The Best Villas and Vacation Rentals to Book in San Jose, Costa Rica

Given that this place has such a vibrant co-working and networking hub, you won’t look out of place typing up reports on your laptop in the comfortable communal areas. And if you need to stay awhile, The Train delivers a range of long-stay modern apartments. Located in strategic urban areas, each suite comes with all the home comforts so you can prepare for your important meetings. They are equally popular with families and couples who want the freedom to cook for themselves, or have fussy kids.

With a yoga deck, fire pit, saltwater pool, nine cabins and a stunning-looking lounge, the Valley of the Dreams Eco Lodge is a slice of paradise in San Jose. Admittedly it might be off the beaten track, but this is a stunning location, in the thick of nature – so you’ll be on tweeting terms with friendly toucans, white-headed parrots and the odd woodpecker, on hand to provide your wake up call. If you’re really lucky, you may spy one of the elusive white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys or three-toed sloths.

The setting is a winner for starters – this hotel sits within a huge private reserve. At the Sabinillas Hotels Portal De La Montan, one of the most peaceful villas in San Jose, the unique rooms offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, ocean and forest. Open your blinds and see the rainforest, grab your shorts and swimmers and canter up to the nearby waterfall on one of the stable horses and return for a relaxing massage. Allow time to linger on the porch after dinner – you’ll get to watch flocks of tropical birds by way of colorful evening entertainment.

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a family, Casa Reflejos has your name all over it: there’s an attractive range of modern one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, all of them perfectly set up for self-catering. More importantly, they’re close to Escazú, a city that’s regarded as one of the trendiest in Costa Rica. Stock up on groceries at the nearby supermarket on your way from the airport, and you can settle in for weeks – particularly since the property has a pool and a whirlpool tub, a gym, sauna, steam room, gardens and grill area.

Many guests check in to this place for the view alone- it overlooks the Escazús skyline from its exclusive setting in the hills. It’s pretty luxurious too, possessed of five apartments with private pools and hot tubs – you’ll live as if you’ve hit the jackpot, sipping morning coffees or sundowners on your terrace. With a fully equipped kitchen, premium bedding and free wifi, you might never want to leave – although the neighboring Multiplaza Mall Escazu and Sabana and Central Parks are well worth a wander through.

You’re never too old to stay in a treehouse. At least that’s what the owners of Macaw Lodge maintain. This is a delightful place to stay in Carrara: an authentic eco-lodge hidden away in the mountains of a national park, and the 12 timber cabins place you at one with nature. Along with a restaurant serving hearty, locally-sourced produce, there’s breakfast included in the room rate, and a relaxed bar – it’s the perfect spot to socialize with your neighbors, before climbing the wooden stairs to the land of nod.

White-leather sofas, glass coffee tables, curious ornaments – your San Jose villa apartment at Las Yagrumas Condo Escazu is very homely indeed. It’s got four ensuite bedrooms, a private yard and a hot tub. Expect housekeeping to pop by and freshen up your bedding and towels weekly – and don’t worry about bringing bathroom potions as everything is provided in this modern, upmarket apartment. It’s even got a garden as well as mountain and city views.