Hotel Hacienda El Rodeo

We have been searching for a place within an hour of San Jose’s airport and on our third go believe we have found it – Hacienda El Rodeo. About an hour southwest of the airport for those who like a very rural experience this is a great find. Guillermo is the 5th generation to live in, own and operate the Hacienda. The old mansion on the property, surrounded by expansive rural country, is over 100 years old. On the drive to the el Rodeo one passes coffee plantations and likely will see monkeys swinging in the trees. The Hacienda has a beautiful porch with comfy rocking chairs from where one can see the setting sun. There is a nice pool (although at times it is rented out for family events). Breakfast was excellent – lots of fresh fruit, empanadas, plantains, cheese and eggs. We ate dinner at the Hacienda both nights – very nicely presented, tasty and filling. Beyond Guillermo most of the staff spoke little English but their smiles went a long way. We very much recommend staying at Hacienda El Rodeo if looking for a place with character at a reasonable price other than an airport hotel. You must have a vehicle.