Irazú Hotel & Studios

This hotel offers a convenient and comfortable stay, particularly noted for its large, clean pool area which provides a relaxing oasis. Guests frequently highlight the friendly and attentive staff, along with the hotel's strategic location, making it a suitable choice for various travelers. While the property is recognized for its cleanliness and spacious rooms, it is also an older establishment that has undergone, and continues to undergo, renovations. This makes it a good fit for families seeking leisure and relaxation, medical tourists due to its proximity to appointments, and leisure travelers looking for a well-located base. To ensure a smooth experience, guests should be aware of the ongoing renovation work and confirm specific amenities, such as breakfast inclusion, upon booking.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities for guest enjoyment and convenience. The large swimming pool is a standout feature, consistently praised for its cleanliness and inviting atmosphere, often accompanied by a jacuzzi, though some guests note it may not always be heated or fully functional. Guests benefit from complimentary access to a nearby Gold's Gym, offering extensive fitness options. While Wi-Fi is available, some visitors experienced inconsistent or weak signals. Many rooms feature a balcony, providing a pleasant outdoor space. However, some guests found the absence of a mini-fridge in their rooms to be an inconvenience. The property also offers practical amenities such as ice machines, currency exchange, and vending machines.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is mixed, reflecting the hotel's older nature and ongoing updates. Many guests describe the rooms as clean and spacious, appreciating the comfortable beds and quality pillows and blankets that contribute to a good night's sleep. However, a significant number of reviews mention that the rooms appear old and dated, with some experiencing a persistent humidity or musty smell. Noise is a recurring concern, stemming from noisy air conditioning units, thin walls leading to noise from adjacent rooms and hallways, and external construction noise. Issues with hot water availability or consistency, clogged showers, and low water pressure are also noted by some.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers several dining options, including an on-site restaurant and a neighboring sports bar, with direct access to a Denny's for convenience. While many guests find the breakfast to be generally good, it receives mixed reviews regarding its variety and quality. Some visitors mention that the breakfast options are limited and repetitive, with concerns about the freshness of food and the presence of flies on the buffet. A few guests also felt the breakfast was overpriced or were surprised to find it was not included in their stay, despite prior expectations. Overall, the food quality is described as adequate, but with room for improvement in terms of diversity and presentation.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly advantageous central location, making it easily accessible from the airport and major highways. Its proximity to key attractions in the capital, including the national stadium and museums, is a significant draw for guests. The surrounding area offers convenience with a nearby supermarket and various restaurants, including a Subway and casino dining options, all within walking distance. Parking is available and considered secure, and Uber connections are generally reliable. However, some guests found the hotel difficult to locate initially due to poor signage and its shared property with another hotel, and noted that the proximity to a major road can result in traffic noise.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlight the team's willingness to accommodate requests and resolve issues promptly, contributing to a positive overall experience. The maid service is frequently commended for its dependability and efficiency. However, some guests reported isolated incidents of unprofessional staff behavior or rudeness. The check-in process occasionally presented challenges, with some guests experiencing delays, unusual requests for passports from all group members, or initial room assignment errors. There were also instances where staff were perceived as unresponsive to noise complaints or where housekeeping entered rooms without prior permission.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is part of a larger complex, sharing facilities and grounds with an adjacent property, which can sometimes lead to confusion regarding entry points and amenities. The hotel is undergoing ongoing renovations, which may result in some areas appearing dated or contribute to occasional noise during the day. The airport shuttle service is available but is noted by some guests to be expensive and occasionally disorganized. Furthermore, the hotel frequently hosts large groups, including youth teams, which can lead to increased noise levels in hallways and common areas, particularly at night. Some guests also noted a lack of English TV channels in their rooms.