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

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Check prices for these dates

This weekend
2 Oct - 4 Oct
Next weekend
9 Oct - 11 Oct

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Our top choices for El Carmen hotels

A hallway with a tiled floor, dark walls, and artwork on the sides.

1. Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel

Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel
2.0 star property
El Carmen
7.8 out of 10, Good, (245 reviews)
"Good stay, friendly staff, airport shuttle"
United States
Daniel
The price is ฿665
฿1,472 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Oct - 14 Oct
Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel
A man standing in a heart-shaped structure with a railing, overlooking a sunset with a beach and ocean in the background.

2. Hotel el Tucan Alajuela

Hotel el Tucan Alajuela
2.5 star property
El Carmen
7.8 out of 10, Good, (62 reviews)
"1"
United States
Theodore
The price is ฿1,639
฿1,852 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Oct - 2 Oct
Hotel el Tucan Alajuela
A spacious living area with a sofa, chairs, and a coffee table.

3. 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, (1,221 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay"
Canada
Jessica
The price is ฿3,526
฿3,985 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Oct - 24 Oct
Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
A pool area with lounge chairs and umbrellas, a bar, and a 'City Mall' sign.

4. 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, (2,114 reviews)
"Great stay close to the airport"
United States
Nicole
The price is ฿3,718
฿4,201 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Oct - 15 Oct
Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall
A modern building with a covered entrance, large windows, and a sign reading "COURTYARD."

5. 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, (1,006 reviews)
"Excellent stay."
United States
Kimberly
The price is ฿3,968
฿4,484 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Oct - 16 Oct
Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
A breakfast buffet with various fruits and cereals.

6. 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, (1,740 reviews)
"Convenient to the airport and great place to stay. Great breakfast too!"
United States
John Ross
The price is ฿3,694
฿4,174 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Oct - 29 Oct
Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG
A modern restaurant with high ceilings, wooden tables and chairs, a central bar area, and artwork on the walls.

7. 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, (2,697 reviews)
"Amazing place and amazing price, will definitely stay there again"
United States
Juan
The price is ฿3,608
฿4,077 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Oct - 18 Oct
Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport
An outdoor garden area with a pergola, various plants, and a stone pathway.

8. 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, (606 reviews)
"Great place to stay near airport"
Mexico
Jason
The price is ฿793
฿1,124 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Oct - 2 Oct
Alajuela City Hotel & Guest House
A pool area with lounge chairs, potted plants, and a green wall.

9. 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, (755 reviews)
"Good place to have a vacation. Close to many places to visit."
United States
Alberto
The price is ฿2,449
฿2,768 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Oct - 1 Nov
Hotel La Guaria Inn & Suites
A narrow, tiled corridor with hanging plants and a wicker chair.

10. Gardens House, Airport Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, San Jose

Gardens House, Airport Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, San Jose
2.0 star property
Bajo Cornizal, 0.9 km from El Carmen
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (255 reviews)
"This is the second time over stayed here and it's a safe family friendly establishment. The family puts a lot of love into their space and make it easy for guests. It's been a perfect place to stay near the airport for me during my visits."
United States
Brittany
The price is ฿1,307
฿1,477 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Oct - 2 Oct
Gardens House, Airport Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, San Jose
A dining table with a plate of food, a glass of water, and a cup.

11. Hotel Mango

Hotel Mango
3.0 star property
2.7 km from El Carmen
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,514 reviews)
"Near airport and excellent rates."
United States
Robert
The price is ฿3,239
฿3,660 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Oct - 2 Oct
Hotel Mango
A nighttime outdoor pool area with multiple dining tables and umbrellas, surrounded by palm trees and a pool.

12. 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, (3,436 reviews)
"Beautiful property- love the quiet natural beauty"
United States
Srijana
The price is ฿2,848
฿3,218 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Oct - 4 Oct
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica
A modern hotel building with a prominent 'eLoft' sign, multiple floors, and a covered entrance area.

13. Aloft by Marriott San Jose Hotel, Costa Rica

Aloft by Marriott San Jose Hotel, Costa Rica
3.5 star property
6.6 km from El Carmen
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,001 reviews)
"Clean room and well located"
United States
Emmanuel
The price is ฿3,694
฿4,174 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Oct - 17 Oct
Aloft by Marriott San Jose Hotel, Costa Rica
A corridor with a wall-mounted light fixture, a potted plant, and a view into a dining area with tables and chairs.

14. Hotel Bamboo Aeropuerto

Hotel Bamboo Aeropuerto
3.0 star property
La Agonía, 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 ฿2,799
฿3,163 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Oct - 2 Oct
Hotel Bamboo Aeropuerto
A rooftop pool with lounge chairs and a view of mountains.

15. Homewood Suites By Hilton Cariari San Jose

Homewood Suites By Hilton Cariari San Jose
3.0 star property
7.6 km from El Carmen
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (674 reviews)
"Clean room , Beautiful views of mountains , great snacks and breakfast , shuttle to airport a plus"
United States
Luz
The price is ฿3,800
฿4,294 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Oct - 4 Oct
Homewood Suites By Hilton Cariari San Jose
A spacious lobby with a central spiral staircase, modern furniture, and large windows offering views of the outdoors.

16. AC Hotel San Jose Airport Belen

AC Hotel San Jose Airport Belen
3.5 star property
5 km from El Carmen
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (520 reviews)
"Clean rooms great staff and good breakfast"
Canada
Jean Pierre
The price is ฿5,105
฿5,768 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Oct - 17 Oct
AC Hotel San Jose Airport Belen
A resort with a swimming pool, lounge chairs, and a staircase leading to a second floor.

17. Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen

Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
4.5 star property
5.4 km from El Carmen
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,007 reviews)
"Exceptional service"
United States
Jeffrey
The price is ฿5,007
฿5,658 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Oct - 10 Oct
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
A patio area with outdoor seating and a small building with a sloped roof.

18. Villa San Ignacio

Villa San Ignacio
3.5 star property
4.2 km from El Carmen
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (818 reviews)
"Place was nice, food at the restaurant was very tasty"
United States
CURTIS
The price is ฿2,160
฿2,441 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Oct - 4 Oct
Villa San Ignacio
A modern living room with a glass coffee table, a black armchair, and a vase of flowers.

19. Berlor Airport Inn

Berlor Airport Inn
3.5 star property
3.6 km from El Carmen
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (891 reviews)
"Loved it! Clean, helpful staff, and delicious belreakfast!"
United States
Richard
The price is ฿2,378
฿2,687 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Berlor Airport Inn
A swimming pool with a small waterfall, surrounded by tropical plants and palm trees, with a building featuring a red-tiled roof in the background.

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, (2,129 reviews)
"We always enjoy our stays at this the Wyndham Herradura it is our go to in San Jose."
United States
Thomas
The price is ฿2,915
฿3,294 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Oct - 17 Oct
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.
View all properties

Where to stay in El Carmen

Find the best El Carmen areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A panoramic view of a city with a prominent stadium, dense residential areas, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

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.

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

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.

A cityscape with a prominent bridge, high-rise buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.

La Sabana

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

A multi-story building with a prominent vertical sign and a curved entrance.
Photo by Krystalvation
Open Photo by Krystalvation

Hospital

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

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

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

Homewood Suites By Hilton Cariari San Jose

Homewood Suites By Hilton Cariari San Jose

10/10 Excellent
"Excelente hotel en una ubicación muy conveniente."
David 1-night trip
Posted 7 hours ago
Homewood Suites By Hilton Cariari San Jose

Frequently asked questions

What is El Carmen like?
Travellers to the El Carmen neighbourhood in Alajuela will be sure to enjoy their stay.
What's a favourite hotel to stay in Carmen?
Based on our traveller data, Hotel Pacandé is one of the top choices for your stay in Carmen. This B&B offers free breakfast and free WiFi.
How many hotels can I expect to find in El Carmen?
Expedia has 22 hotels and other accommodation options 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 bookings are fully refundable provided that you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which often is within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If your reservation is non-refundable, you may still be able to cancel and be given a refund within 24 hours of booking. Add your dates and click on "Search", then you can use the "fully refundable" filter to view the best options available in El Carmen.
What is there to do around this Alajuela neighbourhood?
Spend some time exploring the natural setting of El Carmen with a visit to Juan Santamaría Park and Central Park. When you're sightseeing in Alajuela, Central Market Alajuela and Juan Santamaria Historical Museum are also worth a stop.