Xandari Resort & Spa
By the Top3Hotels editorial team. Based on Booking.com guest scores and reviews, location data and reference prices. We did not stay at this hotel. Updated 2026-10-24.
Worth booking if you want a resort stay with a spa, valley views and on-site trails, and you have a car or plan taxis. It is a poor fit if you want to walk into town or keep costs down, since it sits well outside the centre.
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Sold out? See available alternatives →Who it suits and who should skip it
Xandari is our Luxury pick in Alajuela. It suits couples and families who want to spend time at the property itself: the listed facilities include a spa, pool, restaurant, garden and terrace, and guests mention nature trails and waterfalls on site.
Its score of 9.0 out of 10 is the highest of the 5 hotels we compared. Keep in mind it comes from 288 reviews, far fewer than our other two picks, so it rests on a smaller base.
Skip it if you want to walk to restaurants and shops, or if you only need a bed before an early flight. Our Budget and Best Value picks are better for that.
Location and getting around
The address is Calle Burios, 1 km NE del abastecedor Diamante, outside central Alajuela. Guests describe the airport as about a 30-minute drive. The location still scores 9.0, which reflects the setting more than walkability.
The one sight in our data, the San José Costa Rica Temple, is about 8.5 km away, roughly 106 minutes on foot as a straight-line estimate. That is far: plan on a taxi, a rental car or public transport for any outing. Walking times have not been verified.
Free parking is listed, which matters here more than at a town-centre hotel.
What guests say
The views are the standout. Guests describe an outlook over the San José valley and mountains, with city lights at night. They also like the on-site nature trails and waterfalls, and the drive time to the airport.
The criticism concerns the pools. Guests like the setting and the sunset views, but some say parts need maintenance and tile repairs. At this price, that is worth knowing.
Price compared with our other Alajuela picks
We saw €266.65 per night, against a sample median of €120.45. These are reference prices seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults, not live quotes. Check today's price for your dates.
Our Best Value pick, Hotel 1915 INN & SUITES, was €87.24 per night with an 8.7. The Budget pick, Hotel La Guaria Inn & Suites, was €53.32 with an 8.0. Xandari costs about three times the Best Value option for 0.3 more points of guest score. You are paying for the setting, the spa and the space rather than a big jump in ratings.
Why it made our top 3
We compared 5 eligible hotels in Alajuela. Our Luxury slot favours five-star hotels, and a four-star hotel can only fill it if it scores at least 8.5. Xandari is officially 4 stars and clears that bar with a 9.0, the top score in the sample.
Before you book
Breakfast type and inclusion are not confirmed in our data, so check your rate. Room size, noise levels, renovation condition and cancellation terms have not been assessed.
Ask about spa opening times and treatment prices, the state of the pools during your dates, and whether the restaurant is open every evening, since you will likely eat on site. Also confirm how airport transfers can be arranged.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Questions travellers ask
How far is Xandari Resort & Spa from the airport?
Guests describe it as about a 30-minute drive. Allow extra time for traffic around your flight.
Can you walk into Alajuela from Xandari?
Not easily. It sits outside the centre, and the one sight in our data is about 106 minutes on foot, so plan on a car or taxi.
Does Xandari have a spa and pool?
Yes, both are listed by the property, along with a restaurant. Some guests say parts of the pool area need repairs, so ask about their condition.
How much does Xandari cost per night?
We saw €266.65 per night as a reference price for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults. Check today's price for your dates.
Is breakfast included at Xandari?
Our data does not confirm it. Check the terms of your rate before booking.