great big bed, everything was there, a normal fridge would have been nice, instead of just the filled mini fridge, the reception staff were friendly

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 12, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Premium Level - Lounge access.
    • Stayed 1 night

    Nothing.

    The premium lounge was an unexpected and incredible bonus. The room was large and very comfortable. Bed was great and we had an excellent view from our room.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 5, 2025

    6.0
    Not our cup of tea
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Didn’t like much about this place. I defiantly won’t be back

    Literally the best thing about this hotel is the garden and transport back and forth from the airport the rest was such a let down for us

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 2, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Master Suite - Lounge Access
    • Stayed 1 night

    The only minor issue was that the check-in process took a little longer than I’m used to, but the staff was friendly and professional throughout, which made up for the delay.

    A Wonderful Stay – Highly Recommended! I had a fantastic experience at this hotel. The room was immaculate, comfortable, and well-appointed, providing everything I needed for a relaxing stay. The overall ambiance of the hotel was excellent, with great attention to detail in both design and cleanliness. The staff were friendly and attentive, ensuring that I felt welcomed from the moment I arrived. The amenities and services offered were top-notch, adding to the overall positive experience. I would highly recommend staying here to anyone looking for a comfortable and enjoyable visit. I’ll definitely be returning in the future!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 1, 2025

    10
    Excellent family holiday vacation stay at beautiful Barcelo San Juan in Costa Rica
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Master Suite - Lounge Access
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    Beautiful facility kept very clean with friendly staff. The meals were delicious, we had a great time!!

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 27, 2024

    5.0
    Not a good experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    They offer a free transport from the airport, which we arranged; we were told that if we missed or didn’t cancel in time, we would be charged. We arrived to our collection point 15 minutes early and waited for them for an hour and a half, but no show. We called the hotel twice, first we were told it would be there in 5 minutes and then finally we were told we had to wait another hour. We took a taxi in the end after losing 90 minutes for nothing. They offered us a welcome drink to compensate, which was insulting as it was crushed ice with the slightest flavour. We then had room service, which was disappointing… not good value for money.

    The rooms were spacious and clean and they have a decent breakfast.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 24, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Superior Premium Level - Lounge access.
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Dining room is rather dark. Food not as good as other things in the hotel.

    Fantastic room.. Far more than expected. Beautiful setting. Stunning facilities.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 18, 2024

    10
    Excellent Stay!
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    shower tubs - water doesn't flush away fast and hot water - have to wait for 10-15 mins before it starts

    location to airport and the breakfast and the tidy rooms

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 16, 2024

    10
    Great location to stay arriving in Costa Rica, or heading home.an oasis
    • Business trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Actually loved the hotel. Lots of reviews give hotel hard time for the shuttle bus time keeping. Just be away that traffic to airport can be variable. Maybe offering a free shuttle bus hits the hotel’s overall rating. Will stay here again.

    It’s a great oasis in San José. Lovely gardens. Very professional check in staff. Booked two superior double rooms. Given one on floor 4 one on floor 5. Both had great views of the city and mountains. Great a/c in rooms if required. We went for half board. Breakfast excellent. Full options, including chef making omelettes to order. Evening meal simpler buffet, less selections. Swimming pool great. Pianist in lobby.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 11, 2024

    10
    Excellent stay will stay again there
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Premium Level - Lounge access.
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Location is good Service is good Very clean Friendly employees Airport shuttle is good

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: December 5, 2024

    10
    Great value for money, especially if you're using SJO
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    This is a large hotel, no longer new and there is a somewhat fusty smell in the corridors. Feels like they could benefit from a deep clean. And removing the mirrors at each end of the corridors would remove the daunting feeling that the corridor goes on forever.

    Really surprised at the value for money. A LARGE room equipped with everything one could wish for (including double sofa, armchair and table) plus a sizeable outside terrace with table and chairs. Plus included airport shuttle and a large choice for the included breakfast

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: December 3, 2024

    10
    Great pool and also good to have airport drop off as well
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nice pool

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: November 28, 2024

    6.0
    Only for 1 night is Oke. But don’t expect the 5* service
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Superior Premium Level - Lounge access.
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The staff was not very friendly nor helpfully. We paid for a premium room with access to the lounge. But every time we entered they looked at us ass of ‘what are you doing here…’. Asking us for room number (even though our room key had to be used to enter). If we wanted to take a bottle of water with us to the room, they did not allow us… Breakfast was good, but only honey & 1 kind of jam in cups were provided with the breads. Also very slow coffee machine. The hotel is a 90’s style hotel which was luxurious at that time. But if even the service is not granted anymore, they shouldn’t get 5*.

    Beds were comfortable.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: November 27, 2024

    6.0
    Pleasant
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Disappointing breakfast, El Rancho shortened hours open and ATM not usable with foreign cards—- considering your clientele this makes no sense. Cutting corners to increase profit margins is going to hurt your reputation and thus your business.

    My friends, family and I have been utilizing Barcelo as a landing and entry point for several years. Always like the conveniences,?especially the ATM machine, exceptional breakfast and El Rancho by the pool.

    Stayed in November 2024

Showing 301 - 325

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