Hotel Bougainvillea

Hotel Bougainvillea, a garden hotel in Santo Domingo de Heredia

Hotel Bougainvillea has been welcoming guests since 1989 in Santo Domingo de Heredia, in the Central Valley just north of San José. The hotel sits in 10 acres of botanical gardens, so the city feels a long way off. It is one of our team's favourites for the first or last night of a trip, and it suits families, couples and anyone landing late.

Why we choose it

• The gardens. Ten acres of orchids, bromeliads and tropical trees give you a walk in nature before breakfast without leaving the hotel.
• An easy first night. It is a calm, practical base in the Central Valley, and the 1:00 pm check-out takes the rush out of a departure day.
• Room for kids to move. A solar-heated pool, tennis courts and those lawns keep children busy after a long flight.

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Rooms and views

The rooms are decorated with adobe-style floors and dark wood furniture made by Costa Rican craftsmen. Ask for a mountain view room: from the upper floors you look over the valley to the mountains, which is a pleasant way to wake up on your first morning in the country.

On the property

Most of the life of the hotel is outdoors. The gardens are the reason people remember it, with paths winding between the flower beds and the trees, and plenty of birds for early risers. There is a solar-heated pool, tennis courts and a gym.

The restaurant and bar serve breakfast as a buffet and a sit-down dinner, which is handy when you arrive tired and do not want to go out again.

Location and getting there

The hotel is in Santo Domingo de Heredia, in the Central Valley, between San José and the coffee hills. We meet you at the airport and drive you here, and from the hotel it is easy to head on to the volcanoes, the Caribbean or the Pacific. Check-in is from 3:00 pm.

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