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

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Sep 4 - Sep 6
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Sep 11 - Sep 13

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Our top choices for El Carmen hotels

A man standing in a heart-shaped structure with a railing, overlooking a sunset with a beach and ocean in the background.

1. Hotel el Tucan Alajuela

Hotel el Tucan Alajuela
2.5 star property
El Carmen
7.8 out of 10, Good, (61 reviews)
"The staff was very nice and helpful."
Canada
Ming
The price is ļæ„6,932
ļæ„7,833 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 5 - Sep 6
Hotel el Tucan Alajuela
A hallway with a tiled floor, dark walls, and artwork on the sides.

2. Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel

Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel
2.0 star property
El Carmen
7.8 out of 10, Good, (244 reviews)
"Good stay. The shuttle was nice"
United States
Lucas
The price is ļæ„3,091
ļæ„6,844 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 18 - Sep 19
Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel
An outdoor garden area with a pergola, various plants, and a stone pathway.

3. Alajuela City Hotel & Guest House

Alajuela City Hotel & Guest House
2.5 star property
CorazĆ³n de JesĆŗs, 0.5 km from El Carmen
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (593 reviews)
"Perfect place"
United States
dor
The price is ļæ„3,687
ļæ„5,226 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Alajuela City Hotel & Guest House
A spacious living area with a sofa, chairs, and a coffee table.

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, (1,182 reviews)
"Great location from the airport and great transportation"
Canada
Gregory
The price is ļæ„15,766
ļæ„17,816 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 12 - Sep 13
Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
A pool area with lounge chairs, potted plants, and a green wall.

5. 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, (750 reviews)
"Loved that it was reasonably priced, accessible, had breakfast and parking."
United States
Joshua
The price is ļæ„10,415
ļæ„11,769 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 5 - Sep 6
Hotel La Guaria Inn & Suites
A pool area with lounge chairs and umbrellas, a bar, and a 'City Mall' sign.

6. 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, (2,081 reviews)
"Great location, close to the airport, the mall and drop off for Alamo car rental."
United States
Margaux
The price is ļæ„17,792
ļæ„20,105 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 11 - Sep 12
Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall
A narrow, tiled corridor with hanging plants and a wicker chair.

7. 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, (253 reviews)
"The space is a wonderful hostel to stay in given its proximity to the airport, how affordable ubers are there, how kind the host is, and how cozy the bed in my room was! It's a great affordable option for travelers who need to get some rest before a flight or want to save money on lodgings in order to splurge on experiences in this beautiful country. Would definitely stay again!"
United States
Nora
The price is ļæ„5,163
ļæ„5,834 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Gardens House, Airport Juan SantamarĆ­a, Alajuela, San Jose
A modern building with a covered entrance, large windows, and a sign reading "COURTYARD."

8. 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, (1,004 reviews)
"Great hotel and staff in a great location."
Canada
Michael
The price is ļæ„18,123
ļæ„20,479 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 11 - Sep 12
Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
A modern restaurant with high ceilings, wooden tables and chairs, a central bar area, and artwork on the walls.

9. 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, (2,668 reviews)
"Great place to stay!"
United States
Natealyn
The price is ļæ„17,792
ļæ„20,105 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport
A dining table with a plate of food, a glass of water, and a cup.

10. Hotel Mango

Hotel Mango
3.0 star property
2.7 km from El Carmen
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,503 reviews)
"Great place to stay"
Mexico
Jorge Isai
The price is ļæ„12,269
ļæ„13,864 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Hotel Mango
A terracotta pot with a green plant on a wooden table in a room with a dining area and a staircase.

11. Las Carmelas, Airport Juan Santamarƭa, Alajuela, San JosƩ

Las Carmelas, Airport Juan Santamarƭa, Alajuela, San JosƩ
3.0 star property
Bajo Cornizal, 0.9 km from El Carmen
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (69 reviews)
"Clean room, friendly staff, excellent dinner specials "
United States
michael
The price is ļæ„4,881
ļæ„8,162 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 13 - Sep 14
Las Carmelas, Airport Juan Santamarƭa, Alajuela, San JosƩ
A corridor with a wall-mounted light fixture, a potted plant, and a view into a dining area with tables and chairs.

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, (611 reviews)
"This was a great place to spend the night before heading to the airport. The host was very kind, the breakfast was delicious, and the room and patio were lovely. There was also a secure parking lot with a gate."
United States
Laura
The price is ļæ„11,968
ļæ„13,524 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Hotel Bamboo Aeropuerto
A breakfast buffet with various fruits and cereals.

13. 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
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,717 reviews)
"Great place"
United States
Nidia
The price is ļæ„16,547
ļæ„18,698 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG
A pool area with two swimming pools, a covered seating area, and a building with a red roof.

14. El Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel & Steakhouse

El Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel & Steakhouse
3.0 star property
4.4 km from El Carmen
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,002 reviews)
"Very roomy and updated. Beautiful and so nice to have the steakhouse on property. Breakfast was included and delicious"
United States
Raymond
The price is ļæ„15,289
ļæ„17,276 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 12 - Sep 13
El Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel & Steakhouse
A patio area with outdoor seating and a small building with a sloped roof.

15. Villa San Ignacio

Villa San Ignacio
3.5 star property
4.2 km from El Carmen
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (811 reviews)
"Very friendly and nice place to stay"
United States
Jose
The price is ļæ„10,040
ļæ„11,345 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 2 - Oct 3
Villa San Ignacio
A spacious lobby with a high ceiling, wooden staircase, and multiple seating areas.

16. Hotel Aeropuerto

Hotel Aeropuerto
3.0 star property
3.2 km from El Carmen
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,000 reviews)
"The staff responded to my questions over expedia very quickly and had transportation ready for me on time as promised. Great low stress stay before heading to the airport early the next morning."
United States
Claudia
The price is ļæ„12,067
ļæ„13,635 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 5 - Sep 6
Hotel Aeropuerto
A nighttime outdoor pool area with multiple dining tables and umbrellas, surrounded by palm trees and a pool.

17. 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, (3,437 reviews)
"Exelent place in a very great location."
United States
Alexis
The price is ļæ„12,726
ļæ„14,380 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 18 - Sep 19
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica
A modern living room with a glass coffee table, a black armchair, and a vase of flowers.

18. Berlor Airport Inn

Berlor Airport Inn
3.5 star property
3.6 km from El Carmen
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (883 reviews)
"The staff was very helpful, the breakfast was excellent and the room was quiet"
United States
Phillip
The price is ļæ„9,761
ļæ„11,030 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 6 - Sep 7
Berlor Airport Inn
A lizard on a poolside wall.

19. Trapp Family Country Inn

Trapp Family Country Inn
3.0 star property
2.3 km from El Carmen
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (713 reviews)
"Wonderful great place to relax before or after your flight "
United States
Nancy
The price is ļæ„12,757
ļæ„14,415 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Trapp Family Country Inn
A pool area with a hammock, lounge chairs, and a tree.

20. GuƔcima Escondida Hotel Boutique

GuƔcima Escondida Hotel Boutique
3.0 star property
6.2 km from El Carmen
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (50 reviews)
"Lovely atmosphere surrounded by greenery."
United States
Shantha
The price is ļæ„10,537
ļæ„11,907 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
GuƔcima Escondida Hotel Boutique
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.
View all properties

Where to stay in El Carmen

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

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 neighborhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like National Museum of Costa Rica or Casa Amarilla.

A cityscape with a prominent modern skyscraper, a mix of residential and commercial buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.

Barrio Escalante

Barrio Escalante might not have many top sights, but San Pedro Mall and National Museum of Costa Rica are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A large stadium with a metal framework and rows of seats.
Photo by Garrett Britton
Open Photo by Garrett Britton

La Sabana

If you're spending some time in La Sabana, Sabana Park and National Stadium of Costa Rica are top sights worth seeing.

A church with a tall spire and a clock tower.
Photo by Adrian Damian
Open Photo by Adrian Damian

Hospital

If you're spending some time in Hospital, Central Park and Precolumbian Gold Museum are top sights worth seeing.

A historic building with arched windows and a balcony, surrounded by well-maintained hedges.

Carmen

If you're spending some time in Carmen, EstaciĆ³n del Ferrocarril de Costa Rica and National Center of Art and Culture are top sights worth seeing.

Top El Carmen Hotel Reviews

Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

10/10 Excellent
"Staff very nice Food delicious Room clean Only thing is the fridge in the room not working so well."
Simone 7-night trip
Posted 5 hours ago
Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Frequently asked questions

What is El Carmen like?
Travelers to the El Carmen neighborhood in Alajuela will be sure to enjoy their stay.
What's the best accommodation in Carmen?
Based on our traveler data, Hotel PacandƩ is one of the top choices for your stay in Carmen. This B&B offers free breakfast and free WiFi.
How many hotels will I find in El Carmen?
Expedia has 20 hotels and other accommodations in El Carmen to choose from, making this an ideal home base for exploring the greater Alajuela area.
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in El Carmen, will I receive a refund?
Yes, you'll find most hotel room reservations are refundable provided that you cancel prior to the hotel's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of check in. If your reservation is non-refundable, you may still be able to cancel and be given a refund within a 24-hour period of booking. Add your dates and click on "Search", then you can use the "fully refundable" filter to review the best deals available in El Carmen.
Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip to El Carmen?
For more information about changing or cancelling your trip to El Carmen, go to https://www.expedia.com/service/.
What is there to do around this Alajuela neighborhood?
Spend some time exploring the natural setting of El Carmen with a visit to Juan SantamarĆ­a Park and Central Park. When you're sightseeing in Alajuela, Central Market Alajuela and Juan Santamaria Historical Museum are also worth a stop.

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