Hotel Mango Airport

Very convenient location for travelers using SJO airport w/ shuttle service. Nice restaurant on the property with complementary breakfast. Super friendly staff.

Its best feature is that it is in a convenient location right near the San Jose airport – in fact, it is almost directly under the glidepath of the main runway (so close the jets taking off and landing above roared too loud to hear the TV). Personally, I didn’t mind the noise other than being awakened a few times during the night. It was a stone’s throw away from the off-airport car rental locations for several rental companies, which made returning my rented car very easy, then I took their free shuttle to the terminal. Easy peasy. Staff was bi-lingual, friendly, and helpful. The desk clerk helped me translate the Spanish-language emails from the airline and helped me download my boarding pass. I didn’t stay there long enough to use the facilities, but they offered a nice free breakfast. Free parking onsite but it’s hard to cut across a busy highway during rush hour to get to the iron gate to enter the property.

I want to warn anyone traveling through San José, Costa Rica: avoid Hotel Mango near the airport at all costs. I had one of the most frustrating and dishonest experiences I’ve ever had with a hotel here. While I was booking, their payment screen didn’t display any dates. Right before submitting payment, the screen refreshed on its own, and the dates changed without my knowledge. I noticed it immediately after the charge went through and contacted the hotel right away—called twice and was told both times they couldn’t help me over the phone and that I had to email them instead. I emailed them three times. Not a single reply. So finally, I went in person—and here’s the wild part: I recorded the woman at the desk on video saying she had no problem keeping my money even though I received absolutely no service. She acted like it was totally normal to keep payment for incorrect dates that their own site messed up, and offered zero help or even basic human decency. The whole interaction was dismissive, shady, and felt completely like a scam. There was no accountability, no effort to resolve the issue, and frankly, it felt like they’re counting on tourists being too busy or frustrated to follow up. Plenty of other great places near SJO—don’t give your money to a business that treats people like this. If anyone wants to see the video, I’m happy to share it. Consider this your heads-up.

Hot water varied between cool and tepid in shower. No chair or desk or table. Odd perfume from plug in dispenser. TV unplugged and no chair or ladder to reach receptacle.

Upon arrival and getting into the room there was a spider hanging from the lamp next to the bed. I checked in after midnight due to flight delay with my baby and that was not the first thing I needed to see. When I let the clerk at the front desk know, he just came into the room and pretty much grabbed the spider with his hand and knocked it off the lamp like it wasn't a big deal. Being that I was only crashing for the night and was exhausted, I didn't insist on another room. I was literally there for 8 hours. Also, they made a huge deal because I had another minor with me on the trip (under 18), when checking out they insisted we pay for an extra person. They behaved as if they were money hungry and if it wasn't that there is a gate that they have to unlock for you to leave, we just paid the $18 extra for nothing! Literally there for 8 hours. I would not recommend!

Great location close to the airport Stayed one night before my flight back home. Proximity to the airport was great and there was a taxi service provided at no charge. The airplane noise was to be expected but not awful. Nice breakfast area with great service.