A volcanic landscape with a prominent geyser, rugged terrain, and distant mountains.

El Carmen Hotels, San JosƩ

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Our top choices for El Carmen hotels

1. Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel

Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel
2.0 star property
El Carmen
7.8 out of 10, Good, (247 reviews)
"Good stay, friendly staff, airport shuttle"
United States
Daniel
The price is AU$60
includes taxes & fees
9 Dec - 10 Dec
Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel

2. Hotel el Tucan Alajuela

Hotel el Tucan Alajuela
2.5 star property
El Carmen
7.8 out of 10, Good, (63 reviews)
"1"
United States
Theodore
The price is AU$74
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Hotel el Tucan Alajuela

3. Hotel Alajuela

Hotel Alajuela
3.0 star property
El Carmen
5.8 out of 10, (71 reviews)
"The Cook Made one of the Best and Delicious Breakfast from my Trip. "
United States
jorge
The price is AU$52
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Hotel Alajuela

4. Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
3.5 star property
1.4 km from El Carmen
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,252 reviews)
"Very nice hotel and good buffet breakfast."
Canada
Mariska
The price is AU$194
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

5. Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall
3.5 star property
Los Molinos, 1.1 km from El Carmen
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2,172 reviews)
"Great service, excellent breakfast and very close to the airport."
United States
Rosa
The price is AU$189
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall

6. Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
3.5 star property
1.4 km from El Carmen
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,000 reviews)
"Well maintained, clean and great breakfast, close to airport"
United States
Merri Heather
The price is AU$194
includes taxes & fees
12 Nov - 13 Nov
Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

7. Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG
3.0 star property
2.6 km from El Carmen
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,763 reviews)
"Convenient to the airport and great place to stay. Great breakfast too!"
United States
John Ross
The price is AU$199
includes taxes & fees
7 Dec - 8 Dec
Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG

8. Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport
3.0 star property
2.5 km from El Carmen
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (2,720 reviews)
"Great spot to stay. So close to airport with free shuttle."
United States
Rachelle
The price is AU$216
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov
Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

9. Alajuela City Hotel & Guest House

Alajuela City Hotel & Guest House
2.5 star property
Corazón de Jesús, 0.5 km from El Carmen
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (627 reviews)
"Nice and affordable hotel in a cute town near the airport. Perfect for our one-night stay."
United States
Joseph
The price is AU$57
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Alajuela City Hotel & Guest House

10. Hotel Mango

Hotel Mango
3.0 star property
2.7 km from El Carmen
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,532 reviews)
"Close to the airport, will stay there again"
United States
Danny
The price is AU$171
includes taxes & fees
23 Nov - 24 Nov
Hotel Mango

11. Hotel La Guaria Inn & Suites

Hotel La Guaria Inn & Suites
2.5 star property
Arroyo, 0.4 km from El Carmen
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (760 reviews)
"Good place to have a vacation. Close to many places to visit."
United States
Alberto
The price is AU$123
includes taxes & fees
12 Nov - 13 Nov
Hotel La Guaria Inn & Suites

12. Hotel Bamboo Aeropuerto

Hotel Bamboo Aeropuerto
3.0 star property
La AgonĆ­a, 0.9 km from El Carmen
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (615 reviews)
"Pretty central location and easy walking to many places. They were kind to give me late check in because of my flight. Simple room but everything I needed. Didn't get a chance to have breakfast but I am sure it would have been great."
United States
Gregory
The price is AU$139
includes taxes & fees
9 Dec - 10 Dec
Hotel Bamboo Aeropuerto

13. Gardens House, Airport Juan SantamarĆ­a, Alajuela, San Jose

Gardens House, Airport Juan SantamarĆ­a, Alajuela, San Jose
2.0 star property
Bajo Cornizal, 0.9 km from El Carmen
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (261 reviews)
"Super nice folks, simple comfy clean accomodations and a fantastic meditation garden. Excellent, especially for the price."
United States
Diana
The price is AU$61
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Gardens House, Airport Juan SantamarĆ­a, Alajuela, San Jose

14. Villa San Ignacio

Villa San Ignacio
3.5 star property
4.2 km from El Carmen
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (827 reviews)
"Great stay at a unique and quiet location!"
United States
Marc
The price is AU$111
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
Villa San Ignacio

15. Hotel Aeropuerto

Hotel Aeropuerto
3.0 star property
3.2 km from El Carmen
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,002 reviews)
"Nice Hotel, friendly staff."
Canada
Michael
The price is AU$142
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Hotel Aeropuerto

16. La Riviera Hotel B&B

La Riviera Hotel B&B
3.0 star property
4.5 km from El Carmen
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,001 reviews)
"Great location, great food."
United States
Arthur
The price is AU$177
includes taxes & fees
3 Dec - 4 Dec
La Riviera Hotel B&B

17. Hyatt Place Cariari Convention Center

Hyatt Place Cariari Convention Center
4.0 star property
7.1 km from El Carmen
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (33 reviews)
"Nice new hotel,super breakfast ,very recommended"
United States
sergey
The price is AU$180
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Hyatt Place Cariari Convention Center

18. Trapp Family Country Inn

Trapp Family Country Inn
3.0 star property
2.3 km from El Carmen
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (715 reviews)
"Very nice for airport layover"
Canada
vanessa
The price is AU$125
includes taxes & fees
7 Dec - 8 Dec
Trapp Family Country Inn

19. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica
3.5 star property
7.9 km from El Carmen
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (3,492 reviews)
"Good location for the airport."
United States
Joseph
The price is AU$145
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica

20. Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center

Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center
4.0 star property
7.1 km from El Carmen
7.6 out of 10, Good, (2,122 reviews)
"Great place, definitely recommend"
United States
Yader
The price is AU$143
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Compare popular hotels in El Carmen

Property
Property class
Guest rating
Breakfast included
Pool
Spa
Pet-friendly
WiFi included
A reception area with a reception desk, a clock, a plant, and a seating area with stools.
Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel
2.0 star property
7.8
Good
247 reviews
View
A conference room with a long table, several chairs, a sofa, and two small round tables.
Hotel el Tucan Alajuela
2.5 star property
7.8
Good
63 reviews
View
A hotel room with a bed, a TV, and large windows with curtains.
Hotel Alajuela
3.0 star property
5.8
71 reviews
View
A spacious living area with a sofa, chairs, and a coffee table.
Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
3.5 star property
9.4
Exceptional
1,252 reviews
View
A pool area with lounge chairs and umbrellas, a bar, and a 'City Mall' sign.
Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall
3.5 star property
9.0
Wonderful
2,172 reviews
View

Our guide on where to stay in El Carmen

Find the best El Carmen areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Barrio Escalante

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Barrio Escalante and surrounding area, you can visit San Pedro Mall and National Museum of Costa Rica.

La California

Check out the restaurants, shopping and museums while spending some time in La California. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighbourhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like National Museum of Costa Rica or National Theater of Costa Rica.

La Sabana

While visiting La Sabana, you might make a stop by sights like Sabana Park and National Stadium of Costa Rica.

Hospital

If you're spending some time in Hospital, Central Park and Melico Salazar Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Carmen

While visiting Carmen, you might make a stop by sights like Estación del Ferrocarril de Costa Rica and National Center of Art and Culture.

Top El Carmen Hotel Reviews

Recent Reviews in El Carmen

Frequently asked questions

What are the best hotels in Carmen that travellers recommend?
Two of the best hotels in Carmen that receive consistently high recommendations from travellers are the Hotel Alajuela and Hotel PacandƩ.

The Hotel Alajuela offers spacious and clean rooms, with guests frequently praising its superb location. It provides complimentary full breakfast and free parking in a nearby location. It is conveniently situated just 0.1 km from Juan SantamarĆ­a Park and Central Park, and 1.3 km from City Mall.

Another highly recommended option is Hotel PacandƩ, which has an 8.0 rating. Guests often comment on the friendly and helpful staff, the great breakfast, and the clean rooms. This hotel features a traditional property design and is located within a shopping centre. It is 0.4 km from Juan Santamarƭa Park and 0.3 km from Central Park.
What hotels in Carmen offer free breakfast?
For hotels in Carmen that offer complimentary breakfast, consider Hotel PacandƩ, the Hotel Alajuela, Hotel Alajuela Costa Rica Airport, and Hostel Trotamundos.

Hotel PacandƩ, with an 8.0 review rating, provides a free full breakfast and free WiFi. Guests often mention the friendly and helpful staff, great breakfast, and clean rooms. It is conveniently located just 0.2 km from Central Market Alajuela and 0.3 km from Alajuela Cathedral.

The Hotel Alajuela offers free full breakfast, free toiletries, and free nearby parking. This hotel is highly praised by guests for its spacious and clean rooms and its great location, being only 0.1 km from Alajuela Cathedral and Juan SantamarĆ­a Park.

Hotel Alajuela Costa Rica Airport provides a free continental breakfast, free WiFi, and free nearby parking. It is situated 0.1 km from Alajuela Cathedral and 0.2 km from Central Market Alajuela, offering good access to local points of interest.

Hostel Trotamundos also includes a free continental breakfast, free WiFi, and a complimentary airport drop-off transfer with scheduled availability. This hostel is located close to Central Market Alajuela at 0.2 km and Juan SantamarĆ­a Park at 0.4 km.
What are the best budget hotels in Carmen?
For budget-friendly accommodation in Carmen, consider Hotel PacandƩ and Hotel Alajuela.

Hotel PacandƩ, with a rating of 8.0, offers complimentary breakfast and free WiFi. Guests frequently mention the friendly and helpful staff, great breakfast, and clean rooms. It is conveniently located near Central Market Alajuela (0.2 km) and Alajuela Cathedral (0.3 km).

Another excellent option is the Hotel Alajuela. This hotel provides free breakfast, complimentary toiletries, and free WiFi. Parking is also available nearby at no extra cost. Guests appreciate the spacious and clean rooms, as well as its great location, being just 0.1 km from Alajuela Cathedral and 0.1 km from Juan SantamarĆ­a Park.
What are the best hotels in Carmen near Central Park?
For hotels in Carmen near Central Park, Hotel PacandƩ is an excellent choice.

Hotel PacandƩ, with an 8.0 rating, is conveniently located just 0.3 km from Central Park. Guests consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the great customer service, and the clean rooms. It offers free WiFi and complimentary full breakfast, which guests often describe as great. The hotel is also just 0.4 km from Juan Santamarƭa Park.
When is the best time to go to Carmen?
The best area to stay in Carmen is the downtown district, particularly around Central Park, for its convenience and access to local life.

This area is the heart of Carmen, offering a mix of local shops, eateries, and practical amenities. It's easy to navigate on foot, with the main streets like Avenida Central and Calle Central providing a direct route through the town. The central location means you're well-connected to public transport for exploring further afield.

For travellers who appreciate local culture and convenience, staying downtown is ideal. You'll be within walking distance of the bustling local market, the historic Church of Carmen, and various dining options that offer authentic Costa Rican cuisine. It's a practical base for experiencing everyday life in Carmen.

For those prioritising a quiet stay with excellent access to nature, the areas just outside the immediate downtown core, particularly towards the foothills surrounding Carmen, offer a good alternative.
Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?
Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline āˆ’ this is often within 24 to 48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If you have a non-refundable booking, it might still be possible to receive a refund if you cancel it within 24 hours of booking. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use our 'Fully refundable property' filter during your search to find the right El Carmen hotel for you.
How can I save on a hotel booking in El Carmen with Expedia?
One Key™—Expedia's free travel rewards program—gives you instant access to discounts with Member Prices on El Carmen hotels. Plus, you'll earn OneKeyCashā„¢* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings. *Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
How much is the nightly rate for a hotel in El Carmen?
Hotel prices in El Carmen often vary, but you can find a great deal on Expedia. Different factors affect nightly hotel rates, such as the time of year or the days of the week you want to book. To find the best deals for your stay, be flexible with your dates and sort search results by 'Price: low to high' for our cheapest rates.