I have just returned from there last week and had one the best unexpected finds of my Costa Rican travels. Arriving early in the afternoon my novia met me at the airport. My other buddy whose plane was very delayed, messed up our plans of getting out of San Jose quickly. So having a few hours to kill I asked the taxi driver to bring me to a place I had only heard a few nice words about.
Xandari…… This hotel is located about 15 to 20 minutes from the airport in the low mountains just north of Alajuela. It was a nice little drive past a few of my other one night stop over hotels, that I use as I enter or leave the country for quick access to the airport. Orchadias or Hotel Martino. Both very nice, and ones I have touted highly on this site. But now that is all over with the discovery of the Xandari.
We drove up to the hotel which was very colorful and seemingly out of place for Costa Rica, as most things seem to be in this country once you get behind the front walls. I told the man at the front gate I only wanted to visit the hotel and that I had no room. He gave me and the two girls with me the once over but let us pass. I say this, not as if he had any issue with it more that I was a bit nervous entering this place with one girl who clearly looked the working girl part. But once inside, other than the stare of one older Gringa no one had any issues with my choice of companions. And actually quite the opposite as on the first night we saw another group of three guys who had some real talent with them. Ubber 10’s. The guy working the desk that night actually came over and asked us if we wanted their numbers. But, when he said $500 a night the interest disappeared as fast and as high as that rate. Had to remind the gent this was not my 1st rodeo.
We entered the hotel reception area it is very non descript. But that is because they want you to be drawn into their restaurant bar area. A very tastefully done space with two tears of seating and a small lounge area on the top. The main dining tables are set along a short wall with a very nice view of Alajuela and the surrounding areas. The Hotel is on the side of the mountain and has some dramatic grade changes and views from all angles. The furnishings were all very unique and different in each space of the hotel. It seems that the builders were and artist and an architect. All of the design elements are clever and unique. The feeling of the main area is open airy and inviting. They defiantly spent some dough building this place.
I asked the man working the desk if I could view a room. He graciously obliged and took us to one of their smallest, closest rooms, so he said. The room was awesome, huge, and very tastefully decorated and perfectly maintained. When I say prefect I mean the entire hotel is freshly painted. Each element inside and out of the rooms were in prefect working order and the grounds are groomed intensely by a small staff of gardeners. The hot tub water was changed each morning as I entered the fresh crystal clear clean cold water each morning. But the heater was strong enough to have it up to temp within 60 minutes.
The place has only 23 rooms, and is located on 40 acres of ground. It has three very large pools, two hot tubs, a spa, walking paths, Three waterfalls. One of the pools is facing west and offers a fantastic sunset vantage point. In the days we spent there we were was always the only group at our closets pool. Just gorgeous. I cant say enough good things about the place.
I asked about the rate and was quoted the rack rate for this room of $195 plus tax. Quickly the guy then said we can deal from that rate. $100 a room, cash and three nights later my buddy and our two friends found ourselves still there. A million miles from no place. What a great experience. Check it out.
http://www.xandari.com
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